https://github.com/shredengineer/hp8596e_plot

Read screenshot from HP8596E (or similar) spectrum analyzer via Arduino Uno R3 configured as parallel port (Centronics/IEEE1284) printer emulator, with Python program receiving, decoding and saving image as PNG.
https://github.com/shredengineer/hp8596e_plot

arduino centronics hp8596e parallel-port print screenshot spectrum-analyzer

Last synced: 4 months ago
JSON representation

Read screenshot from HP8596E (or similar) spectrum analyzer via Arduino Uno R3 configured as parallel port (Centronics/IEEE1284) printer emulator, with Python program receiving, decoding and saving image as PNG.

• Host: GitHub
• URL: https://github.com/shredengineer/hp8596e_plot
• Owner: shredEngineer
• Created: 2024-10-07T12:34:42.000Z (over 1 year ago)
• Default Branch: main
• Last Pushed: 2024-10-30T19:04:23.000Z (over 1 year ago)
• Last Synced: 2025-06-09T19:49:09.785Z (8 months ago)
• Topics: arduino, centronics, hp8596e, parallel-port, print, screenshot, spectrum-analyzer
• Language: Python
• Homepage: https://wilhelm.dev
• Size: 23.4 KB
• Stars: 3
• Watchers: 1
• Forks: 0
• Open Issues: 0
• Metadata Files:
  • Readme: README.md

Awesome Lists containing this project

README

          
# HP8596E_Plot

Read screenshot from HP8596E (or similar) spectrum analyzer via Arduino Uno R3 configured as parallel port (Centronics/IEEE1284) printer emulator, with Python program receiving, decoding and saving image as PNG.

(I should have named this repo `HP8596E_Print` since it's actually about *printing* instead of *plotting*, which is an alternative mode.)

## Setup

### Arduino

Load Arduino Uno R3 with sketch in `HP8596E_Print_Arduino`.

The pinout and wiring of Arduino to D-SUB connector is described at the top of the sketch.

Beware: If you decide to change the mapping of the `STROBE_IN_N` pin, make sure to also adapt the Pin Change Interrupt settings to the new pin. All other pins can be wired freely.

### Python

Set your correct serial port in `HP8596E_Print_Python/HP8596E_Print_Python.py` and run.

### HP8596E

**Python program supports Epson MX-80 Printer only.**

- Go to `Config`

  - Select `COPY DEV PRNT`

  - Go to `Print Config`

    - Go to `Prn Port Config`, select `PRN PORT PAR`

    - Go to `Set B&W Printer`, select `EP MX80 LRG`

## Example Screenshot

Press `COPY` on your HP8596E to initiate the data transfer. This takes about 6 seconds. On success, the image is saved to disk and displayed. (Press `q` to close the related matplotlib window.)

This is what a screenshot looks like:

![Example Print](HP8596E_Plot_Python/data/2024-10-07%2015-51-28.png)

## License

([WTFPL](http://www.wtfpl.net/faq/))