[Discuss-gnuradio] Parallel Port Interface

[Joseph DiVerdi]

As I wrote recently, I am embarking on a project to apply SDR techniques to 
ionospheric examination via VLF monitoring and still haven't settled on an 
interface. Today, I'm thinking about the parallel port.

I'm planning to perform the experiments myself very shortly but expect that the 
results are already known somewhere so I'll ask the question:

What are the limits on sampling rates when data is pumped in to a PC (running 
Linux) through its parallel port? 

Assuming no subsequent processing, can the port be read (8-bit data only) 
400-500k times per second? Continuously? What is the load on the various 
subsystems (CPU, etc)?

As the sampling times are generated externally (to the PC) via hardware, is 
interrupt driven data sampling appropriate? Advisable? Effect on maximum 
sampling rate? Effect on subsystem loads?

Any data, experiences, comments would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
Joseph
-- 
Joseph A. DiVerdi, Ph.D., M.B.A.          
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