Emax

Hi, 

> 2) Matching Pin-Out configurations with a Parallel Port connection
> to the RS-422 end.
> 
> RS422 is serial communication, so I would map it to USB not 
> parallel. RS422
> which is near RS232, is easy to convert into USB. Both 
> hardware and software exists.

I've just done a little googling...

See, for example,
  http://www.easysync.co.uk/rs422.htm
Their "USB-COMi USB to RS422/RS485 Adapter" is not very expensive. That
should make quite a nice start.

Bye,

  Hermann