Why's my PCW expansion port weird?

[Starglider]

I finally found the Electric Studio Light Pen for PCW8256 that I've been searching for. I received it and went to plug it into the back of my USA model PCW8256, only to find that it does not fit the expansion port.

Here are photos of my PCW showing the incompatibility:
https://goo.gl/x2HfZs (slideshow)

And here's how I suspect it should look:
https://goo.gl/N3lqiE


This article sheds some light:
"The expansion port on PCWs sold in the US is a 50-position female Amphenol connector. On UK models, it is a simple edge connector (concealed underneath a plastic cover on PCW10s).

Is there perhaps an adapter anyone knows of?

[PulkoMandy]

The same difference exists between german and elsewhere CPCs. The edge connector is cheaper, but it does not pass the electrical interferences tests required to sell it in Germany. So there, a more expensive but more isolating connector (and also extra shielding on the motherboard) is used.


Later on the same connector type was also used on the Amstrad Plus, as by then, the rule about electrical interference became an european one.


The adapter is a straight connection between the edge-connector and the "centronics" one you have. I've seen some used on CPCs but I don't know if there is a currently available provider.

[Starglider]

Ah thanks for clarifying. Would this work?
Edit: http://www.spielquader.de/Adapter-Edge-Connector-Centronics-Stecker-inkl-Polwandler-Platine-gebraucht_1

[Audronic]

              Cable
50 Pin Male  ==========  50 Pin Female  ==  Toto 50 pin- 50 pin
centronics               Edge connector     edge connector
MX4 Edge adapter
Try This   Ray

[Bryce]

Ah thanks for clarifying. Would this work?
http://www.spielquader.de/Converter-Centronics-to-Card-for-CPC-series

Electrically yes, whether it physically fits is another question. I don't think anyone has tried yet.

@Audronic: He needs a Centronics connector on one end, that part you've linked to won't work.

Bryce.

[Starglider]

              Cable
50 Pin Male  ==========  50 Pin Female  ==  Toto 50 pin- 50 pin
centronics               Edge connector     edge connector
MX4 Edge adapter
Try This   Ray

Thanks but doesn't look right on one end.

[Audronic]

Electrically yes, whether it physically fits is another question. I don't think anyone has tried yet.

@Audronic: He needs a Centronics connector on one end, that part you've linked to won't work.

Bryce.

oops I have just found the ToT0 connector its not just a wafer 50/50

Add this to the right hand end or the small drawing.

[Starglider]

It's OK I ordered this http://www.spielquader.de/Adapter-Edge-Connector-Centronics-Stecker-inkl-Polwandler-Platine-gebraucht_1


It even mentions light pens. Incredible!