Description
Sony CDB-242 ISA PC Parallel Port Adapter Card 1-635-742-12 GCMK-128X 25-Pin
The Sony CDB-242 is an ISA-bus parallel port adapter card that adds a 25-pin Centronics parallel port to an ISA-compatible PC. Identified by part number 1-635-742-12 and internal designation GCMK-128X, the card installs into any open ISA slot and provides a standard parallel port accessible through the rear bracket. It was manufactured by Sony and carries FCC Class B certification for use in home and office computing environments.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Model: CDB-242
- Part Number: 1-635-742-12
- Internal Designation: GCMK-128X
- Bus Interface: ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- Port Type: Parallel (Centronics)
- Connector: 25-Pin Centronics female on rear bracket
- Number of Ports: 1
- On-board: Main controller IC, 40-pin IDC internal header, configuration DIP switches (SW2, SW3), DACK/DRQ header pins
- FCC Compliance: Class B certified (label visible on PCB)
- Country of Manufacture: Japan
- Includes: Card only — no cables or documentation
Applications
ISA parallel port cards like the Sony CDB-242 were used in IBM PC/XT/AT-compatible desktop computers from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s to add or restore a parallel port for connecting printers, scanners, ZIP drives, and other Centronics-interface peripherals. The Sony CDB-242 was associated with Sony workstations and compatible desktop systems of the era that used ISA expansion slots. Today these cards are sought by hobbyists, retrocomputing enthusiasts, and technicians maintaining legacy systems that require a parallel port interface — particularly older industrial equipment, CNC controllers, and vintage printers that rely on the Centronics parallel standard and do not support USB or later interfaces.
This Sony CDB-242 ISA Parallel Port Adapter Card (P/N 1-635-742-12) was pulled from a working environment where it was previously in use. It has been visually inspected and photographed. The card shows normal handling wear typical of used ISA expansion cards — the PCB and components appear clean and intact, and the bracket and Centronics connector show no obvious damage. Cosmetic wear from prior installation is expected on used cards of this era. Please review our photos for a full look at the card's current state and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Sony |
Model: |
CDB-242 |
MPN: |
1-635-742-12 |
Secondary Model: |
GCMK-128X |
SKU: |
13022 |
Type: |
ISA Parallel Port Adapter Card |
Interface: |
ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) |
Connector Type: |
25-Pin Centronics Female (Parallel Port) |
Form Factor: |
ISA Expansion Card with Bracket |
Bus Type: |
ISA |
Port Type: |
Parallel (Centronics) |
Number of Ports: |
1 |
Compatible With: |
ISA-bus PCs (PC/XT/AT and compatible systems) |
Seller Notes: |
Card only — no cables or documentation included. |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Japan |
Condition Notes: |
This Sony CDB-242 ISA Parallel Port Card (1-635-742-12) was pulled from a working environment. Visually inspected — PCB and components appear clean and intact. Normal handling wear expected on used ISA-era cards. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |