I really wanted to do this, but got side tracked. One thing I did figure out is that linux is the tool for this type of fun. Since windows 98, you are required to use a driver to communicate out the paralell port. In linux, you don't need the driver and can communicate directly to it.
I dropped the ball on this project. I really wanted to put some of my programming skills to use to make things in real life do something
.. I'd be interested to hear about any progress on these types of projects.