Using Paralell port for inputs and otputs-HELP.

[teapot]

Back in the days of BBC micros and other 8bit machines you could build a circuit that could take inputs say from a potentiometer and record the values. And use basic language. Does anybody know of a cheap solution these days and the language that could be used?? Or any websites??
Thanks.

Bevan. http://www.bevan.kirkman.com

[Banti]

That all depends on how cheap. Here are some links to data boards,data loggers, sensor makers, and other real world to digital links. Making robots "aware" is one my latest kicks...

Check out Mondo they sell a book there called the Complete Parallel Port... might have what you need info-wise


Mondo Robotics (http://www.robotstore.com/)
Ramsey's Electronics (http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/)
Parallax (http://www.parallaxinc.com)
Web-Tronics (http://www.web-tronics.com/webtronics/index.html)
SiliconSoft (http://www.siliconsoft.com/)


If I come up with anything else I will post again...

Hope this helps...
Banti

[This message has been edited by Banti (edited 01-05-2000).]

[Axel]

Sounds like you are working on a sensor similar to what's used on hobby kit robots. There are several robotics boards/BBS's out there which might have circuit diagrams or leads to kits.
Your best bet would probably be to join a robotics news group in webcrawler or yahoo and post the question there.

Another thing you might consider is look into X-10 smart-house technology. There are a host of programs and controlers out there with sensor technology that might do what you're trying to accomplish. I know IBM has a PC smart-house kit. There's also a product out there called HAL2000.

Here's a link to look at -
http://www.x10.com/welcome/firecracker/free_fire_cm17a.htm

probably the easiest will be some sort of X-10 sensor interface. They make motion sensors and rain sensors - all sorts of stuff you can eventually jack into a com port and control with a computer interface.