Need an odd utility to control a device...

[daveleau]

Hi guys. To make this simple, I need a shareware program that will be capable of sending a pulse to an external customized device. It just needs to change the voltage on a single or on multiple pins from either 0 to +/-5V or from 0 to +/-12V. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I really need this for work badly.

Here is why I need it...
We are setting up a perfusion system to bathe cells with different types of treatments (medium/ medium + drugs). Our perfusion system is stimulated by a TTL pulse (increase or decrease in voltage on a pin via the LPT1). This will flip the switch and allow one medium to flow. Another pulse will set it to stop.

So if anyone has any ideas I'd be very grateful.
Thanks
Dave

Actually, it doesn't even need to be a TTL pulse, just something that will make the voltage on a specified pin go high or low by 5 or 12V.

[This message has been edited by daveleau (edited 05-24-2000).]

[tonym]

Hi Dave!

There are a bunch of folks that make D/A converter output cards for the PC. The first place you can start is National Instruments (www.ni.com). I also remember seeing a card by either Datel (www.datel.com) or Analogic (www.analogic.com/DCP) or Keithley (www.keithley.com). Most of the boards are for parallel I/O for process control, etc.

If you use Labview, you can set up VI's to control the board and program the waveshape that you'd like to get!

Good luck, and if you don't find what you need let me know and I'll do some research for you!!

Tony

[This message has been edited by tonym (edited 05-24-2000).]

[brandon184]

Actually, I am sort of needing the same thing. Just not as customized. Something that would just trigger a device to output an electronic charge/pulse.

[Gene C.]

sorry, I can't be of more help. but, I did see a show on zdtv "call for help" about a parent that wanted the same as you all. and leo gave them the name of a package to do it for them. you might want to go to the site and do a search for it. it was a couple of months ago tho.
I'll see if I can find it for you tho.

[Gene C.]

http://www.zdnet.com/zdtv/callforhelp/archive/0,3651,2100113-941432400,00.html

here is the link to all there shows. you can look in them when you have the time. sorry, I could just post it here. hope this helps tho. I'll keep my eyes open for you on this one for the kids.

[brandon184]

hehe.. I wouldn't know where to begin...

[daveleau]

Thanks guys for your input. I am looking for a software version though since my boss is tightening the purse strings until we get our next new grant (January!?!). One of our imaging softwares can do this but is not compatible with the other software we are running. (Go figure) They customized it to work on our other system. If y'all find anything, please let me know.
Thanks
Dave