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Geek hardware question | by Bonzo | 2007-07-10 06:11:31 |
| With USB you'd need a full microcontroller |
by ttlogic |
2007-07-10 06:25:42 |
preferably with hardware USB support (implementing USB entirely in software is possible, but difficult, errorprone, and unless the uC is very beefy it can't do anything else).
Therefore I'd suggest serial or parallel. Serial has the advantage of internal current-limiting resistors, so it's more difficult to blow up. However, its voltage levels aren't that well-defined nowadays (many manufacturers economize on the +12V/-12V levels), so portability from system to system may be a problem; LPT should always be +5V/0V.
What do you want to switch with the relay? For low-voltage stuff you may be able to work with solid-state electronic components instead of a relay. The advantage of that is that you can draw enough power from the computer's I/O port. A relay often needs more power so you'd need to get it from elsewhere (MIDI out, or the molex connectors inside the case). If you want to switch mains voltage however, you need the relay for insulation.
You have already looked for an API that lets you manipulate the distinct lines of the serial or parallel connectors on your platform of choice? |
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To explain further: | by RetiQlum2 | 2007-07-10 06:31:12 |
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