PC Interface box

[EjP]

Can someone recommend a simple (read "cheap") computer interface box
or PCI board to basic digital IO and control. Basically, I'd like
at least 8 level inputs
at least 8 outputs.
The outputs could just be levels, but I'd prefer controlled relays
that can handle a decent amount of current at about 20-30V.

Any advice would be appreciated, even a decent FAQ (all my searches
give me lots of stuff I don't want).

Thanks,
E

 

[MikeM]

EjP wrote:

Can someone recommend a simple (read "cheap") computer interface box
or PCI board to basic digital IO and control. Basically, I'd like
at least 8 level inputs
at least 8 outputs.
The outputs could just be levels, but I'd prefer controlled relays
that can handle a decent amount of current at about 20-30V.

Any advice would be appreciated, even a decent FAQ (all my searches
give me lots of stuff I don't want).

Thanks,
E


I think we used to call this a Parallel Port.

Seriously, I still use the PP to control my experiments, interface
to AD & DA converters, read temperature, do data aquisition, etc.

I use VisualBasic6 under Win 98/2000. I have aquired some old
DOSonly Laptops (at garage sales for ~$25) and use QuickBasic4.5
to twiddle the bits on the PP. Where else can you get a microcontroller
development kit with lots of ram, a keyboard, disks with a file system, lcd
display, that runs on batteries for $25?

MikeM

 

[the Wiz]

EjP <nospam@hackers.are.bad> wrote:

Can someone recommend a simple (read "cheap") computer interface box
or PCI board to basic digital IO and control. Basically, I'd like
at least 8 level inputs
at least 8 outputs.
The outputs could just be levels, but I'd prefer controlled relays
that can handle a decent amount of current at about 20-30V.

Any advice would be appreciated, even a decent FAQ (all my searches
give me lots of stuff I don't want).

Thanks,
E

Internal I/O cards: http://www.boondog.com/

Info on serial, parallel, and USB interfacing: http://www.lvr.com

More about me: http://www.jecarter.com/
VB3/VB6/C/PowerBasic source code: http://www.jecarter.com/programs.html
Freeware for the Palm with NS Basic source code: http://nsb.jecarter.com
Drivers for Pablo graphics tablet and JamCam cameras: http://home.earthlink.net/~mwbt/
johnecarter at@at mindspring dot.dot com. Fix the obvious to reply by email.

 

[EjP]

MikeM wrote:

EjP wrote:


Can someone recommend a simple (read "cheap") computer interface box
or PCI board to basic digital IO and control. Basically, I'd like
at least 8 level inputs
at least 8 outputs.
The outputs could just be levels, but I'd prefer controlled relays
that can handle a decent amount of current at about 20-30V.

Any advice would be appreciated, even a decent FAQ (all my searches
give me lots of stuff I don't want).

Thanks,
E


I think we used to call this a Parallel Port.

Seriously, I still use the PP to control my experiments, interface
to AD & DA converters, read temperature, do data aquisition, etc.

I thought about that. The problem is that if I build my own
relay board to control the kind of current I want to, pretty
soon I'm up to the cost of some of the cheaper devices I've found.

I looked around and found a nice device called a ck1610
http://electronickits.com/kit/complete/elec/ck1610.htm
which looks like just what I need at a bargain price.

It only has 4 inputs, but as you point out, I can use
the PP for some additional inputs if need be.

Thanks,
E

I use VisualBasic6 under Win 98/2000. I have aquired some old
DOSonly Laptops (at garage sales for ~$25) and use QuickBasic4.5
to twiddle the bits on the PP. Where else can you get a microcontroller
development kit with lots of ram, a keyboard, disks with a file system,
lcd display, that runs on batteries for $25?

MikeM

 

[whiplash]

http://www.bb-elec.com/

"EjP" <nospam@hackers.are.bad> wrote in message
news:c4ckr4$8fl$1@info4.fnal.gov...

Can someone recommend a simple (read "cheap") computer interface box
or PCI board to basic digital IO and control. Basically, I'd like
at least 8 level inputs
at least 8 outputs.
The outputs could just be levels, but I'd prefer controlled relays
that can handle a decent amount of current at about 20-30V.

Any advice would be appreciated, even a decent FAQ (all my searches
give me lots of stuff I don't want).

Thanks,
E