My LPT Relay Control Software

**xtremeRS** · 12-12-2002, 12:55 AM

I've got a pretty cool app in the works. Allows for a totally custom interface that supports all button modes (Toggle/Timed Intervals/Momentary) Works on Win9x and NT/2k/XP with the use of a small DLL (49k). I'll let you guys take a look at it when I've got something worth presenting.

**Loftus** · 12-12-2002, 08:04 AM

i have'nt tried your app yet but since your still working on it i have a feature request. Could you make the buttons have "hotkeys" ie: "CTRL+A" = Relay 1, "CTRL+B" =Relay 2, etc...
That way it's easier to make macros with them instead of doing the "record mouse movements" way. Maybe you have already put that feature in , if so disregard.
It can't hurt to ask can it.

**thenominous** · 12-12-2002, 09:45 AM

IMHO mapping to the function keys would be better, as not a lot (not as much as uses CTRL + A, etc) of software uses them.

Dave

**xtremeRS** · 12-18-2002, 11:29 PM

Here's a screenshot of the app I'm making.

(Copy and paste: http://www22.brinkster.com/elitefbod...Controller.jpg)

So far it works pretty well. It supports 3 different button modes: Toggle, Momentary, and Timer. The timer mode has 2 settings, Interval and Loops. Interval is the time between relay pulses, and Loops is the number of times the relay should pulse. If Loops is set to -1, the relay pulses until the button is clicked again. I am also thinking about adding a setting that disables a relay based on the status of an input pin (could be used with microswitches and motors to create some kind of animated event). Let me know what you guys think!

**thenominous** · 12-19-2002, 07:18 AM

Looking pretty godd

Got a couple of questions tho...
Have you ever seen the SB Live control panel app that sits on the top (or bottom) of the screen but only appears when you move the mouse to that edge? Can you do that?
I assume that the interface will be totally (and I mean totally) customisable?
I have a plan for mine to control the heater unit. So I figured on designing a screen to replicate that, but with a touch screen in mind.
With that one would obviously have to design graphics and such, is that possible to do and then insert them into this app?
Macromedia flash front end for the grpahics linked to the app that translates for the relays?
Keep up the good work!!

Dave

**xtremeRS** · 12-19-2002, 11:33 AM

Right now, the app can accept any background image file thats 800x600 (I havent added code to autosize the form and picturebox yet), and any number of buttons to control the relays (Although you can only hook up 8 relays at one time). The buttons consist of 3 image files, a Normal Image, Hot Image, and a Clicked Image. Transparent Gifs are supported. I will consider making the app flash enabled to support a totally customizable interface, but that might take a bit of time, since I'll probably have to change quite a bit of code. I'll keep you guys posted when I come up with something new.