can I control a relay from a com port?

mp3oplecarrier · 12-04-2005, 05:33 PM

Has anybody got a simple fix to allow me to switch on/off my text display in software perhaps by using the com port? This seems like something that shouldn't be too hard and somebody is bound to have thought of a solution before... (yes I have searched!)

Cheers
Steve

0l33l · 12-04-2005, 05:37 PM

You can turn off Matrix Orbital LCDs in software (LCDC).

binary.h4x · 12-04-2005, 05:37 PM

yes.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/user-innovations/50365-hvac-control-car-pc-through-serial-port.html

the Hardware Development forum is full of threads on this.

mp3oplecarrier · 12-04-2005, 06:50 PM

Matrix orbital not an option, I have a nice parallel device fitted,, which means that the link binary supplied is no good as it is parallel not serial (thanks anyway). Anyone any ideas or am I going to have to fit a switch (!)

Steve

DJBigShow · 12-07-2005, 04:14 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by mp3oplecarrier

Matrix orbital not an option, I have a nice parallel device fitted,, which means that the link binary supplied is no good as it is parallel not serial (thanks anyway). Anyone any ideas or am I going to have to fit a switch (!)

Steve

Hi Steve,

There are several lines on the com port which can be controlled from software, CTS/RTS are an example of these two signals. It would depend on what OS You are running, and whether you are looking for an already-written program, or writing one yourself! If you need more then the two signals available, then it gets far more complicated.

-DJBS

Curiosity · 12-07-2005, 09:20 AM

You can connect 2 relays to it, but they will click a few times while Windows boots up and starts the drivers, checks for a mouse, etc.