Interface computer/electronic circuit

[[Mystik_Cool]]

Does anyone knows what I'm speaking about ? It consists in a card, that you plug in the computer (generally on the printer port), with "switches".
Then you can write a prog (in C++ or Visual Basic, or even others) which control switches on the card, and so which control exterior electronic circuits.

I'm looking after information about these cards. So, everything is welcome : compatibility with linux systems, a weblink, some tips if you used one, even simply the word to type in yahoo to find information about that ('cause, up to now, reasearches haven't been fructuous :( ).

Thx for any information !

[chikn]

even simply the word to type in yahoo

What are you kidding?? :confused:

I think I know what your talking about as I have seen them before, Ill see if I can find that link again using GOOGLE (http://www.google.com)

[Radar]

Is this (http://www.epanorama.net/links/project_interfacing.html)
kind of what you're talking about?

[[Mystik_Cool]]

even simply the word to type in yahoo

I meant, maybe these interface cards have a special name (which would help me in my research), but I don't know it in english.
That's sometimes hard to be understood in another language ! lol

I have an example, unfortunately with not a lot of explanationson the site. Go to www.velleman.be (http://www.velleman.be) , and try to find the kit K8000. That's exactly what I'm talking about.

[[Mystik_Cool]]

Here is the precise link : click here (http://www.velleman.be/Product.asp?lan=1&id=9383)

For Radar : I cannot answer, the webpage you gave me has a lot of different links ! At first view, I don't think that's exactly what I'm talking about. Look at the link I posted here, I hope you will see what I'm talking about...

[mdwatts]

Did you try a Google search for "K8000" (http://www.google.com/linux?hl=en&lr=&q=K8000)?

[[Mystik_Cool]]

"K8000" is simply the number of the Velleman's kit. That's simply the code number of a product for their company.

So no, I didn't try, but I don't have anything to loose in trying so... I'll do it.

I keep searching...

[chikn]

If you find a good relay board similar to this post a link for it too. I need one of those.

[mdwatts]

Originally posted by [Mystik_Cool]:
<STRONG>"K8000" is simply the number of the Velleman's kit. That's simply the code number of a product for their company.

So no, I didn't try, but I don't have anything to loose in trying so... I'll do it.

I keep searching...</STRONG>

Nothing in the K8000 search results I posted that helps?

[wilcal]

Actually I know exactly what you are looking for. Go to www.google.com (http://www.google.com) and do a search on the words "Process Control". Your best initial links are going to be into Westinghouse, Honeywell or GE. Do get familiar with all of the general concepts in this technology and determine if you really want to get involved.

Most of the machines in this technology use serial port interfaces for safety reasons. Also many of the programs are in Basic.

Another field for searching is Robotics.

Have fun. I did all this as a young engineer in the 70's. Build your own Robbie the Robot.

[[Mystik_Cool]]

mdwatts : really sorry, I didn't had the time to read all of them. I found greeaaaat things there !!! Thanx a lot ! You see, that was soooo simple and I still need help... :rolleyes:

chikn : a relay board ? Try this (http://www.velleman.be/productlist2.asp?lan=1&id=342515)

[[Mystik_Cool]]

wilcal : (sorry your post came when I was writing the previous answer)
Thanx a lot for all these information ! You can be sure it won't be lost ! I have some free time these hollidays so now, I know what to do :D

[windoze killa]

May I ask why you need to know about one of these boards? If you will soon be an engineer it may actually be fun building one yourself. It would not be too hard and if you are any good with software you can write the program too. I did one in basic about 10 years ago. I may still have the circuit I used to build it. I will see if I can find it and send it to you if you want it.

[windoze killa]

Try this site. They have links to lots of different things.
http://www.commlinx.com.au/pc.htm

[[Mystik_Cool]]

Thanx a lot for this link, I'll spend some time (and even more than some) there too.

By the way... "soon" is relative... I still have for a few years to be an engineer. :rolleyes:
(Else, I wouldn't have posted all the newbie questions I already asked here, or I would be a really bad ingeener lol).
I put this in my signature to give me some courage during this tests period ! :D

PS : and, I think that the K8000 is actually a kit that I have to build myself.

[ 19 June 2002: Message edited by: [Mystik_Cool] ]