No need to re-invent the wheel Fred;
Get one of these -
http://www.oceancontrols.com.au/data...n/usb_8055.htm
Then download this -
http://users.skynet.be/dppobservator...e%20Driver.htm
Then you'll interface with ASCOM and ACP. You'd only use the shutter open/close feature and bad weather trigger. Would save Brad a lot of time scripting everything. ACP is rather powerful. Been using it for a while, but really not pushing it hard enough. I like the web interface, shame CCDAP doesn't have one.