Mike, all,
an update on the
Jaycar USB Experiment Interface Kit (K8055).
I put one together today on the day off. $62 scobes with a tradie card
I think this is definitely a good starting point for the
'smart box' concept. It has enough functionality to add lots
of gadgets to the remote Observatory.
At the very least, one good option anyway.
A few pics and some feedback...
* An easy kit to solder for the moderately confident solderer.(PIC 1)
* A nice layout board. (Techos will note that it's based around
a PIC 16C745 Microcontroller)
* Lots of feedback LEDS, LEDS for outputs, Pushbuttons for inputs.(PICs 2 & 3)
* All duplicated as terminal connectors as well.
* Addressable...I assume you could have 4 of these working simultaneously.(PIC 4)
* Velleman kits are well documented...easy to identify parts and
layout.
Now, the testing:
I had the option of powering it via the USB port (just for testing) by
leaving 2 jumpers in place.(PIC 4) You can power it externally also.
I also had the option of adjusting the 'gain' of the 2 analogue
inputs via a selection of resistor values.(PIC4 also)
Simply put, lets say you use one analogue input to read a thermistor
to measure temp. Selecting a resistor here gives you a meaningful
voltage value for displaying the temp.
The other inputs are digital, there are 5 of them.
You can turn them on and off with momentary pushbuttons (5) PIC 3)
Or you can do the same via switches wired to the terminals (a dome
door close limit switch for example)
You can also toggle any of the 5 Digital inputs directly from the
software demo display (PIC 5)
You can see from the output leds and the software that I have OUTPUTS 3,4 and 6
turned on.
You also have a 2 PWM outputs (great for a DC motor focus control for example) (PIC 5)
To summarise, I think this is a great experimenters prototyping board.
The DLL is supplied , as are some VB, C and Delphi examples on the driver disk.
PS: Great points Mike, I read your dot points....exactly the functions I have
in mind... Still to test this via remote desktop. I can't see why it wouldn't work
via RD.
Edit: works like a charm!
PPS... and its Mel Bartels BTW
Steve