farrell@batserver.cs.uq.oz (Friendless) (09/06/89)
I'm interested in using a PC to control external devices, in particular 4.5V motors. Since the power supply for the motor would be separate, this involves controlling a simple switching mechanism - turning it on, off, or into reverse. I would like to do this either through the parallel or serial ports, or through the joystick connector possibly. The criteria for success are: * minimum cost (i.e. no proprietary boxes are viable) * easy availability of components * no moving parts, if possible (solid state switching rather than relays) * easy to build * extensible to control multiple devices If anyone knows about this, or knows some references to such topics, or has any ideas about anything similar, could you mail me please. If there is sufficient interest I will summarise and post. Thanks, Friendless --- farrell@batserver.cs.uq.oz.au (I think) otherwise leave out the "oz", or post.