[sci.electronics] Help with serial to parallel converter

dave@pbhyc.PacBell.COM (David Castro) (07/20/88)

Hello.  I could use some help on a project I've started.  I'm new
at posting so please excuse any net errors.  (I'm also posting
to comp.dcom.modems.)

Problem:  Connect computer to remote LED matrix (64 LEDs)

I've written a software program that will send data out on computer RS232C
interface.  The program will give a 6 bit address of the LED to turn on or
off.  Tests show the addressing works fine.

I've also put together a home-brew 6 bit parallel input 64 LED matrix.
Applying a 6 bit parallel input address does light the proper LED.

What can I do to connect the computer RS232C serial output to the remote
parallel LED input?  I would like to use what I have now since it already
exists (and hopefully will keep costs down.)  However, I'm open to any
viable solution.

Are modems with parallel outputs readily available?  If so, where
can I get information, price - features - functions - etc., about them?

Could I take the RS232C output of a serial modem and just connect that to a
simple serial to parallel converter chip(s) that would feed my LED matrix?
One that would not require software programing?  If so, what chip and
where can I get information, price - features - functions - etc., about
the chip(s)?

Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks
                                        Dave