[comp.sys.m68k.pc] "Real world" interfaces

usenet@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU (01/12/91)

I have in mind a project which requires a "real world" interface, ie
the ability to do things like switch on/off mains-powered devices,
adjust the volume on an audio amplifier, fade up/down mains-powered
lamps, etc.  All actions cued by time.

I'm looking for suggestions re hardware, both computer and interface --
the software I'd write myself.  (Suggestions of more appropriate
newsgroups also welcome.)

As may be obvious, I know nothing whatsoever about such things.  Such
interfaces, that is, and personal computers.  I've been using UNIX/C on
workstations for some time.

Is the sort of interface I need commercially available for any common
personal computer?  Or anything I could fairly easily adapt -- my
hardware experience is limited to some simple, non PCB electronic
construction, long ago, though for this I'm willing to do some
relearning -- but probably short of making my own PCBs.

I was wondering, re the audio volume, would it be practical to get an
amp with an IR remote, and hack the handset..  As the audio will be
quite high quality I'd be reluctant to hack the amp itself.

I don't think I need any input, but I might need feedback on the state
of some of the devices.  I guess I could find a way around that,
though.

Any suggestions?

mcmahan@netcom.UUCP (Dave Mc Mahan) (01/14/91)

 In a previous article, the poster writes:
>I have in mind a project which requires a "real world" interface, ie
>the ability to do things like switch on/off mains-powered devices,
>adjust the volume on an audio amplifier, fade up/down mains-powered
>lamps, etc.  All actions cued by time.
>
>I'm looking for suggestions re hardware, both computer and interface --
>the software I'd write myself.  (Suggestions of more appropriate
>newsgroups also welcome.)

Well, for the home market there is the X-10 interface.  It is a set of little
boxes that you plug each lamp, light, or radio into, and then you plug the
little box into the wall socket.  When you give a command to the box, it turns
the device on or off.  Each little box has it's own address.  There are devices
that allow you to access the system with your computer or with a dedicated hand
controller so you can turn on all your lights, TV, radio, and coffee maker from
your bed or turn them on at a given time.  For the home market, it pretty much
fills the bill.  It works by sending tone combinations from the controller out
over the wires in your house.  When a device sees the right tone combination to
make it function, it does.  These devices are available at Sears, RadioShack,
and other places.

If you are talking about industrial controllers, there are also solutions for
them too, but I don't know what size of device you want to control.  Sorry, but
if you thought you had a new idea, it's been done.



>Is the sort of interface I need commercially available for any common
>personal computer?  Or anything I could fairly easily adapt -- my
>hardware experience is limited to some simple, non PCB electronic
>construction, long ago, though for this I'm willing to do some
>relearning -- but probably short of making my own PCBs.

Just take a trip to RadioShack.  If you don't find what you need, ask around
in the misc.consumers.house newsgroup.  There are plenty of folks that have
detailed addresses, phone numbers, and other answers to all your questions on
the X-10 system.

    -dave


-- 
Dave McMahan                            mcmahan@netcom.uucp
					{apple,amdahl,claris}!netcom!mcmahan

gilmore@MACC.WISC.EDU (Neil Gilmore) (01/14/91)

In article <1991Jan12.104807.26069@canon.co.uk>,   writes...

>I have in mind a project which requires a "real world" interface, ie
>the ability to do things like switch on/off mains-powered devices,
>adjust the volume on an audio amplifier, fade up/down mains-powered
>lamps, etc.  All actions cued by time.

Since nobody I know except sound engineers and the like us the word 
'mains' like that, and as you also mention a 'high quality' amp, I'm 
going to assume (wrongly, naturally) that that is the sort of setting 
you will be operating in.

All the functions you need can be had through MIDI, with some extra 
hardware. Several companies produce MIDI lighting packs, and MIDI sound 
mixers. Just about any software will do, but make certain that if your 
gear requires SysEx messages, your software can produce them. For more 
specific information about a MIDI system of thsi magnitude, 
rec.music.synth is probably a better group to ask in.

Roger.Sheppard@bbs.actrix.gen.nz (01/16/91)

Organization: Actrix Information Exchange, Wellington, New Zealand
References: <1991Jan12.104807.26069@canon.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 16 Jan 91 07:08:07 GMT
Distribution: world
Apparently-To: comp-sys-m68k-pc@uunet.uu.net

There have been a Number of articles about IR remote controlers that
could be interfaced with the Atari ST. Note. also the Printer or the STE
extra port can be used for this, I am pazzeld why Atari have droped the
Extra Ports, they are very good for those Uni: prolects...
 
-- 
Roger W. Sheppard   85 Donovan Rd, Kapiti New Zealand...

bumby@MATH.RUTGERS.EDU (Richard Bumby) (01/23/91)

This has gone far enough!  The original posting came from the UK where
"mains" is a simple, commonly used word for anything that you plug
into the wall.  There seems to be no equivalent in the American
language that we call "English".
-- 

--R. T. Bumby ** Math ** Rutgers ** New Brunswick ** NJ08903 ** USA --
  above postal address abbreviated by internet to bumby@math.rutgers.edu
  voice communication unreliable -- telephone ignored -- please use Email