Computer --> PIC

[Froskoy]

Hi,

I want a 16 bit parallel input to a circuit from my computer, but I can't afford to buy enough USB interface boards as I'm going to be repeating the project a couple of times.

Is it possible to use a single PIC chip to take in a signal from a USB port on the computer and output the 16bit parallel data.

Going to the computer end - is it possible to manipulate signals from the USB port. It's really convenient when a load of DLLs come with USB interface boards. I'm proficient in both Delphi and C++.

Thanks very much,

Froskoy

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Google USB Bit Whacker

 

[Froskoy]

Thanks very much... but at $25 a board is there anything cheaper?

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Thanks very much... but at $25 a board is there anything cheaper?

You don't need to buy it, you can simply build your own, all the details are there to do so.

 

[BrownOut]

Why not just use the printer port? That's what I use.

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Why not just use the printer port? That's what I use.

When did computers last have printer ports?.

 

[BrownOut]

Don't know, but all my computers have them, though my printers don't. If you don't have one, you can add it for less than a tenner. It makes I/O programming very easy. But you will need to download and install a very simple DLL.

**broken link removed**

 

[Froskoy]

Thanks everyone for the really helpful advice.

I'm going to have trouble deciding which method I ultimately use.

I found this really useful on building the UBW: **broken link removed**

And this really useful on interfacing with the parallel port: Programming PC parallel port with delphi 6.0

Thanks again everyone.

Froskoy.

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Problem with a DIY BitWhacker is you need to initially program the 18F4550, the kit will have it programmed.

 

[Mr CCE]

There's a solution...

Hi there,

You know, you can always use one of those USB to parallel cables, and when the driver (the accompanying disc) is installed, you can write your program as if you were dealing with any parallel port! both I/O!

Check out the attachement.

regards.