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Control a simple electronic switch from PC

  • 29-04-2010 10:13am
    #1
    Dr Pepper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 841 ✭✭✭


    Hello,

    I have a problem using composite video output via an RF modulator described here (don't bother reading it if you don't want. Just some background to the problem!).

    I'd like to control a simple on/off switch on a physical wire from the PC. Anyone done this? Can you advice me on how best to do it?

    I'd rather not have to buy any device that plugs into serial ports, etc. If I can get away with making up a serial cable that plugs onto the motherboard serial port and uses 2 pins/wires to make the switch, that would be better.

    Cheers,
    Brian

    PS - I normally use Java
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    FSL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,456 ✭✭✭FSL


    You could possibly use Ground and CTS

    Set CTS on for the switch on and CTS off for off. With CTS on CTS is high relative to ground CTS off it is equal to ground (or vice versa I'd need to look it up)


  • #3
    Dr Pepper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 841 ✭✭✭Dr Pepper


    FSL wrote: »
    You could possibly use Ground and CTS

    Set CTS on for the switch on and CTS off for off. With CTS on CTS is high relative to ground CTS off it is equal to ground (or vice versa I'd need to look it up)

    Thanks!... but I haven't a clue what you're talking about though :o

    What is CTS?


  • #4
    FSL
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,456 ✭✭✭FSL


    CTS is the clear to send pin

    Ground is pin 5 CTS is pin 8

    http://www.aggsoft.com/rs232-pinout-cable/serial-cable-connections.htm

    You can set CTS on and off using software.


  • #5
    Dr Pepper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 841 ✭✭✭Dr Pepper


    FSL wrote: »
    CTS is the clear to send pin

    Ground is pin 5 CTS is pin 8

    http://www.aggsoft.com/rs232-pinout-cable/serial-cable-connections.htm

    You can set CTS on and off using software.

    Thanks, I'll give that a try. I'm just looking into how to use the Java Communications API to control serial ports so those pins could be useful when I get the hang of it. I'll probably be back with more questions soon though!

    Cheers,
    Brian


  • #6
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,401 ✭✭✭DublinDilbert


    You'll probably need to buffer the output from CTS PIN to drive a relay coil or something similar.


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