Msg: 4394 *Conference*

06-14-93 05:19:46

From: FRANK MCJUNKINS

To : ALL

Subj: I/O INTERFACE

The July /93 issue of 'Electronics Now' magazine had an excellent article on an
RS-232 I/O board made by 'Fascinating Electronics' in Oregon.  The board has
two on-board stepper motor controllers whose speed/duration and direction can
be controlled, 8 timed outputs and 2 PWM outputs, 8 analog voltage inputs (5mv
resolution over the range of 0-5.115v).  24 digital I/O lines.  Also has an
optional adjustable 5.120 volt reference on board, plus an area for building
your own circuit on the card.  The RS-232 operates 300-38.4K buad. There is a
space for an 8K static ram, and the units on board 80C552 is controlled by a
2732 EPROM.  Programs that come with it are in Q-Basic, but I don't see any
problem using this with GW Basic.  I constructed the unit in about 1 1/2 hours
and plugged it in to the Model 102, and it worked the first time through at
9600 baud.  The only 'undesireable' I can find is that the I/O is supported in
Q-Basic and was really built for a PC Compatible machine, but sure will work
with the Model 102's.  The board (kit) is $149.  Documentation is excellent,
and has hardware interfacing examples. If anyone gets the bug to use this, I'd
be interested in sharing some info. here on the BBS.  My ultimate plan is to
interface it with a homemade seismograph I have here, but the I/O could easily
monitor a number of weather peramaters for anyone who wants a computer
controlled weather station.