Squirrels have fuzzy tails.
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
yes. a transistor is like a relay. but it's solid state and has 3 pins. input output and the trigger.maybe try parallel port? more outputs and probably easier to interface. http://www.codeproject.com/KB/cs/caplets.asp
This is difficult, if not impossible to do. The serial port's pin's arent meant to be set "on/off" but rather to transmit data through quick on/off's. I'm not sure if it is possible to just set a certain pin to be high or low indefinitelyAs for using a transistor to switch a relay, you need to check that the transistor you are using is capable of switching your relay (check current ratings, as well as max voltage input). You can probably buy some premade board that switches relays from your serial port, with a nice interface. Otherwise, you could easily do it with a microcontroller, although it would be overkill; just have it wait for the "on command" from the serial port (you can send it through the hyperterminal) and then respond by making your I/O pin connected to the transistor high or low.If you are experimenting with your serial port you may want to buy a cheap USB-serial converter (<$10 from Amazon) and a USB hub with a fuse to protect your computer.