12 port parallel port controller

[zaker]

I have some students who want to start small and build some light controllers. Vixen has a 12 port parallel controller, but I can't find the schematic to build one.

Does anyone know where it is? I checked here and computerchristmas.

Thanks
Tom

[Mudsculpter]

This is all I could find. I don't remember a coop for a 12 channel though.

http://computerchristmas.com/christmas/link-how_to/HowToId-7/How_to_build_a_triac_switching_unit_SSR

And then using that schematic heres the 12 channel assembly

http://computerchristmas.com/christmas/link-how_to/HowToId-9/How_to_build_a_12_channel_SSR

[zaker]

I think the 12 channel is only the 8 data lines and 4 other output signals from the parallel port, I'm not sure if there is any other electronics needed other than the SSR's.

Those links are only for the SSR's not connecting to the computer.

Just looking for a starting point for the kids. I might see if anyone has any 595 or grinch co-op boards left.

thanks
Tom

[Josh]

hey,
i am one of the guys who pushed to get the 12 channel plugin, i wanted a show, and didnt want to spend alot of money, nor needed the channel count at that time.

you are correct its the 8 data lines, and 4 others. I can get you this informaiton if you dont have it but i am not sure off the top of my head. Also you dont need a circuit board or anything. Though i did use a junction box in my setup.

my setup was like this:
printer cable with cut end, and wires marked going into a box, the box has 4 connectors of your choice (i used dsub connectors as they were available to me) each of the 4 connectors has 3 outputs, then you have a cable with the same ends, and going out to my field box with 3 ssr's and outlets.

[kkmm]

http://computerchristmas.com/christmas/link-how_to/HowToId-4/How_To_Build_A_Parallel_Port_Controller_Box

Is this what you need? It mentions how to use the 8 Data bits and 4 Control bits.

[Josh]

that is one way... in mine i used no IC, use only the data lines that are red in the pinout... and just run your ssr right to them.. you may need to put a pullup resistor on a channel or two

[zaker]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I am going to make some boards with my students, a 32 port 595 I cut down from Sean's last year. This way they can expand later if they want.

This board is so great, RandyA is sending me a 595 board he isn't using for the kids. All the help here shows the Christmas spirit is alive and well, year round!!

Thanks
Tom

[stripey_horse]

a kit at jaycar/dse use a 595 and 2803 and works with the basic plugin

also has source code examples.. but ur best off building a olsen595 if u want a cheap 64channesl out

[FFYez88]

that is one way... in mine i used no IC, use only the data lines that are red in the pinout... and just run your ssr right to them.. you may need to put a pullup resistor on a channel or two

I would like info on how to do this integrated to the 4 channel ssr boards. That way I can use it for now and when my 595 arrives all I have to do is plug and play.

I want to run the lines from the parallel cable to a cat 5 connector and connect that to my ssr box. Is that possible ? How do I figure out the pins ?

[Ronp]

The co-op ssrs are not meant to be used on a basic 8 parallel.
To make this simple the parallel pins 2-9 used output +5 v and a common ground.

The co-op ssrs us a common +5 v and the controller sends the ground to turn them on and off.

Some one chime in here if im wrong.
Sink verses soarse

[Josh]

Ron, are you sure? I am not, but i do know that the pinout shows 1 ground for most cat5 applications we use, But that MAY not be how the SSR's are.

I am 99% sure that you can use the coop ssr's as long as your parallel port is pushing a stiff enough power. and if not maybe a pull-up resistor will work.

On my setup, i used industrial hockeypuck SSR's... Which takes a common ground, and a 3.5v input

[Macrosill]

The coop ssrs are sinked, switched grounds and common 5v positive.

If the basic parallel plug in sends out a sourced signal, common ground and switched 5v positive, then the coop ssrs will not work.

The reason is the led inside the optocoupler is a diode and is polarity sensitive. It will not light if connected with reversed polarity. If the led in the opto does not turn on then the ssr will not function.

[JetMech]

You could use a couple of ULN2803's to invert the signal and act as a buffer between the SSR's and parallel port. Same use as in some 595 designs, just omit the 595, connect the 2803's inputs directly to the parallel port, it would draw about 1.5mA @ 4.5v. This should work for even the weakest parallel ports.

John

[FFYez88]

I will see if I have some 2803's around here.

Otherwise is there a different output in vixen other then the 12 channel parallel that would improvise ?

[Macrosill]

Good idea JetMech!!!

[JetMech]

Good idea JetMech!!!

Yes, but it's not mine. There is a howto on CC:
http://computerchristmas.com/christmas/link-how_to/HowToId-17/Control_using_a_ULN2803A

I was just reading the ChristmasWiki entry "Electronics Hardware" and the sub-section "SSR Direct Attach" implies the coop SSR's can be controlled directly from the parallel port.
http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=Electronics_Hardware#SSR_Direct_At tach

But as we know:


The coop ssrs are sinked, switched grounds and common 5v positive.

If the basic parallel plug in sends out a sourced signal, common ground and switched 5v positive, then the coop ssrs will not work.

I have never worked with a wiki and have a fear of mangling the pages, stepping on toes, etc. but it does need to be clarified. There could be mention of the fact that parallel ports vary from computer to computer and some could be easily overloaded. There could be a whole page just explaining the parallel port and it's pitfalls due to the lack of a true standard.

John

[Macrosill]

fixed

[P. Short]

At the time that I added that section I thought that the plugin would support both polarities, so that all you had to do for common-sinked SSRs was to get power from the PS2 or USB ports. My Windows computer is down right now, so I can't power up Vixen, so I don't know if that is true.

That section of the wiki is probably quite confusing to newbies as it sits right now, so I would be in favor of removing it until a page can be written that tells how to do that in more detail.

--

Phil

[pete]

I think you will find this helpful...




Pete