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Newsgroups: comp.sys.m68k.pc,comp.sys.atari.st,comp.sys.amiga
Subject: "Real world" interfaces
Message-ID: <1991Jan12.104807.26069@canon.co.uk>
Date: 12 Jan 91 10:48:07 GMT
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Organization: Canon Research Europe, Guildford, UK
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To: comp-sys-m68k-pc@ukc.uucp

I have in mind a project which requires a "real world" interface, ie
the ability to do things like switch on/off mains-powered devices,
adjust the volume on an audio amplifier, fade up/down mains-powered
lamps, etc.  All actions cued by time.

I'm looking for suggestions re hardware, both computer and interface --
the software I'd write myself.  (Suggestions of more appropriate
newsgroups also welcome.)

As may be obvious, I know nothing whatsoever about such things.  Such
interfaces, that is, and personal computers.  I've been using UNIX/C on
workstations for some time.

Is the sort of interface I need commercially available for any common
personal computer?  Or anything I could fairly easily adapt -- my
hardware experience is limited to some simple, non PCB electronic
construction, long ago, though for this I'm willing to do some
relearning -- but probably short of making my own PCBs.

I was wondering, re the audio volume, would it be practical to get an
amp with an IR remote, and hack the handset..  As the audio will be
quite high quality I'd be reluctant to hack the amp itself.

I don't think I need any input, but I might need feedback on the state
of some of the devices.  I guess I could find a way around that,
though.

Any suggestions?