Re: Using a parallel port to control a remote control...



flagon500@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> Hi!
>
> I am wondering if this will work, and dont want to destroy anything
> trying,,,
>
> i know theres products out there that do this, but I want to make my
> own...
>
> Through software I can control turning on individual pins out my
> parallel port.. The switch on my remote basically just closes the
> circuit for that particular button.. I want to know if the voltage
> going through the remotes button when closed (5v) matches the voltage
> comming out of my parallel port (which it does), is there a way I can
> wire in my parallel port to activate the button through software?
>
> So one end of the switch has 5v, and the other has nothing until the
> switch is pressed.. Can I just wire in the data line of my parallel
> port to the end of the switch that is doing nothing. Then when I turn
> on that data line +5 will go and the remote will think the button was
> pressed and act accordingly?>
>
> Do I need to tie the ground out the parallel port to the ground on the
> controller?

No, it's not that simple.

The keypad on your remote consists of a 'crosspoint' switch arrangement
where there are X by Y lines to minimise the number of connections needed
to provide a total of up to X times Y buttons.

Each switch button is an isolated switch ( normally a conductive rubber
'pill' ).

Also, remotes don't work on 5V, typically around 3V from a couple of AA or
AAA cells ( more like 2.5V and less as the batteries reach end of life ).

Whilst it would be possible to provide an interface from a parallel port,
I wonder if you really fancy going to all the trouble.

What's the application ?

Graham

.

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