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Answer :
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I would like to suggest the "SV203 Board" Interface
from "Pontech" for a Macintosh or Palm OS Device for
your students.
This interface is fairly low cost, (students can purchase
if wanted) works with any Macintosh, Palm III, or CPU and is
easy to program. An additional advantage is that individuals
can also use their own Mac's or Palm OS Devices to program and
operate their interface at home or shows, with out needing expensive
software or complex hardware setup. A Palm and the SV203 Interface
fit neatly into many art projects also.
The SV203 interface has several abilities that make it an
easy to use interface for students. The SV203 is a Microchip
PIC16C73 microcontroller based servo motor controller board.
It accepts RS232 serial data signal from a host computer (Mac,
PC, Palm IIIxe) and outputs PWM (pulse width modulated) signal
to control up to eight RC servo motors (servos used in radio-controlled
model airplanes, cars). Unused servo pins can also be reconfigured
for digital output to drive on / off devices. The interface outputs
can be setup to operate DC, AC devices (motors, lights, solenoids,
relays, other equipment, etc.) through a relay converter add-on
module.
A 5 channel, 8-bit A/D input is available on board the SV203
interface also to read analog voltages between 0 to 5 Volts.
Devices such as an analog joystick, sensors can be connected
to these ports and can be read by the interface and host CPU.
(Example: students can attach light sensors, that sense when
a person is in front of an art piece and turn the art work on,
motion, lights, etc.) If additional ports for more connected
devices are needed; the SV203 can be chained to another SV203
and another and another, allowing multiple board to share same
serial line, under single programming commands.
The interface is small and easily fits into many student projects
directly. Dimensions: 1.4 in X 1.7 in. The Power supply is 4.8V
to 6.0V and 3 pin Futaba J-type connectors are used for hookup.
The interface hooks to the Mac's Modem or Printer port using
a (mini DIN-8 to DB-9 cable) or to a USB Port using a "KeySpan"
USB to Serial adapter. (mini DIN-8F to USB)
I recommend BASIC and HyperCard to control the SV203 interface.
The nice thing about HyperCard is the graphical, visual nature
of HyperCard, it seems makes it very easy for artisans and non
technical individuals with just a little training and a basic
control template an opportunity to develop some nice control
software creations with complex output / input abilities. (Screen
buttons for On and Off control, sliders for servo positions,
etc.) Those individuals who choose to program the interface in
BASIC also have good results since the interface works well with
BASIC commands directly through a HyperCard terminal or the use
of a Mac BASIC application software program. yBasic for the Palm
OS Devices.
Pontech also has two products of the SV line that will enhance
future student projects. The SV203B and SV203C controllers have
the base functionality of the SV203 controller with the added
ability to run a BASIC program stored in an 8k byte EEPROM. The
SV203C also has the ability to transmit and receive infrared
serial data. With the SV 203B/C ability to store program sequences
and run by itself, these interface boards can be used for such
applications as autonomous robots, or self-contained artwork
in motion.
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