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How do I? I want to use a personal computer to switch 2.5 V Christmas
bulbs on and off, individually. First, let me state: I have a very
crudimentary knowledge of electronics and an in-depth knowledge of
computer programming (of some kinds). I understand there are "microcontrollers" and probably other kinds of
devices which are programmable. I know a computer must be capable of
turning on and off hundreds or thousands of switches. I'd prefer not to
break into my computer but to use an external i/o such as a USB port.
But I want it to control hundreds or thousands of light bulbs,
individually. |
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A computer might be capable of that, but it might be cheaper to use many
microcontrollers, each with a few (10-50 depending on design) lamps and
then link them together on a bus (RS485) that is controlled from a PC. Then the PC can send commands to each controller or to groups of
controllers. Storing preprogrammet patterens in the controllers it is
possible to make coordinatet effects on 1000's of lamps. |
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