🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <528@td2cad.intel.com> ssprouse@td2cad.UUCP (Steven T. Sprouse) writes:
>	I've seen some BSR controllers that interface to PC's via
>an RS232 port. The controller runs about $40 and the interface modules
>run about $13 a piece. Does anyone know how many companies market
>these and which ones are good.
>	Also, does anyone know where to get schematics or kits to build
>your own? I wouldn't mind shelling out $40 for the controller but $13
>per interface module is kinda steep especially if you want to connect
>5-6 different devices. 

	I bought the Mac version of the controller from DAK last winter for
    $20.00, and Radio Shack had most of the interface modules for $9 at the
    time.  And, yes, I did go wild buying more modules than I really should
    have (after all, _everything_ should be automated).  Almost all similar
    systems are BSR compatible (I don't remember which are not).
	The Mac version of the controller software is very nice.  It's got
    a good, powerful Mac-ish interface and lets you do a lot more with the
    unit than you can manually -- without having to tie up your serial port
    by keeping the unit permanently connected. 
	No schematics are provided, but they do document the protocol for
    you.  A friend took apart one of his interface modules and decided it
    wasn't worth modifying/cloning.
	The XTEN management team bought the division from BSR, so they are
    on their own now.  They have a product support roundtable on GEnie with
    a lot of activity.

	Disclaimer:  I did later win a $100 prize (2 radio controllers) from
    them for an idea submitted to a GEnie XTEN contest.
-- 

==============================================================================
 Jeffrey D. Schnitzer, Calcomp Display Products Division, Hudson NH 03051-0908
 jdschnit@elrond.CalComp.COM (I hate short unix names)  MaBell: (603) 885-8156