Best PC interface for simple custom hardware - GSM-Forum

yumi1 · 11-24-2016, 09:08

What interface of your PC do you use in order to connect to simple custom hardware?

The most commonly used interface was RS232 some while ago and today is probably USB, but wouldn't it be simpler for beginners to use the parallel port to control really simple circuits like step motors or LEDs? I have the impression from what I have read so far that the parallel port was not really designed for things like that, but I am not sure about possible limitations with respect to that.

Unfortunately, I can find very little literature on how to use the parallel port probably because it is somewhat outdated for professional hardware.

Does it make a difference for the decision on the most suitable interface whether I will just use output or also input?

I should add that I do of course know about Arduino, but I don't want to have any complexity hidden from me.

Moerover, I am using Linux and have a parallel port available. So I am currently biased towards the parallel port.

yumi1 · 03-29-2017, 02:37

No one can answer my question?

Nishith · 03-30-2017, 11:46

Go with the trend, If you try to stick with old technologies you will stuck there only.

Go with something for which you can find info. yourself. Also, community support and literature is easily available. [For Noob level it's advisable to not start with advanced topics at initial levels.]

Yes, you can start learning with Arduino.

11-24-2016, 09:08	#1 (permalink)
yumi1 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Posts: 10 Member: 2652670 Status: Offline Thanks Meter: 0	Best PC interface for simple custom hardware What interface of your PC do you use in order to connect to simple custom hardware? The most commonly used interface was RS232 some while ago and today is probably USB, but wouldn't it be simpler for beginners to use the parallel port to control really simple circuits like step motors or LEDs? I have the impression from what I have read so far that the parallel port was not really designed for things like that, but I am not sure about possible limitations with respect to that. Unfortunately, I can find very little literature on how to use the parallel port probably because it is somewhat outdated for professional hardware. Does it make a difference for the decision on the most suitable interface whether I will just use output or also input? I should add that I do of course know about Arduino, but I don't want to have any complexity hidden from me. Moerover, I am using Linux and have a parallel port available. So I am currently biased towards the parallel port.

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03-29-2017, 02:37	#2 (permalink)
yumi1 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Posts: 10 Member: 2652670 Status: Offline Thanks Meter: 0	No one can answer my question?

03-30-2017, 11:46	#3 (permalink)
Nishith No Life Poster Join Date: May 2012 Location: BHARAT Posts: 1,571 Member: 1766148 Status: Offline Sonork: 100.1614494 Thanks Meter: 490	Go with the trend, If you try to stick with old technologies you will stuck there only. Go with something for which you can find info. yourself. Also, community support and literature is easily available. [For Noob level it's advisable to not start with advanced topics at initial levels.] Yes, you can start learning with Arduino.