ignorant but eager noobie wants help!

m!ke · Post by **m!ke** » Sun May 12, 2002 4:57 pm

I want to use the GPO's on my BVK202A, but I have no idea about how to use them..
I was wondering if there was a guide to it somewhere?
I have figured out how LCDC sets up the GPO's based on keypresses, but I want to get a sound activated cold cathode tube and use the F2 button to switch the cathode on and off, and would also like to be able to set the F1 to activate the sound feature. I know that you can't help me on the sound feature, but how does the whole thing work in principle? does the GPO send power constantly if on? or does it just send an I/O? How can I hook up a cold cathode? Help!

Post by **Mat-Moo** » Sun May 12, 2002 8:06 pm

You could use the Hot-Keys plugin in LCDC for that? Although I'd use CTRL-F1 not just F1...

Stig · Post by **Stig** » Sun May 12, 2002 11:49 pm

Mat: I think he means the F1- and F2-buttons on the MO bayinsert with keypad.

Stig

m!ke · Post by **m!ke** » Mon May 13, 2002 3:44 am

sorry, didn't make it that clear. I did mean the F1 and F2 on the keypad of the VFD..

oh yeah, Matt, keep up the good work on LCDC! it's a damn good program!

[ This Message was edited by: m!ke on 2002-05-13 03:45 ]

m!ke · Post by **m!ke** » Tue May 14, 2002 7:28 pm

Oh come on... just a quick pointer in the right direction is all I ask. There's nothing in the manual or in any of the other threads, so I don't think I'm being that lazy..
A quick summary of how the GPO's work (no need for software info) and how I'd go about connecting a cold cathode tube to it is all I ask..

Cheers!

Stig · Post by **Stig** » Wed May 15, 2002 12:36 am

Hi.

I haven't tried LCDC much yet, so this might be a bit off, but trial and error will get you quite far.....

Find out what character that is being sent when you press your desired button.
Create a new Event, with Sys -> On Keypad Press (or group specific/screen specific), put the character as event parameter and Action to whatever action you want it to do.

To use it to switch a CC, you need a transistordriver, since the output is only 5V/20mA.

Stig

steven_mu · Post by **steven_mu** » Sat May 18, 2002 12:59 pm

By 'sound activated cold cathode tube' do you mean you want it to flash on and off to sound ? I suppose you could rip a microphone apart and wire it up to one of the button connectors, then find out what letter it sends. I've never used LCDC but i presume you could set an event triggered to that key to toggle the GPO connected to the cold cathode. This should flash it on and off pretty damn quick whenever there's noise around. I gotta warn ya though it'll probably blow your cathode pretty quick being turned on and off so much, may even blow your power supply too. Still it'd look damn cool so if it works let me know.

[ This Message was edited by: steven_mu on 2002-05-18 13:00 ]

jleach · Post by **jleach** » Sat May 18, 2002 1:03 pm

Okay, to try to answer your question...

The GPO's on your display will not supply enough power for a cold cathode light kit. You'd have to use a relay or circuit to get them 12v. The GPO's are simple. They are 'on' or 'off'... when on, they supply power (or technically, they switch to ground). When off they are open.

Try playing with the GPO's some with a simple HDD LED from a case, you know.. it's got the connector wired on already, just plug it in to the display. You might get it backwards, if it doesn't work, turn it around.

Good luck,
James

[ This Message was edited by: jleach on 2002-05-18 13:07 ]