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Forum Index : Electronics : 17 Channel Logic Analyzer
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Downwind Guru Joined: 09/09/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2333 |
I came across this posted elsewhere and thought it could be a very handy tool. Its a up to 17 channel logic analyzer that uses the parallel port on a computer to analyze data streams or logic levels. It a free download. As yet i have not downloaded it or tried it out, but from a few discussions i read elsewhere it has some promise of being a worth while tool for virtually free. Should someone else get to download it and test it out before i find the time to, could you please post back your findings on it. http://www.codeproject.com/KB/system/17ChannelLogicAnalyzer. aspx Pete. Sometimes it just works |
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VK4AYQ Guru Joined: 02/12/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2539 |
Hi Pete I downloaded the project for you it is in email Bob Foolin Around |
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vasi Guru Joined: 23/03/2007 Location: RomaniaPosts: 1697 |
Thanks for link! Vasi Hobbit name: Togo Toadfoot of Frogmorton Elvish name: Mablung Miriel Beyound Arduino Lang |
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GWatPE Senior Member Joined: 01/09/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2127 |
Hi Pete, You need to be very careful with this type of computer input device. It is relatively easy to ruin a computer main board by allowing voltages to fall outside of the narrow computer digital signal limits. I played with a Commodore Amiga ports, years ago in a similar way, and damaged plenty of UART chips. PC mainboards have most peripheral chips soldered, and not socketed, so more care is needed. These tools are useful when resolving timing problems of digital signals around a chip, or checking out digital hardware. It is a shame that the parallel port is suffering the same fate as the COMM port. Gordon. PS none of my computers I regularly use have a parallel port. become more energy aware |
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Downwind Guru Joined: 09/09/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2333 |
Good point Gordon, I had intended of doing one or both of 2 things. 1) putting a buffer or opto between the test circuit and parallel port. 2) i have a couple of USB to parallel cables ($3.00 Ex China)and using them, as that way if damage happens it will only take out the converter chip in the adaptor cable and not the PC. The other thing is i have several old PC here that others threw away and would use one of them for workshop use. There is no need to have the fastest and greatest PC to display this sort of data. But all the same its a good warning to others who might like to play with this sort of analyzer. My advice would also be dont do it if you are not clear on what you are doing and use some form of protection up front or a old disposeable PC. All said, im still yet to test it out.....time, time... Thanks Bob for the email. Pete. Sometimes it just works |
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vasi Guru Joined: 23/03/2007 Location: RomaniaPosts: 1697 |
Hi Downwind, That one is saying no USB. PCI card is ok but no USB. Take the buffer but better the old PC. Vasi Hobbit name: Togo Toadfoot of Frogmorton Elvish name: Mablung Miriel Beyound Arduino Lang |
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