Yuri wrote:
2009/7/11 Hadley Rich wrote:
I don't really know much about Mosbus, but, if you just want to be able
to control relays and things from a Linux server, and aren't phased by
the protocol, then I would look at the Arduino boards as an easy, open
source way of doing things.
Yep. I just want to turn relays on and off from a Linux server. The
less assembly required the better - my solder joints look terrible.
I'm also looking at an NCD ethernet relay board.
I'll consider pre-assembled Arduino stuff too.
Looking to spend under NZ$200 for eight relays on a board that can
talk to a linux server. Prefer under $150.
The server will decide when relays are on and off. There needs to be
an easily scriptable way for the server to send commands like:
Relay X on
Relay Y off
Relay Z, are you currently on or off? (ie read status)
I considered ModBus because I gather there are Linux drivers for it.
The NCD ethernet relay board can be used with a driver that maps the
IP address of the board to a COM port (there is a Linux version, which
I suppose would map to /dev/ttySX).
If I go with an ethernet board, the server will have a separate
ethernet interface directly connected to the board, since the board
will take commands from anyone.
Yuri
Have you considered a jaycar parallel port interface kit, I believe they
still come in under $100?
they do require direct hardware access to work, but considering the
software is written in BASIC it couldn't be hard to whip together a
quick kernel module for it. I wrote one once, but I think that was back
in the days of kernel 2.2.26.
heres the kits webpage -
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=KV3590&CATID=25&form=CAT&SUBCATID=432
