Controlling device push buttons via PC

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kenkeniff

628 posts

Ultimate Geek

#189508 2-Jan-2016 13:32

I have a 5-volt device with 18 push buttons which I want to be able to "push" (or "hold") via PC.

(I can control the PC remotely therefore will be able to control the device remotely).

It also has a 20-pin LCD and 11 LEDs which I need to view the status of.

I was thinking of soldering wires to the back of the buttons and connecting them each to separate relay on a 32-channel USB controlled relay board such as: http://numato.com/32-channel-usb-relay-module/

I would simply point a webcam at the device to view the result of the LCD / LEDs.

Is there a more practical way to do this?

PCB Front:

PCB Rear:

LCD Display in Use:

It would be ideal if I could intercept the LCD output to read via PC rather than webcam and just setup GPIOs to read the LEDs however I can't see any specs listed on it without de-soldering it unless anyone knows about these.

SATTV

1648 posts

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#1460195 2-Jan-2016 14:04

Without know what this board does and exactly what you want to achive then this most certainly will work ( but will be slow and problematic )

Looking at the board there is an unpopulated connector, you might be able to connect to the I2C or CAN bus of the device and have better control but this is out of my league these days.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

Jase2985

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#1460289 2-Jan-2016 18:33

what sort of output port does the board have? cant really tell form the photos.

you might be able to connect it directly to a PC and use software to interface or might have to go via a microcontroller like a Arduino or similar.

really need more info

JaseNZ

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#1460294 2-Jan-2016 18:47

I guess its what the other have asked , what does it control, does it already connect to something, Emg.stop indicates it controls some movement ??. Plc driven ??.

Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding : Ice cream man , Ice cream man

kenkeniff

628 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1460573 3-Jan-2016 12:37

The port to the left of the LCD goes to the synchronous serial interface of a machine, the one to the right is unused during normal operation.

I've given up on trying to find a way to emulate the device or tap into it digitally so looking for a do-able low tech solution.

I'm happy hooking up relays to the buttons however wondering if there's a better way to grab the LCD display other than pointing a webcam at it; unless someone can recommend a cam that I can mount close-up so I can put it all in an enclosure (LCD in backlit so light shouldn't be an issue).