How to make a serial port pin go high or low

[Beginner711]

I'm just beginning to learn labview.  Is it possible to use the basic labview software to toggle parallel or serial port pins high and low?  Could I use the parallel (or serial pins) to register voltage changes (high/low) from basic IC sensors? 

Also, can I purchase some sort of NI I/O board that I can connect directly to my computer to toggle pins high and low for simple circuits?

Thanks,

Shawn

[LuI]

Shawn,

you can search the examples for 'port'. On my system this returned /LabVIEW/examples/portaccess/parallel_port_examples.llb. There are two examples that show you what to do.
If there's just one bit you need to toggle, you can as well control the flow control lines AKA modem lines with a property node. Use the Serial Settings:Modem Line Settings: xxx State to switch those lines to high or low.

Finally you can buy a simple NI DIO card or any other DIO card (even USB-based cards) that can be used to control digital lines.

HTH   and Greetings from Germany!
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UweGreetings from Germany!
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Uwe

[Beginner711]

Thank you Lul.  That helps a lot!

Shawn

[Beginner711]

Actually, one more question.  Can I simply buy a terminal block (and a cable) with a serial, parallel port, or usb port connection to control ttl logic voltages or do I have to buy a DAQ card or something as well?

Thanks,

shawn

[MichaelChaney]

Hi Shawn,

A good low-cost solution would be our USB-6008.  Not only does it give analog inputs and outputs should you need them in the future, but also has 12 digital I/O lines and one counter line.  All this for $145 US.  This isn't much more than a terminal block and cable to use the serial/parallel port, and a whole lot easier to use.

If you need more than 12 digital I/O lines, there's also the USB-6501 which offers 24 digital I/O lines and one counter, but no Analog I/O, for only $95 US.

Message Edited by Michael C on 03-29-2006 12:57 PM