Computer operated devices

Description

The basic idea behind this kit is device control using a computer. The main advantage of connecting devices with the computer is that we can transfer the data over the internet. There are many ways to interface the devices with the computer. For example wireless, wired, serial interface, parallel interface, etc. Here we have used the USB port of the computer to interface the devices. Using the serial port provides many advantages to other interfacing technology. Almost all the microcontrollers have inbuilt at least one serial port. We can use a USB to serial converter to interface the devices easily with the computer. Any ASCII code sent is given to the microcontroller, which in turn checks the proper code and turns it on or off to the devices.

The task of the microcontroller is to activate the relay driver IC. The relay driver IC turns on or off the devices. Relays are such that we can control our home appliances or any other electrical appliances. In this Computer operated devices kit, we will be using 8051 based Microcontroller and dock light software on a PC.

The Computer operated devices used with the help of a PC can control the devices i.e. Turn ON/OFF the devices with the help of dock light software. A very simple serial interfacing will be provided using which on a single click the user can control devices. On clicking the software sends data serially to our microcontroller via the serial port. The controller receives the data & decodes it and accordingly Turns ON/OFF the relays connected to it.