[K12OSN] I need some software to automate the recess buzzers

[Doug Simpson]

Actually, there is a simple little program that is very simple to use 
called lptout.  I am not sure where to get it, but I can give you a copy 
of it.

You just issue a command:
lptout n
where n is a number between 0 and 255 and it will turn on or off the 
data pins on the parallel port.

The pins could be programmed for lots of things using cron jobs or even 
just manual scripts.

I haven't played with it much, but it works good during crude tests I did.

Notice!  If you get it, make sure you know how to connect to the 
parallel port because incorrect connections can damage the port and if 
it is integrated. . .

Doug


Keith Olson wrote:

> Tim Litwiller wrote:
>
>> I'd like to setup a computer at a small school - ( that currently has 
>> no computers) and they also need some way to automate the beginning 
>> and end of day and reccess buzzers.  Is there some software that is 
>> available to run on a K12LTSP that could do this?  I'm hoping that by 
>> having a ltsp server maybe they will start with doing typeing classes 
>> with some terminals and work them into more as they get used to the 
>> idea.
>
>
> That sounds like a job for..... SUPER CRON!!!  (Sorry, couldn't 
> resist.)  Seriously though, you could have a job that 'printed' 
> something on an otherwise unused parallel port whenever you wanted a 
> bell to ring, and hook up a relay to one of the output pins.  The 
> relay could do anything from ringing an actual bell to (with a bit of 
> soldering) replacing/parallelling a switch if your bells are electronic.
>