if u dont know about programming then it would b difficult for u.plz say someone else to do it for u.
u will use parallel port for taking input from a thermal sensor, which is giving input as low or high to the pc through an and gate. a c++ program is to b used with the compiler of TC. but it will not work in windows xp as it blocks ports of outside connections
You need MAX 6674 or MAX 6675 K type thermocouple to digital converter and an interface mcu like Pic family whatever.
You can find detailed pdf in Maxim-ic.com
use parallel port interfaced with analog to digital converter and LM35
refer page67
MY EXPERIENCE IN PARALLEL PORT INTERFACING
you can get it from yahoo group-booksbybibin http://groups.yahoo.com/group/booksbybibin/
hi
if you want to get only two levels i mean hot or cool. Tehn here is a simple method with out much programming.
the hardware circuit consists of a 555 timer circuit which is connected to a thermal sensor. U can set the threshold temperature whenever sensor temp crosses threshold, output of the circuit changes value.
the output of the above circuit is connected to parallel port and the programming part is very simple it will be of five to six lines in c.
you can use the parallel port its easy to program by c /c++ and vb
and you can doing interfacing between temperature sensor as rtd but you want to use the protct the parallel poart you want to use the realy and buffer to rpotect the reverce current
and you can in c language 4 instruction to programe parallel port
outportb(address,date)
inportb(address)
You can use analog input boards from various manufacturers such as national instruments. This will require labview, which can be somewhat pricey.
If you want to connect the temperature sensor to your computer via ethernet, **broken link removed**. This comes with a visual basic demo application that displays temperature.
I just got through building a test fixture to do what you mentioned. I used a basic stamp2 to read two ADCs attached to temp probes and output the data to the pc through the debug serial line. I also made a quick-basic program to capture the data and record it as it came in.
Im suggst you use basic stamp ii from parallax.com it has various thermal sensors that you can buy. it also supported with the basic codes and simple circuit that you have to do. By using the serial rs 232 port, basic stamp ii will send the data wheather its cool or hot even it can tell the current temperature.
For nice looking pc interface you can use the Visual Basic 6.0 or flash to display the temperature. I have done it before.