demodulate 8 bit binary to multiple outputs

[REVCAM_Bob]

I have a galil card with 8 output ports, I ran out, need maybe 16-24 outputs.

I can spend about $1200 to get all the breakout boards upgrades etc.

They mentioned (they being Galil) that I could use the 8 bits as a binary output, and somehow demodulate into many many outputs.

So my question is: Are there any commercially available "boxes" that do this
inexpensively? or maybe a way to piece together the right components with out spending $1200?

Thanks!

[Al_The_Man]

I don't know of anything specifically aimed at this, but a small PLC would do it.
8 bits will convert to 256 through binary.
A PIC processor would do the trick simply.
But the PLC has the advantage of conditioned I/O, so it may be more costly but less work.
Al.

[vger]

Yes you can get 256 from one 8 bit as long as you only need 1 on at a time and you are only doing output to a machine. If you can write to and latch data to 4 bits and then write or read from the other 4, you can do it. I don't know of a "box" off the shelf designed to do so. Your programing will also need modification to first send the "address" of the 4 bit port you want to read or write to, then do the actual read or write... It might be easier just to use parallel printer port cards. 3 of them will give you more than 24 I/O lines. Which model card do you have ?
Steve

[Al_The_Man]

There is a cheap way to get 20 from 8 is to use two 7445's 1 of 10 decoder IC's
To get no outputs on, you would need to issue an invalid BCD code, the outputs will drive 80ma at up to 30vdc.
Al.

[REVCAM_Bob]

Hi Al the Man, thanks for the tip.... I was invovled much more in electronics
years ago.... So heres the kicker... Lets say a guy were to want to do some
of this stuff, How to go about it without makeing ugly solder chip to wire
spagheti type mess? i.e. are there any little black box kits out there that
would perhaps contain a power supply, modes of connection, ability to plug
in different sized chips etc. i.e. something intended for cutsom wireing, but permanent use? I remember these electronic test lab things we had in high school and college that had all sorts of bells and whistles and places to plug in wires like in this grid pattern, but they were definately not for permanent
use, just classroom use. Any thoughts?

[REVCAM_Bob]

How would you do the parallel port thing?

[Al_The_Man]

With Galil you cannot use parallel port for I/O.
There is still electronic breadboards for testing prototypes, but I use a copper strip prototype printed circuit style board that is excellent for making one-offs.
The logic supply can be obtained from the PC.
Al.