controlling a number of light bulbs using the parallel port

[pacman61]

im a software developer i work with several languages,,but i dont know the first thing about hardware, so right now im working on some project, and what i would like to do is to have my software control a number of light bulbs, so i could turn on or off any light bulb at any time....i guess there would be a challenge "addressing" each light bulb to get the work done..
ps: i would like the whole system to be connected through a parallel port to one pc

 

[ericgibbs]

im a software developer i work with several languages,,but i dont know the first thing about hardware, so right now im working on some project, and what i would like to do is to have my software control a number of light bulbs, so i could turn on or off any light bulb at any time....i guess there would be a challenge "addressing" each light bulb to get the work done..
ps: i would like the whole system to be connected through a parallel port to one pc

hi,
I have a Forum Blog that uses the PC para port..
https://www.electro-tech-online.com/blogs/ericgibbs/148-pc-parallel-port-timer1-v1-1.html

I know that you are asking for hardware, so, how many relays etc, do you want to control.?

 

[pacman61]

thanx for replying...
lets say 10 lights,,

 

[ericgibbs]

thanx for replying...
lets say 10 lights,,

I guess you know that you can drive 10 pins on the port as outputs [TTL] levels.
or do want to mux them in some way.?

 

[pacman61]

oh, ok....now what about hardware ?
what parts would i need to control a single light ? do i need a micro-controller ? and is there any ready to use circuit plan out there ?

 

[ericgibbs]

oh, ok....now what about hardware ?
what parts would i need to control a single light ? do i need a micro-controller ? and is there any ready to use circuit plan out there ?

hi,
Using the PC's paraport you dont need an external PIC.
You would use a TTL buffer driving a transistor/relay or an opto isolator driving a triac device.... have you any preference relay or triac.??

 

[MikeMl]

This is crying out for a SSR