Special Thanks, Introduction and Overview

Disclaimer:

NCD will not be responsible for any personal injury or damage to computers or other electronic devices caused in conjunction with the use of NCD products. The user assumes full responsibility of any and all damage that may result in combination with NCD products, services, and literature. NCD takes EVERY known precaution to ensure documentation and examples are accurate. Return this device within 30 days of purchase for a full refund if you do not agree with these terms and conditions. Operation or assembly of any products sold by NCD signifies your agreement with these terms.

Special Thanks:

I would like to thank Kima Dirks for the many hours she has spent editing and refining all of my written literature. I would also like to thank Tom Maier for his dedication to this project. Without his help our products would not be possible. --Ryan Sheldon

Introduction and Overview:

Thank you for purchasing the NCD-8SC. The 8SC is one of the most unique devices available to computer users wanting to obtain data via RS-232 communications. The 8SC uses the NCD-110C chip (based on the PIC16C54) to read each of 8 inputs and send the on/off status to your computer via RS-232 transmission.

The user has complete software control of when the inputs are to be scanned and transmitted. Acting like a networkable parallel-to-serial encoder, the 8SC when combined with 15 more 8SC devices can obtain 128 bits of input from a single serial port. The 8SC is fully RS-232 networkable with up to 15 other NCD devices, allowing the user to control devices based on the input received. Use the 8SC in conjunction with the NCD-LCD display driver to send messages based on received data. Combine the 8SC with the AVS8 audio/video switcher to switch video signals based on inputs from doors, fire alarms, and other security devices interfaced to the 8SC.

A single 8SC is capable of interfacing to just about anything that can produce an on/off signal as well as CMOS and TTL logic circuits. Other features of the 8SC include jumper selectable baud rates for 1200 or 9600 baud operation. The open-collector output allows the user to directly connect outputs together without “OR”ing data. Because the 8SC uses open-collector RS-232 transmission, the NCD-RSB will be required for interfacing the 8SC to your computer.

What You Will Need:

To assemble the 8SC, you will need the following items: Computer with 3.5" drive (Amiga, PC, or Macintosh), serial cable, RSB serial booster, and an input source such as a switch. A wrist strap should be used for static grounding during installation of all semiconductors. Macintosh users will need the TR32 to convert the RS-232 outputs of the RSB to the true RS-232 signals required by Macintosh systems.