What I/O boards do users want?

Author	Message
rhamer Senior Member Joined: 06/06/2011 Location: Australia Posts: 174	Posted: 10:59am 13 Jun 2011         jebz said   I've looked at the "Maximite Expander" and it's a shame so many of the interfaces are jumpered out of service when you choose analogue, input or output for the port pin. I think if the port from the Maximite had tracks and holes on the bottom of the PCB and the expander had tracks on the top with a grid of non-plated through holes these could enable connections like a pin patch. A number of holes wouldn't be required because some of the functions aren't available on all of the pins. This would enable interface board linking as each board would only link in the devices to the lines that are required. The reason this board is a kit and not an assembled product was to allow you to do exactly what you are saying. The fact that the Expander can handle 10 channels each with the ability to handle all the maximite's signal capabilities, does not limit you to having to fully populate the board. Any of the 10 channels can be any function by chosing what components to place. With your suggestion you can only ever have as many inputs or outputs or analogue as you design on the board. The Expander effectively has 30 I/O options, 10 digital in, 10 Digital out and 10 Analog in in any combination, and only limited by the fact that there is only 10 available chanels from the Maximite on the board. And if you want all 20 then add another board and everything doubles. Regards Rohan Hamer HAMFIELD Software & Hardware Solutions Makers of the Maximite Expander. http://www.hamfield.com.au