Gadget Freak Case #128: Syncing Music and Fireworks

Design News Staff -- Design News, October 19, 2008

Deane Williams fixed up his PC to synchronize fireworks with music. He used his PC's parallel printer port to connect the circuit controlling the fireworks. He fanned out the port with a 16-line decoder which allows for up to 225 firing devices. Since the parallel port is difficult to control directly in the newer versions of Windows, such as XP, Williams worked with a software whiz to write an ActiveX control module called HWinterface to control the synchronization. The software was written in Agilent VEE 8.0 but Williams says it could have been written easily in Visual Basic 6 or any similar language that can use ActiveX calls.

• related stories
• resource center
• by this author

 

 

 

• Packaging Safety Keeps Pace with Manufacturing Operations

• Field Retrofits Drive Better Designs

• Gadget Freak Case 139: The Autonomous Blimp

• NAB Convention Features Emerging Technology

• Lin Engineering's 4518 NEMA 17 Stepper Motors

• The Adventure of the Incredible Sparking Car

• High-Speed Glass Stacking

• Gadget Freak Case 138: Monster Power Blender is Sweetly Green

Also by Staff Staff

Advertisement

Sponsored Content

Technology Marketplace

Watch more videos at DN’s Video Library!

Find a supplier on oemsuppliersearch.com

Talkback

» Submit Feedback

• 
  Would appreciate copy of the software.'>G'day
  
  Would appreciate copy of the software.

  
  Jeff Thomas - 2009-6-7 18:35:57 EDT

• How do open the build instructions? My word for XP has cannot open it.

  
  tj gendo - 2009-4-7 18:54:03 EDT

• Please e-mail me a copy of the software and circuit board layout. Thanks!

  
  Daniel A. Chatelain - 2009-1-7 20:22:00 EDT

• Please email me for a copy of the software or the
  circuit board layout.
  My address is pyroartist (at) sbcglobal.net

  
  Deane Williams - 2009-14-5 09:01:54 EDT

• Where do I get the software?

  
  Jim Anselmo - 2008-20-10 11:55:04 EDT
» More

Advertisement

• Resource Center
• Browse Categories
• Browse Companies

Featured Company

• Avnet

  

  One of the world's largest global distributors of electronic parts, enterprise computing and storage products and embedded subsystems, Avnet provides a vital link in the technology supply chain. Market needs and trends drive Avnet's product and... more

• NetMotion

  

  Since 1996, NetMotion has been supplying companies key components for their design, manufacturing, and operations businesses.  Our dedicated staff will work with you to select the best solution for your needs.  Moreover, we have established... more

• Texas Instruments

  

  Texas Instruments serves the world's most innovative electronics companies, helping them develop new ideas that change the way we live. By providing semiconductor technologies that promote greater power efficiency, enable more features, enhance... more

• Phillips Plastics Technology

  

  Established in 1964, Phillips Plastics is a privately held custom injection molder of plastic, metal, and ceramics. Phillips Plastics is a technology driven Company, providing contract manufacturing services to original equipment manufacturers in... more

• Astro Met, Inc.

  

  Advanced Ceramic Solutions For The 21st Century.  Astro Met, Inc. provides solutions to demanding wear, corrosion, thermal and electrical applications through the engineering and manufacturing of advanced ceramic components from zirconia... more

---

Related Resources

• Free NI Data Acquisition Software - DAQmx 8.6
• FREE evaluation of NI TestStand 4.1

Browse By Category

• Motion Control/Automation (98)
• Electronics/Test Equipment (76)
• Materials/Fastening (69)
• Design Tools (34)
• Careers (3)