Geeks, programmers, help needed with project

[Street_Kings]

So, i'm an insomniac. I go on non-sleeping binges for no apparent reason. When i'm on these zombie modes, I build random projects.

Anywho, the project i'm working on now is the first software/hardware hybrid i've ever done. I've never made any sort of hardware from the ground up to interface with a PC, and need a bit of help.

In a nutshell, I need something to read outside voltages and trigger a software event if the voltage drops below a certain threshold. The software side is easy, it's just getting the outside voltages to trigger data events is where i'm kinda lost.

I suppose I could hack apart a game controller or something and use relays to electronically complete button press circuits to give me the input, but i'd rather have a non ghetto solution if possible.

Does anyone know of any resources/tuts/kits to build your own USB devices and inputs? Kits preferred, i'm not feeling too happy about having to write my own drivers, and HID compliant is a must because DirectInput makes life easier on the software side.

[DrJones]

Well, if you really want to design and develop the hardware yourself for the fun of doing so, I can give you some help.

However, if you just want to skip that part and use something that lets you do all that, you should check out the products for the company I work for, www.labjack.com.

We basically make (low cost) USB/Ethernet devices that let you do just that. They have analog inputs (read voltage), analog outputs (output voltage) and digital lines (can be input or output). Best of all, you can do all that from software, with whatever language you currently enjoy using. Anything from VB5 to python, C# or LabView. Our stuff works with just about anything.

I can say that in the hardware, the firmware and driver side can be a bit tough, after all, that's what I occupy myself with at work all day long. If you are doing something simple, it can be done, but if you really just want to focus on the end goal of your project I'd try using something like what we provide.

I can of course give you some more information, and depending on the project, might be able to get you a good discount or something.

If you have any questions about any of it let me know.