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Re: Twidler Clone (was: Re: Twiddler into keyboard port)

From: Michael Sharp <>
Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 20:06:36 -0500

Rudy Moore wrote:
> 
> > to a standard keyboard connector. One of the more interesting features
> > about this chips is that it has an 8-channel A/D converter which could
> > be used to read a mini-joystick. I have the neccesary software and
> 
> Hmmm.. I don't really think you need an A/D to read a joystick.  Just do
> it the way the Apple II did it (with a slight twist).  Connect the
> potentiometer to one of the bidirection I/O lines of the PIC - the
> other end to +5.  Also connect a cap from the same I/O line to ground.
> 
> Now, programatically, output a zero on the IO line.  This has the effect
> of "clearing" the capacitor.  Return the line to high-Z (make it an input),
> and read that line until it goes "high".  Size the capacitor (and the
> potentiometer) to produce a charge time that is easy to count with
> the PIC.  To make it a little more accurate, try using a schottky buffer
> on the input.
> 
> Anyway, that's the gist.  If we want to make it cheap, this trick will save
> $1 in A/D costs...  If you need more information, e-mail me.
> 
> Rudy

Rudy,
You are totally correct. I have forgotten about this method for reading
a potentiometer.. so in that case, the Microchip 16c64 can be used
instead (basically everything the 16c74 has to offer minus the 8-channel
A/D).

-Mike :)+<

ps. Thanks for the programming tip...

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