DOSBox for an astronomical application \ VOGONS

DOSBox for an astronomical application

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First post, by urbanastro

Posted on 2008-08-15, 17:40

urbanastro Offline

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I have a question about addressing a printer port, here's some background.

I am running kubuntu 8.04 on which I recently installed dosbox. I have a DOS program called scope.exe that I have used on an old 486 laptop for several years to control a stepper motor based telescope control system. The software works using the printer port of the computer in real time to send signals to the stepper controller. Can dosbox control the printer port in real time? My old laptop (over 10 years old) has left this world after a long productive life and I would like go with a linux based system.

Thanks in advance for your help

Reply 1 of 4, by MiniMax

Posted on 2008-08-15, 17:51

MiniMax Offline

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DOSBox is not good for real time applications. It can barely keep track of the current date (think there is a patch going into the next version that will improve it, but not on a milli-second level which I think you need for controlling a stepper motor).

Or is it just a matter of sending the correct number of pulses to the motor? And not timed pulses?

Reply 2 of 4, by h-a-l-9000

Posted on 2008-08-15, 17:55

h-a-l-9000 Offline

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Hm in Linux... the code is ready but no build with it yet...
Can you apply a patch to DOSBox CVS and build it in Linux?

It's not supported by official DOSBox.

but when it's done you

1+1=10

Reply 3 of 4, by urbanastro

Posted on 2008-08-15, 18:03

urbanastro Offline

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Thanks for the quick answer!

The controller works directly from the pulses that appear at pins 10 thru 13 of the printer port. The software controls all the timing of the pulses which can be up to 40 microsteps for each full step.

I'm just looking for a solution that would not require me to use two laptops in the field.

Reply 4 of 4, by h-a-l-9000

Posted on 2008-08-15, 18:17

h-a-l-9000 Offline

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microsteps in DOSBox? I don't think so...

Dosemu maybe?

1+1=10

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