VOGONS

Search

Common searches

DOSBox for an astronomical application

Topic actions

First post, by urbanastro

Posted on 
User metadata
Rank Newbie
Rank
Newbie

Hi

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 
User metadata
Rank Moderator
Rank
Moderator

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?

DOSBox 60 seconds guide | How to ask questions
_________________
Lenovo M58p | Core 2 Quad Q8400 @ 2.66 GHz | Radeon R7 240 | LG HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH40N | Fedora 32

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

Posted on 
User metadata
Rank DOSBox Author
Rank
DOSBox Author

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 
User metadata
Rank Newbie
Rank
Newbie

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.

Go to top of page Go to top of page
Back to DOSBox General
Close window
Close window