sending asci codes over paralel port

[lufthansa747]

What is the problem you are having?
i am trying to control a led system that is controlled by a decoder chip. the decoder chip reads in an asci code and controls lights based on the asci code. i wanted to know if it was possible to send an asci character over only one parallel port pin

Please specify what version of Turing you are using
4.1.1

[chrisbrown]

Not without a microprocessor or an unrealistic amount of circuitry on the other end. You're describing the function of a serial port, which is a fair bit more involved.

[DemonWasp]

Yes, it's possible to send a single ASCII character (or, more generally, one byte) over a single pin. You have to send it one bit at a time to be reconstructed by the attached device.

This is nontrivial, and I strongly suggest that you just use 7 pins - you only need 7 because generic ASCII only uses the first 128 values available.

[lufthansa747]

i know i can use just seven but the problem is i want to use the other pins for other output. so i guess it is too hard to only use one pin because i am trying to control one digital number. like the ones in digital clocks

[Insectoid]

Well, if that number is just a one or zero you're golden! XD.

You can drastically increase the output combinations via clever use of transistors and diodes and whatnot. If you're using the holtsoft CE book there should be a diagram of a piano circuit that does this. It can be a pain to get working though.

[lufthansa747]

i am not using any book do you know what that kind of curcit would be called because i will google it?