The predecessor with RS232 interface was provided by us from 1989 and is so far in use 1400 times both in homes and schools.

The successor model Service USB classic is a universal, cascading interface with USB connection and software support for Apple-Macintosh. It has eight each digital inputs and outputs as well as eight bit inputs. Service USB classic is preferentially used for triggering fischertechnik® models and various types of motors, lamps, relays, feelers and sensors.

All inputs and outputs are short-circuit-proof and secured against crossing poles insofar as the recommended power pack Service USB power (9V= /1,3A) is used.

With the digital inputs it recognises the states of switches and contacts. With the analogue inputs it recognises the values of variable resistors, of temperature sensors or light sensitive resistors.

With the digital outputs it controls motors and switches lights on and off.

Of course many other things can be triggered by Service USB classic.

These include all kinds of relays, motors, stepper motors, model railways, heating controls...

Furthermore, you can carry out complex measured value recording with temperature sensors, fluid level displays, pressure and light sensors.

On request we can also manufacture special versions with banana jacks, industrial housings, optoelectric couplers etc. according to your requirements.

Just ask us! Or read the more detailed information in the sections on special electronics or Mac accessories.

To operate Service USB classic you will need a Macintosh with USB connection and system 8.6 to 9.2 or MacOS X 10.1.5 up.

Service USB classic is adapted for MacOS X 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4.

The Service USB Driver is universal binary and supports both Power PC- and Intel-based Macintosh computers.

A current-limiting power pack (7-15V max. 1.3A) is required for using the digital outputs. More than 100 Service USB can be operated on one Macintosh.

Service USB classic has eight digital inputs, eight digital outputs and two analogue inputs. The interface is connected to the USB connection of the Macintosh whereby the more then 100 Service USB can be operated simultaneously.

Service USB classic is supplied with power from the USB-Bus. An external power pack is only required to operate the digital power outputs.

The digital inputs are operated with TTL levels (0V/5V). The two analogue inputs operate in the range of 0 to 200k Ohm or 0 to 5V with an entry resistance of 2k Ohm. The resolution is 8 bit with an error rate of 3LSB. The outputs operate in the range of 7-15V with a maximum of ± 200mA. They switch to zero volt or + supply voltage (full bridge operation).

All inputs are secured with a resistance network and damping diodes against overvoltage and undervoltage up to ± 15V. The outputs are short-circuit-proof to ground, temperature protected and also suitable for inductive loads (motors).

Twenty-six LEDs constantly display the states of the inputs and outputs as well as further operating parameters.

Directly triggerable via AppleScript, Runtime Revolution, RealBasic, Macromedia-Director, 4th Dimension and Codewarrior under MacOS 8 & 9. and OS X. FileMaker, Ragtime and other programs via AppleScript.

• Service USB classic (Interface/coupling unit)
• USB A/B cable
• CD-ROM with driver software and programming examples
• OS9- examples for RealBasic 3.5, AppleScript, Macromedia Director 8, Filemaker 4, Ragtime 5, HyperCard, 4th Dimension and CodeWarrior 6 and
  7.
• OSX-examples for Runtime Revolution, RealBasic 4.5-5.x (RealBasic 2005 compatible), AppleScript, FileMaker 6 and 7, RagTime 5, 4th Dimension, Macromedia Director MX, Xcode, MaxMSP, CodeWarrior 7, LabView 7 and Java.
• In addition a RealBasic demo version, QuickTime films of fischertechnik® models and detailed instructions.
  

  
  

The following fischertechnik® units are supported in this version of Service USB classic:

• Industry Robots order number: 30408

• Pneumatic Robots order number: 34948

• Computing Starter Pack order number: 18353

There are sophisticated examples in RealBasic for all models of these units.

The triggering of fischertechnik® models is preferentially implemented under RealBasic. For the units Industry Robots, Pneumatic Robots, Computing Starter Pack, Bionic Robots, Training Robot and Cornelsen Experimenta there are finished programs in the folder "fischertechnik...".

These are independent runnable programs, also with the source code available. The source code is contained in the project files, which can be recognised by the tag ".rbp". To be able to alter the source codes you must have RealBasic development environment available.

You can access the current version and a demo version on the internet under www.realbasic.com.