Seeing as people rather put you down then help here, Ill just be deleting my posts. Thanks for the info grumpy_mike.
In the time it took you to write your Original Post you would probably have created a working Arduino program to do what you want.
void loop() {
byte inVal = PINB; // read all 8 bits of port B
Serial.print(inVal);
delay(100); // don't do it too often
}
An Atmega 328 on a breadboard or stripboard is a cheap and simple solution.
...R
Except that takes away from the learning experience I am trying to do....which is why I asked to not use a uC to handle this part of the project. But thanks for your input.
Well this is the Arduino Forum.
Maybe you should be asking elsewhere for NON-Arduino solutions ?
...R
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The people who kindly help so many including myself are focused on providing help for problems they encounter in this Arduino Forum > Using Arduino > Project guidance.
I have followed this thread and I believe there was no intention to be rude. He was providing a good technical answer and it's got to be expected that in an Arduino forum a solution such as what he suggested is to be expected.
what would be the best way to serialize some data from a set of switches 4 bits to be precise then send it out as RS232
... and connect to what? (this will determine if you need TTL serial or RS232 or other)
RS-232 vs. TTL Serial Communication
Most MCUs are 3.3V TTL serial or 5V TTL serial.
Make a UART with TTL gates, the shift register is only part of the circuit you will need. As a asynchronous serial signal takes at least 10 bits then you also need a counter and a flip flop to ensure you only clock out 10 bits. You also need a parity generator if you are using parity.
You also need an oscillator to control the clock speed.
You also need some monostables to let it trigger off edges instead of levels.
You also need to mind your manners. It is you who are asking for help, and asking in a rather ineffective way.