[misterhouse-users] Serial decoder

[Eric T. <er...@th...>]

I am looking for a cheap way to turn a small number (5-10) of arbitrary
devices on or off with my computer, preferably running MisterHouse.  The
only boards I have found cost >$150 and do far more than what I am
looking for.  I am already using X10 for other things but it would not
be useful for this part of the project.  For example one of my goals is
to have a handfull of LEDs attached to my computer that I can turn on or
off based on various events on the computer.  I have looked for a simple
circuit that I can build but have come up dry.  Has anyone built
anything like this?  Or purchased something cheap?  I have also
considered using the parallel port instead of serial so that is an
option.  I am thinking with the simplicity of what I am trying to do it
shouldn't cost more than $30 in parts to build.  Am I wrong?

Eric