Mark Lamutt
12-02-02, 04:53 PM
I've just started thinking about this today, and have no idea if it's even possible, but I would very much like to add another LED to my computer case that would be powered on and off by a software switch.
Here's the goal: When I'm recording an HD television signal with the computer, I'd like to have an LED be lit on the case to provide a visual reference that the recording is taking place. Very much like the red recording light that is on the Dish 501/508s (and 721s I'd assume).
I've tried just plugging in an LED to my IDE Raid controller card to monitor disk activity, but that doesn't provide the results I'm looking for - it will flash every now and again, but it certainly isn't a nice solid light.
So, the questions: The LED would need a small amount of power from somewhere. Could it be powered by a USB port? Serial port? Parallel port? Plugged directly into the power supply?
Then, could software be written to look for say a registry entry change and switch on the LED? How else could it be controlled?
Thanks for any ideas!
Here's the goal: When I'm recording an HD television signal with the computer, I'd like to have an LED be lit on the case to provide a visual reference that the recording is taking place. Very much like the red recording light that is on the Dish 501/508s (and 721s I'd assume).
I've tried just plugging in an LED to my IDE Raid controller card to monitor disk activity, but that doesn't provide the results I'm looking for - it will flash every now and again, but it certainly isn't a nice solid light.
So, the questions: The LED would need a small amount of power from somewhere. Could it be powered by a USB port? Serial port? Parallel port? Plugged directly into the power supply?
Then, could software be written to look for say a registry entry change and switch on the LED? How else could it be controlled?
Thanks for any ideas!