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FREE: Watchdog PC - schematics and software

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Description

The listing, Watchdog PC - schematics and software has ended.

I designed this probably ten years ago when I was running a small radio station in the neighborhood. I used a computer DJ program to serve up the MP3 files 24/7. More than once, I would come into the shop in the morning, only to find the sound going "dadadadadadadada..." - stuttering because the program had locked up. Enter the WatchDog PC.

The circuit, designed around a PIC16F84, acting as the 'parent', sends a request to the computer every so often. If everything is OK, a 'child' program running in the background on the computer acknowledges that everything is fine. If the 'child' doesn't answer, then the circuit assumes that the system has locked up and shorts the reset pins on the motherboard. The software was written for DOS and Windows 9x, but I have included the source code as well so it should be easy enough to modify for newer versions. Also included in the .ZIP file are the original notes I drew up while designing this, the source code to program your own PIC chip and several pictures of my own WatchDog circuit as well as the schematic and PCB layout that I used.

Again, just to clarify this: this is NOT an ACTUAL device. You are bidding on an original set of plans, schematics and software that will be sent via email. Unlike most of the recipes, DYI instructions and tips found on Listia nowadays, this is MY OWN ORIGINAL CREATION. I hold the copyright on this design. You are allowed to use these plans to build your own device, but you can NOT sell this as your own design.

You know... I see almost every auction on here states "All Listia Rules Apply." Really? No kidding? I am SO glad you told me that. I would have never known otherwise. Give me a break... anyone looking at this auction is MORE than intelligent enough to know that the rules set forth by Listia apply without having to be specifically told. I guess this is what Big Brother / Mama Government has created... a bunch of ... who don't know anything they aren't told...

Oh well. Enjoy...

Questions & Comments

so, out of curiosity, what would be the cost of putting one of these together myself? once i get the schematics and all

Apr 1st, 2014 at 8:45:03 PM PDT by

Wow... I've never been asked that before! lol.. it would depend on the size and contents of your junk box (you DO have a junk box, don't you? lol). If you are like me and can scavenge the majority of the contents from computer and stereo boards, it's down right cheap. If you have no junk box at all (for shame! lol) then it's still pretty cheap. There are only a handful of components and it doesn't have to be built on a printed circuit board like I did. It can be built on a piece of perfboard. You will also need a PIC programmer, but I could supply a preprogrammed IC for a small charge if necessary.

I guess long story short (too late, huh?) is maybe $20-30 in components with everything bought brand new?

Apr 1st, 2014 at 8:52:27 PM PDT by

well, i have a large junk box of parts that ive been meaning to get around for component level repairs(includes all kinds of pci and pci/e cards, motherbards, etc... so yeah that should work pretty well then XD and thats the first time youve been asked that? guess people dont exhibit interest in items that have alot of potential nowadays XD

Apr 2nd, 2014 at 8:49:24 PM PDT by

lol... honestly, sometimes I wonder about the intelligence level of people in this country in general and on Listia in particular! It is refreshing to find someone on here who even know which end of a soldering iron to hold! lol... Thank you for your bid :-)

Apr 2nd, 2014 at 8:58:01 PM PDT by

lol couldnt agree more, and no problem. saw something that everyone else was passing on, and saw the potiental of it XD

Apr 3rd, 2014 at 6:06:58 PM PDT by

Watchdog PC - schematics and software is in the Computers & Networking | Other Computer Items category