Thing I Want To Make {Steampunk}

[tcepsa]

Write a bit of code that will monitor processor usage and output a corresponding signal to, say, a serial or parallel port, where it is interpreted by something connected to a gauge of some sort (either a retrofitted pressure gauge or an old-style voltmeter) that then makes the hand of the gauge point to the corresponding level of processor usage.

Comments

[nminusone.livejournal.com]

Oooh cool! Will the gauge have a Red Zone so you know when she's about to blow?

And not to deny you the Joy of Coding, but you can save a couple of steps by tapping one of the CPU fan wires, assuming it's speed-controlled according to the CPU temperature. You'd need a simple circuit to condition the signal, but it'd save you having to hang a D/A off one of the ports. Assuming you *want* to be saved from that, of course! ;)

[fallenpegasus]

You can get little tiny USB-to-analog thingees, I think I saw them on MakeZine's website. That seems to be the perfect way to do it. Take the output of that and feed it to a little amp, from that to a voltage gauge. If the voltage gauge is sensitive enough, may not need the amp.