In this instructable I will show you how to make a LED blink when you have a new notification or message on Facebook via the parallel port. Check out the following video for a demonstration:
It is a quick and easy project to do, provided you have the required stuff.
It is a quick and easy project to do, provided you have the required stuff.
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Signing UpStep 1: How does it work?
There are two parts that power this project.
The first part is a small program that turns on or off the LEDs that are on a parallel port using inpout32.dll. The program hosts a tiny server that its one and only purpose is to understand HTTP requests.
The second part is a Greasemonkey script that detects when you have a new notification/message.
If you have a new notification or a message, the script will request a URL from the server the program described above hosts, and the program will understand the URL, and will start blinking the requested LED.
After you read your new notification/message, the script will request the same URL as before, which tells the program to stop blinking the LED.
Simple eh?
The first part is a small program that turns on or off the LEDs that are on a parallel port using inpout32.dll. The program hosts a tiny server that its one and only purpose is to understand HTTP requests.
The second part is a Greasemonkey script that detects when you have a new notification/message.
If you have a new notification or a message, the script will request a URL from the server the program described above hosts, and the program will understand the URL, and will start blinking the requested LED.
After you read your new notification/message, the script will request the same URL as before, which tells the program to stop blinking the LED.
Simple eh?
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If your computer doesn't have a parallel port, then you'll have to get a PCI-to-parallel controller (unless you are on a laptop, so you're out of luck). I use this one, but if you can't find that particular model in your country, then you can try this one, which should work, since it uses a chip similar to my card.
I guess the first step is to see if inpout32.dll ca handle serial port action or if it strictly does parallel ports.
Make sure that the LED is correctly connected (does the message LED start blinking when you visit http://127.0.0.1:4012/6/on ?). Also, make sure that you're using version 1.2 or newer of the script.
Keep in mind that this will replace the new notification blink function. If you want to keep both functions, I can modify the script for you to include both functions.
Some questions:
Does the LED blink when you go to http://127.0.0.1:4012/1/on ?
When you receive a message on Facebook, does it say that you've got an unread message at the top of the page (where the friend requests and notification buttons are)?
Any errors in the error console related to my script (in Firefox, go to Tools -> Error Console and click Errors. Do that after Facebook has finished loading)?
uncaught type error: can not read property 'location' of undefined
please help
(I try the plugin both on Mozzila and Chrome. Also, i use Windows 7, if there matters)
Please try it and tell me if it fixes your problem.
in my case both the led's are working with your given link but not with gresemonkey script...is that due to new facebook pattern or some thing else..please help me out....
regards
I have also released an update to LEDBlinker (same URL).
Please try it and tell me if it fixes your problem.
help me pls
I have also released an update to LEDBlinker (same URL).
Please try it and tell me if it fixes your problem.
thank a lot Stonos.!
i just can't let go of my canon BJC1000SP....