reed sensor to USB to software API

[ajoslin]

I need to write code (C or C++) to read info from the simpler sensors (like reed sensors) coming in via USB. I am 30yr software programmer starting off with hardware. Where to start, what to read, what to avoid? Need to start simple, see results fast. Can work with electronic parts, no real EE training. Fast learner. High hopes.

[LBoltzmann]

I would suggest the book USB Complete by Jan Axelson as a good place to start. Here is an excerpt from barnes and nobles. They also have a table of content listing.

Now in an updated and expanded second edition, Jan Axelson's USB Complete: Everything You Need To Develop Custom USB Peripherals continues to be an excellent and highly recommended "how to" guide and reference for anyone seeking to develop devices and software that communicate with USB. This new edition explains what developers need to know about version USB 2.0 specifications and its new high speed of 480 Megabits per second. There is also an added example application code in both Visual C++ and Visual Basic, information about new controller chips and development tools, as well as expanded co
verage of the USB support under Windows. The value of this highly recommended text is enhanced further with the author's extensive web page with articles, program code, and other links of special interest to USB devlopers.