Amigas as dataloggers and controllers

[Tenacious]

I mentioned here recently that I struggle with guilt about under-using some of the Amigas that I've "rescued".  I think I would like to utilize some of them as data-loggers and controllers.  Unfortunately, I'm not a programmer.

There are some good books about using parallel and serial ports for these purposes, usually specifically about the old IBM.  The included software is always IBM stuff.  (Yes, I'm aware that Amiga's parallel port is a superior, bi-directional design.)

Anyway, has anyone used Blitz Basic like this?  Is there information to address the ports (game port, too).  

I think I could find a reason to start programming for a project like this.

[Tenacious]

The hardware designes are much less of a challenge to me than is the software.  Writing a program that displays "Hello world" is not too tough (grin), but how does one get information to and from the ports?

I have tinkered with Basic some over the years and have heard great things about Blitz.  There must be some information somewhere detailing this.  Perhaps the Rom Kernal Manuals?  Are these still available?  I believe there were some good reference books floating around specific to Amiga.

[Tenacious]

Thanks to all for your enthusiastic replies.

I may not have formed my question very well, or, maybe the answer is so obvious to everyone else that you think I already know.  I really am a newb at this and am looking for a documentation file, a book, etc, that I can study.

Does anyone have experience accessing the parallel, serial, and game ports from within a basic program?  I want to move data into and out of these ports.

Thanks Again