actually in c++ i see no reason why you can't get the screen data, simulate a printscrn keypress then the data's on the clipboard.
keybd_event(VK_SNAPSHOT,NULL,NULL,NULL);
keybd_event(VK_SNAPSHOT,NULL,KEYEVENTF_KEYUP,NULL);
simulate's print screen i think
(VK_SPACE simulates space fine, i think that snapshot is print screen)
edit: unless you mean the ac signal down the lead, in which case your only option is some sort of voltmeter/osciliscope
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