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SRInstComms
ActiveX Control and Software Development Toolkit
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Updated version
2.5
now available |
- Operates from one to ten instruments simultaneously
- Uses GPIB, USB, Ethernet, or RS232 interface
- Automatic detection of instruments
- Supplied with example programs for Visual Basic, VBScript (HTML),
Visual C++, Visual C#, LabVIEW, and Excel
- Full printed and on-screen documentation
- Operates with models 4161A, 5105, 5106, 5109, 5110(A), 5209, 5210,
5302, 7124, 7220, 7220BFP, 7225, 7225BFP, 7260, 7265, 7270, 7310,
7280, 7280BFP, and 5113
| SRInstComms is an ActiveX control that
allows users of SIGNAL RECOVERY
instruments to control them from PC’s running Windows XP or Vista.
Unlike the Acquire data acquisition
software which we also offer, it is not a complete package but
rather a component conforming to recognized industry standards that
allows instruments to be controlled by user-developed programs. The
only requirement is that these programs must be written in a
language that supports such controls, which in practice is virtually
all modern languages capable of developing Windows applications.
These include Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#, LabVIEW, Visual
Basic for Applications (included in Word, Excel, Outlook, Access and
other Microsoft products) and VBScript (supported by Internet
Explorer).
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| The control takes care of all
communication between the user-developed program and the instrument,
performing the necessary handshaking and decoding status signals
over the selected interface, which is either GPIB, USB, Ethernet, or
RS232. With the exception of speed, the interface type is
essentially transparent to the user, making programs portable
between systems with different interfaces.
It includes an automatic search routine which will find any
compatible instruments that are attached to the computer’s GPIB,
USB, Ethernet, or RS232 ports. In most cases, this eliminates the
need to adjust the communications settings controls on the
instrument. The complete "profile" of connected
instruments, together with any user-entered descriptive comments, is
then securely saved in the system registry. Subsequent data
transmissions to and from the instrument use this information to
give the fastest possible communication.
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User Interface Dialog
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| Up to ten compatible
instruments can be controlled independently or simultaneously, so
that for example in a system measuring impedance one lock-in
amplifier can measure the sample current while a second measures the
voltage. Both instruments can be read via the control and the output
readings combined to determine the impedance.
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| The package includes a full printed
instruction manual, as well as on-screen help so that programming
information is always easily available. In addition, six sample
applications in Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual C#, LabVIEW, and
Excel are supplied. The VB, VC++, and VC# examples include a working
executable as well as a full project workspace and all the
corresponding source files. Similarly the LabVIEW and Excel
demonstration programs are complete with all source code information
so that they can be easily edited by the user. |
Full Help System
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Example
Programs
The supplied example programs offer a quick way to start
developing a program. Unlike some software toolkits, this ensures
that you have access to code that is known to work with a wide range
of hardware.
The Excel spreadsheet and LabVIEW VI demonstrate perfectly the
power of the control, allowing data to be taken directly from the
instrument and plotted to a graphical display. The HTML webpage, on
the other hand, shows how the control can be used to create programs
using very user-friendly interfaces, with all the power and
convenience that comes from working from within the browser
environment.
Technical Requirements
In addition to a compatible operating system and suitable
programming software, the control requires at least one method of
connection to the instrument. Depending on the type of communication
port fitted to the instrument this can be an RS232, USB, GPIB or
Ethernet, with the last three generally giving the fastest
communication.
If using GPIB, the computer must be fitted with a National
Instruments GPIB Interface card or cable. Other manufacturer’s
cards will not work.
Ordering Information
The SRInstComms software pack includes the software
supplied on CD and a 57 page printed instruction manual. The package
is licensed for use on a single computer; for multiple or
redistribution licenses please contact us first. |
Demonstration Excel Workbook
Demonstration HTML Webpage
Demonstration LabVIEW VI
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Accessories
When ordering this software, don't forget to make sure that
you have a suitable USB, RS232 or GPIB cable and GPIB interface
card. Click on the links below to reach these items.
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Product and company names mentioned are trademarks or trade names of
their respective companies
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is
a trademark of AMETEK, Inc.