A11-B32 CONNECTIONS Programmer’s Toolkit
with ActiveX™ Controls

• Simplifies custom software development for all ORTEC CONNECTIONS products: MCBs, MCSs*, and MatchMaker™

• Includes ActiveX Controls for easier programming with LabVIEW® 5.1 and Microsoft®-based software (e.g., Visual C++, Visual Basic)

• Supports local and networked installations concurrently with other ORTEC CONNECTIONS software

• Built-in data security

• Royalty-free product use

• Operates with older, 16-bit CONNECTIONS networks

The CONNECTIONS Programmer’s Toolkit is a set of software modules that simplifies the task of accessing the ORTEC CONNECTIONS hardware when custom software is written. This toolkit offers such a large improvement in programming efficiency that the ORTEC programmers all use it to write the standard ORTEC software. The toolkit is for use with 32-bit applications running under Microsoft Windows 2000/XP.

The toolkit has two options for programming. For programmers familiar with Dynamic Linked Libraries (DLLs), it provides DLLs and supplemental Windows applications programming interfaces, which can be called from C, C++, or Visual Basic. For programmers using ActiveX Controls, all the functionality can be accessed more conveniently through ActiveX methods, properties, and events. The ActiveX capability makes it easy to program the ORTEC products from LabVIEW (Version 5.1 or later), Visual C++, and Visual Basic. Simple example programs are supplied with both programming options.

The ORTEC models use a variety of interface options such as plug-in PCI bus cards, dual-port memory interfaces, printer ports, and direct Ethernet connections. A11-B32 supports all of those hardware interfaces. It also supports the M³CA (LANL) and MiniMCA-166 hardware via the serial port. A11-B32 performs all of the network communication, and supports multiple protocols. The application program uses the same interface for local and remote hardware. Special features, such as gain stabilization, are under complete control of the application program. A11-B32 is transparent to the commands specific to the application program. Complete error reporting is provided for ease in diagnosing programs.

An automatic configuration program is included. The program will search the network for hardware and produce a list, including the hardware type and the PC node to which it is connected. Also included is a Hardware Server program, which is the server for remote access to the hardware.

A11-B32 is used by all the programs in the CONNECTIONS family of ORTEC software. Properly written applications using A11-B32 will be able to run concurrently with these ORTEC programs. It is not necessary for ORTEC programs to be running in order for A11-B32 to operate.

ORTEC and user-written software may be profitably combined by having the ORTEC standard software setup and calibrate the hardware, followed by implementation of the special operations of your program. For example, MAESTRO®, GammaVision®, or MCS-32 can be used to configure the system and perform most of the interactive functions. Your program can step in to handle the other unique functions of the system.

The run time components of A11-B32 may be included on a royalty-free basis for programs written to support operation of ORTEC hardware.

The following ORTEC products are supported by A11-B32. New products are constantly being added. Consult your local sales representative for the newest products.

Ordering Information

 *ACE-MCS not included.