5 replies to this topic

[crackednugget]

Hello all,

I have a background in Assembly language, C, and Basic programming.

For a personal project, I am interested in writing some software that would allow me to control equipment via a computer (through a Comm/RS232 cable for example).

Can anyone tell me how this is typically done? I am open to using ANY programming language.
If this is not clear enough, imagine a machine with a set of motors--how can I write code that would allow a user to easily punch in a set of commands on the computer, and then have the software send it to the machine to perform operations.

Please let me know if this is unclear. I could really use some help with this.

Thanks very much.
-Nugget

[manux]

From what I've heard, each machine has a specific way of being controlled, except maybe for machines made by the same manufacturer.
What you should do is look around for what kind of equipment you want to buy, and then look for the specifics of those which interest you.
In other words, if there's a (potential) driver, there's an API, and each API is specific to the product.
I guess what you'll have to do is program drivers.

I'm no expert though I might be totally wrong, only sharing a few personal experiences. :)

[crackednugget]

Thanks for responding! I actually already own the equipment. It runs with its own native firmware via a handheld controller. I want to write some software that would allow me to use the existing functions, but to be able to easily program it through a computer.

Thanks again.

[WingedPanther]

General rule of thumb: it depends on what the device is. The details determine everything.

[Actor]

crackednugget said:

Thanks for responding! I actually already own the equipment. It runs with its own native firmware via a handheld controller. I want to write some software that would allow me to use the existing functions, but to be able to easily program it through a computer.

Thanks again.

I did this sort of thing about 20 years ago. Like you, we already owned the equipment. The documentation made a claim that the machine could be "controlled with a computer" but gave no details as to how. Fortunately my employer was a big customer of the vendor so I had some clout in getting them to cooperate with me on my project. It was obvious that they did not want to spend the time helping me.

You mentioned using RS-232. For that I definitely recommend

Amazon.com: The Rs 232 Solution (9780895884886): Joe Campbell: Books