VisualLink LITE

Once the desired instrument has been selected you can setup the communications parameters required and then view a virtual instrument control panel where all of the instruments parameters and commands are displayed and allow interaction

This will allow you to view the current instrument parameters including boolean/binary parameters and interactively modify read/writable parameters, just by entering the new value in the appropriate text field and hitting Return.

See also the Advanced Features below.

Using VisualLink Lite allows you to quickly verify instrument communications or configure an instrument without having to first write your own code. Support for new instruments can be added as and when the drivers are released.

VisualLink Lite offers some advanced features to allow more control over your instruments.

• An Immediate Window allows you to type expressions to interact with the instrument.
• A Debug Window allows you to view the data passed between the software and the instrument. This can be invaluable when you embark on writing your own code to communicate.
• A Chart Window allows you to plot a trend style chart based on an expression which can consist of references to instrument parameters.
• A Digital Display Window allows you to display a real-time expression which can consist of references to instrument parameters.
• The ability to save instrument parameter configuration values and later load them into a new instrument will greatly speed up configuration. This will save the positions and configurations of chart and display windows.
• Support for VBScript and script files means you can create small scripts which can automate tasks such as calibration and limit testing.

VisualLink Lite is a released as freeware so can be copied and distributed freely as long as the following conditions are met:

• The source files on the original media cannot be changed in any way and must be distributed in full including any soft documentation.
• The software must not be packaged as an end user application. It must only be used as a configuration tool.
• There must be no charge for the software itself, although a charge may be made for duplication and/or media.
• Component software parts may not be used in third party applications without prior consent from the software author.

Contact the supplier of your software. They will advise you and pass you to the instrument manufacturer where applicable. Remember that VisualLink Lite is supplied with on-line help, just press F1 to get help on the currently open window.

To use VisualLink Lite you will need, as a minimum spec, DX2 66Mhz with 10 Mb of free disk space. 32 Mb RAM and at least a 256 colour display. A mouse or equivalent pointing device. The operating system must be either Windows 95 (with Internet Explorer 5 or higher installed), 98, ME, NT4 (with Internet Explorer 5 or higher installed), 2000 or XP. This software will not work on Windows 3.1.

Download the software.

Run the Setup.EXE program.

Once Setup has been run, you will need to select where to install the software. The default location will be \Program Files\VLLite but you can change this.