- Linux MultiMedia Studio Computer Accessories User Manual

Mint v4 PC Programming Guide

MN1278 05.2001

1.1 Introduction

The PC Developer Libraries allow PC based applications to be written that communicate with Mint controllers.

This is achieved using the Mint Interface Library which is a common API (Application Program Interface) for the

range of Mint based motion controllers. The Mint Interface Library is suitable for use under Windows 95, 98,

ME, NT and 2000 via an ActiveX control or C++ source code.

Features include:

•

Ability to upload and download Mint programs and configuration files.

•

Ability to interrogate the Mint command line.

• Updating of new firmware into FLASH or RAM.

•

Support for the Mint Comms Protocol, whereby data can be transferred to an executing Mint program by

means of a protected datapacket.

• Ability to read Dual Port RAM locations on the NextMove PCI and NextMove PC (Mint v4)

controllers.

•

PC based motion control.

•

Support for communications with controllers on a CAN network.

Support is provided for the following controllers:

• NextMove product family: NextMove PCI, NextMove BX and NextMove PC.

•

MintDrive.

• ServoNode 51.

• EuroSystem product family: SmartMove, SmartStep, EuroSystem, EuroStep, EuroServo.

This manual does not include detail on individual Mint Interface Library functions. Details can be found in the

Mint v4 Function Reference Guide.

1.2 Installation

From the Baldor Motion Toolkit CD, the ‘PC Developer Libraries’ should be installed from the NextMove PCI,

NextMove BX v4, MintDrive and ServoNode 51 product pages. This will install the ActiveX component, the

C++ source files and the examples. A custom setup option is also included to allow selective install of the

components.