- Linux MultiMedia Studio Computer Accessories User Manual

Mint v4 PC Programming Guide
4
MN1278 05.2001
The Mint Interface Library is a common API that allows access to Mint controllers. It can be used via an
ActiveX control or through C++ source code. The Mint Interface Library is suitable for use under Windows 95,
98, ME, NT and 2000.
The ActiveX control (OCX) can be used with a large number of languages. This document concentrates on
Microsoft Visual C++, Microsoft Visual Basic and Borland Delphi but the principle is the same in any language.
The C++ source code can also be used directly from Visual C++.
Communication to NextMove PCI and NextMove PC occurs over Dual Port RAM on the card. Communication
to all other controllers takes place over a serial port using either RS232 or RS485.
The are several example programs included on the Baldor Motion Toolkit as part of the PC Developer Libraries.
This chapter covers general methods of communication with Mint controllers. The next chapter covers the
specifics of using the Mint Interface Library.
2.1 NextMove PCI
NextMove PCI requires a device driver under all Windows operating systems. See the NextMove PCI
Installation Guide for details on installing the device drivers.
The version number of the device driver can be found using the following method:
Windows 95, 98, ME:
Locate the file NMPCI1.VXD in the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory using Windows Explorer. Right click the
file and select ‘Properties’. The ‘Version’ tab of the displayed dialog gives version information for the device
driver.
Windows NT, 2000:
Locate the file NMPCI.SYS in the \WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS directory using Windows Explorer. Right
click the file and select ‘Properties’. The ‘Version’ tab of the displayed dialog gives version information for the
device driver.
2.2 NextMove PC
NextMove PC requires a device driver under Windows NT and Windows 2000. See the NextMove PC Mint v4
Installation Guide for details on installing the device driver.
2.3 Dual Port RAM on NextMove PCI and PC
All communication between NextMove PCI / PC and the host is performed using Dual Port RAM (DPR). This is
physical block of memory on NextMove which can be accessed by either NextMove or the host. Various
locations in DPR have been set aside for special purposes such as sending control codes and passing I/O
information. Other locations have been left for the user to pass any required information back and forth.