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Readme.txt for the MD2 Dual Stepper Motor System from Arrick Robotics

Edit #14  --  Roger Arrick

For additional information see the MD2 user guide
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Contents

  Quick Start for Windows XP, 2000 Computers
  Quick Start for Windows 95/98/ME Computers
  Quick Start for DOS Computers
  Source Code for writing custom programs
  Warnings
  Requirements






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Quick Start for Windows XP, 2000 Computers
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1  Review system requirements.
2  Review the warnings.
3  Install parallel printer port(s) if needed.
4  Insert the MD2 CD and run setup.exe to install the MD2xp program.
5  Connect motors to the MD2, connect the MD2 to your computer, then apply power.
6  If more than 1 parallel port was found on your computer, you will need to
   set the port address before moving motors.  Click the help button and read
   about setting port addresses.
7  Check the MD2 Enable box on the Control screen.
8  Click the arrow buttons to move motors.
9  Adjust motor parameters on the parameter screen.
10 Refer to help to learn about parameters, motion sequences, and troubleshooting.








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Quick Start for Windows 95/98/ME Computers
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1  Review system requirements.
2  Review the warnings.
3  Install parallel printer port(s) if needed.
4  Insert the MD2 CD 
5  Run the wmi9x.exe program.
6  Run setup.exe to install the MD2xp program.
7  Connect motors to the MD2, connect the MD2 to your computer, then apply power.
8  If more than 1 parallel port was found on your computer, you will need to
   set the port address before moving motors.  Click the help button and read
   about setting port addresses.
9 Check the Enable box on the Control screen.
10 Click the arrow buttons to move motors.
11 Adjust motor parameters on the parameter screen.
12 Refer to help to learn about parameters, motion sequences, and troubleshooting.






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Quick Start for DOS Computers
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1  Review system requirements.
2  Review the warnings.
3  Install parallel printer port(s) if needed.
4  If you don't have a CD drive, copy the contents of the files MD2.* to a floppy
   and use the floppy for installation.
5  Run the MD2.exe program.
6  Connect motors to the MD2, connect the MD2 to your computer, then apply power.
7  Click Calibrate from the Options menu - will take about 20 minuites.
8  Check the Enable box on the Main screen for the port you have.
9  Click the arrow buttons to move motors.
10 Adjust motor parameters on the parameter screen.
11 Refer to help to learn about parameters, motion sequences, and troubleshooting.

The MD2.exe program is a DOS-based program but it can also be run in a window
inside of Windows 98, and even XP by using the Portalk allowio utility.







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Source Code for writing custom programs
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The MD2xp program is written in Microsoft Visual Basic .Net 2005 Express. 
VB Express is free from the Microsoft website. The source code for the MD2xp 
program is provided along with the MD2 system so you can modify it and create 
your own custom application.  Source code for MD2xp is located in the MD2xp
directory on the CD

Use MD2xp as the starting point for your custom program by adding tabs for
your custom application.

Also provided are various source code libraries for C, VB 4, and QuickBasic.
See the user guide for information.

MD2xp requires the Microsoft .Net Framework version 2.0.  The Framework is 
provided on the CD and will be installed if needed.  It can also be downloaded 
from the Microsoft website.

MD2xp uses the Microsoft WMI operating system component for the Find Ports 
function.  For Windows 98, you may need to install WMI manually by running 
wmi9x.exe from the CD or download it from the Microsoft website.






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Warnings
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  * Do NOT use the MD2 system where a malfunction, programming error, or 
  unexpected behavior could result in harm, loss of life, or damage to 
  property.

  * See the printed MD2 User's Guide for additional warnings and details 
  about the MD2 system.

  * Only use the correct input voltage to power the MD2 system.
  The AC voltage requirement can be found on the label on the bottom of the 
  driver box.

  * Do NOT attach or remove cables with power applied to the MD2 driver.

  * Place the MD2 driver in a well-ventilated area to minimize heat build-up.

  * Do NOT replace the fuse with a different value or style.

  * Do NOT remove the MD2 cover or disassemble motors.







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Requirements
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  The MD2xp program will run on most PC's running Windows XP, 98, ME, 
  2000, NT.  Not all configurations have been tested so if you run into a 
  problem, please contact us.

  A standard Parallel Printer port is required for each MD2 system.
  Port converters will not work.

  A mouse makes operation easier but most actions can be accomplished using 
  the keyboard.

  A CD drive.

  Internet Explorer V5.01 or greater is required by Microsoft to install
  some components on some machines.







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End of Readme.txt
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