A Windows based Active-X software module for controlling the motorized grating turret for all Sciencetech motorized monochromators and spectrographs. This Active-X software module allows the user to select wavelength position and active grating (multi-grating turret systems only) via software commands on a Windows PC. Being an Active-X module, it can be used as a stand-alone software application, or have its control functionality incorporated into other Active-X compliant Windows software applications written in C, Visual C++, Visual Basic or even National Instrument's LabView. For incorporating its function into other software, programming knowledge is required.
Using Sci-Mono inside LabView
There are two ways to access ActiveX functionality inside LabView. One uses the ActiveX Window and the other uses the ActiveX functions. It is best to use Sci-Mono in the second case where its ActiveX functions are accessible as an automation object. Basically, this means LabView uses SciMono as a library of functions.
Technical Assistance
To incorporate an Active-X component into another software, software programming knowledge is required. If the customer has difficulties incorporating Sci-Mono into their software program, such assistance is available at additional cost. Sciencetech 2005 charge out rate for programming consultation is $120/hr USD.
Compatibility with Prior Versions
Please note that the MD-100 motor controller has an internal ROM chip that interprets and executes the various ASCII commands that is sent to it from the SciSpec, SciLDA, or SciMono software residing on the computer. This MD-100 internal ROM chip has changed versions over the years and hence may not be backward compatible. For example, a customer has reported that the 2006 Sci-Spec software cannot be used to control an MD-100 manufactured in 1998 as its ROM chip is not compatible with the new software ASCII codes. The solution is to purchase a new MD-100 with the latest software.