Hello, I have written much software for embedded processors but not for the pc for about 10 years. (I'm really a electronic engineer.) I have a stream of ASCII data (CSV data ) from some analog sensors sent via USB. I want to write some software for a pc to display these values in real time, as for example coloured icons or a bar meter. I used to be quite familiar with the simplicity of RS232 but USB software is new to me. I now regard myself as a beginner in pc software, should I use something like Visual Basic to get something up easily? I wrote in "C" for many years, but really just want something quick and easy for a demo? Any ideas please? Maybe there is an application off the shelf for analog display?
depends on your time frame and the sophistication desired.
First writting anything like this from scratch even in VB (which is considered easier, and there are easier tools) requires a learning curve dependent on your own high level programming tools experience. Mostly with familiarization with terminology and the TAO of VB you will want access to VB experts, Consier posting this on one of the usenet forums for VB or VC programming they might even dump some code that aleady works and you just change to suit your need . I would not reccomend VC or VC# etc, it will look as foreign as VB even with your "C" experience and the learning curve probably steeper just trying to find all the software calls to do what you want and how to connect to other calls. Learning curve is worst thing about these tools. a seasoned VB/VC/C# prgrammer could knock out a nifty version in less than an hour and probably less that 1/2 hour.
If you need sophistication Dials/Buttons/charting etc
Then consider there are scads of OTS software / toolkits / component libraries / applications that do this kind of stuff allready and you can download a freebie/trial for your demo. These can be as easy as drag drop integrated display and programming environment to mundane components you add to VB/VC etc.
EG. National Instruments "LabView" which is probably overkill by magnitudes from what you have stated but it is fun and pretty and there are many other similar tools
you will find these tools under usuall monikers of MMI, HMI, SCADA etc
you may illicit OT comments from sci.electronic.design
consider posting to VB/VC software groups good luck, robb
On a sunny day (Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:27:58 -0700) it happened Lyn wrote in :
Now that is something that I did not want to suggest after your first posting, but now I do: How about installing LINUX? The way to go in Linux, for simple things like this, is: libusb (to get the data) xforms graphics package (to design the GUI).
formatting link
xforms has fdesign, a WYSIWYG graphics design program that allows you to add buttons, dials, sliders, displays, etc.. look here for my satellite positioner / recorder how it looks for example: ftp://panteltje.com/pub/xdipo2.jpg or some PC scope... with internet remote support:
formatting link
Although I do not use fdesign, but type the code by hand, fdesign will write the C code for you, if you add the sliders and other stuff, all you need to do, is add (write) the callbacks. I am glad to hear there was an explosion at MS, now we know why their share price has never been the same again:
ElectronDepot website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.