Altinex CP450 Series Operation, Preparing Control Software, Installing Files and Applications

SPECIAL APPLICATION

OPERATION 7

The CP450 is designed for use in a fixed application where the system boots up directly into the user application and does not allow access to the operating system. The application and GUI interface are normally created using a standard desktop computer and then installed onto the CP450 using a USB drive or network connection.

Once set-up, the CP450 will work trouble-free without user intervention.

7.1 POWER UP and SHUTDOWN

The CP450 boots automatically as soon as power is applied. There is no need to press the power switch on the bottom of the unit. In most installations, the system boots directly into the end-user application.

The CP450 can be powered down using the shutdown/power off option from the START menu, or directly from an AVSnap application using the “App1.Shutdown” function.

7.2 PREPARING CONTROL SOFTWARE

It is not recommended to design and create control software directly on the CP450. In most situations, it is easier and faster to write and debug control software on a standard desktop computer and then transfer the completed file when ready. However, if the CP450 needs to be programmed “in place”, use an external USB keyboard and mouse. Simply plug in the devices and wait for the system to recognize the new hardware and load the drivers.

Remember, the CP450 employs the Enhanced Write Filter (EWF) to protect the contents of the internal drive. Read the next section carefully before attempting to install, create, or edit any data files or applications on the CP450. If not executed properly, changes will be lost.

The best way to create and edit on the CP450 is to use a USB drive plugged into the bottom of the unit and make changes directly to the USB drive then copy the final files to the CP450’s “C” drive.

7.3 INSTALLING FILES AND APPLICATIONS

The CP450 utilizes the Windows XP Embedded EWF to protect the CP450’s internal memory from accidental or unauthorized changes. The EWF appears to read and write from the internal drive, but executes everything in RAM. All changes WILL be lost after reset or shutdown unless the changes are committed to memory. Three batch files are provided for direct control over the EWF and should be used cautiously.

1. COMMIT.BAT – Write to hard drive

This batch file resides on the desktop and writes the RAM data onto the hard drive for permanent storage while EWF is enabled. Close open applications before running this batch file or the changes may not be committed to memory.

2. ENABLE.BAT – Turn on EWF

This batch file resides in the root directory and turns on the EWF. In this mode, no changes made to the system are saved unless the COMMIT batch file is executed. This is the default condition for all CP450s.

3. DISABLE.BAT – Turn off EWF

This batch file resides in the root directory and turns off the EWF. In this mode, the system operates like a normal computer reading and writing data directly to the hard drive.

WARNING

When the EWF is turned off, the user MUST shutdown the computer properly. If power is turned off or lost without executing the normal shutdown procedure, data can be lost, or corrupted, including the BIOS and operating system (OS). If the BIOS or OS are damaged, the entire system can become unusable.

7.3.1 INSTALLING LARGE FILES

If the application or file is too large for the available RAM, the operation will be aborted. Use the disable batch file before installing the software. Make sure to reset the EWF when done.

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