Communication Settings for ISA and PCI

The Galil SmartTERM application installation (as well as WSDK, ActiveX, and DMCWIN32 installations) includes the necessary drivers and .DLL files required to communicate with the Galil controller. The drivers are automatically installed and default communications settings are applied to the device by the driver when a card is installed as per the installation procedure outlined in Ch.2. However, some advanced settings are available to modify the communications methods and data record access. These settings are accessed through the Galil Registry Editor after the card is properly installed.

Galil Registry Editor

The “Edit Registry” dialog box (shown in Fig 4.4) can be accessed by selecting Controller Registration… under the Tools menu (or by selecting the toolbar icon with the magnifying glass) within DMC SmartTERM. The Edit Registry dialog shows the current controller models installed to the PC along with their associated I/O addresses, interrupt lines, and controller serial numbers. The Galil Registry is part of the DMCReg.ocx ActiveX object (refer to Fig 4.4). This ActiveX control is used to create, maintain, and modify the communication parameters, which are discussed next.

Figure 4.4 - Galil Registry Editor

Setting Communications Parameters and Methods

To access the Controller Communication Parameters dialog, highlight the desired controller in the Galil Registry Editor accessed through SmartTERM and select the Properties command button.

The timeout property under the General Parameters tab (shown in Fig 4.5) allows the user to select the timeout period that the Galil software waits for a response from the controller before generating an error. If the controller does not reply to a command with the data response and a colon (or just a colon for commands that do not invoke responses), then the Galil software API will generate the timeout error code -1 (A time-out occurred while waiting for a response from the Galil controller). The default setting for the timeout is 5000ms, which should be sufficient for most cases.

DMC-1700/1800

Chapter 4 - Software Tools and Communications • 57

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Galil DMC-1700, DMC-1800 user manual Communication Settings for ISA and PCI, Galil Registry Editor
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DMC-1800, DMC-1700 specifications

The Galil DMC-1700 and DMC-1800 are advanced motion controllers widely recognized for their high performance and versatility in the automation and robotics industries. These controllers are designed to meet the demands of complex motion control applications, providing users with enhanced features and innovative technologies that optimize motion precision and efficiency.

One of the main features of the Galil DMC-1700 is its ability to handle up to 8 axes of motion control. This capability makes it suitable for a range of applications, from simple point-to-point movements to intricate trajectories in multi-axis systems. In contrast, the DMC-1800 extends this functionality, supporting up to 64 axes, making it ideal for large-scale automation environments.

Both models leverage Galil's powerful programming interface, which simplifies the development of motion control applications. The DMC-1700 and DMC-1800 controllers utilize a high-level programming language that supports advanced motion commands, including linear interpolation, circular interpolation, and complex motion profiles. This feature allows users to implement sophisticated motion sequences seamlessly.

In terms of connectivity, the Galil DMC series offers multiple communication options, including Ethernet, RS-232, and CAN bus, ensuring compatibility with various hardware and enabling easy integration into existing systems. The controllers also come equipped with digital and analog I/O ports, providing flexibility for sensor feedback and actuator control.

The advanced technology incorporated into both the DMC-1700 and DMC-1800 includes on-board PID control, which ensures precise motion control through closed-loop feedback. This results in improved stability and accuracy, particularly in high-speed applications. Additionally, the controllers offer extensive diagnostics and monitoring capabilities, allowing for real-time performance analysis and troubleshooting.

Another notable characteristic of these motion controllers is their compact design, which offers space-saving advantages while maintaining high processing power. Their robust construction and ability to operate in challenging environments make them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, from CNC machining to assembly lines.

In conclusion, the Galil DMC-1700 and DMC-1800 motion controllers stand out due to their high-performance capabilities, advanced programming features, and flexibility in connectivity. With their ability to handle complex motion control tasks efficiently, these controllers are invaluable tools for engineers and manufacturers looking to enhance their automation processes. By integrating Galil's innovative motion control technology, industries can achieve greater precision, speed, and reliability in their operational workflows.
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