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Never used an ActiveX before? or you have used an ActiveX before and you
just want clarification on how this one works, then read on...
Unsure of what an ActiveX is? click here for an explanation.
Once you know which development language/platform you are using, you can begin
by developing your application. The following links will assist you in the development phase of your software.
How to start developing? simply create a new Form in your development
language, drag-n-drop one of the instrument controls onto the form, then right-click on it and choose Properties. From this screen you
can configure the control's appearance and behaviour (also possible via code).
Want to create an OPC application with the instruments?
If so, then you can use the built-in OPC interfaces available on each control. Once the control is embedded within your form, simply right-click on it and choose Properties. From within the properties screen you can specify the OPC Server and Tag you wish to connect to.
Don't want to use the OPC interface?
not a problem... being an ActiveX you still have the power to use the controls as you demand. If you already have a means of controlling the instruments, then you are not constrained to use the OPC interface at all.
Once your application has been developed, it's time to deploy it. Deployment
means that you will install your application onto other computers.
Deploying using the built-in OPC Interfaces? then you will need OPC Client
Runtime licenses. Once you have those, just make your install-set and go!
Deploying without the built-in OPC Interfaces? then you are already set!
By using the ActiveX control (and NOT the OPC Interfaces) you are not bound by runtime licenses. Just make your install-set and go!
How do the controls "work" during runtime?
Simple... they respond to events! those events may be the result of an end-user clicking something, or something in your code. If you are using the OPC Interface then the control may automatically update/change based on a Tag changing-value in the OPC Server. Instruments that are bound to a Tag in an OPC Server will write-back Tag values to the OPC Server if a user presses a switch for example. This of course depends on how you configure the instruments.
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