____________________________________________________________________________ TaskLink for Windows V3.0 Readme File ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. System Requirements 3. Upgrading to TaskLink for Windows 4. Task Files 5. Getting Started Tips 6. Using the Hyperterminal Utility 7. FAQ 8. Changes to the Getting Started Guide 9. How to Contact Data I/O 10. Revision History Hints on using this file If you are using Notepad or another similar text editor to view this file and the text extends beyond the edge of the screen, from the menu select "Edit > Word Wrap" (Notepad). The file can be more easily viewed and read by maximizing your application. To do this click on the "maximize" icon in the top right hand corner of the applications Window. 1. Introduction ---------------------- TaskLink for Windows is a powerful user interface which enhances the efficiency and quality of your programming process. It is a 32-bit application for Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT operating systems. The TaskLink user interface intuitively guides you through the steps to program your devices, including device selection, data file download, programming parameter setup and other device operations. One of TaskLink's key advantages comes from its "Task Manager" allowing you to capture your programming steps in a single task file and save specific job profiles to a library of tasks, for one step programming the next time around. If you created tasks in a previous DOS version of TaskLink for a UniSite (excluding SetSite), 3980, 3900 or 2900 then these task are compatible with and can simply be used in their current form by this version of TaskLink for Windows. For details on how to utilize the features of TaskLink including the Task Manager and Tasks please refer to the On-Line Help. The Getting Starting guide also provides you with the basic steps to set up and use your programming system. 2. System Requirements ----------------------------- * UniSite, 3980, 3900, 2900 or AutoSite (in stand alone mode, handler and labeler systems not supported) * It is recommended to use TaskLink for Windows that your programming system is at V5.8 or higher. * Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT. (Windows 3.11 not supported) * Min. of 25M hard disk space for TaskLink files, CD ROM, bus or serial mouse, VGA monitor 640x480 min. resolution. 3. Upgrading to TaskLink for Windows ------------------------------------------- To install TaskLink on your PC please follow these simple steps: * Close all your current applications. * Insert CD into the CD ROM drive. * Run Setup.exe from the CD and follow the instructions on the screen. * Make sure to have your serial number available (located on the CD case and box), the installation program will request this number. By default the TaskLink for Windows files are installed in C:/Dataio/TLWIN 4. Task Files -------------------- TaskLink for Windows is compatible with your existing "Tasks and Kits", to use existing "Task or Kits" follow these simple steps: * Locate your current .tsk files that you need to use * Copy them into the "mytasks" sub-directory in your TLWIN directory (default is C:\Dataio\TLWIN\mytasks) * You can also copy your programmer defaults file (.SET) to the TLWIN directory and security configuration file (.SEC) to the WINDOWS\SYSTEM subdirectory to duplicate the setup of your existing system. A Quick Start Guide can also be found in your product box, with these instructions. WARNING: Tasks created with TaskLink for Windows may not be backward compatible with earlier DOS versions of TaskLink. Because new features have been added to TaskLink for Windows if these are used in Tasks, created in TaskLink for Windows, they may not be interpreted correctly or understood by earlier versions of TaskLink (V2.01 or lower). Tasks created for handler systems (ProMasters), PSX gang programmers and the SetSite gang or ChipSite modules or older obsolete products may not function as desired when used with a different system (e.g. UniSite or 3980). In many cases, many of the parameters are compatible but for instance with tasks created for handler or gang systems then any information for label printing, gang or set programming or other unique features to those systems will not be understood. 5. Getting Started Tips ------------------------------ Simulation Mode - Without a programmer connected, from the menu select "System > Simulation" and TaskLink for Windows will enter simulation mode. Simulation mode can be used for training or to assess the product features or for off-line configuring. e.g. Tasks can be created off-line or verified off-line by using simulation mode and then used for a real job once downloaded to the local machine connected to the programming system. When the application is in Simulation mode, this is indicated in the bottom right hand corner of the screen, the words "Simulation Mode" appear on a yellow background at this location. If you encounter communication problems or programming errors then check to ensure that TaskLink is not in Simulation Mode. In this mode it may appear that the operation has completed succesfully, but TaskLink is simulating the process and actual communications or programming is not taking place. When first launching TaskLink follow the following quick steps to establish communications with your specific system: * from the menu select "System > Programmer Type" and then select the specific programming system that you wish to connect to * from the toolbar select the icon on the far left labeled "Establish Contact", this will establish contact with your programming system over the serial port, if TaskLink cannot establish contact, refer to the Getting Started Guide for troubleshooting * the first time you establish contact or whenever you upgrade your system you will need to update the device database in TaskLink to match your programmers version and to achieve this from the menu select "Utilities > Device List Update", this takes a few minutes to complete. If you receive error messages that the device list does not match your programmer it is because you need to perform this operation. * use the icons on the toolbar to quickly and efficiently step through your programming process, "Select Device" followed by "Properties" to define your process, "Load RAM from PC or Master" and then finally "Process Device" 6. Using the HyperTerminal utility ----------------------------------------- In some instances TaskLink for Windows uses a VT100 emulator. The default emulator used is HyperTerminal. You need to ensure that HyperTerminal is installed on your system. If you receive errors when trying to edit data files for instance, this is likely to indicate that HyperTerminal is not installed on your PC. To install HyperTerminal, select Add/Remove Programs from your Windows Control Panel and follow the instructions to install a new application. You may need your original Windows Operating Sytem CD unless the HyperTerminal application has already been copied to your hard disk. 7. FAQ --------------- Q: On what operating systems will TaskLink for Windows run? A: TaskLink for Windows is a 32 bit application supported on Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT operating systems. Q: What programming systems does it support? A: TaskLink for Windows supports 2900, 3900/3980, AutoSite, andUniSite in stand alone mode only. It is recommended that your programming system is at V5.8 or higher. Q: In what media is TaskLink for Windows available? A: TaskLilnk for Windows is available on CD, although special requests for floppy disks can be addressed. Please direct this request through your sales representative. Q: Are older versions of TaskLink compatible with TaskLink for Windows? A: Yes, you can simply read in any task, using the Task Manager. To understand how to use older tasks , refer to the "Quick Start Instructions" insert in the product box. The same applies to security and programmer default setups which are also compatible. Q: Is a demo version available? A: Yes, the demonstration version of the product is available on our website. You may get it here, or from our home page at http://www.data-io.com, select the "What's New" link, and navigate to the Task Link for Windows item. Select this item, then follow the directions to download the demonstration software. The file is rather large and may take a while to download. Q: Are there any features that were in the DOS version of TaskLink which are not supported? A: SetSite and ChipSite for the UniSite are not supported. These products have been discontinued and there are no plans to support these options. Q: Can you print labels with this new version of TaskLink? A: This new version of TaskLink is supported by the standard Windows print drivers and you can print help topics and other information. However, a utility to define text and label formats which would allow you to print labels subsequent to programming has not been added at this time. Q: Does TaskLink support network functions? A: You can access data, task, security, and setup files from any drive on the network. An administrator could work off-line, save the new/modified tasks to a network location and then access them from the programmer as long as that PC is connected to and has access to that particular network drive. You cannot run TaskLink from a central server; it must be installed locally on the PC connected to the programming system. Q: Is the "default" programmer type supported in TaskLink for Windows? A: Yes. When creating a task, the user is able to select default programmer. This means the task automatically adopts the parameters of the specific programmer attached to the computer. Using this method, generic tasks can be created off-line, then used with other systems using TaskLink for Windows elsewhere within the facility. However, additional parameters specific to that programmer would need to be added at the local programming station. Q: Are PromLink files supported? A: Yes. The formats are not identical, but the capability to convert old TaskLink and PromLink files has been built in. The user will be asked to convert the task file the first time it is selected. If the user responds "yes," TaskLink for Windows will convert the file and save it in the new format. NOTE: Once converted, these files will not be backwards compatible with earlier versions of TaskLink or PromLink! Q: How does the software license work? A: The license agreement works similarly to other software licenses and industry standards. This allows the user to install the application (TaskLink for Windows) on any PC as long as it is only used on one PC at a time. If TaskLink needs to be used concurrently on multiple machines/PC's, then the equivalent number of licenses should be purchased. This in effect gives the customer a type of site license. Q: What is the purpose of the Import and Export buttons? A: Task parameters can also be imported or exported in an ASCII text format. The normal task format is contained in the .tsk file; however Import and Export allows tasks written in ASCII text to be used as well. These may have been written for custom programs in the past or saved in this way as archives from older versions of TaskLink. Q: How often will TaskLink be updated and will updates come with the contracts? A: TaskLink will not be shipped with updates. When a new major version of TaskLink is released, this product will be sold as an upgrade, the same as the industry standard for selling Windows applications. There is no current schedule for TaskLink updates. Based on the software roadmap and priorities, it is likely that TaskLink will receive at least one major update a year, in line with industry standards. Q: What are some of the new and key features of TaskLink for Windows? A: Features include- * True 32 bit Windows application with Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT support * TaskLink for Windows supports all of the features of TaskLink for DOS * Windows dialogs, scroll bars, and other features make the user interface easier to use and navigate * A new dialog box for FLASH device sectors allow point and click sector operations * Import and export ASCII tasks, for your permanent records * Search and replace utility within tasks * Ability to print help files * Ability to view tasks and kits on-line (users are no longer required to edit tasks in order to review their parameters ) * Tasks, security and default parameters read directly from older versions * Device selection is easier to view and navigate using a file manager (tree) type structure * Toolbars and icons allow quick and simple one step setup and processing * All programming properties are in a single dialog box with tabs, reducing the number of steps required to setup the system * Serialization is simplified; serialization parameters can be added in a dialog box * Yields and statistics can be viewed in real time (always on-screen, even while processing) * Password protected operator and administrator modes for secure operation * Session logging with auto print feature at end of each job for permanent records or troubleshooting * Simulation mode for off-line setup * Task Manager allows tasks to be created, edited, and run from a single dialog box (reduces the number of steps required to create and update tasks) * Network file support; data and task files can be stored centrally on network drives * On-line, context sensitive help * On-screen, real-time information; indicates parameters, non-defaults, processing time, and total time of operation (can record programming times and calculate throughputs for optimizing processes) 8. Changes to The Getting Started Guide --------------------------------------------- Certain references in the Getting Started Guide and screen shots may vary slightly to the actual product that you install. Final changes and enhancements made to the code and some of the screens were made after the manual was printed and so screen shots may not exactly match what you see on the screen in all cases. However the function of the product and features as described in the guide remain accurate and valid. 9. How to contact us --------------------------- For technical support and sales please call your local sales and support office. To determine the closest office to you, please consult our WEB site, www.data-io.com. Further information regarding TaskLink for Windows can also be found on our WEB site. In the US please call our support hotline on 1-800-247-5700. For sales in the US please call 1-800-332-8246 or email us at telsales@data-io.com. 10. Revision History -------------------------- TASKLINK FOR WINDOWS VERSION 3.10 -Fix problem with checksum errors while uploading data in format 16. -Fix problem with Continuity Check not being able to be disabled in a task. Occurred when obsolete HandlerLink task settings were enabled in the task. No way for the user to edit or change then with going all the way back to HandlerLink. -Add speed up improvements to highspeed download. -Possible fix to the problem with highspeed download not working on fast Pentium PC’s running Windows NT. -Update the serialization command line so only "serializ.exe and serial2.exe" are forced to be lower case. All other serial programs can be any case. -Implement improvements to the .TSK file checking when running with multiple users over a network. -Added generic support for the 6D] CRC command added to UniSite family in version 6.20. -Fixed problem with tasks crashing when running in simulation mode. -Fix problem with converting TLDOS 1.xx tasks that contain unsupported Handler settings in the Task. -Update to using Microsoft VC++ 6.0 and new MFC run-time DLL’s. -Fix problem with operator messages not working in kits that contain only 1 task. -Fix problem with data checksum not being calculated after using the memory editor. TASKLINK FOR WINDOWS VERSION 3.03 - Fix problem with Host Download, when Auto FillRAM is enabled. - Fix Host Download screen animation. TASKLINK FOR WINDOWS VERSION 3.02 - Fix problem with selecting device names that contain underscores ( "_" ) in the MFG names or exclamations ( "!" ) in the device names. - Fix problem with upgrading task files that contain alphabetic characters in the version field ( 1.51K, 1.60A, etc. ). - Fix problem with accessing the registry on NT workstations, where the users does not have administrator privilages. - Fix problem with accessing task files with "read only" permissions, or files in directories with "read only" permissions. - Fix problem with doing a Load From Master on Japanese Windows platforms. - Add support for new UniSystem error codes. - Improve handling and case sensitivity of filenames stored on UniSystem programmer MSM drives, including files without a full 3 digit file extension. - Serialization command line parameters are now forced to be lower case. Same as TaskLink DOS version 1.70 or later. - Fix ability to detect Win98 OS platform when launching HyperTerminal. - Improve the display and usage of the "Processing Halted" message box. TASKLINK FOR WINDOWS VERSION 3.01 - Add support for TaskLink Demo release.