3. OPERATION
Now that you have installed the Lx1553-5 in your system, it is ready to be
operated under the control of a software application. Ballard Technology’s
unified API library called BTIDriver, easily operates the Lx1553-5 and utilizes
its powerful interfaces.
3.1 CoPilot
A PC with CoPilot® and Ballard’s Lx1553-5 makes a powerful, low-cost databus
analyzer/simulator. CoPilot interfaces directly with the Lx1553-5, eliminating the
need to write custom software. CoPilot greatly simplifies such tasks as defining
and scheduling bus messages and capturing and analyzing data. CoPilot is a
Windows-based program that features a user-friendly GUI and many timesaving
features. For example, bus messages can be automatically detected, posted in the
hardware tree, and associated with the appropriate attributes from the database of
equipment, message, and engineering unit specifications.
CoPilot users can quickly configure, run, and display the activity of multiple
databuses in a unified view. Data can be observed and changed in engineering
units while the bus is running. The Strip View graphically illustrates the history
of the selected data values. Data can also be entered and viewed as virtual
instruments (knobs, dials, gauges, etc.) that can be created by the user or
automatically generated by dragging and dropping an item into the Control View
window.
Because CoPilot can host multiple channels in the same project, it is the ideal
tool for operating Lx1553-5 devices. CoPilot can be purchased separately or with
an Lx1553-5 device. For more information or a free evaluation copy, call Ballard
at (800) 829-1553. In addition, you can learn more about the latest version of
CoPilot at www.ballardtech.com.
Figure 3.1—Sample CoPilot screen
Lx1553-5 User’s Manual
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