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Downloading your program
Your control program can be downloaded and run by the K’NEX interface.
Note: Test compile can be done without an interface connected but the correct interface type must be
selected (from Interface in the File menu). Compile and download will remain greyed out unless
an interface is connected.
To check your control program is suitable for download:
•
Click on the Download icon on the toolbar.
•
Click on the Test compile button.
•
If the status shows as compiled OK then the program is suitable for download.
To download the program:
•
Check that a connection is established between the K’NEX Computer Control Software and the
interface e.g. the Disconnect icon is shown.
•
Click on the Download icon on the toolbar. Click on the Compile and download program button.
A progress indicator will show the program being compiled into ‘machine code’ and downloaded.
•
Upon completion exit this window, click on the Disconnect icon and unplug the interface from the
computer.
Stored program limits
There is a limit to the size of the program that can be downloaded to the memory for 256 bytes of
program. When you test compile or compile and download your program the memory used indicator
will show an approximation of the amount of memory used.
The size of program that can be downloaded entirely depends on the complexity of the program. For
the simplest program (one start, switching outputs on or off and wait) K’NEX Interface will accept 200
commands max.
There are some limits to a program for download and if they are exceeded a ‘compile error’ message
will be displayed.
For example with K’NEX Interface:
•
Use a maximum of 4 flowcharts (Starts)
•
Use only Variables x and y
•
Use a maximum of 16 different valued Wait commands (If Wait 2 seconds is used 5 times in a
program then this will be counted as one value of wait. If Wait 1, Wait 2 and Wait 3 are used this
will count as three values of wait)
•
Use a maximum of 16 different constants
•
Use a maximum of 16 different procedures (If Procedure: Flash is used 5 times in a program then
this will be counted as one procedure. If Procedure: Flash, Procedure: Wait and Procedure: Pelican
are used this will count as three procedures)
•
Motor speed control variables are not suitable
•
Sound commands are incompatible
•
Binary input commands are incompatible. Binary output commands can be used but will not
reduce program size.
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