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MotionBASIC
System Card
The MotionBASIC® System Card provides an
innovative, convenient method for loading all software into an
ORION® motion controller.
Since the System Card plugs into a PC Card
slot (formerly PCMCIA) on the front of the controller, it is easily
accessible for all software updates---whether "product
recipe" files, user programs, machine setup or system software.
Changing PROMs is a thing of the past, as are all other awkward update
procedures.
 For
anyone who supports automation at multiple sites worldwide, the simplicity
and ruggedness of the System Card provides an elegant method for
maintaining and upgrading every aspect of a motion control
application---eliminating the need for a computer and skilled personnel
on-site. Updating "product recipe" files, application programs,
machine set-up parameters and/or system software is as simple as plugging
a rugged, "credit card-sized" module into the PC Card slot and
pressing the reset button.
File Management
Since the ORION® motion controller
supports a PC industry standard Flash file system, file management is
straightforward and is easily accomplished using a laptop with a PC Card
slot. ORMEC’s MotionDesk development software supports file management
using RS-232 or Ethernet communications.
Flash RAM Memory Disks
The MotionBASIC® System Card is
supplied on a Flash RAM memory card---which features inherently
non-volatile PROM technology. Flash RAM cards (6 to 136 megabytes)
feature "write speeds" approaching conventional disk drives with
RAM-drive "read speeds". The System Card acts as an integral
disk drive for the ORION® motion controller, without the moving parts of
a traditional hard disk.
MotionBASIC® Extensions
MotionBASIC® Extensions (MBX) for specialized application needs like
factory network communications are simply added to the System Card as
dynamic link library (DLL) files.
Innovative Use of PC Card Technology
- Supporting automation in remote
locations is greatly simplified.
- Front loading software is easily
accessible.
- No more burning PROMs to update software
in your motion controller.
- A PC industry standard Flash File system
simplifies file management--and makes file archival a snap on any PC.
- All software required for your
application is stored on the card---your motion control program,
machine set-up parameters & "product recipe" files.
Along with all MotionBASIC® software and extensions (MBX) required
for the application.
Memory Cards
& Hard Drives
 Industry
standard PC Card solid-state memory cards and hard drives allow ORION®
motion controllers to access substantial mass memory.
The MotionBASIC® System Card provides
adequate amounts of user memory for most applications. But if your
application has high data storage requirements --- or requires very fast
data logging --- a memory card or hard drive is a simple, elegant
solution. By simply plugging a rugged, front-loading "credit
card-sized" module into the second ORION® drive slot, users can
access substantial mass memory and/or perform real-time data logging.
The PC Card standard (formerly referred to
as PCMCIA) has rapidly emerged---fueled by its use in laptop
computers---and provides a highly reliable, cost-effective standard for
program and data storage.
Flash RAM Memory Cards
Flash RAM memory cards feature inherently
non-volatile PROM technology which make them ideal for archival,
installation and maintenance of motion control programs on the plant
floor. Flash RAM memory cards (4 to 85 megabytes) feature "write
speeds" approaching conventional disk drives with RAM-drive
"read speeds".
SRAM Memory Cards
SRAM memory cards (1, 2 & 4
megabytes) are battery-backed, and feature RAM-drive "read" and
"write" speeds. Battery life is four years, not counting the
time that power is applied to the card. The PC Card standard insures data
reliability, and memory will survive a few days with the battery removed
from the card. SRAM is ideal for dynamically changing information where
the fastest real-time performance is important.
PC Card Hard Disks
PC Card hard disks provide large
amounts of additional data storage for specialized needs for user program
and data storage. Hard disks are available with up to 260 megabytes.
Using Memory Cards
Memory Cards act as an integral
disk drive to an ORION® motion controller.
Since the ORION® motion controller supports a DOS-compatible Flash file
system, file management is straightforward and can be easily accomplished
using a laptop with a PC Card drive slot. ORMEC’s MotionDesk also
provides file management support utilizing the motion controller’s
RS-232 development port.
Supporting Remote Automation: For
manufacturers who support automation at multiple sites worldwide, the
simplicity and ruggedness of memory disks provide an elegant method for
updating motion control systems---eliminating the need for a computer and
skilled personnel to perform on-site updates.
Storing Product Recipes: An
application may need to reference setup or "recipe" data based
on an operator selection of a specific product run for the automated
machine. The controller program can access Memory Card files to retrieve
data relevant to the operator selection. Should machine performance
information need to be collected during a production run, data can be
written to a Memory Card file, providing permanent storage of
"live" process data.
Sequential & Random Access Files:
MotionBASIC® also includes statements that provide access to
sequential and random-access data files on memory disk. Sequential data
files, for example, can be used to save "on disk" mathematical
array values that define complex wind segments for traverse winding
"recipes". Random access data files have been used to define
"pin patterns" and "locations" for machines that
insert pins into electrical connectors.
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