Re: Darkroom software Help


dan.c.quinn@xxxxxxx a écrit :

RE:Claudio Bonavolta wrote:

I'm pretty happy others are also working on similar projects as I
strongly believe a computer-based system can help a lot in a
traditional darkroom. Claudio Bonavolta


Apple's computer operating system OS-X includes the Java
programing language, compiler, and integration software. I'll likely
have an Apple this fall. Have you any thoughts about building
data-base software using an Apple computer and the
included software? Dan


dan.c.quinn@xxxxxxx a écrit :

RE:Claudio Bonavolta wrote:

I'm pretty happy others are also working on similar projects as I
strongly believe a computer-based system can help a lot in a
traditional darkroom. Claudio Bonavolta


Apple's computer operating system OS-X includes the Java
programing language, compiler, and integration software. I'll likely
have an Apple this fall. Have you any thoughts about building
data-base software using an Apple computer and the
included software? Dan

I'm not sure if you refer to Pachyderm system or mine ...

First, note I'm not an expert of Java or Apple ...

Said that, my system is based on a commercial lab interface, the
Labjack U12 (www.labjack.com).
It's a basic interface but offers a lot of possibilities (USB
connection, multiple digital I/O, analog I/O, a counter, etc ...) and
is not expensive compared to higher-end models.
Since I started my project, they added other interfaces to their line.
It may be worth to check them too.

Around the U12 I added some basic electronics to make the power
switches, the RGB sensor, a (bought) stabilized switching power supply
for the enlarger, etc ...
And I developed the software using the driver layer to make it work.

In my case, the software is developped with Borland Delphi and uses the
standard Windows DLL but, as other did a great job before me, I was
able to find a source code unit that wrapped the dll calls and driving
the interface became just a matter of calling procedures and functions.
The first version of my software was done in 1999 and it evolved
regularly during these years, adding the hardware interface was a
pretty easy task.
And, as I developped it mainly for my personal needs, I can easily
modify the software on the fly (sometimes during a printing session !).

From their website, in the downloads section of the U12, there are
*many* drivers available for different platforms (Windows, Linux, Mac)
and languages. Among these Java.
Some may not be fully supported by the manufacturer but should work
flawlessly.
There are also *many* examples of source code in various languages and
various forums where you can discuss topics with others using the same
language:
http://www.labjack.com/labjack_u12_downloads.html
So, with no doubt, if you know java, you'll be able to develop a
software for your needs.

The Labjack U12 is also available in OEM formats (without the case and
connectors) for those who want to include it into a commercial product,
its price is much lower and you can have quantities rebates.

If you look at the pictures of my system, you'll see what I call a
development prototype, a very bulky box with lots of cables where I
must put my (big) fingers in to modify it.
As the hardware is pretty stable now, I, hopefully soon, will develop a
"production" prototype, much smaller, integrated onto a single board
and using an OEM version of the U12. The result will be much smaller
and cost a lot less.
I hope to put such description on my site by the end of the year,
together with the PCB (printed board layout).
I can't fix a precise date as I'm involved in the tough battle of
trying to publish a book (www.swissparades.ch) and I'm definetely not
sure to win that battle ...
If there is interest, I may either sell it as a kit (electronic
components price drops with quantity and it's already sensible from 10
pieces on) or a complete unit.
Intended that I don't want to make a commercial activity out of it, as
I'm always to busy and I doubt there is a big market anyway.

I've still some work to do as I would like to make it compatible with
my two next projects, a reflection densitometer and a LED based RGB
color/multigrade head.
The leds will be driven through a triple-timer, one per channel.
That shouldn't be to tough to implement.

Claudio Bonavolta
http://www.bonavolta.ch

.

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