It is possible to run an Excel macro from within Scorpion?

Yes this is possible to do. To do this install Python and the Win32 python extensions on the PC. The following function will then run a macro in Excel:

from win32com.client import Dispatch
 def RunExcelMacro(name):
   myExcel = Dispatch('Excel.Application')
   myExcel.Visible = 0
   myExcel.Workbooks.Add('c:Termoetiketter1_2.xls')
   myExcel.Run(name)
   myExcel.DisplayAlerts = 0
   myExcel.Quit()

What is Python good for?

Python is used in many situations where a great deal of dynamism, ease of use, power, and flexibility are required. In the area of basic text manipulation core Python (without any non-core extensions) is easier to use and is roughly as fast as just about any language, and this makes Python good for many system administration type tasks and for CGI programming and other application areas that manipulate text and strings and such.

What is Python?

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language. It incorporates modules, exceptions, dynamic typing, very high level dynamic data types, and classes. Python combines remarkable power with very clear syntax. It has interfaces to many system calls and libraries, as well as to various window systems, and is extensible in C or C.

Python is also usable as an extension language for applications that need a programmable interface. Finally, Python is portable: it runs on many brands of UNIX, on the Mac, and on PCs under MS-DOS, Windows, Windows NT, and OS/2.

Where can I find more information about Python?

Visit the official python web site. The python faq contains valuable information.

Do you need help to start scripting – use the non programmer’s tutorial. The latest python versions are found at the Python Download. Sourceforge.Net contains large resources of modules and programs.

On the Scorpion CD a directory contains the latest Python versions. How to install Python?

How can I get live images starting with the Default profile?

The default profile can be changed to take live images with the following steps:

1. Press Service in the main toolbar – 911 is the password
2. Activate Service in the minor toolbar3. Activate Camera
3. Under Camera Settings edit the camera
4. Select one of the cameras in the listbox
5. Advanced is used to set the camera properties
6. When closing the Camera dialog a green checkmark shall appear – this means that the camera is open – a red checkmark can mean that another application has opened the camera or simply an error
7. Uncheck the Simulate option under Camera.Image Settings
8. Press Snapshot in the main toolbar – the image shall appear in the right pane of Scorpion.
9. Under Camera.Image Settings the name of the images can be changed using edit and setting the image properties.

I get an error message when starting the Label demo profile found on the Scorpion CD – what is the problem?

Scorpion is using an ActiveX component from Microsoft?s Internet Explorer. The message indicates that you need to modify IE?s security settings. These errors and/or warnings can be avoided by activating the following options in Internet Options / Security in Internet Explorer:

• Download signed and unsigned ActiveX controls
• Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe

If you do this a have a problem with warnings in Internet Explorer check this.

What is the recommended voltage to supply to a firewire bus?

Based on experience we recommend to supply 15 VAC to the IEEE-1394 bus. We have ?bad? images from cameras when 12 Volt is supplied. Other cameras do not work if the power is 20 Volts. The power shall always be supplied from one or both of the ends of the bus.

What kind of IEEE-1394 interface cards are recommended for use with Scorpion Vision Software?

Scorpion being based on standard images sources and standards like OHCI and DirectX will work with any OHCI compliant adapter. Even if all adapters are compatible with Scorpion they are not the same.

Unibrain – www.unibrain.com – interface cards are used to demonstrate Scorpion Vision Software. Unibrain have three interesting OHCI adapters FireBoard Red, a good low cost solution, FireBoard 400-OHCI, a high cost – high end solution with external power and the FireCard 400 intended for portable vision.

How can I calculate the number of cameras to connect to one IEEE-1394 bus?

The number of cameras are limited by the available bandwidth. The following table shows how much bandwidth a camera is using based on frame rate, image format and resolution.

Link to table

Do Scorpion Support Ethernet IO?

Yes, Scorpion supports Ethernet IO using the Advantech Adam-6060 module. This module is connected to the PC using an ethernet cable. The unit has six relay output and six digital inputs.

Download data sheets and 3d models form Advantech.

More information about Adam-6060 is located in the Scorpion Online Help.