Software Startup Guide

This guide provides detailed instructions for properly booting your system and starting the RTMC130 motion control software. Following these steps in the correct order ensures optimal performance and prevents potential issues.

System Requirements

Before launching the RTMC130 software, ensure your system meets these requirements:

Required Software Components

• MS-DOS: Version 5.0 or higher (6.22 recommended)
• Mouse Driver: A DOS-compatible mouse driver (typically MOUSE.COM)
• HIMEM.SYS: Memory manager for extended memory access

Required Hardware Components

• Computer: DOS-compatible PC with ISA slots
• Memory: 640KB conventional memory minimum
• RTMC Card: RTMC48 or RTMC16 card properly installed
• Display: VGA or better for proper interface display
• Input: Mouse and keyboard

CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT Configuration

Optimal DOS configuration for RTMC130 includes:

DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS
DOS=HIGH
FILES=30
BUFFERS=20
SHELL=C:\COMMAND.COM C:\ /E:1024 /P
                                

@ECHO OFF
PATH C:\DOS;C:\RTMC48
C:\DOS\MOUSE.COM
                                

Booting to MS-DOS

To ensure optimal performance, the RTMC130 software must be run in a pure MS-DOS environment, not from within Windows.

From a Windows Computer

1. Turn on the computer
2. If the computer boots directly to Windows:
   • Restart the computer
   • Press the appropriate key during startup to access boot options (often F8, F12, or Delete)
   • Select "Boot to MS-DOS" or "Command Prompt Only" if available
3. For Windows 98/ME systems:
   • Press F8 during startup
   • Select "Command Prompt Only" from the boot menu
4. For older systems with a boot menu:
   • Select MS-DOS from the boot menu

Using a Boot Disk

For systems that cannot easily boot to pure DOS, using a boot disk is recommended:

1. Create a bootable DOS floppy disk with the necessary system files
2. Add optimized CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files
3. Insert the disk and restart the computer
4. Set the BIOS to boot from the floppy drive if necessary
5. Once booted to DOS, you can access the hard drive using drive letters

Launching RTMC130

Follow these steps to properly launch the RTMC130 software after booting to MS-DOS:

Basic Launch Procedure

1. At the DOS prompt (typically C:\>), navigate to the RTMC installation directory:

   cd \rtmc48

2. Launch the RTMC130 software by typing:

   rtmc130

3. Wait 5-10 seconds for the software to load. You'll see initialization messages as it checks hardware and loads components
4. If the RTMC card is properly installed and detected, the main Kuper Control Panel should appear

The default RTMC48 directory showing key files:

Launch Options and Parameters

The RTMC130 software can be launched with optional parameters for specific configurations:

Common Launch Issues and Solutions

• "Card Not Found" Error: Verify the RTMC card is properly seated and jumpers are set correctly
• "Insufficient Memory" Error: Free conventional memory by removing TSRs or optimize your CONFIG.SYS
• "Mouse Not Found" Error: Ensure a compatible mouse driver is loaded
• Screen Display Issues: Try launching with /v parameter for VGA mode
• Hanging at Startup: Check for hardware conflicts (IRQ or memory address)

Interface Overview

Upon successful launch, the RTMC130 Control Panel (main screen) will be displayed, showing several key interface elements:

Main Control Panel Layout

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                           KUPER MOTION CONTROL                               │
├────────────┬────────────┬──────────┬─────────┬────────────┬─────────────────┤
│ AXIS NAME  │ POSITION   │ MODE     │  TYPE   │ JOG PARAMS │ JOYSTICK PARAMS │
├────────────┼────────────┼──────────┼─────────┼────────────┼─────────────────┤
│ 1 PAN      │ 0.000      │ REC      │    S    │ 10.00      │ CH1 Position    │
├────────────┼────────────┼──────────┼─────────┼────────────┼─────────────────┤
│ 2 TILT     │ 0.000      │ REC      │    S    │ 10.00      │ CH2 Position    │
├────────────┼────────────┼──────────┼─────────┼────────────┼─────────────────┤
│ 3 TRACK    │ 0.000      │ NEUT     │    S    │ 5.00       │ CH3 Velocity    │
├────────────┼────────────┼──────────┼─────────┼────────────┼─────────────────┤
│ 4 BOOM     │ 0.000      │ OFF      │    S    │ 2.00       │ CH4 Position    │
├────────────┼────────────┼──────────┼─────────┼────────────┼─────────────────┤
│ ...        │ ...        │ ...      │   ...   │ ...        │ ...             │
├────────────┴────────────┴──────────┴─────────┴────────────┴─────────────────┤
│                                                                              │
│  Frame: 0     Duration: 200     Rate: 24.000                                 │
│                                                                              │
├──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────┬───────────┬────────────┬────────┤
│ HardSet  │ AxisSetup │  Editor  │ StopMotn │ UtilFiles │  Options   │  QUIT  │
└──────────┴──────────┴──────────┴──────────┴───────────┴────────────┴────────┘
                                

Key Interface Elements

Familiarize yourself with these main elements of the Control Panel:

Navigation and Input Methods

The RTMC130 interface can be controlled using:

• Mouse: Click on screen elements to select or adjust them
• Keyboard: Type commands or values directly
• Jogbox: Use the handheld controller for common operations
• Two-Letter Commands: Type two-letter codes for specialized functions

Closing the Software

When you're finished using the RTMC130 software, it's important to close it properly to ensure all data is saved and the system is shut down gracefully.

Proper Shutdown Procedure

1. Save any unsaved work:
   • Press UtilFiles button
   • Select Save Move or Save Setup as appropriate
   • Enter a filename and confirm
2. Exit the software:
   • Click the QUIT button in the lower right corner of the main screen
   • Alternatively, type qy (Quit Yes) followed by Enter
3. Confirm exit if prompted
4. Wait for the system to return to the DOS prompt (C:\RTMC48>)

Computer Shutdown

1. At the DOS prompt, you can now safely shut down the computer
2. For older DOS systems without sophisticated power management:
   • Wait for at least 5 seconds after returning to the DOS prompt
   • Turn off the power switch on the computer
   • Turn off any external equipment (motor drivers, etc.)