Chapter 48. Connect digitizer

Connect digitizer

This module serves to connect a digitizing device. It allows you to connect a digital planimeter (type XPlan or Tamaya), or any arbitrary digitizer.

Digitizing device preparation

The device must be configured for communication with the module.

Digital planimeter

Digital planimeter, type XPlan or Tamaya, is connected directly via a serial interface. The transfer parameters must be set for correct communication. No other drivers or software are necessary. When configuring, follow the steps below :

  • Planimeter connection

    The planimeter connects to the computer's serial port by a serial cable. If the serial cable is of a different size than the free port of your computer, use the appropriate adapter.

  • Setting the transfer parameters in the computer

    The transfer parameters (transfer pace, number of data bits, number of stop bits, and parity) must be set similarly in both the digitizing module configuration and the planimeter. The transfer parameters are set in the digitizing module after pressing the button (Parameters) next to the device type.

  • Setting the transfer parameters in the planimeter

    The settings in the planimeter depend on the manufacturer and type and should be described in detail in the planimeter documentation. In the planimeter, XPlan, the transfer parameters are set using the buttons <Shift> and <P/NP>.

  • Output to serial port

    In the planimeter, the output to serial port must be switched on (typically the data is only shown on the display).

  • Selecting the read data

    You can choose which data shall be read by the planimeter. You can choose from coordinates, areas, distances, etc. For proper function of the digitizing module must be switched on reading the coordinates.

Digitizer

To connect a digitizer, you must install the original driver provided by the manufacturer (so called Wintab driver) in the MS Windows system. The installation should be described in the original digitizer documentation.