Easy GUI comes pre-programmed from the factory with sample µHTML pages stored in the onboard flash. If you haven't already done so, please take a few minutes to power up the Easy GUI module to review the pre-programmed demo. To power up the Easy GUI Starter Kit and begin GUI navigation, proceed as follows:
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Switch 1 ON --- Boot Mode Switch 2 OFF -- Program Baud Rate Switch 3 OFF -- RAM Test Switch 4 ON --- Touch Panel Mode |
By now, you should be familiar with the operation and navigation of the Easy GUI module. The next step is to use the Easy GUI HTMLCompiler to compile and program a GUI. In keeping with a long-standing programming tradition, this section introduces you to the Easy GUI development tools by guiding you through the creation of a "Hello, World!" program -- Amulet Style. Proceed as follows:
Launch the HTMLCompiler by whichever means you prefer.
The HTMLCompiler will open and compile home.htm and all other files that are linked from home.htm. When the conversion is complete the compiler will display:
<Successful Compile! Ready to Program 16 files (11840 bytes) into Flash>
NOTE: DO NOT click on the Program FLASH button yet because you must first prepare the Easy GUI module for programming.
Before you can program your "Hello, World" program into the Easy GUI FLASH, you must first select
a comm port and a programming baud rate.
To select a serial port for programming:
Now, you must connect the Easy GUI module to the PC. Before proceeding, remove the power from your Easy GUI module and make sure the module DIP switch settings on SW2 are as follows:
Switch 1 (Boot Mode) = ON (normal) (*See note below)
Switch 2 (Program Baud Rate) = OFF (115200) or ON (19200)
NOTE: This must match the bit rate set for the compiler.
Switch 3 (RAM Test) = OFF (disabled)
Switch 4 (Touch Panel Mode) = ON (Normal operation)
Connect one end of the 9-pin serial cable (included with the starter kit) to the serial port (J2) on the Easy GUI module and the other end to the assigned serial port on your computer. Now go ahead and apply power to the Easy GUI module.
* Note: Upon clicking on the Program FLASH button in the Compiler window, the Compiler will attempt to send out an auto "wake-up" message to the Amulet controller. If the page currently being displayed is set up to use the same baud rate using the META tag (if META is not present, the default is 115200) as the Compiler's uP comm rate, then the Amulet controller will change to a generic "Please wait while programming flash..." screen and commence programming. If the page has a baud rate different than what the Compiler is set to, then you should set the uP comm rate in the Settings->RS232 dialog box to match the baud rate set by the META tag. This will allow the HTMLCompiler to wake up the Amulet at one baud rate and then program it at another baud rate. The only time you should have to set Switch 1 to OFF (program mode) is when the project you compiled locks up the Amulet OS to the point where it won't accept the wake up message or if the Amulet OS has been corrupted and you need to reload the OS.
Click on the Program FLASH button in the Compiler window. If there is a comm port conflict, the compiler will display "Port is in use." If the compiler doesn't see the Easy GUI module, the compiler will display "Serial port timed out." Normally, though, the compiler will display a series of messages as each file within the page is flashed. When the flash programming is complete, the compiler will display:
<Successfully Flashed...>
Congratulations! You have successfully compiled and flashed your first Easy GUI uHTML page(s). The home page is now displayed on the LCD of the Easy GUI module. Navigate the GUI before proceeding to the next section.
Now, it is time to personalize your GUI. Using a text editor, such as Notepad or a "WYSIWYG" tool like Namo, open "home.htm" located in the \projects\tour\ subdirectory of the Amulet main directory. View the source code for the page and search for "Hello, World!" between the <BODY> and </BODY> tags.
Replace "World" with your name. For example, "Hello, World" should now read "Hello, John!"
Save the modified file and compile it.
Click on the Program FLASH button.
Congratulations! You have successfully modified an Easy GUI uHTML page. A personalized version of the home page is now displayed on the LCD of the Easy GUI module. If desired, see Restoring
The Flash To Factory Configuration.
Before you embark on creating your own GUI from scratch, a few tips are in order:
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