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Installation Version History

This page contains a recent version summary for the installation packages, as they have been presented on this web site.

  • 5/20/2012: Updated dsPicNCRouter, BC2D20NCRouter and BC4E20NCRouter firmwares.  Aside from adding encoder support to the 4 motor version of the code, this update corrects an issue in processing the 'immediate delay' command ("p" with a positive parameter).
  • 5/10/2012: Updated betas for both dsPicNCRouter and BC2D20NCRouter firmwares to BETA version 5.04: adds read-only support of two encoders (one per motor)
  • 3/20/2012: Updated StepperBoard class library functions NCRouter2D and NCRouter4D: code incorrectly forced the 'available queue' count to 0 when motion was paused. 
  • 3/18/2012: Updated FirmwareUpdater for version 5.00 beta release of the new BC4E20NCRouter firmware, and created the new BC4E20NCRouter manual.  Updated several other manuals for minor typos.  Reorganized 'Start' menu created by the main install package, to move more manuals into the "Retired" category.
  • 2/19/2012: Updated FirmwareUpdater for version 5.30 of GenStepper, BC2D20PotRouter and BC4E20PotRouter firmwares.  Adds improved control over serial buffering and better compatibility with the Parallax Basic Stamp product.
  • 2/6/2012: Updated ReadEEProm to correct error in reporting internal details of the BC2DNCRouter EEProm settings.
  • 2/2/2012: Updated FirmwareUpdater for the two new NC firmwares, dsPicNCRouter2D (for the BS1010) and BC2D20NCRouter (for the BC2D20).  Includes updating of the StepperBoardClass libraries for the new support class NCRouter2D (which supports both firmwares), as well as updating the ReadEEProm utility to recognize the new firmwares.
  • 11/28/2011: Update UniversalStepperBS1010, BC2D20PotRouter and BC4E20PotRouter manuals to correct typos in the example section showing use of the TTL-Serial Routing portion of the system.
  • 10/15/2011: Updated FirmwareUpdater to support the 5.29 BC4E20PotRouter release for the new BC4E20EU rev 04a and later boards.  Corrected error in step-and-direction mode of processing, which could cause incorrect operation of the limit switch inputs (all modes of step-and-direction).
  • 10/10/2011: Updated FirmwareUpdater to support the 5.29 BC2D20PotRouter release for the new BC2D20EU rev 15 board.
  • 10/4/2011: Corrected SD4DNCRouter manual for continued typo on units for the 'N' command -- units are 4.35 microseconds, not 5.2 microseconds.  Amended both SD4DNCRouter and SD4DFifoNCStepper manuals to warn customers to not use 1/2 step or full step step-and-direction driver boards with the products.
  • 9/16/2011: Updated SimplexCNC to actually send the user init string.  Corrected BC2D20PotRouter, BC4E20PotRouter and SD4DNCRouter manuals.
  • 9/9/2011: Updated SimplexCNC for enhancements to engraving toolkit, adjusted manual to better describe physical board connections
  • 8/25/2011: Updated StepperBoard.DLL active-X to remove all rate limits, to avoid code limiting real board capabilities.  Reconfirmed that ReadEEProm is up-to-date on the web site version.
  • 8/14/2011: Updated  BC2D20PotRouter, BC4E20PotRouter and BS1010GenStepper firmwares to version 5.28.  This version is compiled and linked with a new assembler, which enables support for improved detection of unexpected hardware events.  Also, automatic use of an optional on-board external precision clock source is enabled if it is detected as being present and operational.
  • 8/8/2011: Updated  BC2D20PotRouter, BC4E20PotRouter and BS1010GenStepper firmwares to version 5.27.  This release adds effectively unlimited ramp rates to the system -- the upper limit on the ramp rate is such that the board can always increase the step rate to the maximum in between two steps.  Of course, most motors cannot handle this at all rates...  Note that this update changes the layout of the flash EEProm in the firmware, so all prior settings will be lost when applying this update.  Updated ReadEEProm to understand the new layout.
  • 8/3/2011: Updated BC2D20PotRouter, BC4E20PotRouter and BS1010GenStepper firmwares for optional use of the NXT/POT TTL input control of motor driver enable (on all motors) (version 5.25 of each firmware).
  • 7/26/2011: Updated BC2D20PotRouter, BC4E20PotRouter and BS1010GenStepper firmwares for a more accurate delay if 'delayed serial response' mode is requested (version 5.24 of each firmware).
  • 6/16/2011: Updated SD4D related manuals for new firmwares that support more control of the step pulse timings.  Updated Visual Basic version of class libraries for improved timing on resynchronization after communication timeouts.
  • 6/2/2011: Correct firmware updater utility -- could fail to synchronize with boards if an RS232 interface is being used.
  • 5/9/2011: Updated BC4E20PotRouter for typos, and UCDualStepper30xx for firmware 2.7.
  • 4/28/2011: Updated First Use, BC2D20PotRouter, BC4E20PotRouter and UniversalStepperBS1010 manuals to better describe initial testing of motors
  • 3/16/2011: Updated BC2D20PotRouter, BC4E20PotRouter and UniversalStepperBS1010 manuals to describe the additional parameter testing that is part of the 5.23 release of the associated firmwares.
  • 2/11/2011: Updated core StepperBoard class library function 'FlushRoute' to be more paranoid on resynching with the board after a flush.
  • 2/9/2011: Udpated ReadEEProm to scale raw DAC units to milliamps in reports.  Updated BS1010, BC2D20 and BC4E20 firmwares to version 5.23, which adds extra validation that parameters were really passed for several commands.
  • 2/2/2011: Updated firmware for the BS1010, BC2D20 and BC4E20 products for improved response on reset.  Updated SimplexCNC to version 2.0.0.73.
  • 1/15/2011: Updated firmware for the BS1010, BC2D20 and BC4E20 products to support simplified user control of the processor clock rate
  • 12/27/2010: Updated UniversalStepperBS1010, BC2D20PotRouter and BC4E20PotRouter manuals for better board mounting notes.
  • 12/22/2010: Updated ReadEEProm for more usable summary information.  Updated TestSerialPorts to read EEProm serial numbers if available.  Updated sample sources for TestSerialPorts.
  • 12/15/2010: Updated beta 'ReadEEProm' diagnostic application to handle the numeric errors in dsPic firmwares dating before December 7, 2010.
  • 12/7/2010: Updated FirmwareUpdater application for the most recent firmwares: BC2D20PotRouter version 5.14, BC4E20PotRouter version 5.06 and BS1010 GenStepper version 5.11.  All updates are to enable optional use of a customer-supplied (at the time of order) initialization sequence, which is executed after the memorized settings are loaded.  This feature is normally only of use for volume manufacturers, since it removes the need for them to initialize the boards with their own custom setup.  Also, fixed an issue in the math library, which could cause an 'A' to be reported as the last digit (instead of '0') for values greater than 65535.
  • 11/22/2010: Updated BC4D15PotRouter, BC4E20PotRouter, PotStepper4D, SD4DFifoStepper and SD4DPotRouter manuals for typo in documenting the bits in the 'L' command report.
  • 11/19/2010: Updated the Firmware Updater application for the most recent firmwares: BC2D20PotRouter version 5.13, BC4E20PotRouter version 5.05 and BS1010 GenStepper version 5.10.  All updates are to enable optional use of a crystal resonator, if it is available, and to generate an error text message if an illegal interrupt is detected.  Also, the RESET power-on delay was increased from 16 milliseconds to 64 milliseconds.  Corrected errors in the BC2D20PotRouter and BS1010 GenStepper manuals, wherein the '6?' report was incorrectly documented.
  • 11/13/2010: Updated the Firmware Updater application (again), for more text display of caveats about doing the update (vis., FirmwareUpdate should be the only application running during the actual update action).
  • 11/9/2010: Updated the Firmware Updater application, to better handle communication errors during the firmware update process.  If the USB connection fails or is too unreliable, you still can trash the board, however!
  • 11/5/2010: Corrected typos in BC2D20PotRouter, BC4E20PotRouter and UniversalStepperBS1010 manuals (incorrect case shown on some examples).
  • 10/28/2010: Corrected error in 10/18/2010 StepperBoard class library update, that could cause 'ResetBoard' to fail on SerRoute-chained boards.  Updated Firmware Updater to automatically detect the most likely firmware required for an attached board.
  • 10/22/2010: Updated firmwares for BC2D20, BC4E20 and BS1010 to correct a potential timing issue on EEProm access, that could cause the board to reboot in the middle of the access. 
  • 10/18/2010: Updated StepperBoard class library documentation to reflect support of the BC4E20 product in the BC4D15PotRouter class (library has been valid since 8/16)
  • 10/5/2010: Updated firmware installer for the BC2D20 and BC4E20 products: for BC4E20, this increases the maximum step rate to 40,960 microsteps/second (from prior 28,800 microsteps/second).
  • 9/22/2010: Updated firmware installer for the BC2D20 and BC4E20 products, added example code for use of the BC4E20, added support for the BC4E20 to the StepperBoard class libraries.
  • 8/3/2010: Updated firmware installer and BC2D20 manuals to reflect recall/update of the BC2D20 product (different sense resistors now used).
  • 7/23/2010: Updated BS1010 and BC2D20 manuals to better explain how to use the potentiometer mode of operation.  Also, corrected both firmwares to correctly restore the potentiometer settings from the EEProm.
  • 7/6/2010: Updated SimplexCNC to support user control of the diagnostic log file, and to add engraving with a user-selected font.  Updated StepperBoard class libraries to better handle misbehaving serial ports that lock up on character writes; thus, most applications (such as TestSerialPorts and SimpleSerial) have been relinked to the new libraries.
  • 6/18/2010: Updated UniversalStepperBS1010 manual to include a description of the special-order BS1010W board.  Added RDY line control during step-and-seek mode of BC2D20PotRouter (version 5.06) action.
  • 5/20/2010: Initial release of BC2D20 product.  Adds new BC2D20PotRouter manual, updates StepperBoard class library, and updates the firmware installer.
  • 4/21/2010: Replaced 'FirmwareUpdate.exe' standalone executable download with 'SetUpFirmwareUpdate.exe' installer, which also includes the firmwares that are available for installation.  Note that this tool is currently only useful on the BS1010 series of boards.
  • 4/17/2010: Adjusted base StepperBoard logging function to (attempt to) report time down to the millisecond during logging (precision is limited by Windows standard local time function).  Recompiled FirmwareUpdate, TestSerialPorts and SimpleSerial to use the new version for log files.
  • 4/7/2010: Added dsPicGenStepper version 5.03 firmware to the BS1010 firmware list.  Minor update for compatibility with current release, no new features for existing customers.
  • 4/4/2010: Updated "UniversalStepperBS1010.pdf" for more specific documentation on bit usage when using the driver outputs as relay drivers.
  • 4/2/2010: Updated "SetUpFTDIStepperBoard 2.06.00
    - WHQL Certified.exe", to attempt to make it install into more language-specific versions of Windows.
  • 3/26/2010: Updated FirmwareUpdate tool to handle locked firmwares, and added release 5.0.2 to the dsPic version of GenStepper.  Also, made certain that sources match the current releases of SimpleSerial and TestSerialPorts.
  • 3/1/2010: Updated base StepperBoard class libraries (all versions) to throw an exception if a response from a board is too long.  This allows for detection of failed boards that are sending out repeated characters.  Also updates TestSerialPorts and SimpleSerial. 
  • 3/1/2010: Adjusted FirmwareUpdater (for the BS1010 and BC2D20 products) to block updates to the wrong product.
  • 1/31/2010: Updated SetUpStepperBoardExamples.exe to include the 'SimpleSerial' sources (had previously been inadvertently left out).
  • 1/11/2010: Updated SD4DFifoNCStepper and SD4DNCRouter manuals to document feature which appeared back in 2008: firmwares from version 3.6 on support a TTL-driven 'Instant Stop' feature, which never appeared in the manuals... Added related 'SetInstantStopSensor' function to the StepperBoard class libraries to support the feature.
  • 1/11/2010: Update SimplexCNC to version 2.0.0.28.  This release supports use of SimplexCNC on the entire SD4D series of products, not just the SD4DP.
  • 12/5/2009: Created the new USB driver pre-installation system, which allows you to pre-install our WHQL approved USB drivers, so that they will be automatically loaded and 'installed' as active whenever you connect most of our USB products to your Windows®-based computer. Updated several manuals (FirstUse, UniversalStepperBS1010, and UniversalStepperBS0610G) to show the new procedure.
  • 12/2/2009: Added the 'FirmwareUpdate' application, which supports firmware updates on the BS1010 product line.
  • 11/27/2009: Updated SetUpStepperBoard.exe, SetUpStepperBoardExamples.exe, SimpleSerial.exe and TestSerialPorts.exe to be signed (Verisign certificate).
  • 11/16/2009: Added the UniversalStepperBS1010.pdf manual for the new BS1010 series of boards, and adjusted the StepperBoard class libraries (both the Active-X and Visual Studio .NET versions) to handle the updated GenStepper firmware which is installed on that product.  The Visual Studio .NET libraries have also been updated to Visual Studio 2008.
  • 10/20/2009: Updated SimpleSerial and TestSerialPorts to use the adjusted class library from 9/16/2009 -- improves detection of boards during autoscan.
  • 9/16/2009: Minor adjustments to StepperBoard Class Library, to easier character-level direct serial access from vbscript, and to better handle badly formed data from the remote when doing hexadecimal conversions.
  • 7/10/2009: Added "SetUpFTDIStepperBoard 2.4.16.exe" installation application, to allow installing the FTDI USB drivers version 2.4.16, as modified for use with StepperBoard products.  This exe just creates a subdirectory on your computer containing the drivers -- you still need to install them from that directory.
  • 7/6/2009: Updated BC4x15 manuals to reference the new release of the BC4E15 controller.  Also, updated FirstUse for more obvious access to external documentation.
  • 6/24/2009: Updated SimplexCNC to version 1.2.0.111 -- Added zoom slider when in 3d display mode.
  • 6/21/2009: Updated FirstUse, USBToTTLSerial, UCPotStepper30xx, UCDualStepper30xx and UCNCStepper manuals to reflect the new products that have been released in the last few months.
  • 6/5/2009: Updated StepperBoard class library for support of new SD4DGenIO firmware.  This includes updating the SerRoute class in the ActiveX system, and the SerRoute and SD4DPGenIO classes in the .NET toolkit.  Created new SD4DGenIO manual documenting the new firmware.
  • 5/29/2009: Updated SD4DNCRouter and SD4DPotRouter manuals to describe the SD4DEU and SD4DEI board artworks.
  • 5/26/2009: Updated StepperBoard Visual Studio .NET class library for release level support of chained non-trapezoidal vector motion in all four-motor NC code. Also, improved board detection scan code, by adjusting the serial tool which waits for the transmit buffer to be empty.
  • 5/20/2009: Updated StepperBoard Visual Studio .NET class library for beta support of chained non-trapezoidal vector motion in all four-motor NC code.
  • 5/17/2009: Updated StepperBoard Active-X class library for beta support of chained non-trapezoidal vector motion in the SD4DNCRouter class.
  • 5/10/2009: Updated SimplexCNC to allow 3D Surface viewing on many types of GCode files.
  • 4/30/2009: Bug fix to SimplexCNC to protect against bad GCode.   Beta update to StepperBoard Active-X class library to allow support for chained-non-trapezoidal vector motion in the NCStepper4D class.
  • 4/1/2009: Another update to SimplexCNC to correct code to match documentation on use of the 'angular rate modifier' -- code had an inverse error in the number.  Also, added a simple 'ring' GCode example.
  • 3/26/2009: Update to SimplexCNC application, to patch by issue in pre-version-4.0 firmware, improve DRO operation, and numerous detail cleanups.
  • 3/20/2009: Update to StepperBoard class libraries (both the Active-X and the .NET systems) to improve timing on the 'IdleWait' call.  Code now only does a full re-synchronization action if IdleWait times out.  Also, adjusted FlushInput and FlushOutput to use new WaitForTransmitterEmpty function as part of the flush process.
  • 3/15/2009: Added support for new SerRoute firmware (version 2.5) support of latched edge events on the LIM and SLEW inputs.  Adjusted StepperBoard (VB6 version) FlushRoute resynch to be more paranoid on timing.
  • 3/11/2009: Minor documentation tweak in the BC4D15PotRouter manual, to better describe the use of the XSI and XSO TTL serial connections when doing serial routing to child boards.
  • 3/10/2009: Updated StepperBoardIO subsystem (part of the StepperBoardVS2005 .NET system) to also have the automatic block of system sleep (by timeout) while communications is occurring between computer and any StepperBoard board.
  • 3/9/2009: Updated SD4DFifoNCStepper and SD4DNCRouter to new hexadecimal reporting mode, and StepperBoardClass to document new binary functions in the StepperBoard active-x system.   Added automatic block of system sleep (by timeout) while communications is occurring between computer and any StepperBoard board.
  • 2/10/2009: Updated SimplexCNC to version 1.0.1.63, to correct a homing issue.
  • 2/5/2009: Updated SD4DPotRouter firmware and related documentation to support new 'latch changes in input data on the 'IO' set of inputs.  Updated StepperBoard class libraries to add the new functionality.  Adjusted StepperBoard class libraries to change order of baud-rate tests on board auto-sense, to reduce odds of sending valid commands when interpreted at the wrong rate.
  • 1/6/2009: Updated TestSerialPorts to attempt to detect incorrect security settings during access to the WinMgts interface; if a computer is incorrectly configured, TestSerialPorts should still be able to detect our boards.  Software version is now 1.2.0.
  • 1/5/2009: Updated SimpleSerial to correct potential race condition in port scan code (now at version 1.03).  Updated SD4DPotRouter manual to better note how to read I/O ports (such as reading the Limit inputs).
  • 11/9/2008: Updated SimplexCNC application to version 1.0.1.34, to correct a potential program hang that could occur if FLOOD, MIST or AUX was active and the user clicked on the STOP button.
  • 10/31/2008: Updated most manuals to correct a common typo in describing the "R" command.  Most manuals incorrectly showed units of microsteps/second/second, instead of microsteps/second.  Also, most firmwares have been updated to have improved error recovery on bad serial data reception.  The UCPNCStepper firmware is now production (no longer beta).
  • 8/31/2008: Updated SimpleSerial to version 1.0.1; purely an enhancement of the title bar text contents.
  • 8/28/2008: Udpated SimplexCNC to version 1.0.1.22;  corrected a race condition which could cause a memory access violation when repeatedly pressing the 'JOG' buttons.  Updated several 4-motor NC manuals to correct examples (NCStepper4D, SD4DNCRouter, and SD4DFifoNCStepper)
  • 8/16/2008: Updated SimplexCNC to version 1.0.1.22; adds DXF import,
  • 8/11/2008: Updated First Use manual with simplified USB installation instructions
  • 7/28/2008: Added new manuals for BETA firmware BC4E15PNCRouter.
  • 7/23/2008: Updated SimplexCNC to version 1.0.1.16, to correct an issue in curve/straight line merging (rounded corners)
  • 7/17/2008: Various tweaks to SimplexCNC, per beta customer feedback.  Minor update to UniversalStepperBS0610G, to include some notes on new BS0710USBHI artwork.  Minor update to most UniversalStepper manuals, to show issue from version 2.9 to 2.16 of the GenStepper firmware.
  • 6/29/2008: Updated SimpleSerial to allow scanning for 'next' COM port and 'next' StepperBoard product, using the File pull-down menu
  • 6/13/2008: Updated SimpleSerial to add scan button during COM port open dialog, and to show any detected firmware version in the title bar.
  • 6/11/2008: Updated UCPNCStepper manual to document new firmware release (3.2), which adds I/O control for the extra TTL Slew ports.
  • 6/5/2008: Added extra query to StepperBoard class library, to report whether the COM port is currently open
  • 6/4/2008: Added new "SimpleSerial" terminal application, to be used instead of HyperTerminal for interactively "talking" with our boards.  Updated the "FirstUse" manual to reference SimpleSerial instead of HyperTerminal.
  • 5/30/2008: Modified the SetUpSimplexCNC installation application to include the "First Use" manual.  Also updated the "First Use" manual with more explicit instructions on how to determine the motor wiring sequence.
  • 5/22/2008: Corrected issue with DAC not being correctly updated in the SimplexCNC application.
  • 5/21/2008: Updated "First Use" manual to clarify initial power testing and to note that it may take some force to connect your USB cable to our board.
  • 5/20/2008: Corrected documentation error in the SimplexCNC manual, which swapped use of the R1K and S1K jumpers.
  • 5/19/2008: Updated SD4D series of classes in the StepperBoardVS2005 .NET library, to include the no-parameter version of "ResetBoard".
  • 5/16/2008: Corrected documentation error in the SD4D series of manuals, which swapped use of the R1K and S1K jumpers.
  • 5/11/2008: Updated StepperBoard class libraries for support of SD4DPotRouter firmware version 1.12 -- added new functions SetIOAndSDPorts, SetIOAndSDPortsHigh and SetIOAndSDPortsLow to allow setting of both the standard output lines and the SD XOR output pattern in one call, for users who are operating less than 4 motors and want to use the extra SD lines as relay drivers.
  • 5/1/2008: Updated StepperBoard active-x system and TestSerialPorts application to further improve scanning speed when a modem is detected on a com port (it rapidly skips that port, instead of retesting 8 times at differing baud rates).  This same update is in the SimplexCNC install; however, aside from updating the TestSerialPorts application, there are no updates for SimplexCNC itself.  Also, the entire source example tree (script files sources to StepperBoard, and so on) have now been switched over to a new version control system (subversion).  As a result, all sources have new date stamps, even though most have not been modified.
  • 4/19/2008: Updated StepperBoard class library and TestSerialPorts application based on the new class library update.  Patched issue related only to SD4DP product -- if the product is connected to your computer, but powered off, TestSerialPorts could hang until the SD4DP is either unplugged or powered.
  • 4/17/2008: Updated log file generation within the StepperBoard class library to generate Unicode based log files.  This allows non-Ascii messages (such as Chinese character sets) to be logged, if needed.  Recompiled TestSerialPorts with the new class library.  Also, updated SimplexCNC beta to correct an issue on soft limits.
  • 4/9/2008: Another update to SimplexCNC to add detection of user-generated divide-by-0 errors in the GCode scripting language
  • 4/6/2008: Updated SimplexCNC for edge conditions in range testing
  • 3/21/2008: Corrected typo in UniversalStepperBistepA06, UniversalStepperSS0705, UniversalStepperBS0610G and UniversalStepperSS0805 wherein incorrect jumper 'SS' is mentioned where 'JS' is meant (in section describing the "IO" connector).  Also, added new FTDI drivers (version 2.4.6) for communications with our USB based products.
  • 3/20/2008: Added notes in RelayStepper and PotStepper manuals to describe use on one of our newer surface mount boards.
  • 2/15/2008: First public beta release of the SimplexCNC application.
  • 2/14/2008: Updated all manuals (pdf documents) to make use of Adobe bookmarks, for easier navigation.  No information content was changed, so the main downloads page does not show this update for each manual.
  • 2/13/2008: Adjusted auto-scan code in the StepperBoard VB6 library to include an active wait for all serial data to be sent before it purges input data.  Also, added the Beta release of the FTDI USB drivers (which may be updated again next month).  Updated TestSerialPorts to make use of the updated StepperBoard library.
  • 1/23/2008: Updated installation packages to include the Beta Visual Studio .NET code by default, as opposed to being required to use a custom installation in order to get the sources.
  • 12/12/2007: Updated SD4DNCRouter and SD4DFifoNCStepper manuals to fix typos.
  • 11/27/2007: Adjusted TestSerialPorts application to attempt to automatically adjust FTDI USB latency settings if they are incorrect on a port associated with a StepperBoard product.
  • 11/25/2007: Added some simple USB diagnostics to detect and report key FTDI USB settings.  The diagnostics also contain the ability to change the USB settings to permit correct StepperBoard product operation.  These diagnostics need to be run as an administrator for correct operation.
  • 11/20/2007: Updated StepperBoard class library for improved detection of USB products.  Also includes updated TestSerialPorts application, which uses the same library.
  • 11/1/2007: Updated UniversalStepperSS0705.pdf manual to include notes on the SS0710USB board.  Correctly PotStepper.pdf manual to remove incorrect reference to 'e' command, and to include notes on the SS0710USB board.
  • 10/29/2007: Minor update to .NET beta; removed unneeded class from hierarchy.
  • 10/19/2007: Added the new .NET 2.0 version of the StepperBoard class library to the sample applications installer (which is also included in the full installer).  This code is early beta, and is not yet ready for production systems! It is being released now as an early test, for customer review and comments.  It does work to the extent that the sample code all compiles and runs; however, the sample code does not test all features of the system.  Use at your own risk!  It may only be installed from the sample applications installer through use of a 'custom installation'.   Full installation will NOT install this early beta.
  • 10/16/2007: Corrected 3 errors in StepperBoard class library.  BC2D15NCStepper and UCNCStepper firmware adjustments to be able to send separate currents to each motor, NCStepper4D adjustment to remove possible race condition on IdleWait function.
  • 10/10/2007: Corrected error in StepperBoard class library in the BC2D15NCStepper firmware support class; used the wrong command to update the extended IO bits.  Also, updated the BC4D15NCRouter and BC4D15PotRouter manuals to correct notes about the use of the XSI and XSO signals.
  • 10/8/2007: Updated StepperBoard class library to permit use of the extended step-and-direction modes which have recently been added to many of our firmwares.
  • 10/1/2007: Cleanup of UniversalStepperSS0705 manual section describing calculation of motor current, to more accurately reflect the lower voltage capabilities of the surface mount versions of the boards.
  • 9/17/2007: Updated PotStepper4D and NCStepper4D manuals to document new SS4D artwork changes.
  • 9/10/2007: Updated the installation start-menu, to include a 'Manuals Organized by Product' tree.  This is a reversion to our tree prior to Vista in appearance, with the addition of an 'All Manuals' selection for easy Vista access.  This update ONLY adjusts the start-menu; there are no code or documentation changes.
  • 9/7/2007: Updated TestSerialPorts application sample to use correct 'GetSaveFileName' API, to force a '.log' file extension if none is specified, and to delete the existing log file (with confirmation) if a new one is selected and it already exists.
  • 8/14/2007: Updated StepperBoard class library to be better behaved on auto-parsing of values when in non-verbose modes of communication.
  • 7/23/2007: Updated TestSerialPorts for improved error detection, added new NCStepper4D reference, updated StepperBoard class libraries to include NCStepper4D.
  • 6/9/2007: Updated all SD4D manuals to show connection to new Gecko G2O3 drivers.
  • 6/8/2007: Updated PotStepper and UniversalStepperBS0610G manuals for improved instructions on configuration of double current mode of operation.  Updated RS232ToTTL and RS422ToTTL  manuals for more appropriate power supply settings.
  • 6/6/2007: Updated all SD4D related manuals to reflect new 'Step-Is-Direction' configuration option.
  • 6/4/2007: Updated PotStepper manual to have better notes about our newer boards.
  • 6/3/2007: Added new capability to SD4DPotRouter to support "step-per-direction" boards as well as the more common "step-and-direction" devices.  Other manuals updated for documentation clarity.
  • 5/16/2007: Added SD4DFifoStepper and SD4DFifoNCStepper manuals, describing the SD4DP step-and-direction boards with the new firmwares.  Also, updated all SD4D related manuals and PotStepper4D for better manual organization, and added new SendSPI generic output command to the SD4DPotStepper code.  Updated StepperBoard class library for new functionality, and to support the new SD4DFifoStepper firmware for the SD4DP board.
  • 5/3/2007: Updated UniversalStepperBS0610G.pdf to include summary of new board artwork for the BS0710 (revision GR).
  • 4/29/2007: Added new 'PotStepper4D' manual for operation of the PotStepper4D firmware on the new SS4D motor controller.  Updated StepperBoard class library to support the new firmware.
  • 4/6/2007: Created the new SetUpFTDIStepperBoard installation application, to allow customers to obtain our version of the FTDI drivers for  our USB  boards.  This version contains the FTDI drivers version 2.00.00, and are intended for use under Microsoft® Windows® Vista® , XP®  and 2000®. The only difference between these drivers and the ones from FTDI is that their installation configuration files have been modified to reflect our unique USB address range, and to understand our timing requirements.  Due to the unique USB address, this file contains the version of the drivers which you must use with our products.
  • 4/1/2007: Updated the StepperBoard active-x system to support the SD4DPGenIO firmware as installed on the SD4DP step-and-direction board (support for this firmware is to be found in the SerRoute class). 
  • 3/24/2007: Updated the StepperBoard active-x system to automatically detect attempts to open COM ports above port 9, and to adjust the port name to match Windows UNC requirements when this is done.  Also, adjusted the TestSerialPorts to use the same technique.  Prior versions of these tools would not automatically find any com ports above port number 9!
  • 3/21/2007: Vista Version!  This involves adjustments to almost all of our manuals, and a complete rewrite of our installation application.  We now install our code into "Program Files\StepperBoard", our sample code into "My Documents\StepperBoard", and our start menu now uses "StepperBoard' instead of "UniversalStepper" as the base of its tree.  Please uninstall your prior code from us (via the add/remove programs menu, under "UniversalStepper" before installing this update.
  • 3/9/2007: Updated StepperBoard class libraries and documentation for Vista compatibility.  SetUpCD no longer will permit installation of the retired BiStepCom active-X system under Vista, since BiStepCom will crash Vista.  Updated TestSerialPorts for Vista compatibility.  Updated VBScript sample code installed into the "UniversalStepper" directory as part of running SetUpCD  to use the StepperBoard active-x library instead of BiStepCom (again, for Vista compatibility).
  • 2/18/2007: Updated StepperBoard class libraries in preparation for release of the SD4DP board, the high-performance version of the SD4DG step-and-direction controller.
  • 2/13/2007: Updated BC4D15NCRouter and BC4D15PotRouter manuals to better describe on board jumpers and fan installation.  Updated USBToTTLSerial manual to correct typos.
  • 2/1/2007: Updated all UniversalStepper manuals (GenStepper firmware) to reflect current release.  Also, adjusted install tree from SetUpCD to use better descriptions on the start menu.
  • 1/10/2007: Updated SerRoute manual to more correctly describe the timing of the 'P' command.
  • 12/30/2006: Added more examples in documentation for the Send SPI Data functionality in SD4DNCRouter version 2.14.
  • 12/14/2006: Added 'Send SPI Data' functionality to the SD4DNCRouter firmware (version 2.14 and later).  Updated the StepperBoardClass library to include the matching "SendSPIData" function.  Corrected documentation errors in the UniversalStepperBS0610G manual.
  • 11/30/2006: Adjusted TestSerialPorts application to no longer require the COMDLG32.OCX object.  The code now directly calls the COMDLG32.DLL package for its file open action.
  • 11/26/2006: Corrected BC4D15NCRouter documentation to have correct report ('x?') documentation, and to include notes about the new 'S' (motor backlash) command.
  • 11/18/2006: Updated TestSerialPorts.exe application to be compiled with the current version of the StepperBoard class library.
  • 11/06/2006: Updated USBToTTL manual for more comprehensive installation and testing instructions.
  • 10/23/2006: Updated Parallax Quick Start Guide and UniversalStepperBS0610G manuals to show work-around for potential issue with the AR-BS0710USB when the GenStepper version 2.12 firmware is installed.
  • 10/2/2006: Updated UCDualStepper manual to correct several typos.
  • 9/30/2006: Updated the BC2D series of manuals for better notes on USB installation.
  • 9/5/2006: Updated StepperBoardClass library for support of new SD4DNCRouter functions.
  • 8/29/2006: Updated SD4DNCRouter to include notes on new high-performance chained operation.
  • 8/12/2006: Updated many manuals to reflect the release of our ROHS and USB versions of many of our products.  Products released include the SS0705USB, BC2D15USB, BC4E15(USB), SD4DG (ROHS), and the SS0905(USB).
  • 7/17/2006: Updated SerRoute manuals to reflect version 2.1 of the firmware.
  • 7/14/2006: Update most UniversalStepper manuals to describe the new GenStepper firmware version 2.9, which adds support for TTL-control of motor current when operating under TTL-pulse step control.  Also, updated the TestSerialPorts application to improve its detection of boards which are operating in the non-verbose mode of communication.
  • 7/1/2006: Updated FirstUse manual for greater clarity on the USB driver installation and test method.
  • 6/21/2006: Added application note summarizing connection of Parallax basic Stamp to our products.
  • 6/16/2006: Updated UCDualStepper, UCNCStepper and UCPotStepper manuals to reflect the new artwork version for the UCC30xx board (artwork version UCC3011).
  • 5/20/2006: Updated SD4DPotRouter and SD4DNCRouter manuals to include an exact schematic example of installation of the product controlling four Gecko G2O2 motor driver boards.
  • 5/7/2006: Updated SD4DPotRouter firmware to support automatic motor backlash compensation.  Updated SD4DPotRouter and StepperBoardClass documentation and libraries to include the new features.
  • 4/29/2006: Updated SD4DNCRouter firmware to support automatic motor backlash compensation and chained motions.  Updated SD4DNCRouter and StepperBoardClass documentation and libraries to include the new features.
  • 4/21/2006: Updated SD4D related manuals for release version.
  • 4/18/2006: Updated RelayStepper manual to show support for boards released since code was written.
  • 4/3/2006: Updated FirstUse manual to explicitly include references to the BS0710 board.
  • 3/31/2006: Updated StepperBoardClass manual to include the new SD4D step and direction controller firmwares, and added the SD4D firmware documentation.
  • 3/16/2006: Updated BC4D15 related documents for new firmware releases, and all of StepperBoard active-x class library for automatic baud rate detection on port open.
  • 2/6/2006: Updated to use the new FTDI serial drivers
  • 1/5/2006: Updated SerRoute manual to more fully explain reporting of encoder channels 3 through 7.
  • 12/28/2005: Added 'Slew' function to most motor control classes in the StepperBoard class library system.
  • 12/15/2005: Added SS0805 preliminary pre-release documentation, updated all UniversalStepper manuals.
  • 12/7/2005: Added SerRoute version 2.0 extension documentation (support of multiple encoders), as well as related updates to the StepperBoard class library.  This adds support for use of rotary phase encoders for monitoring of rotational locations.
  • 11/3/2005: Added support to StepperBoard class library for new upgrade of the SerRoute firmware (version 1.14) -- code can now measure pulse widths.
  • 11/1/2005: Adjusted TestSerialPorts.exe to show status during scan of COM ports.
  • 10/27/2005: Added sample code to StepperBoardStatic, which shows how to scan a system for all com ports and to identify whether any of our products are attached to any of those ports.  Also, added a compiled version of the sample code, called TestSerialPorts.exe, as a separate download and as part of the SetUpCD installation.
  • 10/26/2005: Improved FirstUse documentation; clearer warnings, better power notes.
  • 10/22/2005: Added diagnostic log capability to the StepperBoard class library; only to be used if you are having problems with serial communications.
  • 10/18/2005: Corrected error in installation program (SetUpCD.exe), which would have made reading the BiStepA06 and SS0705 manuals difficult: the links to the manuals were incorrect.  The error was introduced in the 10/5/2005 version of the setup application.
  • 10/17/2005: Updated USBToTTL documentation: was missing information on some of the advanced settings to use.
  • 10/15/2005: Adjusted installation tree: changes where the "USBToTTL product, plus quick install guide" appears on the Start menu.
  • 10/5/2005: Added complete StepperBoard class libraries to the base installation (SetUpCD.exe), as well as first official release of the StepperBoardClass documentation manual.
  • 9/20/2005: Added BC4D15NCRouter documentation (for the new firmware available for the BC4D15 controller).  Corrected manual for BC4D15PotRouter (error in 'L' documentation).
  • 9/8/2005: Updated HalfPowerNotes for clearer documentation about the voltage levels to use.
  • 7/19/2005: Updated FirstUse to better note how boards respond to commands, updated UCDualStepper documentation to correct version numbers in the 'T' command description.
  • 6/27/2005: Updated UCPotStepper documentation to correct minor typos and to describe new board artwork.
  • 6/1/2005: Added RS422ToTTLSerial documentation
  • 5/31/2005: Added BC2DNCStepper documentation (describing the new firmware option for the BC2D15 boards).
  • 4/19/2005: Updated NCStepper, PotStepper, and all UniversalStepper manuals to further clarify how to select power supplies to operate our products.
  • 4/1/2005: Corrected the PotStepper manual, due to an error in describing how to enter the 'Double Current' mode of operation.  While correctly described in the main 'Configuring Double Current Mode' section, old documentation was incorrectly left active in several other spots in the manuals.
  • 3/31/2005: Corrected all UniversalStepper manuals, due to an error in describing how to enter the 'Double Current' mode of operation.  While correctly described in the main 'Configuring Double Current Mode' section, old documentation was incorrectly left active in several other spots in the manuals.
  • 3/24/2005: Updated HalfPowerNotes manual to correct several current calculation errors.
  • 2/24/2005: Updated FirstUse with notes pertaining to the BC2D15 and BC4D15 controllers.  Also updated RS232ToTTL manual for improved images.
  • 2/20/2005: Complete update to all manuals to reflect new capability of 'instant stop' option on limit switches, changes to baud-rate configuration.
  • 2/17/2005: Added RS232ToTTL documentation, for the new RS232ToTTL level converter board.
  • 2/16/2005: Added BC4D15PotRouter documentation, for the new BC4D15 four motor controller.
  • 2/13/2005: Corrected notes in BC2DPotRouter and BC2DPotStepper documents, where "double current" mode was referenced.  That mode is only available using GenStepper and PotStepper firmwares,
  • 2/8/2005: Updated BC2DPotRouter document to match version 2.1 of the firmware; this replaces the auto-full-power mode of the firmware with the capability of specifying a separate microstep size for each motor.
  • 1/24/2005: Updated most firmwares to include support of user control over the sense levels for the limit switch inputs.  Includes BC2D15PotStepper, BC2D15PotRouter, GenStepper, PotStepper, UCDualStepper and UCPotStepper.
  • 1/20/2005: Updated PotStepper and UCPotStepper30xx documentation to match new firmware feature, which allows ordering of a version of each firmware that supports use of two potentiometers, instead of just one.
  • 1/17/2005: Updated BC2DPotRouter documentation to match the version 1.17 firmware (added new diagnostic commands)
  • 1/3/2005: Updated NCStepper and UCNCStepper30xx manuals to better describe use of the "Idle Wait" ("i") command and the timing of the 'K', 'R' and 'P' commands.  Corrected error in BiStepCom sample code.  Updated the SerRoute manual to correct an incorrect connection summary table.
  • 12/29/2004: Updated USBToTTL documentation, due to an error in specifying the website address for the FTDI corporation (should have been http://www.ftdichip.com).   Added the complete installation guide from FTDI as part of the documentation set.
  • 11/8/2004: Added new BC2D15PotRouter documentation, updated BC2D15PotStepper documentation, updated all UniversalStepper documentation to version 1.77, updated all PotStepper style (PotStepper, RelayStepper, UCPotStepper) documentation for new sensing of presence of potentiometer.
  • 10/20/2004: Added doc to UCNCStepper to explain how to use differing motor currents on each motor
  • 10/19/2004: Added sample code for use with the NCStepper firmware.
  • 9/18/2004: Added documentation for the BC2D15 dual-axis stepper motor controller.
  • 8/17/2004: Updated SerRoute to match firmware version 1.9.
  • 7/21/2004: Updated UCDualStepper30xx to match firmware version 1.26, which includes automatic power switching when entering and leaving the 'E' mode of operation.
  • 6/23/2004: Updated UCDualStepper30xx, UCNCStepper30xx and UCPotStepper30xx to better describe installation of the fan assembly for the UCC3030 unit.  The manuals also now support the version 1.12 of the UCNCStepper firmware, 1.25 of UCDualStepper, and 2.2 of UCPotStepper and PotStepper.  All of the UCxxx products are now upgraded to an upper speed of 41,667 microsteps per second from the old 31,250 value.
  • 5/6/2004: Updated the installation program (SetUpCD.exe), to place copies of links to the manuals in a much more intuitive 'tree', based on the hardware board. 
  • 5/1/2004: Updated potentiometer-control related manuals PotStepper, RelayStepper and UCPotStepper30xx to match new firmware versions.  The adjustment improves the precision on the selected rates.
  • 3/20/2004: Updated most manuals to correct minor typos.  Added potentiometer control to RelayStepper.
  • 2/21/2004: Updated all manuals, to correct documentation for the 'K' (set "Stop OK" rate) command.
  • 12/29/2003: Added BiStep2A05 artwork notes to UniversalSteppper2 documentation.
  • 12/23/2003: Added documentation for the PotStepper and UCPotStepper30xx firmwares.
  • 12/11/2003: Added sample Basic Stamp code to "SetUpCD.exe" to show retrieval of signed locations, corrected typo relating to the 'S' command in most manuals.
  • 12/5/2003: Improved documentation for the relative seek command ("+200s") for all products which implement that feature.
  • 11/23/2003: Added documentation for the UCC30xx series of controllers.  New documents include UCDualStepper30xx.pdf (matches UCDualStepper  firmware vesion 1.20) and UCNCStepper30xx.pdf (matches UCNCStepper firmware version 1.7).  Also added 'BurnInFastUCC.bs2' sample code to show use of the UCC30xx series of controllers.
  • 10/29/2003: Updated the NCStepper manual to describe version 1.43, RelayStepper to describe version 1.6, and all UniversalStepper manuals to improve documentation about the "O" command.  Note that the NCStepper and RelayStepper updates add the ability to specify a microstep size of 1 full step, as with GenStepper version 1.75 (from 10/24/2003).
  • 10/24/2003: Updated the GenStepper firmware to version 1.75.  This version (1) adds the ability to specify microstep size of 1 full step (prior largest size was 1/2 step), (2)  adds the capability of specifying the signal levels used to trigger the "Remote TTL Computer Control" options, and (3) adds more power-on hardware straps for the products, and it allows for a new 'Step+Direction" mode of control when using the "Remote TTL Computer Control" feature of the product line..  All of the UniversalStepper manuals were updated to document the new features.
  • 10/16/2003: Updated RelayStepper and NCStepper manuals, to add a section summarizing all of the power-on "hardware strap" options.
  • 9/13/2003: Adusted all UniversalStepper manuals to document version 1.71 of the GenStepper firmware.  Adjusted the NCStepper manual to document version 1.42 of the firmware.  Adjusted RelayStepper manual to document version 1.5 of the firmware.  Adjusted HalfPowerNotes to the current versions of all firmwares.  The common firmware change: now senses the presence of a 1K resistor between SO and GND, to force the firmware to automatically select 1/2 power mode on reset/power on.
  • 9/9/2003: Added RelayStepper manual and sample code, to document the new RelayStepper firmware.  Adjusted HalfPowerNotes and FirstUse to include references to RelayStepper where needed.
  • 9/6/2003: Updated the HalfPowerNotes manual, to further emphasize use of the "1h" command.
  • 8/11/2003: Updated all UniversalStepper manuals, FirstUse, and the NCStepper manuals to include better documentation on how to identify motor windings.
  • 8/9/2003: Added better examples to the Basic Stamp Issues section of FirstUse and HalfPowerNotes, slight update to GenStepperRelays.
  • 8/4/2003: Added the preliminary GenStepperRelays.pdf application note.
  • 7/29/2003: Minor adjustments to FirstUse and HalfPowerNotes, to further clarify the initial serial test sequence.
  • 7/28/2003: Amended the FirstUse manual by adding the Calculating Current Requirements section and by adding some caveats about what happens when the controller is miss-wired.  Added new HalfPowerNotes preliminary manual which describes use of the half power modes of operation of the GenStepper and NCStepper firmwares.
  • 7/23/2003: Added new FirstUse manual, to allow first-time users to more easily test their Peter Norberg Consulting, Inc. products