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Notice: This page contains information for the legacy Phidget21 Library.

Phidget21 is out of support. Bugfixes may be considered on a case by case basis.

Phidget21 does not support VINT Phidgets, or new USB Phidgets released after 2020. We maintain a selection of legacy devices for sale that are supported in Phidget21.

We recommend that new projects be developed against the Phidget22 Library.


Click on the 2phidget22.jpg button in the menu bar to go to the Phidget22 version of this page.

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Language - Visual Basic .NET: Difference between revisions

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[[Category:Language]]
[[Category:Language]]
[[File:icon-Visual Basic Net.png|64x64px|link=|alt=]] Preamble about the language's origin and its main characteristics.
{{OSLang|[[File:icon-Visual Basic Net.png|64x64px|link=|alt=]]|Visual Basic .NET, developed by [http://www.microsoft.com Microsoft] is a modern object oriented programming language and the successor to [[Language - Visual Basic 6.0 | Visual Basic 6.0]].}}
 
__TOC__
__TOC__


==Introduction==
==Introduction==


{{LanguageSupport|Visual Basic .NET|the complete Phidget API, including events|all Phidget devices.|the .NET or Mono framework. Both of the frameworks are supported on Windows. For Linux and Mac OS X, only the Mono framework can be used. We provide instructions on how to set up your environment/compilers for [[#Visual Studio 2005/2008/2010 | Visual Studio 2005/2008/2010]], [[#Visual Studio 2003 | Visual Studio 2003]], [[#MonoDevelop | MonoDevelop]] and the [[#Mono | Mono command line compilers]]|}}
{{LanguageSupport|Visual Basic .NET|the complete Phidget API, including events|all Phidget devices.|the .NET or Mono framework. Both of the frameworks are supported on Windows. For Linux and OS X, only the Mono framework can be used. We provide instructions on how to set up your environment/compilers for [[#Visual Studio 2005/2008/2010 | Visual Studio 2005/2008/2010]], [[#Visual Studio 2003 | Visual Studio 2003]], [[#MonoDevelop | MonoDevelop]] and the [[#Mono | Mono command line compilers]]|}}


==Quick Downloads==
==Quick Downloads==
{{QuickDownloads|Visual Basic .NET|
{{QuickDownloads|Visual Basic .NET|
{{APIQuickDownloads|http://www.phidgets.com/documentation/Phidget21.NET.zip}}|
{{APIQuickDownloads|{{SERVER}}/documentation/Phidget21.NET.zip .NET}}
{{ExampleQuickDownloads|http://www.phidgets.com/downloads/examples/CSharp_2.1.8.20110615.zip}}|
{{ExtraAPIQuickDownloads|{{SERVER}}/documentation/web/NETDoc/Index.html|HTML Version of}}|
{{ExtraLibraryQuickDownloads|http://www.phidgets.com/downloads/libraries/phidget21-x86_2.1.8.20110615.zip|.NET|}}
{{ExampleQuickDownloads|{{SERVER}}/downloads/phidget21/examples/dotnet/VBNET.zip|}}|
{{ExtraLibraryQuickDownloads|{{SERVER}}/downloads/phidget21/libraries/windows/Phidget-x86.zip|.NET Framework Files|}}
{{WindowsQuickDownloads}}
{{WindowsQuickDownloads}}
{{MacQuickDownloads}}
{{LinuxQuickDownloads}}
}}
}}


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Instructions are divided up by operating system. Choose:
Instructions are divided up by operating system. Choose:
*[[#Windows(2000/XP/Vista/7)|Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7]]
*[[#Windows(2000/XP/Vista/7)|Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7]]
*[[#Mac OS X |Mac OS X]]
*[[#OS X |OS X]]
*[[#Linux | Linux]] (including PhidgetSBC)
*[[#Linux | Linux]] (including PhidgetSBC)


==Windows(2000/XP/Vista/7)==
==Windows (XP/Vista/7/8)==


===Description of Library Files===
===Description of Library Files===
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* <b>{{Code|Policy.2.1.Phidget21.NET.dll}}</b> is the policy assembly for {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}}. Our installer places this file in the Global Assembly Cache(GAC) directory. It directs any programs compiled against version 2.1.0 or higher of {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}} to use the most recent installed version.  
* <b>{{Code|Policy.2.1.Phidget21.NET.dll}}</b> is the policy assembly for {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}}. Our installer places this file in the Global Assembly Cache(GAC) directory. It directs any programs compiled against version 2.1.0 or higher of {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}} to use the most recent installed version.  


If you do not want to use our installer, you can download the five [http://www.phidgets.com/downloads/libraries/Phidget21-windevel_2.1.8.20111220.zip files].
If you do not want to use our installer, you can download the five [{{SERVER}}/downloads/phidget21/libraries/windows/Phidget21-windevel.zip files].




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=====Use Our Examples=====
=====Use Our Examples=====


Please start by downloading the [http://www.phidgets.com/downloads/examples/VBNET_2.1.8.20120131.zip examples] and unpack them into a foler.  While these examples were written in Visual Studio 2005 and Visual Studio 2008, Visual Studio 2010 will easily open and upgrade them with the Visual Studio Conversion Wizard.
Please start by downloading the [{{SERVER}}/downloads/phidget21/examples/dotnet/VBNET.zip examples] and unpack them into a folder.  While these examples were written in Visual Studio 2005 and Visual Studio 2008, Visual Studio 2010 will easily open and upgrade them with the Visual Studio Conversion Wizard.


[[File:VS2005 Conversion Wizard.PNG|link=|alt=Conversion Wizard]]
[[File:VS2005 Conversion Wizard.PNG|link=|alt=Conversion Wizard]]
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To load all projects in Visual Studio, go to File &rarr; Open &rarr; Project, and open {{Code|AllExamples/AllExamples.sln}} or {{Code|AllExamples/AllExamples_vs2008.sln}} for Visual Studio 2005 and 2008, respectively.
To load all projects in Visual Studio, go to File &rarr; Open &rarr; Project, and open {{Code|AllExamples/AllExamples.sln}} or {{Code|AllExamples/AllExamples_vs2008.sln}} for Visual Studio 2005 and 2008, respectively.


This will load all of the examples available for Visual Basic .NET, and then you can set your main project to be the one that matches your deviceIf you aren't sure what the software example for your device is called, check the software object listed in the [[Device List | Getting Started guide for your device]].
This will load all of the examples available for Visual Basic .NET, and then you can set your main project to be the HelloWorld project that will work with any Phidget boardOr you can choose the example that matches your device. {{FindYourDevice}}


The only thing left to do is to run the examples! Click on Debug &rarr; Start Debugging. Please note that the projects, by default try to find the {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}} in {{Code|C:\Program Files\Phidgets}}. If you have it installed in another location, please change the path to the file's location accordingly. If you are receiving an error message regarding that the type Phidget is not defined, please re-add the reference to {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}}. Please see the [[#Write Your Own Code | Write Your Own Code ]] section for details.  
The only thing left to do is to run the examples! Click on Debug &rarr; Start Debugging. Please note that the projects, by default try to find the {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}} in {{Code|C:\Program Files\Phidgets}}. If you have it installed in another location, please change the path to the file's location accordingly. If you are receiving an error message regarding that the type Phidget is not defined, please re-add the reference to {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}}. Please see the [[#Write Your Own Code | Write Your Own Code ]] section for details.  
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The project now has access to the Phidget21 function calls and you are ready to begin coding.
The project now has access to the Phidget21 function calls and you are ready to begin coding.


The same [[#Follow the Examples|teaching ]] section which describes the examples also has further resources for programming your Phidget.
The [[#Follow the Examples|teaching ]] section also has further resources for programming your Phidget.


===Mono===
===Mono===
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=====Use Our Examples=====
=====Use Our Examples=====


We do not have VB.NET examples for the Mono framework. Fortunately, you can take a look at the source code for our [http://www.phidgets.com/downloads/examples/CSharp_2.1.8.20110615.zip Visual Studio 2005 and 2008 examples] for valuable programming insight. We have a [[#Follow the Examples|teaching ]] section below to help you follow them.
We do not have Visual Basic .NET examples for the Mono framework. Fortunately, you can take a look at the source code for our [{{SERVER}}/downloads/phidget21/examples/dotnet/CSharp.zip Visual Studio 2005 and 2008 examples] for valuable programming insight. We have a [[#Follow the Examples|teaching ]] section below to help you follow them.


=====Write Your Own Code=====
=====Write Your Own Code=====
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=====Use Our Examples=====
=====Use Our Examples=====


Download the [http://www.phidgets.com/downloads/examples/VBNET_2.1.8.20120131.zip examples] and unpack them into a folder. Here, you can find example programs for all the devices. These examples were written in Visual Studio 2005 and 2008, but are also compatible with MonoDevelop. Please note that the examples are only designed to be ran under the .NET framework. The examples are not compatible with the Mono framework. Despite this, if you are using the Mono framework, you can take a look at the source code for our [http://www.phidgets.com/downloads/examples/CSharp_2.1.8.20110615.zip Visual Studio examples] for valuable programming insight. We have a [[#Follow the Examples|teaching ]] section below to help you follow them.
Download the [{{SERVER}}/downloads/phidget21/examples/dotnet/VBNET.zip examples] and unpack them into a folder. Here, you can find example programs for all the devices, as well as a HelloWorld program that will run with any Phidget.  
 
These examples were written in Visual Studio 2005 and 2008, but they are also compatible with MonoDevelop. Please note that the examples are only designed to be run under the .NET framework. The examples are not compatible with the Mono framework. Despite this, if you are using the Mono framework, you can use the code within the examples for valuable programming insight.  


The rest of this section will explain the steps needed to run our examples under the .NET framework. To load all projects in MonoDevelop, go to File &rarr; Open, and open {{Code|AllExamples/AllExamples.sln}}
The rest of this section will explain the steps needed to run our examples under the .NET framework. To load all projects in MonoDevelop, go to File &rarr; Open, and open {{Code|AllExamples/AllExamples.sln}}


This will load all of the examples available for Visual Basic .NET, and then you can set your main project to be the one that matches your device.  If you aren't sure what the software example for your device is called, check the software object listed in the [[Device List | Getting Started guide for your device]].
This will load all of the examples available for Visual Basic .NET, and then you can set your main project to be the one that matches your device.  {{FindYourDevice}}


[[File:VBNET Win MonoDevelop Startup Project.PNG|link=|alt=Start Up Project]]
[[File:VBNET Win MonoDevelop Startup Project.PNG|link=|alt=Start Up Project]]
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When you are building a project from scratch, or adding Phidget function calls to an existing project, you'll need to configure your  development environment to properly link the Phidget .NET library. To begin:
When you are building a project from scratch, or adding Phidget function calls to an existing project, you'll need to configure your  development environment to properly link the Phidget .NET library. To begin:


1. Create a new Visual Basic VB.NET console project with a descriptive name such as PhidgetTest.
1. Create a new Visual Basic .NET console project with a descriptive name such as PhidgetTest.


[[File:VBNET Win MonoDevelop New Project.PNG|link=|alt=New Project]]
[[File:VBNET Win MonoDevelop New Project.PNG|link=|alt=New Project]]
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The same [[#Follow the Examples|teaching]] section which describes the examples also has further resources for programming your Phidget.
The same [[#Follow the Examples|teaching]] section which describes the examples also has further resources for programming your Phidget.


==Mac OS X==
==OS X==
 
Visual Basic .NET has excellent support on OS X through the Mono framework.
 
The first step in using Visual Basic .NET on Mac is to install the Phidget libraries.  Compile and install them as explained on the [[OS - OS X]] page, which also describes the different Phidget files, their installed locations, and their roles.... 
 
===Use Our Examples===
The first thing you are going to need to do is install [http://www.mono-project.com/Main_Page Mono] (Note that Mono is only available for Intel Macs and not PowerPC).  You will need both the SDK and the runtime. 
 
Then, you will need the Phidget .NET libraries.  These are part of the Windows library zip file download:
 
* [{{SERVER}}/downloads/phidget21/libraries/windows/Phidget21-windevel.zip Phidget Windows Library Zip File]
 
Extract the library zip file.  Descriptions for the files are available on the [[OS - Windows]] page, but for now we only need the {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}} file to run the Phidget VB.NET examples in Mono.  So remember where you unzipped these Windows libraries - you will need to copy the {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}} file into your example directory shortly.
 
Next, you'll want to download and extract the Phidget Visual Basic .NET Examples (not the ones for .NET Compact):
 
* [{{SERVER}}/downloads/phidget21/examples/dotnet/VBNET.zip Visual Basic .NET Examples for Windows]
 
One more thing needs to be done before you can compile and run the examples.  You need to set up a special configuration file so that Mono knows where to find the phidget21.dll.  Since Mac does not use dll's you need to redirect it to the appropriate file.  Create a new file in the same directory as the example you wish to compile and name it <code>Phidget21.NET.dll.config</code>.  Put the following into the file:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=xml>
<configuration>
<dllmap dll="phidget21.dll" target="/Library/Frameworks/Phidget21.framework/Versions/Current/Phidget21" />
</configuration>
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
All that is left is to compile and run the code.  When compiling, you need to link to the Phidget library. As the Phidget21.NET file is an "additional assembly" in VB.NET/Mono, you can link to the assembly using the {{Code|-r}} "reference" switch:
 
To check that your Mac, Phidget, and Mono setup is all working together, you'll want to run the Visual Basic (VB) examples.  You'll probably want to start with the Hello World VB example.  Alternatively, you could find the source code for your device. {{Template:FindYourDevice}}
 
All of the .NET examples are much larger projects through Visual Studio, so you'll need to dig around within the project and find the source code and compile only that source code using Mono.
 
Let's say you're running the Hello World example.  The source code for the example is in the directory:
 
:{{Code|VBNET/}} &rarr; {{Code|Hello World/}} &rarr; {{Code|Module1.vb}}
 
Other examples will be in directories named appropriately for their software object name, rather than {{Code|Hello World}}.  Once you have found the example you want to run, copy the {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}} file that you unzipped earlier into that example directory where the {{Code|Module1.vb}} file is. 
 
Then, compile the code.  When compiling, you need to link to the Phidget library. As the Phidget21.NET file is an "additional assembly" in Visual Basic/Mono, you can link to the assembly using the {{Code|-r}} "reference" switch:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=bash>
vbnc Module1.vb -r:Phidget21.NET.dll
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
This will compile a {{Code|*.exe}} file - in this case, {{Code|Module1.exe}}.  This you can then run under Mono:


Visual Basic .NET has excellent support on Mac OS X through the Mono framework.  
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=bash>
sudo mono Program.exe
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
Remember that the {{Code|sudo}} is needed unless you have your [[OS - Linux#Setting udev Rules|udev rules set on your Linux system]].


The first step in using Visual Basic .NET on Mac is to install the Phidget librariesCompile and install them as explained on the [[Device List|getting started guide for your device]].  Then, the [[OS - Mac OS X]] page also describes the different Phidget files, their installed locations, and their roles....
If you will be compiling with an IDE such as GTK# or MonoDevelop, we don't have explicit instructions by IDE for Linux.  However, you will probably find the [[#MonoDevelop | MonoDevelop]] section in the Windows portion above useful.
 
===Write Your Own Code===
 
When writing your code from scratch, you start it as you would any Visual Basic code on OS X, such as within a text editor. In your .vb source code file, you must include a reference to the Phidget software objectIn the case of a Phidget interface kit device, this would look like:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>
Public Class Form1
  'The Phidget object declaration
  Dim WithEvents ifKit As Phidgets.InterfaceKit
  '... Form1_Load and Form1_OnClosing here
End Class
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
For other devices, check the API for your device on our webpage for the software object name, and the [{{SERVER}}/documentation/Phidget21.NET.zip API for .NET] for the specific syntax to use.  Then, you would compile your completed VB code the same way as the examples above.
 
Mono also has a few different IDEs which you can use to develop code, and these are especially useful if you are doing GUI development.  We provide instructions for MonoDevelop - one such IDE - being used [[#MonoDevelop|under Windows]].
 
To learn how to write your own code for your Phidget, and to learn more about our API, we have a [[#Follow the Examples|teaching section]] to help you follow the provided VB examples and which has resources such as the API reference.


==Linux==
==Linux==
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Visual Basic .NET has support on Linux through the Mono framework.   
Visual Basic .NET has support on Linux through the Mono framework.   


The first step in using Visual Basic .NET on Linux is to install the Phidget libraries.  Compile and install them as explained on the main [[OS - Linux | Linux page]].  That Linux page also describes the different Phidget files, their installed locations, and their roles.
===Use Our Examples===
The first step in using Visual Basic .NET with Phidgets on Linux is to install Mono.  Although you probably have already done this if you're a Visual Basic .NET programmer, you want to make sure you have all of the packages you'll need.  Try:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=bash>
sudo apt-get mono-complete
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
The Visual Basic Mono framework also requires the Visual Basic .NET compiler, {{Code|vbnc}}.  This can be installed via another Mono package:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=bash>
sudo apt-get install mono-vbnc
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
Next, you'll want to install the main Phidget Libraries.  Compile and install them as explained on the main [[OS - Linux | Linux page]].  That Linux page also describes the different Phidget files, their installed locations, and their roles.
 
Then, you will need the Phidget .NET libraries.  These are part of the Windows library zip file download:
 
* [{{SERVER}}/downloads/phidget21/libraries/windows/Phidget21-windevel.zip Phidget Windows Library Zip File]
 
Extract the library zip file.  Descriptions for the files are available on the [[OS - Windows]] page, but for now we only need the {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}} file to run the Phidget Visual Basic examples in Mono.  So remember where you unzipped these Windows libraries - you will need to copy the {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}} file into your example directory shortly.
 
Next, you'll want to download and extract the Phidget Visual Basic .NET Examples (not the ones for .NET Compact):
 
* [{{SERVER}}/downloads/phidget21/examples/dotnet/VBNET.zip Visual Basic .NET Examples for Windows]
 
To check that your Linux, Phidget, and Mono setup is all working together, you'll want to run the Visual Basic (VB) examples.  You'll probably want to start with the Hello World VB example.  Alternatively, you could find the source code for your device. {{Template:FindYourDevice}}
 
All of the .NET examples are much larger projects through Visual Studio, so you'll need to dig around within the project and find the source code and compile only that source code using Mono.
 
Let's say you're running the Hello World example.  The source code for the example is in the directory:
 
:{{Code|VBNET/}} &rarr; {{Code|Hello World/}} &rarr; {{Code|Module1.vb}}
 
Other examples will be in directories named appropriately for their software object name, rather than {{Code|Hello World}}.  Once you have found the example you want to run, copy the {{Code|Phidget21.NET.dll}} file that you unzipped earlier into that example directory where the {{Code|Module1.vb}} file is. 
 
Then, compile the code.  When compiling, you need to link to the Phidget library. As the Phidget21.NET file is an "additional assembly" in Visual Basic/Mono, you can link to the assembly using the {{Code|-r}} "reference" switch:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=bash>
vbnc Module1.vb -r:Phidget21.NET.dll
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
This will compile a {{Code|*.exe}} file - in this case, {{Code|Module1.exe}}.  This you can then run under Mono:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=bash>
sudo mono Program.exe
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
Remember that the {{Code|sudo}} is needed unless you have your [[OS - Linux#Setting udev Rules|udev rules set on your Linux system]].
 
If you will be compiling with an IDE such as GTK# or MonoDevelop, we don't have explicit instructions by IDE for Linux.  However, you will probably find the [[#MonoDevelop | MonoDevelop]] section in the Windows portion above useful.
 
===Write Your Own Code===
 
When writing your code from scratch, you start it as you would any Visual Basic code on Linux, such as within a text editor like Emacs, Vi, Gedit, or Kate. In your .vb source code file, you must include a reference to the Phidget software object.  In the case of a Phidget interface kit device, this would look like:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>
Public Class Form1
  'The Phidget object declaration
  Dim WithEvents ifKit As Phidgets.InterfaceKit
  '... Form1_Load and Form1_OnClosing here
End Class
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
For other devices, check the API for your device on our webpage for the software object name, and the [{{SERVER}}/documentation/Phidget21.NET.zip API for .NET] for the specific syntax to use.  Then, you would compile your completed VB code the same way as the examples above.
 
Mono also has a few different IDEs which you can use to develop code, and these are especially useful if you are doing GUI development.  We provide instructions for MonoDevelop - one such IDE - being used [[#MonoDevelop|under Windows]].
 
To learn how to write your own code for your Phidget, and to learn more about our API, we have a [[#Follow the Examples|teaching section]] to help you follow the provided VB examples and which has resources such as the API reference.


==Follow the Examples==
==Follow the Examples==
Line 197: Line 354:
By following the instructions for your operating system and compiler above, you probably now have a working example and want to understand it better so you can change it to do what you want.  This teaching section has resources for you to learn from the examples and write your own.
By following the instructions for your operating system and compiler above, you probably now have a working example and want to understand it better so you can change it to do what you want.  This teaching section has resources for you to learn from the examples and write your own.


Next, comes our API information.  These resources outline the Phidget .NET functions:
Your main reference for writing Visual Basic .NET code will be our .NET API information, with syntax for all of our functions:


{{UsingAPhidgetInCodeGeneral|both of which are available in .NET|[http://www.phidgets.com/documentation/Phidget21.NET.zip .NET API]}}
{{UsingAPhidgetInCodeGeneral|both of which are available in .NET|[{{SERVER}}/documentation/Phidget21.NET.zip .NET API]}}


===Example Flow===
===Example Flow===


{{ExamplePseudocode|In Visual Basic .NET, you can name these '''event''' functions whatever you like.  You will then pass them as function pointers to the Phidget library below in the Main Code sectionThis hooks them into the actual events when they occur. <br>  
{{ExamplePseudocode|In Visual Basic .NET, you can name these '''event''' functions whatever you like, although you must catch the events by name in the "Handles" portion of the function declarationThe "Handles" portion of the function hooks them into the actual events when they occur. See our examples for details.<br>  
In the example code, the event functions common to all Phidgets are called things like '''AttachHandler()''' and '''DetachHandler()''', etc.<br><br>
In the example code, the event functions common to all Phidgets are called things like '''AttachHandler()''' and '''DetachHandler()''', etc.<br><br>
Some event functions will be specific to each device, like when a tag is read on an RFID board, or when a sensor value changes on an Interface Kit.
Some event functions will be specific to each device, like when a tag is read on an RFID board, or when a sensor value changes on an Interface Kit.
Other functions are given in the examples to show you more detail on using your Phidget.  For example, '''DeviceInitialize()''' will show what needs to be set up for your Phidget before using it.
Other functions are given in the device-specific examples to show you more detail on using your Phidget.   
|Creating a Phidget software object in Visual Basic .NET is specific to the Phidget.  For a Phidget Spatial, for example, this would involve creating a {{Code|Spatial}} object.  The examples show how to do this and other API functions.<br><br>
|Creating a Phidget software object in Visual Basic .NET is specific to the Phidget.  For a Phidget Spatial, for example, this would involve creating a {{Code|Spatial}} object.  The examples show how to do this and other API functions.<br><br>
The object provides device specific methods and properties which are available from the API for your specific Phidget.|
The object provides device specific methods and properties which are available from the API for your specific Phidget.|
[http://www.phidgets.com/documentation/Phidget21.NET.zip Phidget.NET API]}}
[{{SERVER}}/documentation/Phidget21.NET.zip .NET API]}}
 
===Code Snippets===
 
Specific calls in Visual Basic (VB) .NET will differ in syntax from those on the [[General Phidget Programming]] page, but the concepts stay the same.  
 
It may help to have the [[General Phidget Programming]] page and this section open at the same time, because they parallel each other and you can refer to the VB .NET syntax.  However, ''many'' additional concepts are covered on the General Phidget Programming page on a high level, such as using multiple Phidgets, handling errors, and different styles of programming.
 
====Step One: Initialize and Open====
 
The open() function opens the software object, but not hardware. So, it is not a guarantee you can use the Phidget immediately.
 
The different types of open can be used with parameters to try and get the first device it can find, open based on its serial number, or even open across the network. The API manual lists and [[General Phidget Programming]] discusses all of the available modes that open provides.
 
For example, if we were using an Interface Kit Phidget board as our device, the create and open calls would look like this:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>
ifKit = New Phidgets.InterfaceKit
ifKit.open()
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>


==Code Snippets==
====Step Two: Wait for Attachment (plugging in) of the Phidget====
 
To use the Phidget, it must be plugged in (attached). We can handle this by using event driven programming and tracking the AttachEvents and DetachEvents, or we can handle this by calling waitForAttachment. This function works for any Phidget. WaitForAttachment will block indefinitely until a connection is made to the Phidget, or an optional timeout is exceeded.
 
When combined in your initialization function with the initialization and open from above, the wait for attachment would look like this:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>
Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs)
Handles MyBase.Load
    ifKit = New Phidgets.InterfaceKit
    ifKit.open()
    ifKit.waitForAttachment(3000)
End Sub
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
====Step Three: Do Things with the Phidget====
 
We recommend the use of event driven programming when working with Phidgets. In VB.NET we can hook an event handler into the event of a sensor changing on an Interface Kit board with the following code:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>
Private Sub ifKit_SensorChange(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As Phidgets.Events.SensorChangeEventArgs) Handles ifKit.SensorChange
    TextBox1.Text = "Index " + e.Index.ToString() + " Value: " + e.Value.ToString()
End Sub
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
With this function, the code inside ifKit_SensorChange will get executed every time the Phidget Interface Kit reports a change on one of its analog inputs. This is because it "Handles" the SensorChange event.  Some events such as Attach and Detach belong to the base Phidget object and thus are common to all types of Phidgets.
 
Some values can be read and sent directly to the Phidget, simply use the instance members and properties. This is also how you would set properties on the Phidget such as the output state or
sensor sensitivity.  For example, obtaining the value of analog input (sensor) 0 on an Interface Kit board would be via:
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>
Dim val As Integer = ifKit.sensors(0).Value
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
====Step Four: Close and Delete====
 
At the end of your program, unhook any events and call Application.DoEvents(). This will make sure there are no outstanding events being processed before calling close.
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>
Private Sub Form1_FormClosing(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.Windows.Forms.FormClosingEventArgs) Handles Me.FormClosing
    RemoveHandler ifKit.SensorChange, AddressOf ifKit_SensorChange
    Application.DoEvents()
    ifKit.close()
End Sub
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
{{MoreHowTos}}
 
The ''complete'' set of functions you have available for all Phidgets can be found in the [{{SERVER}}/documentation/Phidget21.NET.zip .NET API].  You can also find more description on any device-specific function in the Device API page for your specific Phidget, which can be found in its [[:Category:UserGuide|user guide]].


==Common Problems and Solutions/Workarounds==
==Common Problems and Solutions/Workarounds==


Here you can put various frequent problems and our recommended solutions.
==={{ProblemSolution|All Operating Systems|The Phidgets.Events.ErrorEventHandler conflicts with System.IO.ErrorEventHandler.}}===
 
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=csharp>
using System.IO;
using Phidgets;
using Phidgets.Events;
...
spatial.Error += new ErrorEventHandler(spatial_Error);
 
...
void spatial_Error(object sender, ErrorEventArgs e){
  ...
}
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>
 
The above code produces the following errors:
 
{{Code|'ErrorEventHandler' is an ambiguous reference between 'System.IO.ErrorEventHandler' and 'Phidgets.Events.ErrorEventHandler'}}.
 
and
 
{{Code|'ErrorEventArgs' is an ambiguous reference between 'System.IO.ErrorEventArgs' and 'Phidgets.Events.ErrorEventArgs'}}.
 
The error is due to the {{Code|System.IO}} and {{Code|Phidgets.Events}} namespaces both having a class called {{Code|ErrorEventHandler}}.
 
To get around this issue, use the fully qualified namespace when referring to the {{Code|ErrorEventHandler}} and {{Code|ErrorEventArgs}} classes:
<div class="source">
<syntaxhighlight lang=csharp>
using System.IO;
using Phidgets;
using Phidgets.Events;
...
spatial.Error += new Phidgets.Events.ErrorEventHandler(spatial_Error);
...
 
void spatial_Error(object sender, Phidgets.Events.ErrorEventArgs e){
  ...
}
 
</syntaxhighlight>
</div>

Latest revision as of 15:30, 7 June 2017

Visual Basic .NET, developed by Microsoft is a modern object oriented programming language and the successor to Visual Basic 6.0.

Introduction

If this is your first time working with a Phidget, we suggest starting with the Getting Started page for your specific device. This can be found in the user guide for your device. That page will walk you through installing drivers and libraries for your operating system, and will then bring you back here to use Visual Basic .NET specifically.

Visual Basic .NET is capable of using the complete Phidget API, including events. We also provide example code in Visual Basic .NET for all Phidget devices.

Visual Basic .NET can be developed with the .NET or Mono framework. Both of the frameworks are supported on Windows. For Linux and OS X, only the Mono framework can be used. We provide instructions on how to set up your environment/compilers for Visual Studio 2005/2008/2010, Visual Studio 2003, MonoDevelop and the Mono command line compilers.

You can compare Visual Basic .NET with our other supported languages.

Quick Downloads

Just need the Visual Basic .NET documentation, drivers, libraries, and examples? Here they are:

Documentation

Example Code

Libraries and Drivers


Getting started with Visual Basic .NET

If you are new to writing code for Phidgets, we recommend starting by running, then modifying existing examples. This will allow you to:

  • Make sure your libraries are properly linked
  • Go from source code to a test application as quickly as possible
  • Ensure your Phidget is hooked up properly

Instructions are divided up by operating system. Choose:

Windows (XP/Vista/7/8)

Description of Library Files

Visual Basic .NET programs on Windows depend on the following files, which the installers above put onto your system:

  • phidget21.dll contains the actual Phidget library, which is used at run-time. By default, it is placed in C:\Windows\System32.

You will also need one of the following two files, depending on the .NET framework version you are targeting:

  • Phidget21.NET.dll is the Phidget library for .NET framework 2.0 or higher. Your compiler has to know where this file is. By default, it is placed into C:\Program Files\Phidgets. You can either point your compiler to that location, or copy and link to it in a directory for your project workspace.
  • Phidget21.NET1.1.dll is the Phidget library for .NET framework 1.1. Your compiler has to know where this file is. By default, is is placed into C:\Program Files\Phidgets. You can either point your compiler to that location, or copy and link to it in a directory for your project workspace.

You can optionally install the following files:

  • Phidget21.NET.XML provides the IntelliSense in-line documentation for the .NET library in Visual Studio/MonoDevelop. This documentation is also visible in the Object Browser in Visual Studio. By default, it is placed into C:\Program Files\Phidgets.
  • Policy.2.1.Phidget21.NET.dll is the policy assembly for Phidget21.NET.dll. Our installer places this file in the Global Assembly Cache(GAC) directory. It directs any programs compiled against version 2.1.0 or higher of Phidget21.NET.dll to use the most recent installed version.

If you do not want to use our installer, you can download the five files.


Running the examples and writing your own code can be fairly environment-specific, so we include instructions for Visual Studio 2005/2008/2010, Visual Studio 2003, MonoDevelop and the Mono command line compiler.

Visual Studio 2005/2008/2010

Microsoft makes free versions of Visual Studio available known as Express Editions. The Express editions are suitable for most applications, but are limited in features for more complex applications. Please see Microsoft Visual Studio for more information.

Use Our Examples

Please start by downloading the examples and unpack them into a folder. While these examples were written in Visual Studio 2005 and Visual Studio 2008, Visual Studio 2010 will easily open and upgrade them with the Visual Studio Conversion Wizard.

Conversion Wizard

To load all projects in Visual Studio, go to File → Open → Project, and open AllExamples/AllExamples.sln or AllExamples/AllExamples_vs2008.sln for Visual Studio 2005 and 2008, respectively.

This will load all of the examples available for Visual Basic .NET, and then you can set your main project to be the HelloWorld project that will work with any Phidget board. Or you can choose the example that matches your device. The source file will be named the same as the software object for your device. If you are not sure what the software object for your device is, find your Phidget on our webpage, and then check the API documentation for it.

The only thing left to do is to run the examples! Click on Debug → Start Debugging. Please note that the projects, by default try to find the Phidget21.NET.dll in C:\Program Files\Phidgets. If you have it installed in another location, please change the path to the file's location accordingly. If you are receiving an error message regarding that the type Phidget is not defined, please re-add the reference to Phidget21.NET.dll. Please see the Write Your Own Code section for details.

Run

Once you have the Visual Basic .NET examples running, we have a teaching section below to help you follow them.

Write Your Own Code

When you are building a project from scratch, or adding Phidget function calls to an existing project, you'll need to configure your environment to properly link the Phidget .NET library. To begin:

1. Generate a new Visual Basic .NET Console Application project with a descriptive name such as PhidgetTest.

New Project

2. Add a reference to the Phidget .NET library.

Add Reference

3. Under the .NET tab, select Phidget21.NET.dll. If you used our installer, these files are installed in C:\Program Files\Phidgets, by default. If it does not appear in this list, then you can browse to the Phidget Framework installation directory and add the file.

Add Reference

The project now has access to the Phidget function calls and you are ready to begin coding.

The same teaching section which describes the examples also has further resources for programming your Phidget.

Visual Studio 2003

Use Our Examples

As the Visual Basic .NET examples were written in Visual Studio 2005 and 2008, Visual Studio 2003 is not able to open the examples. Furthermore, it will be difficult to import the examples into your Visual Studio 2003 project as you will need to recreate the GUI components. Fortunately, taking a look at the source code will give you valuable programming insight. We have a teaching section below to help you follow them.

Write Your Own Code

When you are building a project from scratch, or adding Phidget function calls to an existing project, you'll need to configure your development environment to properly link the Phidget .NET library.

1. Generate a new Visual Basic Console Application project with a descriptive name such as PhidgetTest.

New Project

2. Add a reference to the Phidget .NET library.

Add Reference

3. Under the .NET tab, select Phidget21.NET1.1.dll. If you used our installer, these files are installed in C:\Program Files\Phidgets, by default. If it does not appear in this list, then you can browse to the Phidget Framework installation directory and add the file.

Add Reference

The project now has access to the Phidget21 function calls and you are ready to begin coding.

The teaching section also has further resources for programming your Phidget.

Mono

This section will provide instructions on how to compile using the vbnc compiler.

Use Our Examples

We do not have Visual Basic .NET examples for the Mono framework. Fortunately, you can take a look at the source code for our Visual Studio 2005 and 2008 examples for valuable programming insight. We have a teaching section below to help you follow them.

Write Your Own Code

When you are building a project from scratch, or adding Phidget function calls to an existing project, you'll need to configure your compiler to properly link the Phidget .NET library.

Place the Phidget21.NET.dll in the same directory as your source code. To compile and build an executable, run:

vbnc /out:example.exe /r:Phidget21.NET.dll Example.vb

Afterwards, you will have an executable named example.exe that you can run. Type the following to run the program:

mono example.exe

The teaching section also has further resources for programming your Phidget.

MonoDevelop

Use Our Examples

Download the examples and unpack them into a folder. Here, you can find example programs for all the devices, as well as a HelloWorld program that will run with any Phidget.

These examples were written in Visual Studio 2005 and 2008, but they are also compatible with MonoDevelop. Please note that the examples are only designed to be run under the .NET framework. The examples are not compatible with the Mono framework. Despite this, if you are using the Mono framework, you can use the code within the examples for valuable programming insight.

The rest of this section will explain the steps needed to run our examples under the .NET framework. To load all projects in MonoDevelop, go to File → Open, and open AllExamples/AllExamples.sln

This will load all of the examples available for Visual Basic .NET, and then you can set your main project to be the one that matches your device. The source file will be named the same as the software object for your device. If you are not sure what the software object for your device is, find your Phidget on our webpage, and then check the API documentation for it.

Start Up Project

The only thing left to do is to run the examples! Right click the project, and click on Run With and select the Microsoft .NET framework. Please note that the projects, by default try to find the Phidget21.NET.dll in the C\Program Files\Phidgets. If you have it installed in another location, please change the path to the file's location accordingly. If you are receiving an error message regarding that the Phidget is not defined, please re-add the reference to Phidget21.NET.dll. Please see the Write Your Own Code section for details.

Run

Once you have the Visual Basic .NET examples running, we have a teaching section below to help you follow them.

Write Your Own Code

When you are building a project from scratch, or adding Phidget function calls to an existing project, you'll need to configure your development environment to properly link the Phidget .NET library. To begin:

1. Create a new Visual Basic .NET console project with a descriptive name such as PhidgetTest.

New Project

2. Add a reference to the Phidget .NET library.

Add Reference

3. Select Phidget21.NET.dll. If you used our installer, by default, this file is placed in C:\Program Files\Phidgets. If it is in another location, please change the path to the file's location accordingly.

Add Reference

The project now has access to the Phidget function calls and you are ready to begin coding.

The same teaching section which describes the examples also has further resources for programming your Phidget.

OS X

Visual Basic .NET has excellent support on OS X through the Mono framework.

The first step in using Visual Basic .NET on Mac is to install the Phidget libraries. Compile and install them as explained on the OS - OS X page, which also describes the different Phidget files, their installed locations, and their roles....

Use Our Examples

The first thing you are going to need to do is install Mono (Note that Mono is only available for Intel Macs and not PowerPC). You will need both the SDK and the runtime.

Then, you will need the Phidget .NET libraries. These are part of the Windows library zip file download:

Extract the library zip file. Descriptions for the files are available on the OS - Windows page, but for now we only need the Phidget21.NET.dll file to run the Phidget VB.NET examples in Mono. So remember where you unzipped these Windows libraries - you will need to copy the Phidget21.NET.dll file into your example directory shortly.

Next, you'll want to download and extract the Phidget Visual Basic .NET Examples (not the ones for .NET Compact):

One more thing needs to be done before you can compile and run the examples. You need to set up a special configuration file so that Mono knows where to find the phidget21.dll. Since Mac does not use dll's you need to redirect it to the appropriate file. Create a new file in the same directory as the example you wish to compile and name it Phidget21.NET.dll.config. Put the following into the file:

<configuration>
	<dllmap dll="phidget21.dll" target="/Library/Frameworks/Phidget21.framework/Versions/Current/Phidget21" />
</configuration>

All that is left is to compile and run the code. When compiling, you need to link to the Phidget library. As the Phidget21.NET file is an "additional assembly" in VB.NET/Mono, you can link to the assembly using the -r "reference" switch:

To check that your Mac, Phidget, and Mono setup is all working together, you'll want to run the Visual Basic (VB) examples. You'll probably want to start with the Hello World VB example. Alternatively, you could find the source code for your device. The source file will be named the same as the software object for your device. If you are not sure what the software object for your device is, find your Phidget on our webpage, and then check the API documentation for it.

All of the .NET examples are much larger projects through Visual Studio, so you'll need to dig around within the project and find the source code and compile only that source code using Mono.

Let's say you're running the Hello World example. The source code for the example is in the directory:

VBNET/Hello World/Module1.vb

Other examples will be in directories named appropriately for their software object name, rather than Hello World. Once you have found the example you want to run, copy the Phidget21.NET.dll file that you unzipped earlier into that example directory where the Module1.vb file is.

Then, compile the code. When compiling, you need to link to the Phidget library. As the Phidget21.NET file is an "additional assembly" in Visual Basic/Mono, you can link to the assembly using the -r "reference" switch:

vbnc Module1.vb -r:Phidget21.NET.dll

This will compile a *.exe file - in this case, Module1.exe. This you can then run under Mono:

sudo mono Program.exe

Remember that the sudo is needed unless you have your udev rules set on your Linux system.

If you will be compiling with an IDE such as GTK# or MonoDevelop, we don't have explicit instructions by IDE for Linux. However, you will probably find the MonoDevelop section in the Windows portion above useful.

Write Your Own Code

When writing your code from scratch, you start it as you would any Visual Basic code on OS X, such as within a text editor. In your .vb source code file, you must include a reference to the Phidget software object. In the case of a Phidget interface kit device, this would look like:

Public Class Form1
   'The Phidget object declaration
		
   Dim WithEvents ifKit As Phidgets.InterfaceKit
		
   '... Form1_Load and Form1_OnClosing here
End Class

For other devices, check the API for your device on our webpage for the software object name, and the API for .NET for the specific syntax to use. Then, you would compile your completed VB code the same way as the examples above.

Mono also has a few different IDEs which you can use to develop code, and these are especially useful if you are doing GUI development. We provide instructions for MonoDevelop - one such IDE - being used under Windows.

To learn how to write your own code for your Phidget, and to learn more about our API, we have a teaching section to help you follow the provided VB examples and which has resources such as the API reference.

Linux

Visual Basic .NET has support on Linux through the Mono framework.

Use Our Examples

The first step in using Visual Basic .NET with Phidgets on Linux is to install Mono. Although you probably have already done this if you're a Visual Basic .NET programmer, you want to make sure you have all of the packages you'll need. Try:

sudo apt-get mono-complete

The Visual Basic Mono framework also requires the Visual Basic .NET compiler, vbnc. This can be installed via another Mono package:

sudo apt-get install mono-vbnc

Next, you'll want to install the main Phidget Libraries. Compile and install them as explained on the main Linux page. That Linux page also describes the different Phidget files, their installed locations, and their roles.

Then, you will need the Phidget .NET libraries. These are part of the Windows library zip file download:

Extract the library zip file. Descriptions for the files are available on the OS - Windows page, but for now we only need the Phidget21.NET.dll file to run the Phidget Visual Basic examples in Mono. So remember where you unzipped these Windows libraries - you will need to copy the Phidget21.NET.dll file into your example directory shortly.

Next, you'll want to download and extract the Phidget Visual Basic .NET Examples (not the ones for .NET Compact):

To check that your Linux, Phidget, and Mono setup is all working together, you'll want to run the Visual Basic (VB) examples. You'll probably want to start with the Hello World VB example. Alternatively, you could find the source code for your device. The source file will be named the same as the software object for your device. If you are not sure what the software object for your device is, find your Phidget on our webpage, and then check the API documentation for it.

All of the .NET examples are much larger projects through Visual Studio, so you'll need to dig around within the project and find the source code and compile only that source code using Mono.

Let's say you're running the Hello World example. The source code for the example is in the directory:

VBNET/Hello World/Module1.vb

Other examples will be in directories named appropriately for their software object name, rather than Hello World. Once you have found the example you want to run, copy the Phidget21.NET.dll file that you unzipped earlier into that example directory where the Module1.vb file is.

Then, compile the code. When compiling, you need to link to the Phidget library. As the Phidget21.NET file is an "additional assembly" in Visual Basic/Mono, you can link to the assembly using the -r "reference" switch:

vbnc Module1.vb -r:Phidget21.NET.dll

This will compile a *.exe file - in this case, Module1.exe. This you can then run under Mono:

sudo mono Program.exe

Remember that the sudo is needed unless you have your udev rules set on your Linux system.

If you will be compiling with an IDE such as GTK# or MonoDevelop, we don't have explicit instructions by IDE for Linux. However, you will probably find the MonoDevelop section in the Windows portion above useful.

Write Your Own Code

When writing your code from scratch, you start it as you would any Visual Basic code on Linux, such as within a text editor like Emacs, Vi, Gedit, or Kate. In your .vb source code file, you must include a reference to the Phidget software object. In the case of a Phidget interface kit device, this would look like:

Public Class Form1
   'The Phidget object declaration
		
   Dim WithEvents ifKit As Phidgets.InterfaceKit
		
   '... Form1_Load and Form1_OnClosing here
End Class

For other devices, check the API for your device on our webpage for the software object name, and the API for .NET for the specific syntax to use. Then, you would compile your completed VB code the same way as the examples above.

Mono also has a few different IDEs which you can use to develop code, and these are especially useful if you are doing GUI development. We provide instructions for MonoDevelop - one such IDE - being used under Windows.

To learn how to write your own code for your Phidget, and to learn more about our API, we have a teaching section to help you follow the provided VB examples and which has resources such as the API reference.

Follow the Examples

By following the instructions for your operating system and compiler above, you probably now have a working example and want to understand it better so you can change it to do what you want. This teaching section has resources for you to learn from the examples and write your own.

Your main reference for writing Visual Basic .NET code will be our .NET API information, with syntax for all of our functions:

  • .NET API (This is the complete set of functions you have available for all Phidgets)
  • Device Specific APIs - The one for your Phidget can be found in its user guide.

To learn the details behind opening, configuring, using, and closing your Phidget, try the General Phidget Programming page. That page also describes using the Phidget in an event-driven manner and in a traditional manner, both of which are available in .NET.

Example Flow

The Hello World example has this general structure so you can follow along. We also have an in-depth general introduction to writing Phidget code (like open, read data, etc), as well as the .NET API for specific syntax:

// ----- Event and Other Functions -----

Create any Language-Specific Functions (exception handling)

Create General Attach, Detach, and Error Handling Functions:

On attach: Print Hello Message
On detach: Print Goodbye Message

 

In Visual Basic .NET, you can name these event functions whatever you like, although you must catch the events by name in the "Handles" portion of the function declaration. The "Handles" portion of the function hooks them into the actual events when they occur. See our examples for details.
In the example code, the event functions common to all Phidgets are called things like AttachHandler() and DetachHandler(), etc.

Some event functions will be specific to each device, like when a tag is read on an RFID board, or when a sensor value changes on an Interface Kit. Other functions are given in the device-specific examples to show you more detail on using your Phidget.

// ----- Main Code -----

Create Manager Software Object
Hook Event Functions created above to Device
Open Device

Wait for 'Enter' key character input
Handle on-going attach and detach events
Print Hello and Goodbye messages
Exit upon input

Close Device

Delete Device

 

Creating a Phidget software object in Visual Basic .NET is specific to the Phidget. For a Phidget Spatial, for example, this would involve creating a Spatial object. The examples show how to do this and other API functions.

The object provides device specific methods and properties which are available from the API for your specific Phidget.

Code Snippets

Specific calls in Visual Basic (VB) .NET will differ in syntax from those on the General Phidget Programming page, but the concepts stay the same.  

It may help to have the General Phidget Programming page and this section open at the same time, because they parallel each other and you can refer to the VB .NET syntax.  However, many additional concepts are covered on the General Phidget Programming page on a high level, such as using multiple Phidgets, handling errors, and different styles of programming.

Step One: Initialize and Open

The open() function opens the software object, but not hardware. So, it is not a guarantee you can use the Phidget immediately.

The different types of open can be used with parameters to try and get the first device it can find, open based on its serial number, or even open across the network. The API manual lists and General Phidget Programming discusses all of the available modes that open provides.

For example, if we were using an Interface Kit Phidget board as our device, the create and open calls would look like this:

ifKit = New Phidgets.InterfaceKit
ifKit.open()

Step Two: Wait for Attachment (plugging in) of the Phidget

To use the Phidget, it must be plugged in (attached). We can handle this by using event driven programming and tracking the AttachEvents and DetachEvents, or we can handle this by calling waitForAttachment. This function works for any Phidget. WaitForAttachment will block indefinitely until a connection is made to the Phidget, or an optional timeout is exceeded.

When combined in your initialization function with the initialization and open from above, the wait for attachment would look like this:

Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs)
Handles MyBase.Load
    ifKit = New Phidgets.InterfaceKit
    ifKit.open()
    ifKit.waitForAttachment(3000)
End Sub

Step Three: Do Things with the Phidget

We recommend the use of event driven programming when working with Phidgets. In VB.NET we can hook an event handler into the event of a sensor changing on an Interface Kit board with the following code:

Private Sub ifKit_SensorChange(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As Phidgets.Events.SensorChangeEventArgs) Handles ifKit.SensorChange
    TextBox1.Text = "Index " + e.Index.ToString() + " Value: " + e.Value.ToString()
End Sub

With this function, the code inside ifKit_SensorChange will get executed every time the Phidget Interface Kit reports a change on one of its analog inputs. This is because it "Handles" the SensorChange event. Some events such as Attach and Detach belong to the base Phidget object and thus are common to all types of Phidgets.

Some values can be read and sent directly to the Phidget, simply use the instance members and properties. This is also how you would set properties on the Phidget such as the output state or sensor sensitivity. For example, obtaining the value of analog input (sensor) 0 on an Interface Kit board would be via:

Dim val As Integer = ifKit.sensors(0).Value

Step Four: Close and Delete

At the end of your program, unhook any events and call Application.DoEvents(). This will make sure there are no outstanding events being processed before calling close.

Private Sub Form1_FormClosing(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.Windows.Forms.FormClosingEventArgs) Handles Me.FormClosing
    RemoveHandler ifKit.SensorChange, AddressOf ifKit_SensorChange
    Application.DoEvents()
    ifKit.close()
End Sub

More How-To's

The General Phidget Programming page gives more information about:

The complete set of functions you have available for all Phidgets can be found in the .NET API. You can also find more description on any device-specific function in the Device API page for your specific Phidget, which can be found in its user guide.

Common Problems and Solutions/Workarounds

All Operating Systems: The Phidgets.Events.ErrorEventHandler conflicts with System.IO.ErrorEventHandler.

using System.IO;
using Phidgets;
using Phidgets.Events;
...
spatial.Error += new ErrorEventHandler(spatial_Error);

...
void spatial_Error(object sender, ErrorEventArgs e){
   ...
}

The above code produces the following errors:

'ErrorEventHandler' is an ambiguous reference between 'System.IO.ErrorEventHandler' and 'Phidgets.Events.ErrorEventHandler'.

and

'ErrorEventArgs' is an ambiguous reference between 'System.IO.ErrorEventArgs' and 'Phidgets.Events.ErrorEventArgs'.

The error is due to the System.IO and Phidgets.Events namespaces both having a class called ErrorEventHandler.

To get around this issue, use the fully qualified namespace when referring to the ErrorEventHandler and ErrorEventArgs classes:

using System.IO;
using Phidgets;
using Phidgets.Events;
...
spatial.Error += new Phidgets.Events.ErrorEventHandler(spatial_Error);
...

void spatial_Error(object sender, Phidgets.Events.ErrorEventArgs e){
   ...
}