NeatTools Instructive Programs
On this page are programs designed to help you learn to use NeatTools. Before you begin you should have NeatTools installed on your computer, and should have reviewed the NeatTools manual. The NeatTools manual provides an explanation of what NeatTools is and what can be done with it. It explains the interface and the elementary techniques needed to become familiar with the basic concepts of NeatTools, and introduces the reader to some of the modules and toolbars. It explains the TNG-3B and how this general purpose interface device can be used with NeatTools. Its references include tables that state what the modules in various toolbars do. This tutorial assumes the reader is familiar with the lessons from the manual.
This tutorial page contains links to simple programs that are meant to illustrate the purpose of a module by example. Once you understand the basics of how to place and connect modules, these programs offer another way to learn about many of those modules you will need in order to write your own programs. Programs are provided for many but not all of the modules within NeatTools; emphasis is placed on the more commonly used ones. You may want to learn about the modules in the display toolbox first, followed by the logic toolbox and then the I/O (input/output) toolbox. This is due to the tendency of the former modules to appear in programs designed to explain the latter. When using these programs to learn about NeatTools, do not hesitate to add modules, change connections, alter properties of modules, or do anything else that will help you to learn. If you have forgotten how to do these things, refer to the manual.
If you have trouble opening these programs (which may occur if you have a version of Mozilla Firefox older than 3.0) you may need to right click on the links and select the "Save link as..." option. You should be able to open them from the saved links. Press CTRL-F7 to unlock programs that open without the toolbars.
Table of Contents
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Display Programs |
Below are other programs that rely on modules from the
digital logic toolbox that you may want to know first. Other than learning
about the display modules and the informal prerequisites for a couple of the
more complex modules, it does not matter what order you go through and learn
the logic modules.
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Simple Logic Modules |
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Semi-complex Logic Modules |
Recommended prerequisite |
Polymorphic Objects: This program is designed to show the polymorphic nature of the control, sample, multiplexer, and demultiplexer modules within NeatTools. Although this gadget was not designed with any practical application in mind, it shows how one may have to make slight variations in systems with similar goals because of differences in the inherent properties of display and other modules.
The last major toolbox is the I/O(input/output) toolbox. The modules in this toolbox are primarily designed to connect you with sensors, other computers, or devices your programs are meant to operate. The last five programs will require a TNG-3B or TNG-4 and some setup to be able to test and understand the programs.
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I/O Toolbox Modules |
TNG-3B_and Analog Sensors: To use this program connect TNG-3B into the serial port on your computer or use a USB-to-serial adapter (e.g. Keyspan USA-19HS)[1]. Then plug any of the analog sensors, such as a bend sensor or a light sensor (photocell), into the first analog input on the TNG-3B. Click on the calibrate switch and operate the sensor over the desired range (one excursion to each limit should suffice); then turn the calibrator off by clicking the calibrate switch again. Try playing around with the sensor and adjusting the slider (the slider has the blue bar; the similar object with the yellow bar is a meter).
TNG-3B Digital Sensors: In this program there are three separate applications of digital input signals. In this program you will notice that there are three different COM1 modules (one would not do this in an actual application program). If a COM port module is active in a NeatTools program (or the COM port is being used by any other program, such as LabVIEW) you will be unable to activate another COM port module of the same number until the other one has been deactivated. Therefore, disable the COM port in the program (or portion of a program you are not currently using) before trying to enable it elsewhere.
TNG-4 Command
Mode: Plug a TNG-4 (Command Mode version) into your computer, open the
program, and click on the "enable" switch. Try clicking the
"xmit" module and then the "clear" module. The ID will be
returned when you click on the "xmit" module. See the Command Mode Manual for more commands
(besides 9D) and for more information on how to use a Command Mode TNG-4.
TNG-4 PlayStation 2 Controller: To use this program you need a TNG-4 Command Mode version and a PlayStation 2 (PS2) controller specially adapted to plug into a TNG-4. Connect the TNG-4, with a power adapter, and then connect the PlayStation controller to the SPI port on the TNG-4. After you open the program, click on the "enable" switch to begin. Try switching analog mode on and off on the controller as you explore the program.
TNG-4 Control of Servo Motors: Again you will need a Command Mode TNG-4 for this program. Connect the TNG-4, with power adapter; then connect the servo board to the SPI port on the TNG-4 and power it using the 5 volt power adapter provided. Plug up to five motors into the first five (out of eight) spaces on the servo board. You will notice that part of the program has been teased apart to make it easier for you to see how it works. For more information, refer to the TNG Servo Manual.
After the major toolboxes, there are a few more toolboxes which are essentially self-explanatory. You will not need to use all of the modules in all of the toolboxes, but here are a couple of programs to help you with the remaining toolboxes:
Finally, when you feel comfortable with most of the modules in NeatTools, you may want to look at some of the application programs in the table below. They will help you learn how to use modules together to achieve the goals for your programs. Because some are more complicated than others, an order of looking at them by category is suggested below. You may find it easier to understand these programs if you separate the modules in edit mode and follow the links by placing the mouse cursor on them, in turn. Be careful not to click unintentionally on links, as this will break (delete) them. In general, it is prudent to retain a recent backup version of the program you are editing or exploring, so that you can recover it if necessary, in case of a broken link or other problem.
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Sound: |
Clocks and Timers: |
State Machines: |
Other Apps: |
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