GTCO CalComp DrawingBoard V User Manual
DrawingBoard V
User’s Guide
The Large Format Digitizer
1The DrawingBoard V
TM
The DrawingBoard V2
We at GTCO CalComp are proud of our digitizer
products. We strive to continue to bring you the best
the technology has to offer. We urge you to visit our
Web site, where we will post the latest information
regarding any updates and changes we have made
that would impact the instructions in this User’s Guide.
Digitizing & Measurement Products/Large Format Digitizers
Navigate to:
www.gtcocalcomp.com
Table of Contents
What is DrawingBoard V? 5
Parts Checklist 6
What You Will Need to Use DrawingBoard V 7
PC Requirements 7
For a Serial Installation 7
For a USB Installation 7
DrawingBoard V Overview 8
Active Area 8
Menu Strip 8
Indicator Light 8
Transducer 8
3The DrawingBoard V Table of Contents
Setting Up Your DrawingBoard V 9
Preparing the DrawingBoard V 9
Mounting on the Stand 9
Attaching the Accessory Tray or Optional Plan Holder 9
Software Configuration 10
Configuring Non-Wintab Applications 10
Installing the TabletWorks Driver 10
Hardware Configuration 11
RS232 Serial Connection 11
USB Connection 12
Tablet Power-On 12
Customizing the Tablet 13
Overview of the Menu Strip 13
Selecting a Pre-Programmed Setup 14
Selecting a Custom Setup 15
Tablet Options 16
Recommended Setups for Common PC Software Applications 20
Restoring a Pre-Programmed Setup 23
Learning the Basics 24
Using the Transducer 24
Using the Cursor 24
Using the Pen 24
Learning Basic Movements 24
Clicking and Double-Clicking 24
Dragging 25
The DrawingBoard V4 Table of Contents
Caring for the Tablet and Transducer 26
Cleaning the Tablet 26
Cleaning the Cursor 26
Replacing the Pen Tip 26
Replacing the Cordless Pen Batteries 27
Replacing the Cordless Cursor Batteries 28
Troubleshooting 29
Reducing Monitor Interference 29
Changing the Frequency of the Cordless Cursor 29
Changing the Frequency of the Cordless Pen 30
Changing the Frequency of a Corded Transducer 30
Tablet Checklist 30
Computer Checklist 30
Software Checklist 31
Does the tablet work with some software? 31
Did the software work in the past? 31
Troubleshooting Chart 32
Returning your Tablet for Repair 33
Repackaging for Shipment 33
Parts and Accessories 34
Glossary 35
Regulatory Statements and Warranty 39
Radio and Television Interference 39
Canada 39
Declaration of Conformity 40
Japan 41
Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs 41
Limited Warranty for the DrawingBoard V 42
Introduction
What is the DrawingBoard V?
The DrawingBoard V belongs to a class of computer input devices called
graphic tablets, or digitizers. A digitizer is an electronic tablet work
surface. The position of a transducer, a handheld cursor or stylus pen, on
the work surface of the DrawingBoard V is converted—digitized—into data
for computer processing. Data output from the DrawingBoard V digitizer
is in the form of an X/Y coordinate pair that pinpoints the precise location
of the transducer on the tablet surface. By placing a drawing or sketch on
the tablet’s surface and tracing over it, graphical information can be easily
converted into accurate digital information for entry into the computer.
DrawingBoard V digitizers utilize the same Advanced Function Technology that has been setting the world standard for performance since 1975.
These high performance tools are engineered with a state-of-the-art positioning grid to ensure reliability, performance and quality. Multiple accuracy versions are available to meet specific system requirements.
The DrawingBoard V family of large-format digitizers boasts the highest
resolution, 12,700 lines per inch, on the market today, unparalleled
accuracy, and a wide range of sizes, providing the perfect solution when
the work demands precision data input over a large surface area. CAD,
GIS, engineering, textile, and apparel designers appreciate the variety of
cordless and corded cursors and stylus pens available to use with the
DrawingBoard V. An integrated mounting channel allows accessories,
such as an accessory tray, to be quickly and easily mounted. Easy-to-use
software and programmable function keys round out the picture of a
powerful, versatile tool that can be configured to meet the needs of any
application environment from drawing, animation, presentation graphics
and desktop publishing to drafting and mapping. The high-productivity
DrawingBoard V can be used as both a digitizer and a mouse, eliminating
the need for multiple devices at your computer.
5The DrawingBoard V
In order to send data from your DrawingBoard V to your digitizing application, your DrawingBoard V must be physically connected to your
computer, and it must be able to transmit that data in such a way that the
digitizing application recognizes and understands it. Before you set up
your DrawingBoard V, you should determine:
The requirements of the digitizing software application you are using
Whether your digitizing application requires software drivers to communicate with the DrawingBoard V
The hardware communications connection (Serial or USB) you will be
using between the DrawingBoard V and the computer
Parts Checklist
The DrawingBoard V6
Parts Checklist
DrawingBoard V digitizing tablet
Transducer (corded or cordless pen, 4-button cursor, or 16-button
cursor)
Computer interface cable with 9-pin connector for RS-232 serial
connection
USB Cable
Power supply
Accessory Tray
A CD (TabletWorks drivers, documentation, or third party software
drivers)
DrawingBoard V User’s Guide (this booklet)
DrawingBoard V Quick Start
Registration Card
Universal Mounting Brackets
Optional Equipment
Manual Lift/Manual Tilt Pedestal
Power Lift/Manual Tilt Pedestal
Power Lift/Power Tilt Pedestal
Right-Angle Mounting Brackets
What You Will Need to Use
DrawingBoard V
This version of the DrawingBoard is equipped with both an RS-232 serial
interface and a USB interface. It is compatible with most industry-standard
PCs. The TabletWorks CD contains drivers provided by GTCO CalComp
and is the only software described in this manual. TabletWorks supports
reduced functionality Wintab and TabCon-compatible applications. If you
are not sure which drivers are required consult with your application
vendor.
A USB connection requires use of the TabletWorks drivers, while a serial
installation requires their use only with Wintab-compliant application
software. After installing the TabletWorks software, the DrawingBoard V
will work with all Windows-based applications as a mouse, in addition to
working as a digitizer with Windows-based applications that are specifically designed for use with digitizers.
7The DrawingBoard V PC Requirements
PC Requirements
For a Serial Installation
Microsoft Windows 98, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, or XP
One available RS232C serial communication port (Serial signal levels
must conform to EIA RS232C specifications.)
10 MB of free disk space
Application software that directly accepts digitizer input via the
computer’s RS232C serial port, or via the Wintab API or TabCon API
For a USB Installation
Microsoft Windows 98se, Me, 2000, or XP
One available USB port
10 MB of free disk space
Application software that accepts digitizer input via the Wintab API or
TabCon API
Overview
DrawingBoard V Overview
The DrawingBoard V digitizer consists of:
Active Area
Active Area
The DrawingBoard V8
Indicator
Light
Transducers
Menu Strip
The drawing area—the Active Area—is that portion of the tablet surface
designated for digitizing. Its boundaries are marked at each corner by a
right-angle crop mark.
Menu Strip
The Menu Strip is the row of keys located in the lower left corner of the
tablet. You can use the keys to customize your tablet, or to assign macros
to Configuration keys for greater productivity.
Indicator Light
The power/proximity LED in the upper right corner of the DrawingBoard
V frame is the Indicator light. It blinks green when the power is On. It is
solid green when the transducer is in prox (within the range) of the Active
Area.
Transducer
Two types of transducers can be used with DrawingBoard V: pens and
cursors. Both are available in corded and cordless versions. The corded
transducers get their power from the digitizer. Cordless transducers are
powered by batteries. They will go into a battery-saving Sleep Mode when
no button has been pressed for one to five minutes, depending on the
type of transducer you are using. To reactivate a sleeping transducer,
press one of its buttons.
Cursors
The cursor is similar in appearance to a mouse, except that it has an
attached lens with crosshairs for highly accurate detail work. Cursors are
available in 4- or 16-button models. In addition, there is a special 16button cursor available with high-accuracy tablets. This cord-only style
cursor has a lens area that can be illuminated.
Installation
Pens
Each pen is similar in appearance to a ballpoint pen. The pen transducer
has three buttons, two on the side of the barrel and one in the pen tip.
Three different types of pens are identified by a colored ring on the pen
barrel—the Click Tip has a light blue ring; the Pressure Tip, a black ring;
and the Lite Touch Tip, a red ring.
Setting Up Your DrawingBoard V
The instructions below describe how to set up your DrawingBoard V.
Before you begin, please take a moment to fill out and mail the Warranty
Registration Card.
Preparing the DrawingBoard V
Mounting on the Stand
9The DrawingBoard V
You can place your DrawingBoard V on a table, desk, or drafting table.
Or, you can mount your DrawingBoard V on a stand or a pedestal. The
tablet’s Universal Mounting Brackets attach directly to those stands that
have tilt arms. Stands with tilt pads require right-angle mounting brackets,
which are attached to the tilt pads. The tablet’s Universal Mounting
Brackets are then attached to the right-angle mounting brackets. Center
the tablet over the attached Universal Mounting Brackets and screw the
Thumbscrews into the T-Nuts in the mounting channel in the tablet’s
frame.
Attaching the Accessory Tray or Optional Plan Holder
Additional T-Nuts have been included in the perimeter mounting channels
on the DrawingBoard V frame. You can position the Plan Holder or
Accessory Tray where it is most convenient for you by attaching it to any
one of the available T-Nuts. The following instructions and the graphic
below detail the installation of the Accessory Tray.
Simply slide the Tray Rails into the channel and line up the hole in the tray
with the hole in the T-Nut. Tighten the Thumbscrew to secure the Accessory Tray.
DrawingBoard V
Frame
Thumbscrew
Tray Rails
T-Nut
Accessory
Tray
Installation
The DrawingBoard V10
Software Configuration
Software drivers provide the communication bridge between your digitizing software application and your DrawingBoard V. You should install
only the drivers necessary for the DrawingBoard V to work with your
application software. If you are not sure which drivers are required,
consult with your application vendor.
Configuring Non-Wintab Applications
Many application programs provide configuration information for specific
digitizers. If the DrawingBoard V digitizer is not listed, you can use the
configuration for GTCO Digi-Pad Type 5 or Type 5A (T5/T5A), CalComp
9100/9500, or Summagraphics Microgrid III or ID Series.
Installing the TabletWorks Driver
Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive on your computer. The installer will
autoload. If it doesn’t, click on the Start button on the Windows Task Bar
and select Run from the menu. Type X:\setup.exe (X represents the CD
drive letter). Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation.
A TabletWorks icon will display in the System Tray on the Windows
Task Bar. Right-click on the icon to display the TabletWorks Menu, which
provides access to all the TabletWorks features.
Installation
Hardware Configuration
The DrawingBoard V must be configured so that it can send data in a way
the application software will recognize and understand. Different applications have different requirements when interacting with a digitizer. Determine, if you haven’t already, which communication connection you will
be using—serial or USB.
1 Connect the corded transducer – cursor or pen – to the appropriate
jack on the digitizer’s Connector Panel. The connector is keyed and
will fit only the correct jack. Do not force it.
11The DrawingBoard V
Transducer
(POINTER)
DrawingBoard V Connector Panel
USB
(USB)
Power
(9V DC)
Serial
(RS 232)
Power Switch
(I/O)
Controller
Box
RS232 Serial Connection
1 Connect the RS232 serial cable to the serial jack on the Connector
Panel. The connector is keyed and will fit only the correct jack. Do not
force it. Connect the other end to an RS232 serial port on your computer.
2 Plug the power supply into an AC outlet. Connect the power supply
to the appropriate jack on the Connector Panel. Turn the Power
Switch on. The digitizer will beep once, indicating it has power.
DrawingBoard V Serial Connection
Transducer
(POINTER)
Power
(9V DC)
Computer
Serial
(RS 232)
Installation
The DrawingBoard V12
USB Connection
The DrawingBoard V USB port connection is USB 1.1 and 2.0 compatible. When the digitizer is connected to the USB port, Windows will
recognize that there is a new device connected. If Windows displays the
Found New Hardware prompt, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the driver installation.
1 Connect the interface cable to the USB jack on the DrawingBoard V
Connector Panel. The connector is keyed and will fit only the correct
jack. Do not force it.
2 Connect the other end of the USB cable to any one of the USB ports
on your computer or USB hub. Turn the Power Switch on. The
digitizer will beep once, indicating it has power.
DrawingBoard V USB Connection
Transducer
(POINTER)
Power is supplied through the USB port. No additional power
source is needed for a USB installation, unless you are using the
DrawingBoard V with a corded high-accuracy cursor. For that
configuration only, connect the power supply.
Tablet Power-On
Computer
USB
(USB)
The DrawingBoard V power switch is located at the rear of the tablet on
the Controller Connector Panel. When turned On, the DrawingBoard V’s
Indicator light will begin blinking.
If you are using a cordless transducer, turn it on by pressing any button
on the tool. The Indicator light will glow steadily if the transducer is inside
the Active Area of the tablet. If the transducer is outside the Active Area,
the Indicator light will blink.
Tablet Customization
Customizing the Tablet
You can customize your DrawingBoard V digitizer and transducer to suit
your individual work requirements using TabletWorks. TabletWorks is a
Windows program included with the Digitizer Software that helps you
use the full capabilities of your DrawingBoard V. You can map your
digitizer to the screen area, record your own macros, and designate areas
on the digitizer’s surface where different open software applications can
be used. To learn how to use TabletWorks, please refer to TabletWorks
Help on the CD.
You can also customize your tablet using the Menu Strip. However, keep
in mind, if you use the TabletWorks digitizer software, it will override the
Menu Strip setup.
Overview of the Menu Strip
The Menu Strip is composed of:
13The DrawingBoard V
Config/Exit Key
The Config/Exit key turns Configuration Mode On and Off.
3 Bank Keys
There are three Bank keys: A, B and C. Each bank has a different set of
tablet options that are available through Configuration key combinations.
18 Configuration Keys through
The keys numbered 1-18 can be used as both Configuration and Macro
keys. When the tablet is in Configuration Mode, the keys function as
Configuration keys. These keys allow you to set specific tablet options by
turning different combinations of Configuration keys On or Off.
When Configuration Mode is Off, the keys function as Macro keys.
Macros can be recorded only with the TabletWorks software (see TabletWorks Help).
3 Save and 3 Restore Keys
The Save and Restore keys work hand-in-hand. They are used to save, or
recall/restore, a setup to or from one of three Save Areas. The tablet
comes with three pre-programmed setups. You can use these setups
directly or overwrite them with your own. The Default Save Key controls
the first Save Area. The setup saved to this area is activated whenever you
power up the digitizer. We recommend you save the setup you use most
often as Default.
The DrawingBoard V14 Tablet Customization
Selecting a Pre-Programmed Setup
There are three pre-programmed setups available with DrawingBoard V:
GTCO DP5 High Resolution Binary
Summagraphics MM 1201
CalComp 2000 ASCII
These setups are commonly used within software applications as required
tablet formats. They are stored in Save Areas Default, 2, and 3, respectively. Check the manual that came with your software package to see if
your application requires one of these pre-programmed setups. The
Default setup is available when you power on the digitizer.
To select one of the other setups:
1 Turn on Configuration Mode by clicking on the Config/Exit
key.
2 Click on the desired Restore key.
3 Click on the Config/Exit key again to exit Configuration Mode.
The new setup is activated.
The following table lists the tablet options used by the pre-programmed
setups.
Default Save 2 Save 3
PointTrackRunMode
960096009600Baud Rate
788Data Bits
EvenOddNoneParity
125 pps150 pps125 ppsData Rate
200 lpi500 lpi1000 lpiResolution
Format 0Format 30Format 23Output Format
Emulation
GTCO DP5
High Resolution
Summagraphics
MM 1201 Binary
CalComp 2000
ASCII
Binary
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