AR-ALPHA MANUAL ADDENDUM
This addendum replaces sections 16.4 (Software Installation) and 16.5 (Software Registration) from the original manual.
Software Installation and USB License Dongle Usage
Software installation and registration are no longer required. Users should now insert the provided USB license dongle into a free USB port on their PC.
First-Time USB Dongle Usage:
- Insert the USB dongle into an available USB port. Windows will automatically install the necessary driver and recognize it as a USB flash drive named 'AR-IQ'. A drive letter (e.g., 'D:', 'E:') will be assigned.
- Locate the folder named 'ar-iq v.X' (where 'X' is the software version) on the USB dongle. The software executable, 'ar-iq.exe', is within this folder. The software should be run directly from the USB dongle.
- Double-click 'ar-iq.exe' to launch the program.
- Upon the first launch, Windows may prompt for the COM port to which the receiver is connected. Enter the correct COM port number. This setting is saved in the registry. If the receiver is connected to a different USB port, the COM port number may change.
Important Warning Regarding Antivirus Software:
While AOR USB dongles are guaranteed to be virus-free, some antivirus software may incorrectly flag 'ar-iq.exe' as a virus (false positive). If this occurs, ensure you mark 'ar-iq.exe' as a safe file within your antivirus settings. Failure to do so may prevent the AR-IQ2 software from running or cause the executable to be deleted. It is the user's responsibility to ensure their antivirus software does not interfere with the dongle or software functionality. The license data on the USB dongle is unique and cannot be backed up or copied. Damage to the dongle will require purchasing a new one.
Error Handling:
If the incorrect COM port number is entered, an error message indicating 'AR Receiver receiver not found' may appear, prompting the user to check the USB connection and retry. The message might display the current port, e.g., 'COM3'.
To verify the correct COM PORT number:
- Navigate to START > CONTROL PANEL > SYSTEM > HARDWARE > DEVICE MANAGER.
- Expand the 'COM & LPT PORTS' section.
- Look for 'USB SERIAL PORT (COMX)', where 'X' is the required COM port number.
After identifying the correct COM port, click the 'RETRY' button in the software.
Operational Notes:
- Refer to the relevant chapter in the manual for detailed software operation instructions.
- Never record I/Q data directly to the USB dongle. Always select a location on your hard drive.
- A USB 2.0 port is required for the dongle, and it must be inserted whenever the software is used.
- The USB dongle is unique, cannot be reproduced, and its license information cannot be backed up or moved. Loss or damage necessitates purchasing a new dongle.
- Do not use the USB dongle for data storage. Formatting, overwriting, or deleting its contents will corrupt the licensing system, requiring a new dongle purchase.
11. I/Q DIGITAL OUTPUT IN DETAILS FOR DEVELOPERS
5.2.5 ALPHA_SET_CAPTURE_SIZE
Developers can modify the IsoBufferSize for their application software using the following API call:
| Parameter | ALPHA_SET_CAPTURE_SIZE | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prototype | BOOL DeviceIoControl( HANDLE hDevice, DWORD dwIoControlCode, LPVOID lpInBuffer, DWORD nInBufferSize, LPVOID lpOutBuffer, DWORD nOutBufferSize, LPDWORD lpBytesReturned, LPOVERLAPPED lpOverlapped ); | |
| Parameters | hDevice |
Device Handle |
dwIoControlCode |
ALPHA_SET_CAPTURE_SIZE |
|
lpInBuffer |
PULONG | |
nInBufferSize |
sizeof(ULONG) |
|
lpOutBuffer |
NULL | |
nOutBufferSize |
0 | |
lpBytesReturned |
Pointer to the transfer count register | |
lpOverlapped |
Pointer for Overlapped structure | |
| Function | Sets the buffer size for Isochronous buffering. | |
| Buffer Size Options | AOR_IsoBufferSmall |
Small |
AOR_IsoBufferMedium |
Medium | |
AOR_IsoBufferLarge |
Large | |
| Appendix | Header: Including AORAlphaDD.h | |
| Definitions | #define AOR_IsoBufferSmall ((0x600)*(256)) |
|
#define AOR_IsoBufferMedium ((0x600)*(512)) |
||
#define AOR_IsoBufferLarge ((0x600)*(1024)) |
||
Registry Configuration
To utilize this application software, modifications to the Windows system registry are necessary. The registry path is:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\AorAlpha
| Value | Default (hex) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 1 | This service is the kernel driver. |
| Start | 3 | This driver is loaded in the PnP (Plug and Play) process. |
| ErrorControl | 1 | Displays an error message when the driver detects an error. |
| Group | Extended Base | Booting group = "Extended Base" |
| DebugInfo | 101 (0 to ffffffff) | For debugging purposes. |
| IsoBufferSize | 2 (1-3) | ISO buffer size. 1: Small (0x600 * 256) 2: Medium (0x600 * 512) 3: Large (0x600 * 1024) |
The IsoBuffer Size can be modified using the Windows 'regedit' utility. Setting IsoBufferSize to '1' enables the smallest buffer size.
