This topic covers the hardware computer system requirements regarding
ISA slot support. On some CMM models, the ISA slot was incorporated to
accept a ProCounter CMM Interface on manual CMMs and various PMAC motion
controller cards on DCC style CMMs.
ISA, which stands for Industry Standard Architecture originated in 1981.
Various forms and upgrades occurred for the next two decades. In 1987 the industry started to
use incorporate other technologies such as Micro Channel Architecture (MCA). Many
companies supported the ISA protocol and created both software and hardware
compatible with ISA for many years after, extending beyond 2000. Support for ISA still can be
found, but it is increasingly difficult to find proper hardware and software
still supporting ISA.
To further complicate issues, not all ISA support is universal between
manufacturers of the motherboards that reside in the computer.
Market forces have diminished the role of the ISA slot in favor of the
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and Universal Serial Bus (USB). At
Helmel, we have embraced the USB into all of our product lines as a
replacement for ISA systems.
The USB offers many advantages over the ISA systems. The most notable
improvement is that a USB product connects to the computer system utilizing
a single, small cable. Unlike the ISA product where the controller would
reside inside the computer case and have several ribbon cable coming out.
This prevented efficient placement of the computer system in the cabinet and made technical
troubleshooting difficult.
Hardware Migration
Currently one very limiting factor when working with ISA systems is the
availability of computer hardware. It is becoming increasingly difficult to
locate computer systems that still offer the ISA slot.
Should you need to replace your computer system, first identify if it
used any ISA components to connect to the CMM. To start, review the
CMM Interface Chart to see if you
are configured for a ISA system. If you are not sure which CMM Interface is
used in your CMM system choose [Help→About] in your Geomet system. The About
Box should display the Interface used on your system.
If you are unable to determine your CMM configuration or have additional
questions, contact Support or call
(716) 297-8644.
Moving to a new computer system
If you are moving from a Windows 98 to a Windows XP system, please read
over the articles titled "Upgrading from
Windows 98" for manual CMMs or "Upgrading a Windows 98 DCC System" for
DCC style CMMs.
To summarize:
Manual CMMs that utilize the ISA based ProCounter CMM Interface
Controller CAN NOT be used with Windows XP. To move to Windows XP,
you must obtain the ProCounter II USB CMM Interface. If you have a valid
Software Service Contract (SCC) the cost to upgrade to the ProCounter II has
been discounted. To receive a quote, please contact our
Sale Department or call (716)
297-8644.
DCC Style CMMs that use the PMAC ISA based CMM Controller can migrate to
a Windows XP computer system as long as there is a ISA slot supported inside
the computer. Before you begin the computer exchange, please contact
Support
or call (716) 297-8644 to discuss your upgrade plans with our Engineers.
There may be a PMAC PLC or CMM Interface upgrade required.
