OS - Windows CE

Recommended Languages

We fully support the following languages for this OS:

• C# (.NET Compact Framework)

Installing Libraries and Drivers

First, we need to set up the proper environment and download the necessary files.

• Phidget Framework (For Development Machine)
  • Windows (32-bit)
  • Windows (64-bit)
  • Mac OSX
  • Linux

Windows installers require .NET 2.0 and Windows 2000 or newer.

Mac OSX installer requires Mac OS 10.4 or Higher. Supports ppc, intel 32-bit and intel 64-bit.

Linux installer requires Linux Kernel 2.6+.

• Phidget Framework (For Target Machine)
  • ARM4VI
  • x86
  • MIPSII

Windows CE installers require Windows CE 5.0 or higher.

• Phidget21 WinCE Libraries

• C# - .NET Compact Framework Code Samples

You will need the C# .NET CF examples or the Phidget21CELib to use Phidgets on the target system, and the Phidget Framework to program with Phidgets on the development machine. The ARMV4I or x86 Framework is for installing the Phidget Drivers on the target machine.

We also recommend that you download the following reference materials:

• .NET or C API Manual
• You can find a high level discussion about programming with Phidgets in general on the General API page.
• The Device Functionality page explains the general operational information for your device.

Setting up a Phidgets Project in Windows CE

This tutorial was written with Windows CE 6.0 and the .NET compact framework in mind. Other development environments such as Windows CE 5.0 should work as well and would be set up in a similar manner. Please see the getting started sections available on the Phidgets website for development under a particular language. This tutorial only touches on Windows CE development specifics.

Begin by installing the ARMV4I or x86 Framework on the target device. Normally this can be accomplished by simply executing the .CAB file on the target system. Otherwise, the Framework may need to be included in a custom OS image (briefly discussed under the section titled “Compiling Your Own OS Build”). Afterwards in Visual Studio, create a smart device project for the language of your choice and then add a reference to the phidget21CE.NET.dll from the examples (or the phidget21CE .lib if developing under C/C++).

Coding for Windows CE

Due to the way Phidgets uses threading and the way the .NET compact framework is designed, you need to be aware that making changes to certain controls like the GUI needs to be handled in a special way. Phidget Event handlers run on separate threads, so the following code uses Invokes from them to manipulate the GUI in Visual Basic:

  Protected Delegate Sub PrintGUI_delegate(ByVal arg As String)
     Private Sub PrintGUI(ByVal arg As String)
     TextBox1.Text = arg + TextBox1.Text
  End Sub
  Private Sub PhidgetInterfaceKit_Attach(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As Phidgets.Events, AttachEventArgs) Handles m_ifkit.Attach
      Dim s As String = "Attached: " + e.Device.SerialNumber.ToString()
      Me.Invoke(New PrintGUI_delegate(AddressOf PrintGUI), s)
  End Sub

Deploying the Program

For simple programs in .NET, if the compiled Windows CE program runs on the development machine, then it should behave the same way on the target machine with the exception of the need for Invokes. It is also recommended that the program be debugged over a remote connection to the device. Make sure to include the phidget21CE.NET.dll with your distribution.

If you receive a “Can’t find PInvoke DLL” error on deployment, check to make sure that the Phidget Framework .dlls are installed to the device (normally in the Windows folder). Running the CAB installer is the easiest way to ensure the files are installed and registered correctly.

You can use the Phidget Webservice to connect to remote Phidgets if USB ports are not available. Note that Windows CE does not support mDNS and by extension some open() calls. In .NET, use open(serial,”IPAddress”, port, “pass”).

Deploying the Program on an Emulator

Your success for running Phidgets on an emulator may vary based on the type of the device being emulated, and whether it supports USB devices or the installation of the Phidget Framework. Here, if you receive a “Can’t find PInvoke DLL” error during execution, this means the emulator image does not have the Phidget Framework installed. One approach installing it on an emulator is to set up a shared folder (File | Configure... | General | Shared folder) with the ARMV4I or x86 Framework inside, then browse to its location and run the installer. Also, if you’re running the Phidget Webservice, you may want to have the network connection shared between the PC and device through ActiveSync.

Compiling Your Own OS Build

Often you’ll also find that after power cycling the device, the state of the operating system is reset and the Phidget drivers are lost. As a matter of convenience, it’s possible to include the Phidget drivers into the OS build so that they do not need to be reloaded every time. Building an OS image is often a complicated task and is not covered in detail here. However, if you are going to try this process it will involve using the SDK for the device, including the ARMV4I or x86 .dlls, and inserting entries into the registry for USB detection of Phidgets. The easiest way of getting the .dlls and registry entries is to copy them off the device after installing the CAB file. The CE kernel source is also available off the Phidgets web site.

Common Problems and Solutions

Windows CE: The Windows folder and the Phidgets drivers along with it, are deleted upon system startup

On some devices, the Windows folder is volatile and since the Phidget installer places the drivers into the Windows folder, the drivers are gone by the next startup. The Phidget drivers will need to be reinstalled in order to operate Phidget devices.

Fortunately, there are two methods that can be used to keep the Phidgets drivers upon system startup.

1. Create a custom image with the Phidget drivers included.

2. Manually install the Phidget drivers