Product Manual

4
The computer must have a properly configured network card. If the computer is connected to a
group of other computers a port may be available on a network hub or switch to connect the
indicator. If no ports are available it will be necessary to add a new network hub or switch to
provide additional connection ports. A normal straight-through Ethernet cable can be used to
connect the indicator to the hub or switch. If the indicator is to be connected directly to a network
card on the computer an Ethernet crossover cable must be used.
Starting the DDE Server
DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) is the key element to the Win-DDE software. A DDE Server is a
program which provides information to other windows programs, known as client programs. The
server may be started in several ways.
• Click “Start” and select “Programs”, “WinDDE” and “WinDDE” server.
• Use “My Computer” or “Windows Explorer” to browse to the WinDDE program
folder. Double-click the "WINDDE.EXE" file in the file manager or explorer.
• Run a DDE client program which has the ability to automatically start the
requested DDE server.
A special startup feature is provided. Holding the shift-key down while starting Win-DDE will
cause Win-DDE to start without enabling the device communications. This may be useful if the
database has incorrect device configurations for the computer. You can start WinDDE while
holding the shift key, and then correct any device configuration settings.