C-meter
Installation and Use
Installation
The files cmeter4.exe and cmeter.ini should be placed in a new directory,
such as C:\\Cmeter.
The C-meter is connected to a comm port (serial 9 pin) on the computer.
If no comm port is available on the computer then it may be connected to
a USB port via a converter such as provided at http://www.ftdichip.com/us232.htm
Start the program and select the comm port in the connection menu.
The meter should be calibrated the first time it is used. Click on "calibration"
in the admin menu and follow the on screen instructions.
Screen description
The program display includes the following:
1. Needle display with a clock and digital TA display..
2. Control panel for sensitivity, boost and TA counter.
3. A text box, top left, for entering commands or questions for use in
session.
4. A bar with an analog TA display below the needle and text box.
5. An optional audio display below the TA bar.
6. History display showing reads for the last 10 seconds or more (the speed
is adjustable in the options panel).
7. The main menu options along the top of the screen as described below.
File menu
Save settings: The C-meter settings are normally saved when you close the
program. However, specific settings files can also be created so that various
preferences can be reloaded easily. For instance one might wish to set up
the meter differently for solo and auditing others or save different settings
for different people using the same meter.
Load settings: reloads a saved settings file.
Exit: Closes the C-meter.
Options menu
Autosave settings: selects whether or not your settings are saved when
the program closes.
Open options panel: This options the main options panel which contains
3 sub-panels:
Colors: Allow you to change the color for the various
parts of the screen.
Options: You can change various display settings including
the size of the various windows on the screen.
The sensitivity response can be selected
to behave like a CofS Mk7, Quantum or 2 other options as described in the
sensitivity description.
The program receives data at a rate
of 300 times a second. The needle display divisor divides into 300 to give
the actual screen update rate. Thus 3 gives an update rate of 100Hz. On older
computers a setting of 6 may be needed.
The history display divisor further
slows the rate at which the history graph is drawn.
Admin: These are administrative or more technical options
not normally needed by the user.
Show menu
This allows one to display the audio input or not. If the audio option
is selected then the C-meter will display the record input from the computer's
sound card above the neddle history. This could be used with a microphone
input to make instant reads easier to spot.
Cans type menu
The C-meter can be retrimmed for use with 2 cans, solo cans or fingertip
electrodes by selecting the appropriate option.
Connection menu
This controls the connection of the computer to the C-meter hardware. The
connection can be connected, disconnected and reset. It is also used to
select which comm port the C-meter hardware is connected to on the computer.
Internet menu
This allows the user to send their session data in real time to another
computer over the internet. A description of the internet facility is given
separately.
Admin menu
Calibrate: This allows the calibration of the C-meter by following the
on-screen instuctions.
Test form: Shows a panel giving raw data input rate and any timing error.
It would not normally be needed by the user.
Tests menu
F/N test: This displays a simulated F/N. Its main purpose is in using the
software for demonstration without hardware present and checking the suitability
of various monitors.
Help menu
About: Shows copyright statement.