Release Notes for WinMark Pro version 6.0.0.6660
This file contains the latest release notes for WinMark Pro, version 6.0.0, build 6660.
OPERATING SYSTEM:
WinMark Pro version 6 software (WinMark_Setup 6660_ECO.EXE) is intended for use only with Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista, XP, and 2000, operating systems. WinMark Pro version 6.0 is compatible with all SYNRAD FH Flyer Marking Heads and Fenix Flyer Laser Markers.
WinMark Pro version 6.0.0.6660 software is NOT tested for compatibility with FH Series Index and Tracker Marking Heads and is NOT intended for use with marking heads using an ISA-bus Fiber Link Controller Card (FLCC).
WinMark Pro Requirements:
Windows® 7, Vista, XP, or 2000 Operating System
16-MB RAM
30-MB of free hard drive space
One CD-ROM drive
Two open USB ports (one for USB Hardlock device, one for Flyer communications)
See the Microsoft website for a list of minimum hardware requirements for your particular OS.
INSTALLATION:
WinMark Pro version 6 software must be installed before connecting and powering the FH Flyer Marking Head. Version 6 automatically loads the correct device drivers during installation. If WinMark Pro is not installed first, the Windows operating system will arbitrarily assign a USB driver that is NOT compatible with Flyer’s USB port protocols.
Exit all programs and turn off any antivirus software before beginning the WinMark Pro installation process.
UPGRADING:
Before upgrading WinMark Pro version 6 software, remove power from the Flyer head or disconnect the USB cable. If the head is still active, the Window’s Operating System will NOT update Flyer’s USB driver to the latest version.
IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTE:
With Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, XP, and 2000 operating systems, programs must be installed or uninstalled by an individual with Administrator privileges. Because of this behavior, WinMark Pro’s registry access permissions are initially set to Administrator by the WinMark installer when it sets the startup language. The installer does not support different access levels for registry keys so these must be changed by the program. It is therefore necessary to run WinMark Pro once as an Administrator before other, more restricted, users can run the program.
WinMark Pro v6 is a Microsoft .NET Framework-based application. During installation, WinMark Pro v6 will install .NET Framework files onto your computer, if they do not currently exist. If WinMark Pro is un-installed, .NET files are not removed, because these files may now be used by other applications installed after the original WinMark installation.
To install WinMark Pro on Windows 7 or Windows Vista operating systems, right-click the WinMark_Setup xxxx_ECO.EXE file and choose “Run as Administrator...”. After installation on Windows Vista, you may still be required to log on as the Administrator in order to perform certain functions like file importation or saving custom date code formats.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Version 6.0.0.6660
Released 5/28/2010
Version 6.0.0.6654
Released 03/23/2010
Version 6 adds the following new features:
· WinMark Pro now a Microsoft .NET Framework-based application
· Added UID/Composite 2D Code generation
· Added Radial Marking capability
· Added Banner Tracking capability
· Added inverted TrueType text function
· Added ”No-Lens” marking capability
· Added alphabetical “Sort” function to right-click Flyer Filestore menu
· Added ability to set negative Pline Start Delay values for Flyer/Fenix Flyer heads
· Added property to abort marking from I/O input
· Fixed problem were arc segments were not displayed/marked properly if arc length greater than 360 degrees.
Miscellaneous issues:
---
WinMark Pro v6 .NET ActiveX Events will not work when compiled using Visual Basic 6.0 or below. To run a VB executable file containing Events, re-compile your source code using Microsoft Visual Studio 2003 or above. Refer to the Microsoft web site for details.
---
---
All ActiveX control methods must use inches as the unit of measure; program your calling program to calculate the conversion to inches from other units of measure. Unpredictable object placement may result if the Show Units Type property in the mark file is set to millimeters or centimeters.
---
Linked objects in serialized arrays do not work. This is handled with a message and an error.
---
For best results when marking bitmap (raster) images, set a Resolution value that corresponds to 100–150% of the spot size generated by the selected focusing lens. For example, a 200mm lens with a spot size of 0.011” is capable of marking approximately 100 discrete dots per inch.
Generally, set Resolution equal to 200–300 when using an 80mm lens; 150–225 for a 125mm lens; 100–150 for a 200mm lens; and 50–75 when marking with a 370mm lens.
After changing Resolution and/or resizing the image, test mark the bitmap image. Use the Color Reduction Method property (Format tab) to change the color reduction algorithm as required. This change is performed on the original image, which is stored by WinMark during importation. Note that the screen display does not necessarily indicate the improved mark quality, so test marks are required.
---
When serializing text strings containing lower case letters, the text string may shift up when lower case letters with descenders (g, j, p, q, s, y) are marked. This occurs because the Fixed To Position property defaults to "Center". Set the text Fixed To Position property to "Top Left", "Top Middle", or "Top Right" for best results.
---
Some Adobe Illustrator version 7.0 .AI or .EPS files may not import properly. If this occurs, save the file as a version 5.0/5.5 (or lower) .AI or .EPS file and then re-import into WinMark Pro. Alternatively, you may Copy (or Drag) from Illustrator and Paste (or Drop) into WinMark Pro.
---
Some AutoDesk AutoCAD version 14 .DWG or .DXF files may not import properly. If this occurs, save the file as a version R12 .DWG or .DXF file and then re-import into WinMark Pro. Alternatively, you may Copy (or Drag) from AutoCAD and Paste (or Drop) into WinMark Pro.
---
WinMark Pro’s File Import Filters do not support AutoCAD 2000 or later file formats. Choose “Save As” (DWG) or “Export” (DXF) and then choose to create the drawing as an R12 version. Alternatively, you may Copy (or Drag) from AutoCAD and Paste (or Drop) into WinMark Pro.
---
Using ActiveX, Automation (Inputs/Outputs), and Tracking: When controlling Tracking using ActiveX control methods, do not place Input automation in the mark file. Instead, perform any input automation functions within the ActiveX control program. By doing this, your control program is in charge of pre-mark and post-mark automation; WinMark’s MarkDrawing control method only maintains control of the operating system long enough to control laser on/off commands during the actual marking process. Performing input automation within the mark file may prevent the ActiveX control program from regaining control of the operating system once the MarkDrawing command is called.
---
Using WinMark Pro or WinMark Launcher, Automation (Inputs/Outputs), and Tracking: When controlling Tracking using WinMark Pro or WinMark Launcher, do not use the Wait Digital Before Piece property on the Automation tab. This property is reserved for Tracker input functions (part sensor on IN0 and encoder inputs on IN1/IN2). Automation using Event Builder commands or other input/output commands on the Automation tab works as expected.
---
Text Height set on Format tab does not match Object Height shown in Object Transformations dialog box. For TrueType fonts, the Text Height value corresponds to the uppercase cap height of the font. The Object Transformations Object Height is the sum of the uppercase cap height plus the space above and below provided for ascenders and descenders. Note that Stroke font heights are variable (depending on the designer) and do not strictly conform to this description.