Last Updated: 18-May2004
2.1. General requirements
2.2. PC requirements
2.3. Mac requirements
2.4. Further information about the hardware requirements
3. Installation
3.1. Installation Overview
3.2. Installation Package Contents
3.3. Installation Instructions3.3.1. PC Installation
3.3.2. Mac Installation
4.1. Cabling
4.2. Digital Readout Configuration
4.2.1 Metronics Digital Readout Setup
4.2.1.1. Metronics QC-10V Digital Readout
4.2.1.2. Metronics QC-1000 or QC-1100 Digital Readout4.2.3. Boeckler Digital Readout Setup
4.2.2. Acu-Rite/MasterG Digital Readout Setup
4.2.4. Measucron Digital Readout Setup4.3. Testing the Measuring System Setup
4.4. MeasureJ2X Program Setup
7.1 Existing JVM's
A1. Metronics Cable Construction
MeasureJ2X is a full featured software program for measuring tree rings with an easy to use, menu driven graphical user interface. The program enables capture of measurements from a variety of measuring stages and encoder units and has full features for editing measurements of new series or existing series. Its functionality is similar to that of the PJK or MEDIR program that was written by Paul Krusic of the Tree Ring Lab at the Columbia University’s LDEO with many enhancements. The functionality includes:
- creating new measurement series
- reading existing files of measurements (decade format)
- appending new series to existing file of measurements
- appending measurements to a series
- inserting measurements to a series
- deleting measurements from a series
- shifting a series forward or backwards in time
- saving measurements to a file (decadal format)
The program supports measuring using a digital readout unit connected to the computer via a serial port and attached to a measuring stage with a linear encoder. There is a simple and flexible interface for configuring the port and its communication parameters for the various digital readout units. See Section 2. Hardware Requirements for a list of supported units.
The name, MeasureJ2X, reflects some of the
underlying features of the software. The ‘J’ represents
the fact that the program is written in the Java programming
language. Because it is written in Java, it is able to run on
both the PC and the Mac platforms - the '2X' part. In reality,
the program is able to run on any platform that can provide the
underlying Java runtime environment necessary but the testing for
MeasureJ2X has focused on the PC and Mac platforms. Other
platforms which currently have support for Java are most variants
of Unix (Sun Solaris, Linux, etc.), among others.
The program runs on either a PC or a Mac computer that meets the requirements listed below.
The program requires a Pentium PC running any of the Windows versions beginning with Win95, including Win98, WinME, WinNT, Win2000 or WinXP. It requires enough disk space and memory to be able to run the application and the supporting Java components.
A minimum of 32 Mb of memory is required under Win95, and 48Mb or more recommended. For Win98 and WinME a minimum of 48Mb is required and 64Mb or more is recommended. To run under WinNT, Win2000 or WinXP the minimum memory configuration will depend on the configuration of the machine, but 64Mb is a suggested minimum, with 128Mb or more recommended. If you plan to run on anything less than 48Mb, please contact us at projectj2x@voortech.com
Approximately 25Mb of disk space is needed for the
installation.
The program requires a Macintosh with a PowerPC processor running System 7.6.1 or later. To run on OS X, the Classic environment must be installed.
The recommended configuration is System 8 or 9 (any version) with 64 Mb of memory. If you plan to run on System 7 or with less than 48 Mb, please contact us at projectj2x@voortech.com. Please also refer to the Mac MRJ Readme document (local version) or (web site version) for more information.
Approximately 25 Mb of disk space is needed for the
installation. Approximately 10 Mb of this disk space is
temporarily needed during installation only.
2.3. Measuring system requirements
The digital readout must be connected to a measuring
stage with a linear encoder for capturing measurements.
There are various suppliers of this portion of the
system, but a system such as those supplied by Velmex,
Inc. will meet the program requirements. The Velmex, Inc.
system consists of a measuring stage with an Acurite
linear encoder with a Metronics Quadra-Chek 10 digital
readout unit.
2.4. Further information about the hardware requirements
The system requirements are based on those required to run the operating system (Win or MacOS System software) and the Java components (written by Sun Microsystems, Inc. and Apple Computer, Inc.). The MeasureJ2X program itself adds only minimal additional requirements (approximately 100Kb of disk space).
Using the guidelines from Microsoft Corporation (http://www.microsoft.com ), Sun Microsystems, Inc. (http://java.sun.com) and Apple Computer, Inc (http://www.apple.com/java/) for running their applications will result in the most acceptable performance for the MeasureJ2X program. In this sense, the program can run on a 486 with enough memory to run Win95 (i.e. a base minimum of 16Mb), but the performance will be affected and may not be acceptable.
If you have any question about your specific configuration, please contact us at projectj2x@voortech.com
MeasureJ2X is a stand-alone application written in the Java programming language requiring a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and 2 additional supporting Java packages to be installed.
On the PC, installation is a one step process, consisting of running an installer that installs the JVM, the Java supporting packages and the MeasureJ2X program itself..
On the Mac, the installation procedure has 2 major parts. The first part of the installation procedure is the installation of the Java VM package (MRJ on the Mac). The second part of the installation package and procedure is the installation of the MeasureJ2X program itself and its supporting files, and the 2 additional Java supporting packages.
Once the program is installed, it is necessary to configure both the digital readout unit and the MeasureJ2X program to communicate with eachother as described in Section 4.
3.2. Installation Package
Contents
The MeasureJ2X installation package has the following files:
PC package:
install.exe MeasureJ2X program Installer docs/install.htm Installation Documentation docs/userGuide.htm User Guide docs/license.txt MeasureJ2X program license Additional documents in the docs/ directory Mac package:
MRJ_2_5_smi.bin (or higher version) MRJ (Java VM) installer install.bin MeasureJ2X program installer jspMac_MRJ_PPC Java Serial Port library (may be stuffed and encoded as jspMacMRJ_sit.hqx) docs/install.htm Installation Documentation docs/userGuide.htm User Guide docs/license.txt MeasureJ2X program license Additional documents in the docs/ directory
3.3. Installation Instructions
Please note: As of January 23, 2003, the installation process for the PC has changed. It is now a one step process. If you are using a distribution that you received prior to this, you will either need to download a a new pc installation package, or use the installation instructions that are packaged with your other files (either as part of a zip file that you dowloaded or on the CD in the docs directory.
Part 1. Run the installer
Run the MeasureJ2X installation by double clicking on the ‘install.exe’ file. You may choose to use the default installation folder (C:\Program Files\measureJ2X) or may set the installation folder to a location of your choice.
Part 2. Setup the Measuring System
Complete the procedures in Section 4. for setting up and configuring the Measuring System.
Part 1. Install the MRJ
Please refer to the Mac MRJ Readme document (local version) or (web site version) to determine whether you will install the version of MRJ provided in your distribution.
Using either the MRJ file packaged with your distribution (i.e. MRJ_2_5_smi.bin)or other MRJ version you have determined is appropriate, install the package as you would any other distribution from Apple. The MRJ installer requires first using a program like StuffIt, or something similar, to decode and decompress the MRJ installer from the MRJ archive so the exact procedure will vary depending on how you have StuffIt configured. The procedure is usually something like the following:
- Double click on MRJ_2_5_smi.bin to decode the file. This will create an archive file called MRJ_2_5_smi.
- Double click on MRJ_2_5_smi to expand the archive. This will create a ‘MRJ Install’ folder on the desktop.
- Run the Installer found in the newly created 'MRJ Install' folder by double clicking on it and follow the instructions that appear on the screen for installing.
Part 2. Install MeasureJ2X
Double click on the ‘install.bin’ file.
This file is in MacBinary format. Depending on how StuffIt is configured on your system, this will either start the MeasureJ2X installer, or will cause StuffIt to decode the file, resulting in a file called 'install' in StuffIt's Destination directory . If this is the case, you will then need to double click on the resulting 'install' file to start the MeasureJ2X installer.
Once the MeasureJ2X installer is running, follow the instructions on the screen for installing.
Part 3. Install the serial port communications library
3.1 If your distribution contains a stuffed, decoded version of the serial port libraries as jspMacMRJ_sit.hqx, first expand the the file using StuffIt. Once expanded, you should have a file called jspMac_MRJ_PPC.
3.2 Move the jspMac_MRJ_PPC file into the Extensions Folder (in the System Folder). Be sure this ends up in the Extensions Folder. You may have to manually place this file inside the Extensions Folder and not just drop it onto the System Folder as you can with some extensions.
Part 4. Reboot
You must reboot for the serial port communications libraries to be found by the system.
Part 5. Setup the Measuring System
Complete the procedures in Section 4. for setting up and configuring the Measuring System.
There are 4 steps to setting up the measuring system and having it properly communicate with the MeasureJ2X program:
The program runs on any of the standard
RS-232 serial ports (COM1, COM2, COM3 or COM4 for PC’s and
Modem or Printer Port for Macs) as well as USB ports. A USB port
requires an RS-232 serial converter (see Section
2.3. Measuring system requirements). The program will first
try to discover the ports defined on your system; failing that,
it will present the a list of defaults. If present, the program
will default to running on COM1 on the PC and the Modem Port on
the Mac. The port setting can be set within the program, using
the Setup, Connection menu item (explained in more detail in the Section 4.4 MeasureJ2X Program Setup).
Put in place the cable between the digital readout box and the computer. New systems frequently come with the proper cabling (this is true of the systems from Velmex, Inc.). If you have working setup with a 'PJK' measuring program, there have been no change in the cabling requirements for systems so can use your existing cabling.
If you need to, you may also construct your own cable using the pin outs described in Appendix 1.'
4.2. Digital Readout Configuration
Set up your digital readout unit according to the configurations given below.
The configurations below have been made as similar as possible to those for the ‘PJK’ measuring program. If you currently have a working system right now with a 'PJK' measuring program, the new program will work with a minimal of setup effort. The configuration settings that change from the PJK program are indicated by a (*) notation.
4.2.1. Metronics Digital Readout Setup
4.2.1.1 Metronics QC-10V Digital Readout
The QC-10V is configured using the setup menu which is accessible from the front panel softkeys. The operation of the front panel and how to access the Setup menu is given in the "Quadra-Chek 10 User's Guide". New systems should already be setup by the distributor from whom you received the unit (i.e. Velmex, Inc.) but the following are the settings required by the MeasureJ2X program and should be checked if there are any problems with communication between the MeasureJ2X program and the digital readout (settings not listed are not relevant to the MeasureJ2X program):
Setup Function Setting Display, Startup Linear MM Display, MM Disp Res 0.001 Encoder, Res 0.001 Encoder, Units MM Encoder, Label X Hot Keys, Keys, Foot, Key 1 Zero Key Hot Keys, Keys, Foot, Key 2 Print Key Port, Baud 9600 Port, Word Len 8 Port, Stop Bits 2 Port, Parity None Port, Handshake Hard. (hardware) Port, Line Terminator CR/LF Port, Send Label Yes Port, Send Units Yes
4.2.1.2 Metronics QC-1000 or QC-1100 Digital Readout
The QC1100 is configured by using sequence of pressing the display panel buttons as outlined in the operation manual 'Quick-Chek QC-1100 Digital Readout Operation Manual' that comes with the display. Using the instructions in the manual in the 'Setup' section, change the following (all other setup parameters should be set to their default values):
Baud -> 9600
Encoder Linear Res (i.e. resolution or scale) -> 0.001 mm
Encoder Linear Disp MM (i.e. display units) -> 0.001 mm
4.2.2. Acu-Rite/MasterG Digital Readout Setup
The Acu-Rite/Master G is configured using an internal configuration program. Refer to the manual pages 3-5, 3-6, 3-7 and 3-9 of the Acu-Rite III RS232 computer/printer interface option manual for the procedure for invoking the configuration program and make the following changes to the factory’s default settings:
Baud -> 9600
StopBits -> 1
DataBits -> 7
Parity -> even
Acu-Rite Code Value 21 1 22 82 23 71 24 00 26 02 *Differs from PJK program setup 27 10 28 10 29 12 *Differs from PJK program setup 31 0 42 1 43 0
All other settings should be set to their default.
4.2.3. Boeckler Digital Readout Setup
The Boeckler encoder is configured by setting the banks of dip switches inside the unit. They are accessed by opening the rear panel (screw driver required). Inside there are two 8 position dip-switches, one top and one bottom. Set them as follows:
Top bank: all positions OFF except pins 3 and 5 set ON.
Bottom bank: all positions OFF except pins 2, 6 and 8 set ON *.
*The bottom bank setting differs from the PJK program.
4.2.4 Measucron Digital Readout Setup
There is no configuration for the Measucron digital readout.
4.3. Testing the Measuring System Setup
The following procedures will test the connections between your measuring system and the computer, independently from the MeasureJ2X program. You should follow this procedure unless you are already familiar with your measuring system and are confident that you have no problems in cabling, your measuring system is properly configured and you know what port you are using.
You should always follow this procedure if you are not receiving measurements in the MeasureJ2X program.
4.3.1. Testing the Measuring System Setup using HyperTerminal (PC)
HyperTerminal is part of the Windows software and is usually found on the Programs, Accessories menu. Double clicking on the menu item, opens the HyperTerminal folder. Set up a new connection by double clicking on the icon named "Hyperterm.ext". In the New Connection window that opens, enter a reasonable name, such as "Metronics –COM1" or whatever system and port you are using. Click on Okay and in the Phone Number box that opens, use the pull down in the 'connect using' box and set the connection to "Direct to Com1" or whichever com port you plan to use.
If you don’t see any direct connections listed when you start HyperTerminal then you have a problem with your system recognizing your Com ports from within Windows. You will need to straighten that out before proceeding.
If you do see the port you wish to use listed, select it and click on Okay and the Port Settings window will appear. Set the baud rate, parity and stop bits settings to those listed in the 'MeasureJ2X Program Setup' section for your encoder unit. Leave all the other settings are they are.
Click on Okay and you are ready to test the connection. Use the telephone icon, or Call, Connect menu item to make the connection. The status bar on the bottom of the HyperTerminal window should indicate things are connected. Now send a measurement as you would if you were measuring. It should show up in the window as readable letters and numbers like this:
X 0.002 mm
If all you get is gibberish, recheck the port settings by using the File, Properties menu item, then clicking on the Configure button.
If nothing at all shows up when you try to send a measurement, you are either plugged into a different port than you have specified or your cabling is bad. Recheck both your port setting in from the File Properties menu item, and where you have plugged the cable in. If you have those correct, then your cable is probably wired incorrectly.
Note that with HyperTerminal, you often have to exit and restart the connection for changes to take effect. If you make adjustments to the settings, use the File, Save menu item after making the changes to save the connection and its settings, and then restart it and test the connection again. Restarting is done by double clicking in the icon in the HyperTerminal folder with the name you gave.
Once you have this working properly so that you can see strings and numbers, use the File, Save menu item to save your working test and you can use it again if you ever need it.
4.3.2. Testing the Measuring System Setup using VersaTerm (Mac)
The VersaTerm software has the ability to run both telnet sessions and sessions that run via the serial ports.
Once in VersaTerm, use the Sessions, Edit Sessions menu item to setup a connection to the serial port. Select ‘Simple Serial’ for the 'Connection Type:' and select either the Modem Port or the Printer Port. Leave the 'Initialization String:' and the 'Hangup String:' fields blank. Click on the Okay button to open the session window.
Use the Settings menu to set the port settings to those listed in the 'MeasureJ2X Program Setup' for your encoder unit.
Once the communication parameters are set, try sending a measurement from your encoder as if you were measuring. As described in the HyperTerminal section, you should see the measurement sent from the encoder in the window as readable letters and numbers like this:
X 0.002 mm
If all you get is gibberish, recheck the settings by using the Settings menu items.
If nothing at all shows up when you try to send a measurement, you are either plugged into a different port than you have specified or your cabling is bad. Recheck both your port setting in VersaTerm and and where the cable is plugged in. If you have those correct, then your cable is probably wired incorrectly.
The last part of the setup is done by from within the MeasureJ2X program. First start the program up:
To start the program on the PC, use the new menu item on your Start Menu: Start Menu, Programs, MeasureJ2X, MeasureJ2X.
To start the program on the Mac, double click on the icon created on the Desktop by the installation process called ‘MeasureJ2X’.
Using the Setup, Measuring System and Setup, Connection menu items, set the settings according to your digital readout type and the parameters given below.
The configuration can be saved using the Setup, Save Configuration menu item. Saving the configuration will cause the program to use the saved configuration the next time the program is run. The configuration settings can be saved at any time.
4.4.1. Metronics Precision and Connection Parameters
Precision 0.001 Baud 9600 Data Bits 8 Stop Bits 2 Parity none
4.4.2. Acu-Rite/MasterG Precision and Connection Parameters
Precision 0.001 Baud 9600 Data Bits 7 Stop Bits 1 Parity even
4.4.3. Boeckler Precision and Connection Parameters
Precision 0.001 Baud 9600 Data Bits 7 Stop Bits 2 Parity none
4.4.4 Measucron Precision and Connection Parameters
Precision 0.01 Baud 1200 Data Bits 7 Stop Bits 2 Parity even
Test the installation by referring to the User's Guide and proceeding with instructions on 'Measuring a new series'.
While an existing installation of the JRE or MRJ can be used to run the MeasureJ2X program, a version supported by MeasureJ2X must be used.
On PC's, the JRE is now installed as part of the installation process and is required to reside in a subdirectory of the MeasureJ2X top level directory. Because of this, MeasureJ2X can not use existing JVM's that may already reside on your machine. MeasureJ2X has been packaged this way to ensure that it has the correct version of the JVM to run with and to ensure that the supporting Java components that it requires are found.
Many Mac's are now being shipped with MRJ already installed. Frequently the existing MRJ can be used, as long as it is a version supported by MeasureJ2X. See the Mac MRJ Readme document (local version) or (web site version) for more information.
A1. Appendix 1. Metronics Cable Construction
You may construct a cable for a Metronics digital readout unit using the following chart:
| QC1000 or QC1100 | PC DB25 serial port | PC DB9 serial port | Mac MiniDin8 | Function |
| pin # | pin # | pin # | pin# | |
| 1 | 7 | 5 | 4 | GND |
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | TXD |
| 5&7 | 6,8,20 | 1,4,6 | 2 | RTS/CTS |
| 8 | 2 | 3 | 5 | RXD |
A remote print switch may be added by using the RJ-45 "REMOTE" jack on the back panel. The print function is initiated by momentarily closing lines 4&5. The remote switch may also provide the function to zero the display. This is performed by momentarily closing lines 1&6 on the same jack.
The above cabling information is from the document 'Program PJK6 and PJK5 February, 1998 /AcuRite/Metronics/Boeckeler/Measuchron Installation Notes' written by Paul Krusic of Columbia University. The full text of the document can be found at:
MeasureJ2X has been developed under ProjectJ2X, through support from the dendroecological community. It is software that will exist only through continued support from the community. Please feel a part of the process and make comments and suggestions on any aspect of the MeasureJ2X program or ProjectJ2X. We want to hear from you!
Enjoy the measuring program.
ProjectJ2X
VoorTech Consulting
projectj2x@voortech.com