ToolPac

by Roman Kolbábek


!! DOWNLOAD NOW toolpac zip file (800 Ko) !!

(pour la version francaise, surcharger avec les 2 fichiers suivants: ToolPac.ini , ToolPacPCB.zip )


 

ToolPac obrazovka

This ToolPac program is a tool to read, write and store your CAMPac data on a PC. The data transfer is done via serial COM port, a special interface is necessary. There is no possibility to change any model program parameter. It can be done in transmitter only. Nevertheless the ToolPac allows you to take one single model, change its name, store model data to a file on PC or copy the model data to another position in the CAMPac. The ToolPac can handle every types of memory module for ROBBE/Futaba but the model service is correct for prepared types only. Each transmitter type use its own data format and information can not be moved between them. The ToolPac knows several data formats and others will be added in future (depends on needs and available transmitter types). On the other hand, all data formats can be read and written from/to CAMPac as a "CAMPac data block" and used in appropriate transmitter type. You can share your CAMPac contend with your friends… I have added several samples of the CAMPac data. You can "play game" with to get understanding about.

Every known CAMPac types from 16kb to 64kb are supported (CAMPac, ClonePAC, 128kb UltraPAC-II, MemPac 64). The ToolPac has been tested on many PC types from different producers. It works without any problems, except older type of expansion PC COM port card. Every COM ports on the motherboards have worked without any problem. The ToolPac is created for Windows and run on all platforms from W98 to XP Professional. In any problems do not hesitate to contact me.

Installation ToolPac 

Unzip zipped file (cca. 770kB) to any directory according your needs. Start ToolPac.exe (we recommend to prepare a shortcut). Three additional modules (two OCX and PORT.DLL) are required and must be stored in the some directory as ToolPas is.

Brief CAMPac data description

To have a feeling about possibilities of usage, you need several knowledge. The data format is similar for all transmitter and CAMPac types. In first four bytes is stored an information about CAMPac size and transmitter type. For example: 16kb CAMPac for FC-18V3.x is described $00 $03 $00 $02. The remain space contains model data. The first model is stored somewhere near the begin of memory and takes some amount of bytes. The second model data are stored next to first one and so one. Before first usage the CAMPac must be initialized -  four bytes on the start of memory must be set and the rest of memory is set to the default model values. If the first four bytes are not correct, the transmitter refuses the CAMPac. The initialization will be offered. It means: If you want to prepare completely new CAMPac, you have to start from the contend of initialized CAMPac. The CAMPac which contains a model data only is not accepted.

Languages

Standard is English. Nevertheless you can switch to another ones. Open ToolPac.ini file and in [LANGUAGE] section delete comment mark (;) before the language which you need.

Example ToolPac usage

You have two 16kb CAMPac and you would like to copy several model from them to the third CAMPac module:

1. By Load CAMPac load CAMPac contend to the PC RAM. The ToolPac recognize size and transmitter type automatically. If the transmitter type is unknown model descriptions are wrong and you can not work with models. Nevertheless you can store whole contend to HD as a backup.
2. By Save model (Save CAMPac) store the selected model (whole CAMPac) to the file on HD.
3. Repeat step 2. for all modeles an CAMPac which you need. On the end you have several files on HD - the model data.
4. By Open CAMPac load any contend of initialized CAMPac.

5. By Open model load the model data from the file to highlighted CAMPac position. Repeat for all necessary models.
6. By Save CAMPac in the  Interface section load the RAM contend to CAMPac. In this time you can store whole CAMPac on HD by Save CAMPac ini Files section.
7. After data loading to CAMPac I recommend to make a verification by Verify CAMPac.

Comments:
Program reset will clear RAM of the ToolPac

Erase CAMPac write $FF bytes to CAMPac. In case
Full erase to all bytes, if not to the first four bytes only. In both cases the transmitter will initialize this CAMPac.
Name transfer option will transfer model name to the edition field.
From first model option sets the model numbering system. From the number one in CAMPac or according the transmitter numbering (it means to start numbering after transmitter memory numbers).

Suffixes:

To identify different  transmitter types I have set suffix conventions:

*.m16 - model from CAMpac for FC-16.
*.c17 - contend CAMpac for FC-18V2.
*.m17 - model from CAMpac for FC-18V2.
*.c18 - contend CAMpac for FC-18V3.x.
*.m18 - model from CAMpac for FC-18V3.x.

*.c28 - contend CAMpac for FC-28V3.x.
*.m28 - model from CAMpac for FC-28V3.x.
*.c8u - contend CAMpac for FF-8 (FP-T8U).

*.m8u - model from CAMpac for FF-8 (FP-T8U).
*.c9c - contend CAMpac for FF-9 (FP-T9C).

*.m9c - model from CAMpac for FF-9 (FP-T9C).

Interface

The interface is simple - supply source, two resistors and two Zener diodes.
i2c.gif (14203 bytes)
If you need interface for CAMPac 16kb or UltraPac, you need no external power and You can omit the D1 and the power connector. The Original CAMPac 64kb have large power consumption and needs additional external source.

Next development

I do not plan any big changes in future. But if you have a different transmitter type, send several CAMPac contends with description (empty CAMPac, transmitter type, model names, mix types, modulation…). I will add service for your transmitter. Please consult CAMPac contends with me before file preparation. 

Thanks

I would like to thanks to all my friends who helps me during creating and testing the ToolPac. 

Sharing

This program is Freeware. You can use and share with anybody. But you can not sell it or use for any commercial purpose. Program and manuals must not be changed and must be kept together as well the author name must not be changed. 

In doubt do not hesitate to contact me via email, newest program versions will be accessible on my website.

Warning:

The ToolPac is not professional product. As I have no control over your usage, interface, PC and other circumstances I can not take any responsibility for results and damages. Usage of this product is your own risk and you are fully responsible for any problems, injuries and losses. Test your RC equipment before every start!

CMS 6.0

The Program CMS 6.0 is similar product and you can download it from http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/wallacelouie/cms.htm. It is a little bit old-fashioned and not so much sophisticated program. Data files from the CMS 6.0 and the ToolPac are compatible and you can share them beetwen.

Copyright © 2003 Planet-Soaring.com / Roman Kolbábek
No commercial use or publication (e.g. on other www or ftp sites, print media) without a written consent.