WinWedge DDE Examples

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This page contains example macros and subroutines for some of the more common PC application programs (i.e. Excel, Access, Word, Visual Basic, FoxPro, Lotus 123 and Quattro Pro). The examples demonstrate how to do things like transmit and receive serial data using Dynamic Data Exchange with the Wedge or launch and unload the Wedge from memory as well as perform various other related functions.

The comments in the examples will explain the details of how each routine works and will also point out any lines that may need changing in order to work with your particular system.

DDE Examples

Excel	Introduction to creating and using Excel macros. Sending DDE commands to WinWedge from a VBA subroutine Launching WinWedge from Excel Requesting data from WinWedge using a VBA subroutine. More Examples of how to request data from WinWedge using a VBA subroutine. Requesting Data from WinWedge using VBA SetLinkOnData method Getting past the 40 field limit in WinWedge Requesting data from multiple Wedges simultaneously Advanced Excel Tricks - Reading large arrays of data into Excel Collecting data from Multiple Serial Ports Simultaneously Continually Polling Multiple Devices In Sequence Sample Workbook This Workbook contains examples to request multiple fields of data from the wedge, request data from multiple Wedges simultaneously, request a single field of data and place it in the active cell, and several examples of how to send data out the serial port from Excel. Sample workbooks for specific instruments with saved WinWedge configuration files.
Access	Collecting Data Directly into a Table in an Access Database Collecting Data Directly into a Form in an Access Database Launching and Terminating the Software Wedge from Access Transmitting Variables Out the Serial Port from Access Inventory Database Example for Access 2000 Sample Access 2000 Database This database demonstrates how to set up Access to use DDE with WinWedge. This includes, tranmsitting data out of the serial port, reading data into a table, reading data into a form and launching and terminating WinWedge. [Updated 4/10/2003]
Word	Reading Serial Data Into a Word Document Using DDE (Word 2.0-6.0) Reading Serial Data Into a Word Document Using DDE (Word 95 and later)
Visual FoxPro	Collecting data into MS FoxPro using WinWedge Transmitting Data Out The Serial Port From FoxPro
Visual Basic	Linking a VB Text Box to a Software Wedge Data Field Sending DDE Commands To WinWedge From A VB Application Launching (and Terminating) WinWedge From A Visual Basic Application VB Program to Detect If WinWedge Is Running Download a sample VB program that demonstrates the above techniques
Lotus 123	Collecting Data To a Column In a Lotus Spreadsheet
Quattro Pro	Collecting Data To a Column In a Quattro Spreadsheet
Minitab	Send Serial Data To Minitab using DDE
Intellution FixDMACS	Input Serial Data To FixDMACS using DDE
Wonderware InTouch	General WinWedge set up and Linking Serial Data from WinWedge to DDE In InTouch Controlling WinWedge and serial devices from InTouch
MATLAB	Launching the Software Wedge, requesting data from the Wedge, and closing the Wedge from Matlab
Origin 5.0	Launching the Software Wedge and Collecting Data to a Column in a Spreadsheet
DDE Commands Supported by Software Wedge
Important: Dynamic Data Exchange is an extremely powerful and flexible way to pass data or commands directly from one application to another however this power and flexibility does not come without a small price in additional complexity. The examples provided here should help greatly to make the process easier. One thing to consider is that there are many situations where DDE may not be required and using WinWedge in "Send Keystrokes" mode may be more suitable. Using the Wedge in "Send Keystrokes" mode is much easier and much quicker to configure than using the Wedge in "DDE Server" mode. For example if you are reading data from a simple instrument like a bar code reader, electronic balance or an electronic caliper and you simply want to input a small amount of data into a spreadsheet or database, then using "Send Keystrokes" mode may be a better and much simpler approach than using DDE. There may also be situations where it might be convenient to input data from the Wedge using "Send Keystrokes" mode and also send data out the serial port by sending DDE commands to the Wedge. The Wedge does not have to be in DDE Server mode in order to accept and process DDE commands. You can still send DDE commands to the Wedge to have it transmit data or prompts out a serial port even when it is in "Send Keystrokes" or "Log to Disk" mode.