UDP Monitor and Network Broadcast
UDP Monitor
SA also contains a diagnostic utility so you can view and capture UPD data streams. This utility can also be run dependently from SA. Navigate file explorer to the SA install directory and run SpatialAnalyzer UDPMonitor.exe. Set it to the same port and hit Start. When measurements or updates happen, the data will flow into the monitor, as pictured at right.
The UDPMonitor acts as a simple log that records the network transmissions. Use the Start and Stop buttons as needed and the Save Log to File button can be used to export the log to an ascii text file. UDP Traffic is not buffered so data at high rates can be missed.
Instrument Broadcast:
Many instruments offer the option to use UDP broadcast. An option is available under Utility for laser Trackers as an example:
The instrument UDP settings offer the following options:
Data to Send:
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3D Coordinates. Offers 3D coordinate position values
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6D Coordinates. Offers full 6D position and rotation values
Frame of Reference selection can be adjusted and will be reflected in the returned coordinate values.
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Time Stamp. When available this can include a precise instrument controller time stamp captured with the point sample. This value is only included by supported instruments and only during a scan operation (either spatial or temporal). Scans are required as they represent discrete samples. Discrete Measurements such as Fast/Standard or Precises are not discrete samples but measurements for a given duration and therefore do not include a precise measurement time.
Destination
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Entire Subnet (Broadcast). This option offers a simpler solution but can be blocked by many IT departments.
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Single Destination. This selection is used when entering a particular Computer Name or IP address and is the preferred method for larger networks or companies with restrictions on their networks.
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Port. This is the port to use for the network broadcast.
Watch Windows Broadcast:
Watch windows can be configured to transmit their data over TCP/IP using the UDP Protocol. This is useful for intercepting watch window data with your own custom code.
Options for UDP transmitting are as follows:
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Transmit Watch Window Text over Network. When enabled, data is transferred over TCP/IP.
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Send To. UDP packets can be transmitted to the entire subnet, which is referred to as a broadcast. Or, it can be directed to a specific destination (Single Destination).
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Computer Name or IP. If transmitting to a specific destination, the IP address or computer name of the recipient.
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Port. The port over which the data should be transmitted.