Domini Technologies Automated Software User Guide

Domini Technologies Automated Software User Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Domini Technologies Automated Calibration Software, covering everything from installation to troubleshooting and licensing. Our goal is to make your equipment calibration process as efficient and reliable as possible.

1. Product Summary 💻

Our calibration programs are standalone executable applications for Windows 10 or 11. Programs are typically named <MFG> <Model(s)> Calibration Procedure (unless otherwise specified). Please note that programs released after October 2025 will be Windows 11 only.

These applications are designed for use by trained calibration or repair technicians and engineers. Most programs are suitable for entry-level technicians, though some more advanced programs may require greater expertise.

2. Distribution and Installers 🛡️

Our installers are distributed as a setup.exe file, featuring the Domini Technologies TM logo. For your security, all installers are code-signed with a SHA256 signature verifying Domini Technologies as the publisher.

Crucially, do not install any Domini Technologies software if the publisher is listed as “Unknown,” as this may indicate a fraudulent or malicious copy.

3. Pre-installation Checklist and Prerequisites

Before running the calibration software, ensure the following requirements are met:

System Requirements

  • Disk Space: Each program requires approximately 10-25 MB of free disk space.
  • Internet Connection: Not required to run the lifetime-licensed programs, but an internet connection is needed to send error logs and data to our servers for improved customer support.

Hardware and Interface Cables

  • Standard setups require GPIB cables and a GPIB-USB interface cable.
  • Specific programs may require other interface cables, such as USB, LAN, or COM port connections. Always refer to the readme.txt file in the program directory for exact requirements.
  • Recommended Interface: We recommend NI GPIB-USB interface cables.
  • Agilent Note: Programs will work with Agilent USB-GPIB interfaces, but be aware that the Agilent IO software may cause slowdowns during device detection and can report “ghost devices” (unconnected equipment from a previous session).

4. Required Third-Party Applications and Drivers

The following applications and drivers must be installed:

5. Program Directory Structure

Your installed program files can be found in:

C:\Program Files\Domini Technologies\<MFG>\<Model/Series>\

The directory contains several key files for operation and data management:

  • <asset number> DATA.xlsx: This is the calibration data results file produced after the program completes all enabled tests. This is an Excel file, allowing you to add manual data or details like comments and serial numbers (if the program couldn’t query them). The program directory window will typically open automatically after testing.
  • test_list.xlsx: Lists all calibration tests in the order they run. Tests can be enabled or disabled here; all are enabled by default unless the required equipment wasn’t detected.
  • config.xlsx: Contains required equipment lists, device addresses, and basic configurations. You can also configure auto-detection, sound notifications, and first-time run instructions here (the latter sets itself to ‘off’ after the initial run).
  • Data Templates (TM_Data_template.xlsx or Data_template.xlsx): Only one template file should exist in the directory.
    • TM_Data_template.xlsx: Used if the customer has a trademark or logo they want applied by the program. The program looks for a logo file named TM_Logo with an 825×124px banner resolution. We recommend contacting our team to assist with logo production.
    • Data_template.xlsx: An older, blank template, typically found in PayPerCal (Pay-Per-Use) software. Customers often add their logo to the final <asset number> DATA.xlsx file themselves. If you are a PayPerCal customer and want a custom program to utilize your logo, please discuss eligibility with our team.
  • readme.txt: Contains essential program-specific information, including the documentation used to develop the tests, required equipment, change logs, and other useful details.
  • EULA.txt: Contains legal information regarding intellectual property, proper software use, and privacy.
  • Other Files: Depending on the program, you may find characterization data files for devices like power sensors, resistors, or attenuators (e.g., yoursensor_CF_Data.xlsx or resistor_table.xlsx).

6. Hardware and Instrument Connection Guide

Simplicity is key. Connection instructions and test diagrams are built directly into the program and displayed as images during runtime, making it easy to run, even for inexperienced users.

7. First-Run and Setup Steps

Lifetime Licensed Offline Programs

  1. Install Prerequisites: Verify or install Microsoft Excel, NI-VISA, and NI-488.2 applications and drivers.
  2. Download and Extract: Download the application file (sent via email link or zip file). If a zip file was sent, extract it.
  3. Run Setup: Run the Setup.exe file.
  4. Security Warning: If you receive a Windows warning (especially after extracting a zip file), it’s safe to proceed as long as the publisher is listed as Domini Technologies.
  5. Installation: Install the program in the recommended directory. Choose your preferred Start Menu options and decide whether to create a desktop shortcut. Select the option to run the program right away if all prerequisites are fulfilled.
  6. Characterized Devices: If the program requires characterized devices (like power sensors or shunts), ensure you fill out the required values in the respective characterization data files (e.g., yoursensor_CF_Data.xlsx).

PayPerCal (Pay-Per-Use) Programs

  1. Download: PayPerCal programs are available for download on our website: https://dominitechnologies.com/test-equipment-automation-software/ after logging into your account.
  2. Authentication: Upon launch, the program will require your credentials to check for available trials or credit.
  3. Trials and Validation: Each program includes a few trial runs (you may request more if needed). Use these trials to validate the software and ensure it works correctly with your equipment.
  4. “Dry Run” Suggestion: We strongly suggest performing a “dry run” before making source/measure connections. Connect only the GPIB and interface cables to observe the program’s behavior. This helps catch rare instances where a specific configuration might output more power than a measurement device can handle. Only use equipment models supported by the program; the software will only run with supported models detected on the GPIB bus.
  5. Credits: Once trials are expired or exhausted, PayPerCal credits are required. The cost varies by program.

8. When Tests Fail ⚠️

Unit Under Test (UUT) Failure

If your Unit Under Test (UUT) fails a test point, a window will display three options:

  • Retry: Select this to double-check connections and observe the test behavior again.
  • No retry: Select this to record the failure and move to the next test point.
  • No retries: Select this to disable all subsequent retry prompts for the remainder of the current test (retry will be re-enabled for the next full test).

Program/Test Point Suspected Issue

If you suspect the test failure is an issue with the program and not the UUT, we recommend this before contacting support:

  1. Manual Test: Test the failed test point manually.
  2. Refer to Documentation: Reset all required test equipment for the failed point manually. Refer to the documentation mentioned in the readme.txt file and follow the test instructions.
  3. Contact Support: If the test passes manually but fails in the program, please contact us immediately. This indicates a potential program bug.

Our Commitment: We strive to provide the best customer service and aim to provide a software update within 24hours (often within a couple of hours, depending on support availability), though officially it can take up to three days.

9. Troubleshooting Checklist 🔍

ProblemAction Steps
“No UUT detected” or “No devices detected”1. Launch NI-Max or Agilent IO to see if your devices are on the bus. 2. Verify that none of the devices share the same address. 3. If using Agilent IO, delete any devices that are not physically on the bus (ghost devices). 4. Rerun the program.
Testing message says “Contact customer support” (Test crash)This signals a likely bug in the test, though the program will continue to the next test. Please contact us immediately. We have a solid error reporting system to quickly identify and patch the issue.
PayPerCal Programs (Early Revision)If the program is an early development revision (e.g., rev 0.33), it may contain bugs. If you encounter a crash, we will credit your account in addition to updating the program. We credit companies who test these early revisions, which helps keep development costs low for everyone.

This is a solid technical manual with clear, necessary details. I’ve proofread, clarified some wording, and formatted it for an engaging WordPress post, keeping all the essential information intact.

Here is the revised manual, optimized for a WordPress post:

Domini Technologies Automated Calibration Software: User Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Domini Technologies Automated Calibration Software, covering everything from installation to troubleshooting and licensing. Our goal is to make your equipment calibration process as efficient and reliable as possible.

1. Product Summary 💻

Our calibration programs are standalone executable applications for Windows 10 or 11. Programs are typically named <MFG> <Model(s)> Calibration Procedure (unless otherwise specified). Please note that programs released after October 2025 will be Windows 11 only.

These applications are designed for use by trained calibration or repair technicians and engineers. Most programs are suitable for entry-level technicians, though some more advanced programs may require greater expertise.

2. Distribution and Installers 🛡️

Our installers are distributed as a setup.exe file, featuring the Domini Technologies TM logo. For your security, all installers are code-signed with a SHA256 signature verifying Domini Technologies as the publisher.

Crucially, do not install any Domini Technologies software if the publisher is listed as “Unknown,” as this may indicate a fraudulent or malicious copy.

3. Pre-installation Checklist and Prerequisites

Before running the calibration software, ensure the following requirements are met:

System Requirements

  • Disk Space: Each program requires approximately 10-25 MB of free disk space.
  • Internet Connection: Not required to run the lifetime-licensed programs, but an internet connection is needed to send error logs and data to our servers for improved customer support.

Hardware and Interface Cables

  • Standard setups require GPIB cables and a GPIB-USB interface cable.
  • Specific programs may require other interface cables, such as USB, LAN, or COM port connections. Always refer to the readme.txt file in the program directory for exact requirements.
  • Recommended Interface: We recommend NI GPIB-USB interface cables.
  • Agilent Note: Programs will work with Agilent USB-GPIB interfaces, but be aware that the Agilent IO software may cause slowdowns during device detection and can report “ghost devices” (unconnected equipment from a previous session).

4. Required Third-Party Applications and Drivers

The following applications and drivers must be installed:

5. Program Directory Structure

Your installed program files can be found in:

C:\Program Files\Domini Technologies\<MFG>\<Model/Series>\

The directory contains several key files for operation and data management:

  • <asset number> DATA.xlsx: This is the calibration data results file produced after the program completes all enabled tests. This is an Excel file, allowing you to add manual data or details like comments and serial numbers (if the program couldn’t query them). The program directory window will typically open automatically after testing.
  • test_list.xlsx: Lists all calibration tests in the order they run. Tests can be enabled or disabled here; all are enabled by default unless the required equipment wasn’t detected.
  • config.xlsx: Contains required equipment lists, device addresses, and basic configurations. You can also configure auto-detection, sound notifications, and first-time run instructions here (the latter sets itself to ‘off’ after the initial run).
  • Data Templates (TM_Data_template.xlsx or Data_template.xlsx): Only one template file should exist in the directory.
    • TM_Data_template.xlsx: Used if the customer has a trademark or logo they want applied by the program. The program looks for a logo file named TM_Logo with an 825×124px banner resolution. We recommend contacting our team to assist with logo production.
    • Data_template.xlsx: An older, blank template, typically found in PayPerCal (Pay-Per-Use) software. Customers often add their logo to the final <asset number> DATA.xlsx file themselves. If you are a PayPerCal customer and want a custom program to utilize your logo, please discuss eligibility with our team.
  • readme.txt: Contains essential program-specific information, including the documentation used to develop the tests, required equipment, change logs, and other useful details.
  • EULA.txt: Contains legal information regarding intellectual property, proper software use, and privacy.
  • Other Files: Depending on the program, you may find characterization data files for devices like power sensors, resistors, or attenuators (e.g., yoursensor_CF_Data.xlsx or resistor_table.xlsx).

6. Hardware and Instrument Connection Guide

Simplicity is key. Connection instructions and test diagrams are built directly into the program and displayed as images during runtime, making it easy to run, even for inexperienced users.

7. First-Run and Setup Steps

Lifetime Licensed Offline Programs

  1. Install Prerequisites: Verify or install Microsoft Excel, NI-VISA, and NI-488.2 applications and drivers.
  2. Download and Extract: Download the application file (sent via email link or zip file). If a zip file was sent, extract it.
  3. Run Setup: Run the Setup.exe file.
  4. Security Warning: If you receive a Windows warning (especially after extracting a zip file), it’s safe to proceed as long as the publisher is listed as Domini Technologies.
  5. Installation: Install the program in the recommended directory. Choose your preferred Start Menu options and decide whether to create a desktop shortcut. Select the option to run the program right away if all prerequisites are fulfilled.
  6. Characterized Devices: If the program requires characterized devices (like power sensors or shunts), ensure you fill out the required values in the respective characterization data files (e.g., yoursensor_CF_Data.xlsx).

PayPerCal (Pay-Per-Use) Programs

  1. Download: PayPerCal programs are available for download on our website: https://dominitechnologies.com/test-equipment-automation-software/ after logging into your account.
  2. Authentication: Upon launch, the program will require your credentials to check for available trials or credit.
  3. Trials and Validation: Each program includes a few trial runs (you may request more if needed). Use these trials to validate the software and ensure it works correctly with your equipment.
  4. “Dry Run” Suggestion: We strongly suggest performing a “dry run” before making source/measure connections. Connect only the GPIB and interface cables to observe the program’s behavior. This helps catch rare instances where a specific configuration might output more power than a measurement device can handle. Only use equipment models supported by the program; the software will only run with supported models detected on the GPIB bus.
  5. Credits: Once trials are expired or exhausted, PayPerCal credits are required. The cost varies by program.

8. When Tests Fail ⚠️

Unit Under Test (UUT) Failure

If your Unit Under Test (UUT) fails a test point, a window will display three options:

  • Retry: Select this to double-check connections and observe the test behavior again.
  • No retry: Select this to record the failure and move to the next test point.
  • No retries: Select this to disable all subsequent retry prompts for the remainder of the current test (retry will be re-enabled for the next full test).

Program/Test Point Suspected Issue

If you suspect the test failure is an issue with the program and not the UUT, we recommend this before contacting support:

  1. Manual Test: Test the failed test point manually.
  2. Refer to Documentation: Reset all required test equipment for the failed point manually. Refer to the documentation mentioned in the readme.txt file and follow the test instructions.
  3. Contact Support: If the test passes manually but fails in the program, please contact us immediately. This indicates a potential program bug.

Our Commitment: We strive to provide the best customer service and aim to provide a software update within 24hours (often within a couple of hours, depending on support availability), though officially it can take up to three days.

9. Troubleshooting Checklist 🔍

ProblemAction Steps
“No UUT detected” or “No devices detected”1. Launch NI-Max or Agilent IO to see if your devices are on the bus. 2. Verify that none of the devices share the same address. 3. If using Agilent IO, delete any devices that are not physically on the bus (ghost devices). 4. Rerun the program.
Testing message says “Contact customer support” (Test crash)This signals a likely bug in the test, though the program will continue to the next test. Please contact us immediately. We have a solid error reporting system to quickly identify and patch the issue.
PayPerCal Programs (Early Revision)If the program is an early development revision (e.g., rev 0.33), it may contain bugs. If you encounter a crash, we will credit your account in addition to updating the program. We credit companies who test these early revisions, which helps keep development costs low for everyone.

10. Maintenance and Updates ⚙️

To install an update:

  1. Uninstall: Double-click the unins000.exe file in the program directory to uninstall the existing program.
  2. Reinstall: Run the new Setup.exe file that was delivered to you or downloaded. Follow the installation process as outlined in Section 7.

11. Data Management and Privacy 🔒

Data Collection and Security

Our software is designed to collect calibration data and error reports, which are sent to Domini Technologies servers to improve reliability and provide faster customer support.

  • All transmitted data follows TLS encryption standards.
  • Domini Technologies does not sell or share customer data with third parties.

Locally Stored Data

The following data is stored on your local machine:

  • Calibration results (<asset number> DATA.xlsx)
  • Configuration and test lists (config.xlsx, test_list.xlsx)
  • Logs generated during runtime

12. Licensing and Activation 🔑

There are two types of licenses available:

License TypeDetails
Lifetime Licensed Offline ProgramsLicenses are issued to the serial number of one of the required test equipment standards. This equipment must be on the GPIB bus for the program to run. These licenses are perpetual and include free bug-fix updates for the same major revision, as per our Development Terms: https://dominitechnologies.com/development-terms/.
PayPerCal (Pay-Per-Use) ProgramsRequires an active internet connection at launch for authentication and credit validation. Credits are consumed per calibration run and can be replenished through your online dashboard.

13. Safety and Best Practices 💡

Your safety and the protection of your equipment are paramount.

  • Verify Connections: Always ensure connections perfectly match the instructions shown in the software’s connection diagrams.
  • Power Down: Ensure outputs are off on all source devices before making any connections.
  • Supported Models Only: Only use equipment models supported by the program. Using unsupported models may lead to test errors or, potentially, unsafe operating conditions.
  • Disclaimer: Domini Technologies is not responsible for damage resulting from misuse or unauthorized modification of the program.

14. Support and Contact Information

If you need help with installation, testing, or licensing:

  • 📧 Email: [email protected]
  • Response Time: We aim to respond within 24hours or sooner, depending on the request type.

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

QuestionAnswer
What do I do if the program says “No UUT detected”?Open NI-MAX or Agilent IO and verify that your UUT appears on the GPIB bus and has a unique address. If using Agilent IO, delete any inactive or ghost devices.
The program crashes or says “Contact customer support.” What now?This indicates an internal test error (a bug). The program will continue running, but please send your log file and program revision number to Domini Technologies Support so we can issue a patch quickly.
Do I need internet access to use lifetime-licensed programs?No. An internet connection is only required for sending error logs or for validating PayPerCal licenses.
How do I retry a failed test point?When prompted, choose Retry to rerun the point, or No retry to record the failure. Selecting No retries disables retry prompts for all remaining tests until the next program run.
Where is my test data saved?Data is saved in C:\Program Files\Domini Technologies\<MFG>\<Model>\ as <AssetNumber> DATA.xlsx.
What Excel template should I use?Use TM_Data_template.xlsx if you have a logo; otherwise, use Data_template.xlsx. Only one template should be present in the directory.
How do I update the software?Run unins000.exe from the program folder to uninstall the existing version, then reinstall using the new Setup.exe file provided by Domini Technologies.
What GPIB interface should I use?We recommend NI GPIB-USB interfaces. Agilent USB-GPIB interfaces are supported but may slow down device detection.
Can I run the program on Windows 11?Yes. Programs released after October 2025 will be supported only on Windows 11.
What if I run out of PayPerCal credits?You can purchase additional credits at: https://dominitechnologies.com/product/paypercal-credits/

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