WeavePoint Version 7.0.1.6 Release
There is exactly one improvement to WeavePoint with this release. This may not seem like much, but for all the Compu-Dobby(R) IV customers it's a big one! Release 7.0.1.6 introduces a new type of USB driver to WeavePoint, the D2XX driver.
As explained on the FTDI website: For most Windows "...operating systems two types of driver are available: Virtual COM Port (VCP) drivers and direct (D2XX) drivers. The VCP driver emulates a standard PC serial port such that the USB device may be communicated with as a standard RS232 device. The D2XX driver allows direct access to a USB device via a DLL interface."
Anyone who has used a USB to Serial Adapter to connect their computer to their loom will recognize the VCP-type driver. This driver requires the onerous step of identifying and at times changing the assigned COM Port. And since all USB ports are virtual, Windows can change them at will making it a moving target. This one little step has caused all kinds of problems for weavers.
The D2XX driver's approach is truly 'plug-n-play'. With D2XX, you don't need to deal with COM Ports. And you never have to worry about the COM Port changing. It's all handled behind the scenes, seemlessly. With WeavePoint Release 7.0.1.6, the latent power of the Compu-Dobby IV is unlocked -- making D2XX a must!
Implementation is easy since the D2XX driver has been included with WeavePoint installation packages for a couple of years. The driver link can also be found in the AVL website library. Use is just as simple: select USB in the Weave Options menu. When you go to weave, connection is automatic -- Easy As Can Be!
WeavePoint ver. 7.0.1.6 is a free upgrade for anyone with a valid WeavePoint 7.0 license. Contact us through the AVL website for a free upgrade. If you have an older version, the upgrade price is $117/major upgrade. Don't have a Compu-Dobby IV, well maybe it's time you started considering it! We make a Compu-Dobby IV for nearly every dobby loom we've made. Contact us through the website to discuss a Compu-Dobby IV upgrade for your loom.