Matrix Orbital GLK12232-25-SM Legacy - Manual (Page 23)

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6. Fonts and Graphics Files
6.1 General
Matrix Orbital graphic modules contain a sophisticated file system for storing and retrieving font
information, bitmaps and system parameters; not unlike the way that a computer deals with files on a hard
drive. However, the modules use no moving parts, therefore, data is stored far more reliably than data on a
home PC.
Operationally, there is one important difference between the Matrix Orbital file system and that of a PC.
While a PC will allow fragmentation of its files across the available file space, the Matrix Orbital file
system takes great care to ensure that all parts of a file are stored together. This system works well to
maximize storage space and operational efficiency, however, during file downloads, the modules may need
to spend considerable time moving files to make room for the new file. This delay during download can be
as much as a minute, but generally it will not exceed 10 seconds.
When a file is being downloaded with the same "name" or reference number as previously existing file, the
old file needs to be deleted first. Since we cannot know if the new file is exactly the same size as the old
file, that space vacated by the old files filled by moving previously existing files down to fill up the vacated
space. This ensures that no file space is wasted.
Of course, the average module will simply have files loaded into it and it will then get to work, without ever
having to perform this file reorganization task. The file space may be rewritten up to 100 000 times, but
most users will simply load in their fonts and bitmaps once and that will be it.
6.2 Using mogd.exe
The Matrix Orbital Interface program "mogd.exe", which is provided on the disk and the website, generates
and saves fonts larger than 14 pixels in height. It is also used to save graphic images (bitmaps) to the
GLK12232-25-SM.
To make use of smaller fonts it is recommended that you use a pre-generated font. You will find these fonts
on the disk or the website. Unfortunately, integrating these fonts is not as straight forward as generating the
fonts yourself. To make use of these fonts you must place the font files in your font directory as defined in
the interface program. You can find and define this directory under "settings".
A font file consists of a single file with an extension .mgf and a directory which contains bitmaps for every
character. All .mgf files are contained within the font directory and all bitmap directories are sub directories
of the font directory. After download of a font file use a “Zip” program to “UnZip” the .mgf file and bitmap
sub-directory into your font directory. Start or restart mogd.exe and click on the font tab. You should now
see your new pre-generated font listed in the font list of mogd.
6.3 Commands
In addition to the commands listed below, you may use the mogd.exe program to save fonts and bitmaps to
the GLK12232-25-SM's flash memory.
6.3.1 Erase file (254 45 [type] [ref])
This command erases a file within the GLK12232-25-SM memory. This command erases a single file at a
time.
This command needs to be given two parameters: [type] and [ref]. The file type and reference number are
defined when the file is saved to the GLK12232-25-SM using mogd.exe. Since there is no command to list
files in memory, the user must keep track of the memory contents.