Binary Protocol Programming Example Code

This example program with C source demonstrates how external Meinberg devices can be accessed using a binary communication protocol, either via a serial RS-232 port, or via a network socket connection.

The protocol has originally been used with Meinberg GPS receivers only, so large parts of the code or comments refer to "GPS". Actually, however, most external devices support this protocol.

The example code is distributed in 2 archives: a .zip archive for Windows and DOS, and a .tar.gz archive for Unix-like systems. The sample program code in both archives of the same version is identical. However, the source code files use end-of-line characters according to the target operating systems, i.e. carriage return plus line feed for DOS and Windows, and line feed only for Unix-like systems.

The package contains a libray directory called mbglib which contains the source code of some API functions, and an example program in the base directory which demonstrates how to use those API functions.

Also, each of the archives contains subdirectories providing some build environment files according to the supported target operating system.

The files below the mbglib directory should be left untouched in order to simplify future maintenance of your own applications by just upgrading those files. If you think there are changes required in those files, or if there are any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact support@meinberg.de.

Depending on the target operating system, the example program works either via serial port (the default) or via a network socket connection, presumed that the connected target device supports this.