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{{#seo:|description=Learn how to use Phidget USB devices with Visual Basic.}}
[[Category:Language]]
[[Category:Language]]
{{OSLang|[[File:icon-Visual Basic Net.png|64x64px|left|link=|alt=]]|Visual Basic .NET, developed by [http://www.microsoft.com Microsoft] is a modern object oriented programming language and the successor to Visual Basic 6.0}}
__TOC__


== Introduction ==
==Get Started==
With the Phidget22.NET library, it's easy to create VB applications that work with Phidget devices.


If this is your first time working with a Phidget, we suggest starting with the Getting Started page for your specific device. This can be found in the user guide for your device. That page will walk you through installing drivers and libraries for your operating system, and will then bring you back here to use VB.NET specifically.
==VB Libraries==
VB.NET is capable of using the complete {{Phidget22API}}, including events. We also provide example code in VB.NET for all Phidget devices.
===Nuget Package===
The Phidget22.NET library is available as a [https://www.nuget.org/packages/Phidget22.NET/ nuget package]. This is the recommend way to install and manage the Phidget22.NET library.


VB.NET with Phidgets is only supported on Windows, and can be used with [[#Visual_Studio_2015|Visual Studio 2015]], [[#Mono|Mono]], or [[#MonoDevelop/Xamarin_Studio|MonoDevelop]].
===Library Files===
If you would like to manually manage the Phidget22.NET library files, you can download them [https://cdn.phidgets.com/downloads/phidget22/libraries/windows/Phidget22-windevel.zip here].


== Quick Downloads ==
==Development Environment Configuration==
===Visual Studio===
{| style="margin:auto;" class="table-no-border mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ '''Instructions'''
| {{hiddenh4|Start with the Code Samples}} ||
|-
| One of the best ways to start programming with Phidgets is to use our [https://www.phidgets.com/?view=code_samples&lang=VBNET example code] as a guide. Download the example(s) that correspond to your Phidget's channel classes. You can find them listed on the enclosure in most cases, or on the API tab of the product page. || [[Image:Language_vb_sample.jpg|center|350px|link=https://cdn.phidgets.com/docs/images/4/42/Language_vb_sample.jpg]]
|-
| Unpack and open the example project and click the Start button. The application will open the Phidget, list basic information about the Phidget, and demonstrate the Phidget's functionality.  || [[Image:Language_vb_start.png|center|350px|link=https://cdn.phidgets.com/docs/images/b/ba/Language_vb_start.png]]
|-
| {{hiddenh4|Editing the Examples}} ||
|-
| The Visual Basic .Net examples are derived from the Windows [[Phidget Control Panel]], so you'll need to modify a few things to adapt them for your own purposes. To begin with, you can remove the following line: ||
|-
|colspan="2"| <syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>commandLineData phidgetParameters = open.parseCmdLine(); //get command line parameters</syntaxhighlight> ||
|-
|colspan="2"| Then, you can modify any line that mentions phidgetParameters by setting it to the desired value instead of using PhidgetParameters object. ||
|-
|colspan="2"| For instance:<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>Try 'set all the values grabbed from command line.  these values have defaults that are set in ExampleUtils.vb, you can check there to see them
    device.Channel = phidgetParameters.Channel 'selects the channel on the device to open
    device.DeviceSerialNumber = phidgetParameters.SerialNumber 'selects the device or hub to open
    device.HubPort = phidgetParameters.HubPort 'selects th eport on the hub to open
    device.IsHubPortDevice = phidgetParameters.isHubPortDevice 'is the device a port on a vint hub?


'''<span style="color:#FF0000">List of download links, to be added once files are available</span>'''
    If phidgetParameters.isRemote Then 'are we trying to open a remote device?
        device.IsRemote = True
        Net.EnableServerDiscovery(ServerType.Device) 'turn on network scan
        If phidgetParameters.Password <> vbNullString And
          phidgetParameters.ServerName <> vbNullString Then
         
            Net.SetServerPassword(phidgetParameters.ServerName, phidgetParameters.Password)
        End If
    Else
        device.IsLocal = True
    End If


=== Documentation ===
    device.Open() 'open the device specified by the above parameters
=== Example Code ===
Catch ex As PhidgetException
=== Libraries and Drivers ===
    errorBox.addMessage("Error opening the device: " + ex.Message)
End Try</syntaxhighlight>
|-
|colspan="2"|  Might become: <syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet> Try
    device.Channel = 0
    device.DeviceSerialNumber = 370097
    device.HubPort = 0
    device.IsHubPortDevice = True
    device.IsLocal = True


== Getting Started with VB.NET ==
    device.Open()
 
Catch ex As PhidgetException
If you are new to writing code for Phidgets, we recommend starting by running, then modifying existing examples. This will allow you to:
    errorBox.addMessage("Error opening the device: " + ex.Message)
{{ExampleCodeReasons}}
End Try</syntaxhighlight> You can then manipulate the rest of the code as your application requires.
 
|-
Instructions are divided up by operating system. Choose:
| {{hiddenh4|Setting up a New Project}} ||
*[[#Windows(XP/Vista/7)|Windows XP / Vista / 7]]
|-
 
| When you are building a project from scratch, or adding Phidget functionality to an existing project, you'll need to configure your development environment to properly link the Phidget .NET library. Create a new VB Forms Application, open the NuGet package manager. || [[Image:Language_vb_nuget.png|center|350px|link=https://cdn.phidgets.com/docs/images/4/4e/Language_vb_nuget.png]]
== Windows ==
|-
===Description of Library Files===
| On the following screen, click '''Browse''', search for Phidget22, and install the Phidget22.NET package. || [[Image:Language_vb_nuget_install.png|center|350px|link=https://cdn.phidgets.com/docs/images/7/74/Language_vb_nuget_install.png]]
Visual Basic .NET programs on Windows depend on the following files, which the installers above put onto your system:
|-
*'''phidget22.dll''' contains the actual Phidget library, which is used at run-time. By default, it is placed in C:\Windows\System32.
|colspan="2"| Then, you just need to add the following lines: <syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>Imports Phidget22
*'''Phidget22.NET.dll''' is the Phidget library for .NET framework 2.0 or higher. Your compiler has to know where this file is. By default, it is placed into C:\Program Files\Phidgets\Phidget22. You can either point your compiler to that location, or copy and link to it in a directory for your project workspace.
Imports Phidget22.Events</syntaxhighlight> The project now has access to Phidgets.
You can optionally install the following files:
|}
*'''Phidget22.NET.XML''' provides the IntelliSense in-line documentation for the .NET library in Visual Studio/MonoDevelop. This documentation is also visible in the Object Browser in Visual Studio. By default, it is placed into C:\Program Files\Phidgets\Phidget22.
 
Running the examples and writing your own code can be fairly compiler-specific, so we include instructions for each compiler below.
 
===Visual Studio 2015===
 
====Use Our Examples====
Please start by downloading the examples and unpacking them into a folder. Since the examples were written in Visual Studio 2015, you will need to use Visual Studio 2015 or later in order to run the examples. To load all projects in Visual Studio, go to File → Open → Project, and open AllExamples/AllExamples.sln.
 
The easiest way to confirm that your environment is set up properly will be to compile and run the HelloWorld Visual Basic .NET example.
 
Start by setting the HelloWorld project as your start up project.
 
The only thing left to do is to run the example! Click on Debug → Start Debugging. Please note that the projects, by default try to find the Phidget22.NET.dll in the C:\Program Files\Phidgets\Phidget22. If you have it installed in another location, please change the path to the file's location accordingly. If you are receiving an error message regarding that the namespace Phidget22 cannot be found, please re-add the reference to Phidget22.NET.dll. Please see the [[#Write Your Own Code|Write Your Own Code]] section for details.
 
[[Image:VB_VS2015_Run.png|link=|600px]]
 
This program will detect for devices that are attached/detached on the computer. Go ahead, and attach or detach your devices! Here is an example output:
 
[[Image:VB_VS2015_HelloWorld_Output.png|link=|600px]]
 
After confirming that the HelloWorld example is working, you can proceed to run the example for your device. The source file will be named the same as the software object for your device. If you are not sure what the software object for your device is, find your Phidget on our [http://www.phidgets.com webpage], and then check the {{Phidget22API}} documentation for it.
 
Once you have the Visual Basic .NET examples running, we have a [[#Edit the Examples|teaching section]] below to help you follow them.
 
====Write Your Own Code====
 
When you are building a project from scratch, or adding Phidget function calls to an existing project, you'll need to configure your environment to properly link the Phidget .NET libraries. To begin:
 
1. Generate a new Visual Basic .NET Windows Applications project with a descriptive name such as PhidgetTest.
 
[[Image:VB_VS2015_New_Project.png|link=|600px]]
 
2. Add a reference to the Phidget .NET library.
 
[[Image:VB_VS2015_Add_Reference.png|link=]]
 
3. Click Browse and navigate to the location of Phidget22.NET.dll, and add the file. If you used our installer, these files are installed in C:\Program Files\Phidgets\Phidget22, by default. If you have already done this for a previous project, you should be able to find Phidget22.NET.dll under the Browse → Recent tab.
 
[[Image:VB_VS2015_Add_Reference_2.png|link=|600px]]
 
The project now has access to the Phidget function calls and you are ready to begin coding.
 
The same [[#Edit the Examples|teaching section]] which describes the examples also has further resources for programming your Phidget.


===Mono===
===Mono===
{| style="margin:auto;" class="table-no-border mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ '''Instructions'''
| {{hiddenh4|HelloWorld Example}} ||
|-
|colspan="2"|First, download and unpack the [https://www.phidgets.com/downloads/phidget22/examples/dotnet/csharp/Manager/Phidget22_HelloWorld_CSharp_Windows_Ex.zip HelloWorld example] for VB. This example uses the [[Phidget Manager]] to list all Phidget channels that can be accessed by your computer. All other VB examples use Windows Forms, so they are not compatible with Mono.
|-
|Next, copy Phidget22.NET.dll from type the following location:<syntaxhighlight>C:\Program Files\Phidgets\Phidget22\Phidget22.NET.dll</syntaxhighlight>Place both the HelloWorld example and the Phidget22.NET.dll file in the same location. || [[Image:Language_vb_dll_folder.png|center|350px|link=https://cdn.phidgets.com/docs/images/8/89/Language_vb_dll_folder.png]]
|-
|colspan="2"|Open the command prompt at the folder location and enter the following command:<syntaxhighlight>vbnc /r:Phidget22.NET.dll Module1.vb</syntaxhighlight>This will create an executable file called Module1.exe. Type in the following command to run the example:<syntaxhighlight>mono Module1.exe</syntaxhighlight>
|-
|You should be able to see the channels of your Phidget listed when the program starts or whenever the Phidget is plugged in while the program is running.<br/><br/>Now that you've confirmed that your devices are properly connected, the next step is to download and edit sample code for your specific device.  || [[Image:Language_vb_console.png|center|350px|link=https://cdn.phidgets.com/docs/images/5/5e/Language_vb_console.png]]
|-
| {{hiddenh4|Other Examples}} ||
|-
| To download the code samples, visit [https://www.phidgets.com/?view=code_samples&lang=VBNET this page].  Download the example(s) that correspond to your Phidget's channel classes. You can find them listed on the enclosure in most cases, or on the API tab of the product page. || [[Image:Language_vb_sample.jpg|center|350px|link=https://cdn.phidgets.com/docs/images/4/42/Language_vb_sample.jpg]]
|-
|colspan="2"|The Visual Basic examples are derived from the Windows Phidget Control Panel, so you'll need to modify a few things to adapt them for your own purposes. To begin with, you can remove the following line:
<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>commandLineData phidgetParameters = open.parseCmdLine(); //get command line parameters</syntaxhighlight>Then, you can modify any line that mentions '''phidgetParameters''' by setting it to the desired value instead of using PhidgetParameters object.
|-
|colspan="2"| For instance:<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>Try 'set all the values grabbed from command line.  these values have defaults that are set in ExampleUtils.vb, you can check there to see them
    device.Channel = phidgetParameters.Channel 'selects the channel on the device to open
    device.DeviceSerialNumber = phidgetParameters.SerialNumber 'selects the device or hub to open
    device.HubPort = phidgetParameters.HubPort 'selects th eport on the hub to open
    device.IsHubPortDevice = phidgetParameters.isHubPortDevice 'is the device a port on a vint hub?


This section will provide instructions on how to compile using the vbnc compiler.
    If phidgetParameters.isRemote Then 'are we trying to open a remote device?
 
        device.IsRemote = True
====Use Our Examples====
        Net.EnableServerDiscovery(ServerType.Device) 'turn on network scan
 
        If phidgetParameters.Password <> vbNullString And
We do not have Visual Basic .NET examples for the Mono framework. Fortunately, you can take a look at the source code for our [[#Example_Code|Visual Studio 2015 examples]] for valuable programming insight. We have a [[#Edit the Examples|teaching section]] below to help you follow them.
          phidgetParameters.ServerName <> vbNullString Then
 
         
====Write Your Own Code====
            Net.SetServerPassword(phidgetParameters.ServerName, phidgetParameters.Password)
 
        End If
When you are building a project from scratch, or adding Phidget function calls to an existing project, you'll need to configure your compiler to properly link the Phidget .NET library.
    Else
 
        device.IsLocal = True
Place '''Phidget22.NET.dll''' in the same directory as your source code. To compile and build an executable, run:
     End If
 
To compile and build an executable, run:
 
<syntaxhighlight lang='bash'>
vbnc /out:example.exe /r:phidget22.NET.dll Example.vb
</syntaxhighlight>
 
If you have the Phidget22.NET.dll installed in another location, please change the path to the file's location accordingly.
 
Afterwards, you will have an executable named example.exe that you can run. Type the following to run the program:
 
<syntaxhighlight lang='bash'>
mono example.exe
</syntaxhighlight>
 
The [[#Edit the Examples|teaching section]] also has further resources for programming your Phidget.
 
===MonoDevelop/Xamarin Studio===
 
====Use Our Examples====
 
Download the [[#Example_Code|examples]] and unpack them into a folder. Here, you can find example programs for all the devices, as well as a HelloWorld program that will work with any Phidget. The source file will be named the same as the software object for your device. If you are not sure what the software object for your device is, find your Phidget on our [http://www.phidgets.com webpage], and then check the {{Phidget22API}} documentation for it.
 
These examples were written in Visual Studio 2015, but are also compatible with MonoDevelop/Xamarin Studio.
 
To load all projects in MonoDevelop/Xamarin Studio, go to File → Open, and open AllExamples/AllExamples.sln
 
This will load all of the examples available for Visual Basic .NET, and then you can set your main project to be the one that matches your device. If you are running under the .NET framework, you can use full examples. Otherwise, if you are running under the Mono framework, please only use the HelloWorld example. The full examples use Windows Forms, which is not completely compatible with Mono's Gtk#.
 
[[Image: VB MonoDevelop setStartup.png|link=]]
 
The only thing left to do is to run the examples! Right click the project, and click on Run With and select the target framework. Please note that the projects, by default try to find the Phidget22.NET.dll in the C\Program Files\Phidgets\Phidget22. If you have it installed in another location, please change the path to the file's location accordingly. If you are receiving an error message regarding that the namespace Phidget22 cannot be found, please re-add the reference to Phidget22.NET.dll. Please see the [[#Write Your Own Code|Write Your Own Code]] section for details.
 
[[Image: VB MonoDelevop Run.png|600px|link=]]
 
Once you have the Visual Basic .NET examples running, we have a [[#Edit the Examples|teaching section]] below to help you follow them.
 
====Write Your Own Code====
 
When you are building a project from scratch, or adding Phidget function calls to an existing project, you'll need to configure your development environment to properly link the Phidget .NET library. To begin:
 
1. Create a new Visual Basic .NET Console project with a descriptive name such as PhidgetTest.
 
[[Image: VB MonoDelevop NewProject.png|link=|600px]]
 
[[Image: VB MonoDelevop NewProject2.png|link=|600px]]
 
2. Add a reference to the Phidget .NET library.
 
[[Image: VB MonoDelevop EditReferences1.png|link=]]
 
3. Select Phidget22.NET.dll. If you used our installer, by default, this file is placed in C:\Program Files\Phidgets\Phidget22. If it is in another location, please change the path to the file's location accordingly.
 
[[Image: VB MonoDelevop EditReferences2.png|link=|600px]]
 
The project now has access to the Phidget function calls and you are ready to begin coding.
 
The same [[#Edit The Examples|teaching section]] which describes the examples also has further resources for programming your Phidget.
 
== Edit the Examples ==
 
By following the instructions for your operating system and compiler above, you probably now have a working example and want to understand it better so you can change it to do what you want. This teaching section has resources for you to learn from the examples and write your own.
Your main reference for writing VB.NET code will be the {{Phidget22API}} Manual.
 
=== Code Snippets ===
 
The following code snippets describe how to do various general tasks with Phidgets. You should be able to find places in the examples where these snippets exist, and modify them to suit your requirements.
 
==== Step One: Initialize and Open ====
 
The Open() function opens the software object, but not hardware. So, it is not a guarantee you can use the Phidget immediately.
 
For example, if we were using an Digital Input as our device, the create and open calls would look like this:
 
<syntaxhighlight lang='vbnet'>
device = New Phidget22.DigitalInput()
device.Open()
</syntaxhighlight>
 
==== Step Two: Wait for Attachment (plugging in) of the Phidget ====
 
To use the Phidget, it must be plugged in (attached). We can handle this simply by calling open with a number as a parameter in place of the basic open. This function works for any Phidget. This will block until a connection is made to the Phidget, or the specified timeout is exceeded:
 
<syntaxhighlight lang='vbnet'>
device.Open(5000);
</syntaxhighlight>
 
Sometimes, it makes more sense to handle the attachment via an event. This would be in instances where the Phidget is being plugged and unplugged, and you want to handle these incidents. Or, when you want to use event-driven programming because you have a GUI-driven program. In these cases, an event-driven code snippet to handle the attachment might look something like this:
 
<syntaxhighlight lang='vbnet'>
Private Sub device_Attach(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As Phidget22.Events.AttachEventArgs) Handles device.Attach
  Dim attachedDevice As Phidget22.Phidget = CType(sender, Phidget22.Phidget)
  Dim serialNumber as Integer
  Dim deviceName as String
  serialNumber = attachedDevice.DeviceSerialNumber;
  deviceName = attachedDevice.DeviceName;
  Console.WriteLine("Hello Device {0}, Serial Number: {1}!", deviceName, serialNumber.ToString());
End Sub
</syntaxhighlight>
 
==== Step Three: Do Things with the Phidget ====
We recommend the use of event driven programming when working with Phidgets. This allows the program to execute other tasks until the Phidget generates a new event. You can hook a custom function into an event trigger like this, using a Digital Input Phidget as an example:
 
<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>
Private Sub device_DigitalInputChange(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As Phidget22.Events.DigitalInputStateChangeEventArgs) Handles device.StateChange
  textBox1.Text = "State: " + e.State;
End Sub
</syntaxhighlight>
 
Some values can be directly read and set on the Phidget. These functions can be used inside a polling loop as an alternative to event driven programming. The line inside the loop would be something like this, after which you could do something with the value:
 
<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>
val = device.State;
 
device.State = true;
</syntaxhighlight>
 
==== Step Four: Close and Delete ====
At the end of your program, be sure to close your device.
 
<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>
Private Sub Form1_FormClosing(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.Windows.Forms.FormClosingEventArgs) Handles Me.FormClosing
     device.Close();
End Sub
</syntaxhighlight>
 
== Further Reading ==
 
[[Phidget Programming Basics]] - Here you can find the basic concepts to help you get started with making your own programs that use Phidgets.


[[Data Interval/Change Trigger]] - Learn about these two properties that control how much data comes in from your sensors.
    device.Open() 'open the device specified by the above parameters
Catch ex As PhidgetException
    errorBox.addMessage("Error opening the device: " + ex.Message)
End Try</syntaxhighlight>
|-
|colspan="2"|  Might become: <syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet> Try
    device.Channel = 0
    device.DeviceSerialNumber = 370097
    device.HubPort = 0
    device.IsHubPortDevice = True
    device.IsLocal = True


[[Using Multiple Phidgets]] - It can be difficult to figure out how to use more than one Phidget in your program. This page will guide you through the steps.
    device.Open()
Catch ex As PhidgetException
    errorBox.addMessage("Error opening the device: " + ex.Message)
End Try</syntaxhighlight> You can then manipulate the rest of the code as your application requires.
|-
| {{hiddenh4|Setting up a New Project}} ||
|-
|colspan="2"| To start a project from scratch, or add Phidget functionality to an existing project, you'll need to include the Phidget .NET library by adding the following lines to your code:<syntaxhighlight lang=vbnet>Imports Phidget22
Imports Phidget22.Events</syntaxhighlight>
|-
| Next, copy Phidget22.NET.dll from the following location:<syntaxhighlight>C:\Program Files\Phidgets\Phidget22\Phidget22.NET.dll</syntaxhighlight> Place your program and the Phidget22.NET.dll file in the same location. || [[Image:Language_vb_dll_folder.png|center|350px|link=https://cdn.phidgets.com/docs/images/8/89/Language_vb_dll_folder.png]]
|-
| Open the command prompt at the folder location and enter the following command:<syntaxhighlight>vbnc /r:Phidget22.NET.dll Module1.vb</syntaxhighlight>This will create an executable file called '''Module1.exe'''. Type in the following command to run the example:<syntaxhighlight>mono Module1.exe</syntaxhighlight>The project now has access to Phidgets.
|}


[[Polling vs. Events]] - Your program can gather data in either a polling-driven or event-driven manner. Learn the difference to determine which is best for your application.
==Example Code==
Navigate to our [https://www.phidgets.com/?view=code_samples&lang=VBNET Code Samples Page] to view and download code samples that are tailored to your specific device. These code samples all use Windows Forms, except for the "Hello World" manager example.  


[[Logging, Exceptions, and Errors]] - Learn about all the tools you can use to debug your program.
===Phidget Programming Basics===
{{PhidgetProgrammingBasicsLink}}


[[Phidget Network Server]] - Phidgets can be controlled and communicated with over your network- either wirelessly or over ethernet.
==API==
[{{SERVER}}/?view=api&lang=CSharp Phidget22 API]

Latest revision as of 21:25, 13 March 2026


Get Started

With the Phidget22.NET library, it's easy to create VB applications that work with Phidget devices.

VB Libraries

Nuget Package

The Phidget22.NET library is available as a nuget package. This is the recommend way to install and manage the Phidget22.NET library.

Library Files

If you would like to manually manage the Phidget22.NET library files, you can download them here.

Development Environment Configuration

Visual Studio

Instructions
Start with the Code Samples
One of the best ways to start programming with Phidgets is to use our example code as a guide. Download the example(s) that correspond to your Phidget's channel classes. You can find them listed on the enclosure in most cases, or on the API tab of the product page.
Language vb sample.jpg
Unpack and open the example project and click the Start button. The application will open the Phidget, list basic information about the Phidget, and demonstrate the Phidget's functionality.
Language vb start.png
Editing the Examples
The Visual Basic .Net examples are derived from the Windows Phidget Control Panel, so you'll need to modify a few things to adapt them for your own purposes. To begin with, you can remove the following line: 
commandLineData phidgetParameters = open.parseCmdLine(); //get command line parameters
Then, you can modify any line that mentions phidgetParameters by setting it to the desired value instead of using PhidgetParameters object.
For instance:
Try 'set all the values grabbed from command line.  these values have defaults that are set in ExampleUtils.vb, you can check there to see them
    device.Channel = phidgetParameters.Channel 'selects the channel on the device to open
    device.DeviceSerialNumber = phidgetParameters.SerialNumber 'selects the device or hub to open
    device.HubPort = phidgetParameters.HubPort 'selects th eport on the hub to open
    device.IsHubPortDevice = phidgetParameters.isHubPortDevice 'is the device a port on a vint hub?

    If phidgetParameters.isRemote Then 'are we trying to open a remote device?
        device.IsRemote = True
        Net.EnableServerDiscovery(ServerType.Device) 'turn on network scan
        If phidgetParameters.Password <> vbNullString And 
           phidgetParameters.ServerName <> vbNullString Then
           
            Net.SetServerPassword(phidgetParameters.ServerName, phidgetParameters.Password)
        End If
    Else
        device.IsLocal = True
    End If

    device.Open() 'open the device specified by the above parameters
Catch ex As PhidgetException
    errorBox.addMessage("Error opening the device: " + ex.Message)
End Try
Might become: 
 Try
    device.Channel = 0
    device.DeviceSerialNumber = 370097
    device.HubPort = 0
    device.IsHubPortDevice = True
    device.IsLocal = True

    device.Open()
Catch ex As PhidgetException
    errorBox.addMessage("Error opening the device: " + ex.Message)
End Try
You can then manipulate the rest of the code as your application requires.
Setting up a New Project
When you are building a project from scratch, or adding Phidget functionality to an existing project, you'll need to configure your development environment to properly link the Phidget .NET library. Create a new VB Forms Application, open the NuGet package manager.
Language vb nuget.png
On the following screen, click Browse, search for Phidget22, and install the Phidget22.NET package.
Language vb nuget install.png
Then, you just need to add the following lines: 
Imports Phidget22
Imports Phidget22.Events
The project now has access to Phidgets.

Mono

Instructions
HelloWorld Example
First, download and unpack the HelloWorld example for VB. This example uses the Phidget Manager to list all Phidget channels that can be accessed by your computer. All other VB examples use Windows Forms, so they are not compatible with Mono.
Next, copy Phidget22.NET.dll from type the following location:
C:\Program Files\Phidgets\Phidget22\Phidget22.NET.dll
Place both the HelloWorld example and the Phidget22.NET.dll file in the same location.
Language vb dll folder.png
Open the command prompt at the folder location and enter the following command:
vbnc /r:Phidget22.NET.dll Module1.vb
This will create an executable file called Module1.exe. Type in the following command to run the example:
mono Module1.exe
You should be able to see the channels of your Phidget listed when the program starts or whenever the Phidget is plugged in while the program is running.

Now that you've confirmed that your devices are properly connected, the next step is to download and edit sample code for your specific device.
Language vb console.png
Other Examples
To download the code samples, visit this page. Download the example(s) that correspond to your Phidget's channel classes. You can find them listed on the enclosure in most cases, or on the API tab of the product page.
Language vb sample.jpg
The Visual Basic examples are derived from the Windows Phidget Control Panel, so you'll need to modify a few things to adapt them for your own purposes. To begin with, you can remove the following line: 
commandLineData phidgetParameters = open.parseCmdLine(); //get command line parameters
Then, you can modify any line that mentions phidgetParameters by setting it to the desired value instead of using PhidgetParameters object.
For instance:
Try 'set all the values grabbed from command line.  these values have defaults that are set in ExampleUtils.vb, you can check there to see them
    device.Channel = phidgetParameters.Channel 'selects the channel on the device to open
    device.DeviceSerialNumber = phidgetParameters.SerialNumber 'selects the device or hub to open
    device.HubPort = phidgetParameters.HubPort 'selects th eport on the hub to open
    device.IsHubPortDevice = phidgetParameters.isHubPortDevice 'is the device a port on a vint hub?

    If phidgetParameters.isRemote Then 'are we trying to open a remote device?
        device.IsRemote = True
        Net.EnableServerDiscovery(ServerType.Device) 'turn on network scan
        If phidgetParameters.Password <> vbNullString And 
           phidgetParameters.ServerName <> vbNullString Then
           
            Net.SetServerPassword(phidgetParameters.ServerName, phidgetParameters.Password)
        End If
    Else
        device.IsLocal = True
    End If

    device.Open() 'open the device specified by the above parameters
Catch ex As PhidgetException
    errorBox.addMessage("Error opening the device: " + ex.Message)
End Try
Might become: 
 Try
    device.Channel = 0
    device.DeviceSerialNumber = 370097
    device.HubPort = 0
    device.IsHubPortDevice = True
    device.IsLocal = True

    device.Open()
Catch ex As PhidgetException
    errorBox.addMessage("Error opening the device: " + ex.Message)
End Try
You can then manipulate the rest of the code as your application requires.
Setting up a New Project
To start a project from scratch, or add Phidget functionality to an existing project, you'll need to include the Phidget .NET library by adding the following lines to your code:
Imports Phidget22
Imports Phidget22.Events
Next, copy Phidget22.NET.dll from the following location:
C:\Program Files\Phidgets\Phidget22\Phidget22.NET.dll
Place your program and the Phidget22.NET.dll file in the same location.
Language vb dll folder.png
Open the command prompt at the folder location and enter the following command:
vbnc /r:Phidget22.NET.dll Module1.vb
This will create an executable file called Module1.exe. Type in the following command to run the example:
mono Module1.exe
The project now has access to Phidgets.

Example Code

Navigate to our Code Samples Page to view and download code samples that are tailored to your specific device. These code samples all use Windows Forms, except for the "Hello World" manager example.

Phidget Programming Basics

To learn more about the structure of the example code, visit our Phidget Programming Basics guide.

API

Phidget22 API

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