Introduction
This tutorial will guide you through creating your first exhibition control interface with SoftControl in just 10 minutes. No programming experience required—simply follow the steps.
Step 1: Download and Install (2 minutes)
1.1 Download SoftControl
Visit the SoftControl Download Page and choose the version for your device:
- Windows Version: For Windows 10 and above
- Android Version: For Android 8.0+ tablets
1.2 Install and Run
- Windows: Extract the downloaded zip file and double-click the exe to run
- Android: Download and install the apk file directly
On first launch, the system creates default configurations automatically, and you'll see the main control interface.
Step 2: Understanding the Interface (1 minute)
SoftControl has two main modes:
Runtime Mode
- The daily-use control interface
- Tap buttons to execute device commands
- Supports multi-page switching
Admin Mode
- Configure devices, commands, and pages
- Design interfaces with the visual editor
- Set up scheduled tasks
Click the Settings icon in the top-right corner to enter Admin Mode.
Step 3: Add Your First Device (2 minutes)
3.1 Access Command Management
In Admin Mode, find the "Command Management" tab.
3.2 Create a New Command
Click "Add Command" and enter:
- Command Name: Projector Power On
- Protocol Type: Select "Serial" (RS232)
- Serial Port: Select the port your device is connected to (e.g., COM1)
- Command Content: Enter the projector's power-on command (hexadecimal)
💡 Tip: Device control commands can be found in device manuals or obtained from manufacturers.
3.3 Test the Command
Click "Send Test" to verify the command executes correctly.
Step 4: Design Your Control Interface (4 minutes)
4.1 Enter the Visual Editor
In Admin Mode, click "Page Management", then click "Edit" to enter the visual editor.
4.2 Set the Page Background
- Find "Page Settings" in the right properties panel
- Click "Background Image" to upload your venue layout
- Or select a solid color background
4.3 Add Control Buttons
- Drag a "Button" from the left component library onto the canvas
- Adjust button position and size
- Configure in the right properties panel:
- Button text: Projector On
- Button style: Choose your preferred style
- Linked command: Select the "Projector Power On" command
4.4 Create More Buttons
Repeat the above steps to add more control buttons:
- Projector Power Off
- Lighting Controls
- Audio Controls
- Screen Up/Down
4.5 Save Your Design
Click the "Save" button in the top-right corner—your control interface is complete!
Step 5: Test and Optimize (1 minute)
5.1 Switch to Runtime Mode
Click "Exit Editor" to return to Runtime Mode.
5.2 Test Control Functions
Tap each button you created and confirm devices respond correctly.
5.3 Make Adjustments
If needed, return to the editor anytime to modify:
- Adjust button positions
- Change button styles
- Add more functions
Advanced Features
After completing the basic setup, explore more advanced capabilities:
Scene Groups
Combine multiple commands into scenes for one-touch opening/closing:
- Go to "Device Grouping"
- Create an "Opening Scene"
- Add required commands with execution order and delays
- Create a scene button in the editor
Scheduled Tasks
Set up automatically-executing scheduled tasks:
- Go to "Scheduled Tasks"
- Create a new task
- Set execution time and repeat rules
- Select commands or scenes to execute
Multi-Page Management
Create separate control pages for different areas:
- Add new pages in "Page Management"
- Design each page individually
- Switch between pages during runtime
Troubleshooting
Q: Serial device won't connect?
Check the following:
- Is the serial port number correct (check Device Manager)?
- Does the baud rate match the device?
- Is the port being used by another program?
Q: Buttons don't respond when tapped?
Verify:
- Is the button linked to a command?
- Is the command configured correctly?
- Is the device properly connected?
Next Steps
Congratulations on completing your first control interface! What's next:
- 📖 Read the Device Connection Guide for more protocol configurations
- 🎯 Learn One-Touch Scene Setup for scene control
- ❓ Questions? Visit Help Center or Submit Feedback