Import Switch Executive Virtual Device with TestStand Deployment

[awooster]

I'm using TestStand 2016 and Switch Executive 2015 to create a TestStand deployment.  I have a version-controlled NI Switch Executive Export file (xml format) that I'd like to have automatically imported when the TS deployment installer is executed on the target system.  What's the cleanest way to accomplish this?

[BoKnows]

Have you taken a look at: http://zone.ni.com/reference/en-XX/help/370052N-01/tsdeploysystem/infotopics/manuallyincludefiles/

You can include files you're using as part of the deployment.  I'd expect that to be the easiest method.

[awooster]

Jeff,

Yes, I have uncovered this documentation in other places.  I have successfully managed to include the xml file in the build.  However, I would like an automated way on the target system of importing that xml file into MAX as a Switch Exec virtual instrument.

I don't want the person running the deployment installer to have to manually open up MAX and go through the process of importing the xml.  Is there a script that I could have the TestStand installer execute that would take the xml file and import it into MAX?

-Andrew

[red.free · Accepted solution]

Hi Andrew,

In your wanderings, have you seen these?

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/836390E0A691E1B786256DDD00780A85

https://forums.ni.com/t5/Example-Programs/Programmatically-Import-All-Virtual-Devices-IVI-Configurat...

[awooster]

I had not come across these - thanks, especially for the example program link.  This first link comments to what I'm trying to do:

"At this time, it is not possible to programmatically export either configuration from a development computer to a target computer."

I'll implement the example as an executable that gets included and automatically run with the deployment installer.  However, I'm disappointed because this seems like such a complicated way to accomplish such a simple task.

Product suggestion: add a feature to the TestStand deployment installer that enables automatic installation of a Switch Executive Virtual Device XML!

[red.free]

Hi Andrew,

That’s not a bad idea.  If you’d like, you should post the suggestion on the Idea Exchange.

http://forums.ni.com/t5/NI-TestStand-Idea-Exchange/idb-p/teststandideas

Also, mark whatever you consider to be the answer to this forum post so others looking for a similar solution can find it.