import FP using iak file

[yenknip]

One can add a fieldpoint device to a project by using the right-click -> New -> Target or device -> fieldpoint. This will scan com ports for a device and, once added, allow me to drag and drop a channel.

The (extensive) fieldpoint unit has already been wired into the rig, and it is impractical for me to add the fieldpoint to the project as I described above. I do however, have an iak file for the units, and so am I able to export the fieldpoint channels from this or from MAX somehow?

Secondly, There are 15 units on the bus and as far as I can tell, by using the fieldpoint palette (picture) I can

a) only communicate one channel at a time, and

b) the VI will open the channel, read/write, and close it again. Is it possible to open all channels in initialisation, then use say datasocket to read / write, and close all the references on shutdown?

 

Message Edited by yenknip on 06-03-2009 11:13 AM

[Wayne.C]

Ed,

Create an empty project, save it to a new directory and close the project.  Do not add a RT Target yet.  Copy the .iak file for the FP you want to target into the new project directory and rename it to exactly match project name.  EdsFP.lvproj = EdsFP.iak  Reopen the project and the target should have been added.

[yenknip]

Thanks for the reply. I've just tried it, and variations thereof, but I can't get it to appear

[Wayne.C]

What version of LV?

[yenknip]

I'm using 8.6

[Wayne.C]

Ed,

Try adding this step to my previous post.

Reopen project after copying & renaming .iak file.  Right click on project and select Import>Fieldpoint Configuration.  Select file that is in project directory.

[yenknip]

Fantastic. Thanks a lot, I was trying to import it from the my computer drectory rather than the project root.

I don't suppose you could suggest something that could keep the references open to avoid muptiple open/close operations?

[Wayne.C · Accepted solution]

Ed,

Glad to hear that worked.  There appear to be some minor differences between 8.2 and 8.6 as to how .iak files are recognized in a project.

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Secondly, There are 15 units on the bus and as far as I can tell, by using the fieldpoint palette (picture) I can

a) only communicate one channel at a time, and  

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Most modules will allow you to read/write ALL channels at one time.  You can also create custom groupings of channels within a module if you desire.  http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/86AD45702FF1E71986256B4300644E45

Hope this helps.

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b) the VI will open the channel, read/write, and close it again. Is it possible to open all channels in initialisation, then use say datasocket to read / write, and close all the references on shutdown? 

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Not sure where you are headed with this question.  You can use datasocket but it is slow with lots of overhead.  I tend to stick with the FP Read and FP Write.  Here is a link to a tutorial I found that better describes what is going on during a FP Read/Write operation.  http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3346

[yenknip]

Thanks for your help, and the useful links