Using LabWindows to control a power supply

[lilimali]

Hello,

I would like to control a Lambda Genesys power supply (750w-1500w model 20-38) using LabWindows/CVI so I started looking for a driver that would match my needs. I actually need to send very simple RS232 commands to my power supply to set up voltage output. The whole thing is part of a much bigger project which is all written under LabWindows/CVI.
I looked at different ressources on the NI website but I am still not really sure how to begin and I thought someone here might be able to help me out :

• I found a LabView driver for this power supply (http://sine.ni.com/idnetwork/main/p/sn/n20:powerSupply,n24:SERIAL,n25:LM.kambda) but I cannot figure out if it can be helpful in any way under LabWindows/CVI... Do you think I can use this as a base ? And if it is possible how should I begin ?

• I found a Visual C++ dll from the Lambda website (http://www.lambdaeurope.com/uk/mand_pages/drivers_download.htm) which could be helpful. I have got the .lib, .h and .dll. Is there a way to make it work with CVI?

• I am using the NI board PXI-8186 which has 2 serial ports. Are there any LabWindows/CVI library that can allow me to control these ports directly ? As I said I won't use most of the advanced features of the power supply, I just want to send simple commands over the serial line so it might be sufficient to do things this way...

I am not very familiar with the LabWindows/CVI environnement yet and any help that would get me started will be very nice.

Thanks in advance,

Message Edité par lilimali le 01-30-2007 11:52 AM

[pierreR]

Hi,
First you should install NI-VISA driver.
If you have the description of your RS232 instrument commands, I think the best way is tu use the CVI RS232 functions contained in the RS-232 Library bring by NI-VISA driver. Moreover CVI comes with some fine examples, I suggest you to look at them.
Cordially,

[pierreR]

Hi,
First you should install NI-VISA and NI-SERIAL driver.
If you have the description of your RS232 instrument commands, I think the best way is tu use the CVI RS232 functions contained in the RS-232 Library bring by NI-VISA driver. Moreover CVI comes with some fine examples, I suggest you to look at them.
Cordially,

Message Edité par pierreR le 01-31-2007 07:45 AM

[lilimali]

Thank you for your help, I will try to go this way then.