Communication between LabView and a Windows software

[Ian Forbes]

Hi all,
I am new to LabView (few days...)

I use LabView 5.1 with a GPIB interface, and a KEITHLEY 238 current source
measure unit. The detector is moved on a X-Y table with two stepper motors,
controlled by a Windows 95 software (Motion Architect).

I would like Motion Architect to send position data to LabView, each time it
reaches a specified position.

Should I use DDE and if so, what is it? Alternatively, should I first write
data from MotionArchitect to a file and then read this file from Labview?

I don't think I can use ActiveX with this software....what are the other
solutions to communicate between these two windows 95 softwares ?

Thank You!

Norbert MAILLOT

[MaxMar]

From the name of your motion control software, Motion Architect,
it sounds like your setup uses a Parker/Compumotor 6000 series
or Apex series drive. These products are also compatible with
the "Motion Toolbox" software which includes a DDE server. I
also believe, if memory serves me correctly, either Motion
Architect or Motion Toolbox ships with a documented DLL you can
call from Labview using the Call Library function. I don't know
if a 32-bit DLL is available or not, though. It's been about
four years since I worked with any Compumotor servo/stepper
equipment. Perhaps someone here has more recent experience and
can update us.

I guess the first place I would start would be to check whether
or not the Motion Architect software you have is the Compumotor
product. If
it is, you could check with your local Compumotor
distributor to see what programming interface products are
available for your drive (i.e. Motion Toolbox, DDE, 32-bit DLL,
etc.). Some of the other newsgroups that deal with robotics and
automation and Compumotor's website might also be helpful.

http://www.compumotor.com

Good Luck


* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!

[MaxMar]

Here's some additional info: If your system uses the Compumotor
6000 series bus motion controller, there is a set ActiveX
drivers available called Motion OCX toolkit which is 32-bit and
probably compatible with Labview. The documentation is here:

http://www.compumotor.com/manuals/software/motn_OCX.pdf


* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!