How to control Trackerpod with Labview?

[Kolos]

Hello!

I have a product named: Trackerpod (http://www.trackerpod.com/TCamWeb/productdes.htm).

Its a device to tilt and turn a webcam.

I want to controll this device with Labview...

Is there any possilble way for it?

Thanks:Kolos 

[Maciej_Antonik]

Hi

This device is not directly supported and I also haven't found any info on any tries to run it. You will have to program it yourself then. You basically have 2 options here:

1/ Use low-level VISA functions to communicate through USB. You will need to find out on how this device works (how to format commands)

2/ I suppose that the manufacturer provides you with some drivers and/or control software for that. If those are DLLs you can try to call them in LV and use the device this way.

Let us know if you've managed to get it working

[Kolos]

Hi!

I found some code in C !

http://thirtysixthspan.com/TrackerPod/

I think with this TrackerTools-1.3.0.tar.gz or with this TrackerTools-1.0.0.tar.gz i can controll it. 

And as i know LabView support C codes. Just i don't know how to use C-code in LabView... Is there any tutorial for it?(i dind't find)...

Thanks: Kolos 

[Maciej_Antonik]

Hi

Here is a bunch of links which might be helpful:

Can LabVIEW C?

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/2718

Building a DLL with Visual C++

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3056

Using Existing C Code or a DLL in LabVIEW

http://decibel.ni.com/content/community/first/blog/2009/02/10/using-existing-c-code-or-a-dll-in-labv...

Let us know how did it go

[Kolos]

Can't i directly write C code in Labview? Do I need DLL-s?

Thanks:Kolos 

[Maciej_Antonik]

Some targets do support "Inline C node" which lets you write C code directly on bloack diagram. This is not availible on PC, though. You can use CIN (Code Interface Node) - in LabVIEW open Examples Finder and search for "CINs".

[Kolos]

Hi!

In the c files i wan't to complie into DLL there are some include like:#include <linux/kernel.h> 

But i have just windows...

Is it possible to make it somehow? 

[Maciej_Antonik]

Hi

The webpage you are linking to says: "TrackerPod Drivers for Linux" so those are linux drivers. Theoretically you could try a Windows Linux/Unix simulator (like Cygwin) or to recompile them for Windows. However, both of those are quite complicated and don't guarantee it will work. 

Maybe you could also find the part of code responsible for communication/control itself and appy it in a Windows program? You have to figure out what commands are being sent/received.

You could also ask the producer if they can provide you with any specification or drivers.

Let us know how it goes. 

[Kolos]

Ok the DLL problem is solved...

I was so blind...

http://www.trackercam.com/TCamWeb/API.HTM

Here is an exe file, what make me the DLL...

😛

[Maciej_Antonik]

Hi

Don't worry, I was also looking through their website and also didn't see it. 

Let us know if you manage to get it working. If you elaborate a nice LV driver, maybe it's worth posting it somewhere?