Include LabVIEW Run-Time Engine in C# Project Distribution

[CAS]

I have written a software package in Visual Studio using C# which calls a number of functions from a dll which I have built in LabVIEW. I am now trying to produce an installation program for my C# package but can't quite work out how to include the LabVIEW Run-Time Engine in this installation.

I am creating the installation program by defining a Visual Studio Deployment Project and I have added my LabVIEW dll to this. However, the dll requires the LabVIEW Run-Time Engine to also be installed on the target PC. I was hoping that there would be a set of files to implement the installation of the LabVIEW Run-Time Engine that I could include in my Visual Studio Deployment Project and do the installation of both my C# code and my LabVIEW dll (inc Engine) in one operation. Is this possible? Or do I need to produce a LabVIEW installation for my dll separately from the C# installation?

Info:

Development OS = Windows 2000

Target OS = Windows XP

C# Development Environment = Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 V8.0

LabVIEW Version = 8.5

Also, I am using the Order Analysis Toolkit and noticed that there seemed to be an 'Order Analysis Run-Time Engine' installed on my PC. Do I need this too?

Thanks for any help.

CAS

[Tom O]

Hi CAS,

One way of automating the installation of the LabVIEW run-time engine is to use commands in a batch file (*.bat). These commands would be executed automatically at the same time as your distribution installer to install LVRT with your C# application. I don't have so much knowledge of C# distributions, though, so there may be a better way to approach this that someone else in the community could advise you on.

With regard to the order analysis toolkit, you will also need this runtime engine installed. A point to note, though, is that the toolkit requires a run-time licence to be deployed in this fashion. It is now part of the Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite and needs to be licenced accordingly.

I hope this helps!

Best regards,

[smercurio_fc]

An alternative would be to use an installer such as NSIS.

[CAS]

Dear Tom

Thanks for your message. I had, in fact, resorted to using a batch file. I created a LabVIEW installation program which contains only the LabVIEW RTE and the Order Analysis Toolkit RTE and then I call this installation along with my C# installation from a batch file. This does exactly what I want - although I would've liked to have supplied a 'setup.exe' program rather than a 'setup.bat' file solely because I think that is more recognisable as an installation.

Regarding the license, as I am deploying the 'NI Order Analysis Toolkit Run-Time Engine 5.0', would that be the applicable license now (i.e. the one linked to from your message)? I tried searching for the part number for the version I have (778395-01) and it is not found.

Thanks again.

CAS

[CAS]

Dear smercurio_fc

Thank you for your message. Although I have managed with a batch file now, the NSIS package looks quite impressive and I'll probably try it out.

Thanks,

CAS

[Tom O]

Hi CAS,

I've made enquiries for you on run-time licencing for your application. The Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite now includes the order analysis tools that you are using and requires run-time licencing. The isn't currently a run-time engine available for just the order analysis toolkit as it has been superseded.

If you give us a call here at NI, someone in sales will be able to advise you on your options for this. You may find that it's worth upgrading to the Sound and Vibration Measurement suite for a full range of up-to-date order analysis tools as well as an array of other useful functions. Again, if you call us we will be able to discuss the matter with you further.

I hope this helps!

Best regards,