Remotely controlling a MInuteman Power Strip without the internet tool kit.

[harrison1261]

We are attempting to control a Minuteman RPM power strip using LabView Vi's but we do not have the internet tool kit. We wish to write a program that automatically controls the power strip if a certain count becomes too high. Are there any suggestions on how to do this?

[Song_M]

Hey Harrison!

The first step to controlling the RPM power strip would be looking at how it is connected to our controller.  Are you using GPIB? Serial? USB?  Or are you using a digital IO device to control the power strip?  For most cases, you can use our VISA calls to control.  But again, you will have to first figure out what form factor you are using to connect to the power strip.

[smercurio_fc]

Well, given the fact that they're referring to the Internet Toolkit, my bet is that the device has an ethernet interface. With this VISA can certainly be used, or you can use the straight TCP/IP functions. That's assuming there is a command set for the device. It should have a communication protocol or something like that if it can be controlled that way. Looks like it has a built-in web server, so you can use that as well.

[harrison1261]

Thank you all for the help we are now able to control the powerstrip through an http:// comand through the Open URL in Browser vi in LabView. My next question is whether or not there is a way to change the vi so that a new window/tab is oppened every time the command is executed? Once again thank you for the help.

[smercurio_fc]

You will need to code this up yourself. The "Open URL in Default Browser" is a VI that ships with LabVIEW. The underlying code is password protected, so you can't change it.

Can you provide a better explanation of what you mean by opening up a new window or tab by executing a command. What command, and where is this command entered?