Why doesn't the input file dialog prompt once I attach it to a device?

[Hideoutdoor]

For my project I am require to move a 3-axis robot from a list of set co-ordinates to either cut into/draw a picture. The only way I can thnk of doing this is by reading the co-ordinates from a spread sheet and timing it to read the co-ordinates and send the information to the straight-line move function (Softmotion).

The problem occurs once I try to run the program while it's connected to the devices (motors). The file dialog prompt no longer shows up and Error 43 shows up right away. I traced the problem to the read from spread sheet vi, but I am not sure what to do because it is a standard function in labview.

If you could take a look and give me some input it would be greatly appriciated, I've been learning labview on my own for about a month so if you can please use simple explinations.

[dkfire]

Where are you running the vi from ? Under My Computer or under your cRIO ?

[Hideoutdoor]

It is ran under cRIO, I usually drag the VI into it when I need to test it.

[crossrulz · Accepted solution]

The cRIO runs the LabVIEW RealTime OS.  The RT OS does not have a user interface, and therefore no dialog.  You need to specify the file some other way, like sending a command with the file path in it via TCP or Network Published Shared Variables.

[dkfire]

And remember that the cRIO can't access the files on your PC directly.

[Hideoutdoor]

So does that mean having it open from a specified path will fix he problem?

[crossrulz]

Yes it should

[Hideoutdoor]

Thanks for the help so far, so I did as you said and added a set path for the program to retreive the file from. I've tested the program by running it in my computer and the file reads properly so my assume is the file is being located and data is taken properly.

But I still run into the same error when I run it in cRio. I'm still being told labview cannot locate the file.

[crossrulz]

As was stated earlier, the cRIO cannot see files that are on your desktop.  You have to specify files that the cRIO has access to (ie files on the cRIO itself).

Another alternative is to use a shared folder on your computer that the cRIO can then access using the network path.

[Hideoutdoor]

I see, so to clearify I would need to use the FTP vi in labview to send the file from the host (my computer) to the server (which would be the cRio)?