load displacement

[nexgen1]

I am doing testing with an Instron 4201 and currently using an x-y recorder for the load/displacement data. I was wondering if anyone has a pre-made Labview .VI program that I can use with my instron to record data. Thank You,
Greg

[BB_Herman]

Attached is a very simple vi that plots load vs. stroke. You can modify the block diagram to plot what you need. You may need to change the address of your instrument.

[Process_Systems]

Good Evening:
I have a package that I have developed specifically for retrofitting older stress test fixtures, such as the Instron, or Olsen's, etc. It is a full measurement/machine control package for tensile, compression, and flex/torque. I have 4 in service at the moment. If you are interested, drop me an e-mail at dgcontrols@sympatico.ca.

Have a nice day,

Dave Green
Process Systems Inc.

[nexgen1]

Hello, I appreciate that you sent me this file. I am new at Labview though. I was wondering how exactly do I change the input from a constant to my DAQ. I basically have 2 sample channels. One for Load and one for Stroke. I was wondering if you knew how exactly to set that up in the program you sent me. Thank you for your time again.
Sincerely,
Greg Walters

[BB_Herman]

I'm sorry, I don't understand your question. What input is a constant that you need to change and change how? Also, what version of LV are you using?

[nexgen1]

Sorry for the confusion. I am just confused on where and what I have to connect in the diagram that you sent me. The version of Labview is 6.1. I basically have two channels being used (4 pins) one analog voltage signal coming out of the time/position output on the instron and one analog voltage signal coming out of the load on the instron. These are connected to 2 different AI on the switch which is then connected to the DAQ. I hope that is clearer. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Greg

[BB_Herman]

Now I see. You are using the J2 plugs on the backplane of the controller. The better way of taking the measurements you want is to use the GPIB interface (IEEE 488 port), but this requires you to have the GPIB card from NI. The vi I sent you uses this interface. If you don't have the GPIB card then needless to say the vi will not work.

What you then need to do is look in the examples shipped with 6.1 under analog. Cont Acq&Chart (immediate).vi might be a good starting point. Anyway take a look at those examples. You'll need to wire the load and position outputs to your DAQ card in differential mode via your switch to the channels you want to read in your vi. If your using 4 pins it sounds like you're already in differ
ential mode. The documentation that came with your DAQ card or switch should tell you how to wire in differential mode. Then using one of the example vi's, select the appropriate channels to read and see if you get any readings. If everyting works, customize the vi to your liking and save it under a different name in a different location. If you need to troubleshoot, MAX is a good resource to do that. One last thing,the "Measurements Manual" that shipped with 6.1 is a good source of information. Good luck! It sounds worse then it really is.

[AlexDO]

Hello,

I am trying to program a 4201 instron using the VI posted above. You say that i need to reprogram the address of my machine. I was just wondering what you mean by that. Also, i am using the gpib connection, so I am assuming that this should run smoothly. If you have any other tips with regards to setting this up that would be great.

I am also wondering if there is a LabView software that I can setup to run only a .exe or a .vi, rather than the whole labview software. The computer connected to our 4201 is pretty weak, and i think the full package of labview would be extremely slow.

Thanks,

-Alex

[Alain_S]

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AlexDO wrote:

I am trying to program a 4201 instron using the VI posted above.

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What do you mean by "program"? The above vi is for recording data, not controlling the machine.

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AlexDO wrote: 
You say that i need to reprogram the address of my machine. I was just wondering what you mean by that. Also, i am using the gpib connection, so I am assuming that this should run smoothly.

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The GPIB address is hardcoded in that VI  See constant named "address string". Bad programming

So if the address of your machine isn't 4, you have to change something, the address in the machine or in the software, your choice.

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AlexDO wrote: 
I am also wondering if there is a LabView software that I can setup to run only a .exe or a .vi, rather than the whole labview software. The computer connected to our 4201 is pretty weak, and i think the full package of labview would be extremely slow.

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Once you have a working VI you can make an exe out of it or even an installer that can be installed on every machine.

A .vi file will never run on it's own.

What version of LV do you use?

[AlexDO]

I guess by program i did mean just record data...sorry i am a co-op student, very new to this stuff.

i will check to see what the adress of my machine is, if it is not 4, then i will change it in the VI. i might need some help with that too. thanks.

i am using LV 8.5. I have application builder setup as well. Everything i have been reading says to use application builder to create a .exe from the .vi and then i can run it on any computer, as long as i have the run time installed. so that is my plan for now. But i just cannot figure out how to create the .exe using the application builder. any hints would be greatly appreciated.

sorry for being so new at this stuff, but i am just learning.

Thanks,

-Alex