Basic questions about PCI-DIO-96

[jpaumond]

Hi

I am trying to write code to control a digital I/O board for the first time.
I have a legacy board, PCI-DIO-96, as the code implies, it is a PCI digital I/O boiard with 96 I/O channels
My first question is, what would be the drivers and development platform I should download for this board?
I am planning to write my code in C++.

The second question is, I am trying to write a very simple application to drive 96 solenoid valves through the board.
Basically I need to use the board in output mode only.  No data gathering here.

The application basically needs to open and close these valves  for a specified number of milliseconds.  So basically,
I would be sending either 0 or 1 through the output channels, that's it.    If I send a "1" signal through the board, does that
"toggle" the channel, meaning the channel will keep sending "1" through the ouput until I send another signal, or do I need
to send the "1" signal every few milliseconds to simulate a constant "1" signal?

Does anyone have code samples or know where I can find code samples illustrating this simple case?
It would be greatly appreciated.
I realize these are very basic questions, but I am new to hardware programming and I am on a deadline.

Thank  you
Kiko

[Otis]

Hi Kiko,

Great to see that you are asking questions here first, you definitely came to the right place.

Since you are starting with a clean slate as far as knowing how to use this board we can start off on the right foot. 

1. Download the latest version of the drivers for your board.  You can find the drivers here: NI-DAQmx Download
2. After you have downloaded the drivers, power down the computer, insert your board, and power it back up.  The board should now be recognized and the drivers will install similarly to any new hardware would in Windows.
3. Now it's just a matter of learning how to use the commands that you need to get started.

I would recommend starting in the example files.  You can find some excellent examples that should do almost exactly what you are trying to do by looking in this path:
C:\Program Files\National Instruments\NI-DAQ\Examples\DAQmx ANSI C\Digital\Generate Values

Look for the example that best represents what it is you are trying to do.  You will notice that all of the examples have a general flow to how they call the board.

1. Create a Task and Define what that task is meant to do
2. Set the configuration for how exactly that task will operate
3. Read/Write various values until a condition is met
4. Close the Task
5. Error Check all operations to assure that everything is working properly

It's really not all that difficult and should you run into any problems or errors don't forget to search ni.com or the forums to see if others have run into similar issues to what you are facing.

Regarding how the states for digital lines work.  The short answer is that if you set a digital line to high it will stay high until you set it back to low and vice versa.  For more details on everything digital check out our Digital Fundamentals page.

Best of luck!

[jpaumond]

Thanks Otis

I will look at that example code right away.  Your reply is much appreciated!

Kiko