continuously run a vi and pass data to it while going through TestStand sequence

[lambrosd]

I'm very new to TestStand and I feel that what I'm trying to accoplish is very basic, but I can't seem to figure it out.

What I am trying to do in TestStand is 

1st step in sequence: Open a .vi (keep it open) and continuously loop through it (transmits a message every 5 seconds)

Continue to the next step in sequence while main .vi is open and running

Each additional step in the sequence passes data to the main .vi (running above) to transmit a new set of data

Any detailed help would be appreciated.

[~jiggawax~]

I threw this together in like 10 minutes so it's not the best but it's simple.  It updates every 1 second.  The key is using the Asynchronous Step type.  The other option is to call a sequence in a new thread and call a VI in there.  Take note of the usage of the Termination VIs.  Those are important when running Asynchronous VIs.

Good Luck.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Norbert_B]

jigg's example should work correctly if you want to use TestStand variables for data transfer.

Another option would be to introduce a "communication layer" between the asynchronuously running VI and the TestStand module (which i assume will be VIs as well). This layer could be a Functional Global Variable (FGV, as well called Action Engine) or maybe a TCP stack.

Therefore, besides of the example jigg provided, you maybe should take a look into this Nugget on AEs,  this highlevel TCP protocol or named queues. Please note that the functionality of AEs and queues depends on your setup of the modules, it is possible that the communication breaks if you work with project/libraries or similar.

hope this helps,

Norbert