topic Re: import FP using iak file in FieldPoint Family

import FP using iak file

yenknip — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:13:21 GMT

One can add a fieldpoint device to a project by using the right-click -> New -> Target or device -> fieldpoint. This will scan com ports for a device and, once added, allow me to drag and drop a channel.

The (extensive) fieldpoint unit has already been wired into the rig, and it is impractical for me to add the fieldpoint to the project as I described above. I do however, have an iak file for the units, and so am I able to export the fieldpoint channels from this or from MAX somehow?

Secondly, There are 15 units on the bus and as far as I can tell, by using the fieldpoint palette (picture) I can

a) only communicate one channel at a time, and

b) the VI will open the channel, read/write, and close it again. Is it possible to open all channels in initialisation, then use say datasocket to read / write, and close all the references on shutdown?

Message Edited by yenknip on 06-03-2009 11:13 AM

Re: import FP using iak file

Wayne.C — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:46:18 GMT

Ed,

Create an empty project, save it to a new directory and close the project. Do not add a RT Target yet. Copy the .iak file for the FP you want to target into the new project directory and rename it to exactly match project name. EdsFP.lvproj = EdsFP.iak Reopen the project and the target should have been added.

Re: import FP using iak file

yenknip — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:05:56 GMT

Thanks for the reply. I've just tried it, and variations thereof, but I can't get it to appear

Re: import FP using iak file

Wayne.C — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:50:46 GMT

What version of LV?

Re: import FP using iak file

yenknip — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:52:56 GMT

I'm using 8.6

Re: import FP using iak file

Wayne.C — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:57:28 GMT

Ed,

Try adding this step to my previous post.

Reopen project after copying & renaming .iak file. Right click on project and select Import>Fieldpoint Configuration. Select file that is in project directory.

Re: import FP using iak file

yenknip — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:55:29 GMT

Fantastic. Thanks a lot, I was trying to import it from the my computer drectory rather than the project root.

I don't suppose you could suggest something that could keep the references open to avoid muptiple open/close operations?

Re: import FP using iak file

Wayne.C — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:53:06 GMT

Ed,

Glad to hear that worked. There appear to be some minor differences between 8.2 and 8.6 as to how .iak files are recognized in a project.

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Secondly, There are 15 units on the bus and as far as I can tell, by using the fieldpoint palette (picture) I can

a) only communicate one channel at a time, and

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Most modules will allow you to read/write ALL channels at one time. You can also create custom groupings of channels within a module if you desire. http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/86AD45702FF1E71986256B4300644E45

Hope this helps.

Not sure where you are headed with this question. You can use datasocket but it is slow with lots of overhead. I tend to stick with the FP Read and FP Write. Here is a link to a tutorial I found that better describes what is going on during a FP Read/Write operation. http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3346

Re: import FP using iak file

yenknip — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:47:27 GMT

Thanks for your help, and the useful links