Jimmyjimmy2000,
The simple answer is probably, yes. I think you can timestamp using the 6601.
I know this is my usual "answer" - to ask more questions, but more information is needed to propose a good solution.
Do you need absolute time or relative time accuracy?
By absolute I mean, do you need a tracable timestamp with clearly definable accuracy to GMT or the NIST clock?
Or is is good enough to measure intervals of time accurately?
For instance,
Absolute:
1st datum logged at January 2, 2003 0847.105 hours EST
2nd datum logged at January 2, 2003 0847.107 hours EST
Relative:
1st datum logged at January 2, 2003 0847.105 hours EST
2nd datum logged after an additional 0.002 seconds
Both structures are possible
and useful for different purposes. In the first case the best evidence is needed to fix the time of the event under examination. In the second case the begining of the acquisiton is fixed as absolutely as possible, but subsequent data are acceptable as timed by the clock of the 6601 card.
I noticed example code at ni.com that allows a clock update using the global positioning system by wireless means. This is for PXI-6608.
There are VI that ship with LabVIEW for GPS timestamping (find examples search for: NI-TIO). The measure buffered pulse VI measures the time between 2 digital edges and builds an array of those intervals as they occur.
Also, what will trigger the timstamping event? A digital pulse? Do you need to trigger at a particular voltage level?
Triggering at a set voltage level could be tricky. It might be important which data acquisition card you are using.
For further info search at ni.com:
http://search.ni.com/?col=alldocs&layout=TechResources&ql=a
A
lso, if you can, call NI at (800)433-3488 in the US. Documentation is limited for counter/timer applications. But, the engineers at NI can help you figure out how to get going on the phone.
Mike
