continuous data logging using a PCI-6034E card

[Pauldoc]

I am a beginner to LabView and data acquisition, therefore, I was wondering if it is it possible to continuously record data to file from several analogue and digital inputs using a PCI-6034E card?  If it is possible is there any reference books/papers out there that would be recommended for a beginner trying to tackle this task?

cheers!

[Seamus_C]

Hi Paul,

This very simple to do.  I can send you some examples of how this is done but I will need to know what version of LabVIEW you are using.

There is a lot of info on this in NI Developer Zone.  See link

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/devzone.nsf/webcategories/A2C48B887C3B84DE86256A9600727553


Seamus

[Pauldoc]

Thanks for the reply Seamus,

I am using LabView 7.0 Express.  I've managed to acquire analog signals and save them as spreadsheet files using Express vi's provided, however, the file size seems to be rather large for long duration data logging.  I was wondering if you would have any suggestions or examples on how to cut down file size as I am required to build a continuous long term logger?

Thanks again

Paul

[JamesC]

Hi Paul,

This sounds like you are using the Write LVM file express VI, this is good for simple programs and getting started, however for what you are doing, you would need to use either the Write Spreadsheet Vi, located on the File I/O pallette, or the most efficient way is to use binary writes however this is more complicated.

You can find examples on how to use binary files by looking in the example finder, under Fundamentals >> File Input & Output >> Write Binary file.vi and Read Binary file.vi

The Write Spreadsheet file, formats arrays in to strings, and uses binary writes, it is simpler to use, but size might be slightly higer, I would suggest you try this VI before the binary file.

Regards
JamesC