How do i connect a Warner Slo-Syn SS2000D3i WARPDRIVE via a USB-Serial port connection to a laptop running Labview? We are trying to control the motion of a stepper motor via a GUI created in labview and just wondering if direct communication was possible

[Jason_D]

Majorie,

Does it connect via USB or Serial?  I am not familiar with a USB-Serial port.

We have examples in the NI Example Finder that will probably allow you to do what you want.  I would look at Basic Serial Read and Write if using serial.  You can look at USB RAW Bulk.vi if using USB.

I would suggest that you use the body to ask your question and use the title to describe it.  I think you will get a better response from the rest of the community that way.

[Majorie]

Jason,

the machine we are trying to control has a serial port and we're using a USB to serial (RS232) cable to connect the machine to a laptop's USB port. just not sure if we need any drivers for the stepper motor fot Labview to recognise it and communicate. will look up the sources you've mentioned above and get back here if it is not helpful

cheers

maj

[Wayne.C]

Marjorie,

Labview ships with the NI-VISA functions which are used to communicate via serial ports.  In this case you will be creating your own driver using Labview.  This is pretty straight forward.  Manual for this drive lists the host commands available.  As a first step I would recommend hooking up the serial cabling to the drive and then try to communicate using the factory configuration software.  This will verify correct operation of your USB-232 converter and your cabling.  Then I would move on to using the Basic Serial Read and Write.vi example that ships with LV.

[Majorie]

having trouble figuring out how the read and write.vi works.. i can send basic commands to the motor and it works.. but how do i compile a complex program.. i have the code for the factory configuration software.. so i'm guessing i'm using the same inputs to write using labview.. but do i use an individual "write" step for each input to the machine?

would some one be able to check the code for the factory configuration software input and suggest how i go about doing it with the VISA read write.vi? is yes i will post it here

[Wayne.C]

Majorie,

I took a quick look at the manual for this drive.  It has two modes of operation.  It can be commanded via Host Commands from a terminal program or in your case LabView.  Each step of the process must be individually commanded by the Host.

The other mode the software that ships with the drive is used to compile a program for the drive.  In this case when the drive is commanded to execute the compiled program, it knows exactly all the steps it must complete.

[Majorie]

Yes.. this is correct..when i sue the MCPI software i write out the code..compile it and then download it to the drive.

how would i do this in Labview

i.e

after writing individual commands in write steps, how can i compile it in Lbaview..or is this not possible?

the purpose of this is to have a GUI created via labview where inputs can be altered when required.. instead of changing a code compiling it and downloading using MCPI

[Wayne.C]

Majorie,

You will always need the MCPI software to compile the code that is to be downloaded.  It should be possible to call the MCPI compiler from a LV program.

[Majorie]

oh... would i be able to change parameters within the MCPI software's code using labview? or maybe have different codes and enable Labview to call on MCPI and select the required code and download it to the machine..or would i have to; once MCPI has been called, manually carry out required operations on the software

will look into calling the software using labview

any help would be welcome..cheers..