Interface to the MKS 946

[shreya51]

Hello,

I am completely new to the LABVIEW. I need help to decide about the interface.

Currently 2 vacuum gauges and 2 MFCs are connected to MKS 946 controller. MKS 946 can be communicated through RS232 cable. If I directly connect MKS 946 to the LABVIEW through RS232, Can I still acquire and save data from each gauge and MFCs separately?

I appreciate your help.

Thanks

Shreya

[Albert.Geven]

Hi

As far as I can remember, yes. But it is quite some time ago.

But if you publish the manual of the controller I can look it up.

Do you have someone in your neighborhood who can help you to interface this in LabVIEW?

[shreya51]

Hi I have attached the manual of MKS 946 controller. Please take a look into it.

Thanks

[Albert.Geven · Accepted solution]

Indeed you can control all instruments via de serial line, guaranteed only if you connect the correct cabling.

So find out if you have the correct cable for your pc and instrument first.

[shreya51]

Hi Albert, Thanks for your help. 

Also I want to control 5 solenoid valves through LABVIEW programming. Which interface I should use to communicate to Labview?

The solenoid valve datasheet:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-62064-mac-valves-35-series-direct-solenoid-3-way-poppet-valve-1-8-i...

I have created another post on this but I haven't got any reply on this. Can I get a help on this please?

Thanks

Shreya

[Albert.Geven]

interfacing solenoids is always special because switching off solenoids can generate very high peak voltages.

This because solenoids try to keep the current constant!

Your solenoids look to need 24 volts to switch so you need either relais that switch this or a transistor like switch that can handle this.

Any way ask for help how to connect a switch off diode to prevent high voltage switching off spikes.

[johnjl]

Hi Shreya,

I am also new to Labview, and building a system setup, but get some problems in coding. How is your progress now? Can you give me some help on Labview serial communication? Greatly appreciate that!

Best,

Lai

[Albert.Geven]

Ask a bit more specific and we can help you.

Serial programming in LabVIEW is best done via the visa library.

[johnjl]

Hi Albert,

I have post my questions in another topic here:

https://forums.ni.com/t5/LabVIEW/How-can-I-create-a-labview-interface-to-control-a-MKS946-vacuum/m-p...

Can you take a look at my serial read/write part? 

Thanks,

John