Powders dosing machine? Direct control of motors?

[marekpolanski]

Hi Everyone,

I hope this was not posted below but I begin my worki with nxt and labviev and have some problem.

I want to build a powder doser which consists of two powder feeders (driven by motors) and laboratory weight controlled by RS232.

The aim is to be able to make precise mixtures in a way that weigh weights empty box, make tare, then one feeder adds some powder (A) weight checks how much was given- if not enough adds some more etc..etc.. then proceeds with powder 2 and make mixture ..

The problem is that I know that I can write NXT program on labview to run NXT brick, but this would be quite complicated to use - the best way would be to take direct control over motor via NXT- so when I want motor to move few degrees it doesnt have to start program in nxt brick, just do it from LAbview program level... IS it possible ? Can I use NXT brick as a motor controller itself?

Thanks

Marek

[MarkBlack · Accepted solution]

Marek,

This is possible both in the NXT Module 2009 and earlier NXT toolkits.  In 2009 you simply need to write your NXT code in a VI that is not target to the NXT (e.g. it is targeted to My Computer/Main Application Instance).  The NXT VI's know when they are targeted to the computer and automatically send Direct Commands to the NXT brick via USB or Bluetooth.  

In earlier versions of the NXT toolkit you will have to use the NXT Direct VIs to accomplish the same task, which isn't as seamless as the new method but works just the same.  Please let us know if you have questions as to how to implement this.

Cheers,  

[marekpolanski]

Mark,

Thank you very much for your kind help, this is what I needed!

Happy New Year!

Marek