Automatically save using build path

[Atamsih]

Hey everyone.

I bet there is an easy solution to my problem. But for the life of me I cannot find it.

I have this VI that measures pressure. It works brilliantly but I when I want to save the data the VI produces I have specify a file name using a string control, if I don't it prompts me to write it. This wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that it has to log data quite often and I can't always stay around the computer when its running. I therefore wrote some code that automatically creates a unique string (not shown in the picture) but when I attach that string to build path string terminal I prompt me to write a file name instead. 

In short: I want my VI to automatically create a file with unique filename (e.g.. "Timestamp_Operator_type_of_measurement_measurement_number") 

Any thoughts, I've tried altering the options for the path control but it doesn't seem to work.

Thank you in advance
Atamsih

[BillMe]

If you probe the path, what do you get?

And you really should form the file path outside the loop and pass it in.

[Akiel]

I would add a number to your file name, check if file exists (check if file or folder exists.vi) , if it does increment the number and try again unitl the file does not exist then use this file name.

hope it helps

[Atamsih]

Hey BillMe

When im probing the path that im inputting is "C:\users\RI-DEMS\Data" which is what i want.
The file name input probe says "26-11-2012 11:14 63.txt" which is a timestamp and the measurement number. 

But the output of Build path remains "not a path" why is that?

And of course you're right. I should put the path outside the loop. 

Hope this helps in determingen the problem.

Atamsih

EDIT: Fixed typo with forwards slash instead of backslash in pathname

[Atamsih]

In the actual program i am adding numbers and whatnot to the filename string. My problem is that the path isn't formed corretly and i don't understand why

Thank you anyway.

[Akiel]

was the slash direction in the path a typo or is that the actual direction?

I would expect the path to be of the format C:\Users\RI-DEMS\Data

hope it helps

[Atamsih]

That is a typo.. forgot it should be backslash rather than forward slash..

[Akiel · Accepted solution]

the filename 26-11-2012 11:14 63.txt is invalid, you cant use colons on a filename, if you replace them with hyphens you should be ok

hasnt shown here a solution yet by the way

[Atamsih]

I am ashamed! you're completly right!

Kudos and solution ackowlegeded!

[Akiel]

I wouldnt be too embarassed I keep doing things like that, glad your problems solved tho