Controlling two devices with different vis from the same computer

[LW42]

Hello. Could somebody please help? I want to control two different devices with two different vis and two differnt iak files. However, if I am correct it is not possible to open two iak in the same max. Thus, only one vi can be operate correctly each time.

Thanks in advanced  

[LW42]

Sorry!!! I didn't mention that I use fieldpoint and ethernet connection.

[Jeremy_B]

Hi thorfano,

You can export the iak file for the FieldPoint from MAX, and then when you open a connection to the FieldPoint you can specify which iak file to use.  There shouldn't be any problems with communicating with several FieldPoints from several different VIs.

[LW42]

Thank you for the help. However, could you please describe to me the procedure in more detail since i haven't done something like that before and when I tried to do it I had some problems.

Thanks in advanced

[Jeremy_B]

Hi thorfano,

Just create an iak file (by using Find Devices) in MAX for one of your FieldPoints, save it somewhere, then delete it and create one for your other FieldPoint.  Then in your project, you an choose which iak file to import.  Both projects will have different iak files.  Then you should be able to run both VIs simultaneously.

[LW42]

Hello Jeremy, thanks for answering. What you proposed is what I also thought that it should happen. However, this is not the case here.

I will try to explain the problem in more detail. I have two different vis (No1_vi. and No2_vi.) with two different iak file (No1_iak. and No2_iak., one for each vi.) Please note:

1) that the No1_vi was generated with LABVIEW 7.1 and No2_vi was generated with LABView 8.5. However I create a new iak file for No1_vi (based on the old iak concerning chanel configuration) and I also open the No1_vi with LABView 8.5.

2) I use  fieldpoint and compact fieldpoint with ethernet connection.

The vis where created by using fielpoint express. So, when the No1_vi. doesn't work (I get error 32812) I go to a Fielpoint express perform double ckick --> Browse--> view configurations and I see that the vi doesn't use the iak_Number 1 but the iak_Number2. In addition the vi_Mumber2 is grey out thus I can't remove it. The real strange thing is that in Max the iak_Number1 is open (if I suppose that the vi is affected by the iak that is open in max and thus there is a confussion). No1_vi is working properly when I restart the computer (with No1_iak open in Max).

One other thing that I notice is that, in max, when I open the No1_iak the icon of device 2 gets grey and the oposit, when I open No2_iak the device 2 becomes blue and device 1 grey. This shows that max can't  "see" both devices simultaneously. Every time "sees" the device who's the iak is open in max. Another thing that I want to mention is that max uses firmare 5.02 for the one device and firmware 6.04. Please advice if this is a problem.

Hoping that I explain properly, I am looking forward to hearing your advice.

Thank you in advance  

Theodora

[Kevin_S]

Hi thorfano,

It's generally a good idea to stick to one FieldPoint driver version when programming your FieldPoint controllers.  If you're now working with LabVIEW 8.5 (and a later FieldPoint driver), I would recommend formatting the disk of your controller used with LabVIEW 7.1 and reinstalling the software.  The same is true in reverse.

As far as the error 32812 that you're getting, this article might help you resolve this.  (Why Do I Get Error 32812 From Some FieldPoint Modules But Not Others?)  Do you get this error with only certain modules or in general when you try to access anything on a particular FieldPoint?  If you get the error in general, this article may be more of what you need to look at for more details.  (Error 32812 From FieldPoint VIs)

What I would recommend in order to get up and running is the following:  (You may have done some of this to one of the controllers.)

1) Format both controllers.  (Right-click on each controller in MAX » Format Disk.)

2) Reinstall all the drivers again from the development computer that you will be using.  (Right-click on the software tab in MAX » Add/Remove Software.)

3) Right-click on one controller and select Find Devices.

4) Set up the controller as you desire, and save the iak to a known location.  (Right-click on the IAK file under Data Neighborhood and select Save As.)

5) Close the open IAK file.  (Right-click on it, select New.)

6) Right-click on the second controller and select Find Devices.

7) Set up the second iak file as you desire and save it.

😎 Create a project (in LabVIEW 8.5) and specifically load the desired IAK file into that project.  (Right-click on the project name in the Project Explorer Window » Import » FieldPoint Configuration.)

I hope this helps,

Kevin S.

Applications Engineer

National Instruments

[LW42]

Thank you very much for the help.

Best Regards