Copying data to an external server during data acquisition

[velveeta]

I need to copy out data to an external server for backup during an extended data acquisition session (days long).  What is the safest data format for this operation that won't corrupt the primary data file?  *.lvm, *.tdm, *.tdms?

Thanks 

[RDR]

Are you planning on having multiple files or a single log file?

[velveeta]

A single log file.

[StefanR]

What do you mean by 'won't corrupt the primary data file'?

[velveeta]

I want to be writing data (primary data file) every few seconds.  During an extended run I want to copy out this data file for backup to and external server.  So I guess my question is threefold: 1. Should I provide for this programatically?  2. Or can I just copy out the file without a problem?  3. What file format would be the best for this operation?

Thanks

[The_Chancenator]

Hi Velveeta,

I would think that you would rather save to multiple files and then back them up on the server rather than try to make a copy of a file in the middle of its creation; as this would be more likely to cause corruption issues.  If you are very concerned about this, I'd recommend breaking up the data to a couple of files and then backing them up.  So, to answer your questions:

1.  You can set up the express VI Write to Measurement File to create a new file every X data points.  I'm unsure of how you are planning to programmatically copy this to a back up disk. 

2.  Don't copy a file in the middle of its creation (for example, if you were creating one file and tried to back it up in the middle of your acquisition). 

3.  The file format shouldn't matter for this functionality in particular. 

Cheers,