How do I automate a Thorlabs TDC001 controller so that it moves a specified distance at trigger times using labview?

[sahurley]

Hi,

I am trying to automate a Thorlabs TDC001 controller using Labview.  I can control the motor from the ActiveX GUI on the front panel, but when I try to automate it it just moves at random intervals in whatever direction.  How can I automate the controller to move specified distances at particular time intervals?

Thanks!

[SkyWalka]

Are you using NI Motion software to interface with the motor controller?

[pjr1121]

The manual http://www.thorlabs.com/thorcat/15700/TDC001-Manual.pdf has a full list of methods and properties (see Appendix D) which can be set using ActiveX (software must be installed).  This is how you would control it via LabVIEW; unless of course they can provide you will LabVIEW drivers.

[sahurley]

I am using LabView and the ActiveX GUI on the front panel.  I've attached my code thus far.  I have been able to automate the controller, but I cannot input the amount it moves and the time interval for the movement.

Thanks!

[pjr1121]

SetVelParams allows you to set the velocity parameters (i don't have the code installed so I'm sorry I can't give more specific advice).  

You have a few options for movement.

MoveAbsolute (move to position X from the zero point )

MoveAbosluteEX  (move to position X from zero point in terms of programmed units)

MoveRelative (move set number of steps from current position)

MoveRelativeEX (move set number of programmed units from current position)

[sahurley]

I tried different combinations of those, but the code won't run.  Can you be more specific?

Thanks!

[Shane-C]

There does not seem to be anything obvious in the LabVIEW code that would cause the problem.  It sounds like there is a problem in what is being sent to the driver.  You should probably double check the inputs to the driver function in the manual.