controlling IQS instrument by using lab view

[Pocahontas.1]

I would like to know that Is there any program file for IQS 9800 and DET 1800 (4 detector IQS mini module) inside the lab view library drivers? Actually I'm using lab view software to control the instrument IQS 9800 and IQS 1600 but I cant find the instrument program for IQS 9800 in my library files. I want to know that how can I control IQS 9800 by using lab view program? 

[Dennis_Knutson]

Instrument drivers don't ship with LabVIEW. You need to go to the Instrument Driver Network and search for them. However, neither of your instruments are listed. What is the type of connection to the instrument (i.e. serial, GPIB)? With either connection, you would use the VISA Write and VISA Read functions to send/receive data from the instruments. You can use the low level VISA functions to do this, use the Instrument I/O Assistant, or write a complete driver yourself. You can use the Tools>Instrumentation>Create Instrument Driver Project to get you started with a complete driver (LabVIEW 8.x only). You might also check with the vendor to see whether they have a driver.

[Pocahontas.1]

I'm using GPIB for my project. I used GPIB function,and VISA function to control the instrument 9800 but it didnt work. I used IQS 510P(IQS 9800) as controller to control another IQS 510P( IQS 1600) and another instrument. I want to know that can i control the controller itself?

[Pocahontas.1]

I would like to know that control can control itself by using lab view?

[Dennis_Knutson]

I'm sorry. I don't understand the statement 'control can control itself'.

I'm not familiar with IQS and a quick google search did not turn up anything immediately. Is your GPIB controller from IQS or is it one of the NI GPIB controllers. If the GPIB controller in the pc is not from NI, then you cannot use the LabVIEW GPIB functions and you need a VISA library from the vendor in order to use the LabVIEW VISA functions. Vendors will often provide a set of LabVIEW functions to be used instead of the LabVIEW GPIB functions.

Can you point me to the IQS web site?

[Pocahontas.1]

Sorry for my previous message. My question is "Controller can control itself?".

Below is the link to see the IQS instrument that I'm using now.

AppNote135 IQS-12008 All-Band Component Analyser System: Accurate ...

ALL-BAND COMPONENT ANALYZER

[Dennis_Knutson]

Thanks, that makes things clearer. As stated in the pdf file, the instrument cannot be controlled externally via GPIB. It is only for controlling other instruments. The software for the IQS 12008 is pc based, correct? The pdf file also mentions that there is a set of DLL functions available to control it. They mention COM which is the old description of ActiveX. LabVIEW is capable of executing ActiveX properties and methods. The pdf file also mentions a LabVIEW demo program with source code is available. I see LabVIEW drivers available as accessories on some of the module pages but did not see a place to download these. I don't know if they are free or need to be purchased but you should be able to contact Exo to get details.

This looks like a pretty nice instrument. I work in telecom right now and will have to keep this in mind.

[Pocahontas.1]

Hi

I'm attachment student and currently working on a lab view program to modify the instrument programs by using IQS 510P. As this is my first time using lab view software, I faced some difficulties with creating sub VIs. Now I'm studying IQS 12008 program which can control IQS 9800 and 1800. But I want to combine this program with 5150b program file. Is anyone know how to combine these two program into one and Is there anybooks or web site which I can learn about controlling IQS instruments and module by using Lab View?

[Scott_G]

Hi 120341,

Most of our instrument drivers just use simple VISA read and VISA write functions to communicate with your instruments.  The instrument drivers you find online are just subVI's that have VISA commands in them.  To merge 2 instrument drivers or change functionality, you would just have to change the command that is being sent to the instrument.  Combining instrument drivers is not necessarily possible because some of the instruments use different commands.  If there is any way you can describe which functionality you want to add to your driver, we may be able to give you some tips on how to modify that driver.

[Pocahontas.1]

Hi

thanks for ur suggestions. Actually, I want to create lab view program which can be used for instrument 9800,1800 and 5150b. I emailed to vendor and he sent me one lab view program which can be used for 9800 and 1800 only. Can you give me some guide lines to create such kind of program which can be used to control 9800,1800 and 5150b instruments?