Is labview software and an Instron 1011 compatible?

[Vasco]

We have an old Instron 1011 and wish to update the system as much as possible. We wish to use it with the labview software. Are these compatible? Are driver's available (instron and labview say they do not have drivers)? It sounds like it may have to be programmed, so what are the plus's and minus's to that? Am I better off just sticking to the old software. If anyone has any expertise to help us out, I would appreciate it.

[PdB]

Interesting question: make or buy.
Buying a new systems means that it is allways terribly expensive and the old stuff that still shines well has to be thrown out.
The risk of doing everything yourself is hobbying (when you do things you are not trained in or have insufficient background of).
Hobbying results in a lot of hidden costs for your company.
Third option is that you contact a (internal) company that has proven to solve similar problems/challanges.
N.I. has awarded a limited number of companies to be called "Alliance members" which can do such tasks for you. There are also non-alliance companies that can do these tasks.
Estimate the costs of these 3 options (with pros/cons)and let your boss decide.

[rehfast]

Hello,

Please excuse my inexperience - I am unfamiliar to Labview. I have just aquired an Instron 1011 Univeral Testing Machine with the IEEE interface, however I have no software. I would like to get software interfaced to this unit. As you can understand Instron shows little interest as this is an old unit.

1) What GPIB card do I need to purchase to interface with the instrument?
2) Are there applications available to control the instrument without the need for me to do the actual programming?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[JohnM 64]

Hi rehfast,

Q1) What GPIB card do I need to interface with the instrument?
A1) As all GPIB cards use the 488 protocol defined for GPIB, then all GPIB cards should work with your instrument. You need to ensure that the card you buy will work with your computer and operating system. The technical representatives at NI can help you determine the best hardware for your system.

Q2) Are there applications available to control the instrument without the need for me to do the actual programming?
A2) As you can see from the above posts, there are currently no drivers available for this instrument. You can program the functionality you need yourself by using the VISA Read and Write commands and the manual for the instrument, or you may be able to contract someone to help you program a driver. National Instruments has certified certain companies as Alliance Members, and many of these offer consulting services. You can learn more about the Alliance program at www.ni.com/alliance.

Good luck with your programming!

John M
Applications Engineer

[Process_Systems]

Have I got the software for you! I have custom software written for the Instron 1027 and 1035. If you are interested, contact me at dave@naatinc.com.