Is there an elegant way to compute a running average?

[Bill_5335]

I am using the attached Sub vi to collect data from 3 channels. I would like to calculate a running average (3 - 10 data points) in an attempt to "smooth out" the data for each channel.

In the Labview training manual there is a way to use a shift register and averaging the values, but is there a better way to perform this calcultion in Labview 7.1?

I am using this sub vi in 2 places. Once in an idle loop and once to acquire data (attached screen shot) when a motor is moving.

Thanks,

Bill

[Dennis_Knutson]

I happen to think a shift register is pretty elegant but if you have the full version of LabVIEW, you can try the Mean PtByPt function (which happesn to make use of a shifter register, btw).

[Bill_5335]

Is the Mean Point by Point included in one of the "Toolkit" software components? 

[Dennis_Knutson]

It's included with the full version of LabVIEW. If you don't have the base version, it will be on the Analyze>Point by Point>Probability and Statistics PtByPt palette.

[Bill_5335]

I thought I had the full blown version.  I don't have the discs with me right now but I think there are about 10 discs for the "NI developer suite".  At the time we were getting quarterly updates from NI.   Also, I have the ability to create executables if that's any indication.

As I remember, I loaded the following discs: Labview 7.1, Professional development system, 2 device driver discs. I suspect I need to load additional software.

How do I confirm if I have the base package? 

[Dennis_Knutson]

The professional version includes all of the functions that are part of the full so you should have the VIs. The fucntion palette has a search button on it. Click on that and do a search for Mean. If you are using the Express palette view, you have to select the All Functions button to see all of the palettes.

[Bill_5335]

Thanks, I found it!