Linear actuator, motor controller and labview. Establishing connection.

[MrNewb]

Overiew:
I have a 12VDC linear actuator (potentiometer built in) connected to power and Jrk 21v3 USB Motor Controller with Feedback (http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1392). The USB motor controller connects to the computer through USB, actuator's feedback wires connect to the motor controller.

Problem:
Establishing connection between the motor controller and labview.

What I have done so far:

I installed drivers to the motor controller and windows detects it. NI MAX detects my motor controller (pic attached), but for some reason, when i try to access it through daq assistant in labview it doesnt see it. I also tried accessing it through VISA with no results..

Help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Peter

[Broken_Arrow · Accepted solution]

You have a few things you need to look into:

• When you installed the software, did it install a USB > Virtual Com Port dll such as FTDIchip or similar? If so, when you hook up your device, it'll reveal itself as a normal (new) Com Port in Device Manager. You then need to try to talk to that com port.

• If you are trying to use the native USB on the board (as MAX has detected for you), then you'll need to use the .NET framework code provided by the manufacturer (probably written in C#), and make your own Constructors in LabVIEW. If you've never done this, it isn't trivial.

I would call the manufacturer and just tell them what you are trying to do. They've probably dealt with LabVIEW before, and may have an example to get you started.

edit: For fun, I followed the link you provided (which doesn't really work). I searched their site for "LabVIEW", and indeed got several hits. This one thing I downloaded (can't resist looking at code) was a gigantic turd ball. However, it did appear to use a normal Com port.

[MrNewb]

thanks for the answer..

you are saying that I should use Serial instead of USB way of communicating with the motor controller because USB requires manufacturers info and  .NET framework? is that why most communication is done through serial?

So I need the device connected to one of my COM ports (basically windows has to find it), then i access the COM port through serial VISA?

Thanks,

Peter

[Broken_Arrow]

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@MrNewb wrote:

[...]

So I need the device connected to one of my COM ports (basically windows has to find it), then i access the COM port through serial VISA?

Thanks,

Peter

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I'm saying it's something to try. Windows will not find it. You'll write a command to the device and get a response back, or motor movement, or both. Again, you'll need to contact the manufacturer and/or or read the manual to get a list of valid commands and serial port settings (baud rate, etc)