Triggering Powerlab via Labview

[GerdW]

Hi Bahram,

thanks for that wonderful problem description!

Now we are able to help you!

See this excerpt of the datasheet:

It mentions a simple TTL signal!

So you could use the cheapest USB device (like USB6001) to output a digital signal.

I guess your "sync" requirements is in the order 10th of milliseconds (or: less than 50ms) as you write:

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@BGG1990 wrote:
Each trial of this tracking task is 30 sec, and my protocol consists of 10 blocks (5 trial per block).

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For this the cheap USB DAQ device is completely usable!

[BGG1990]

Hi GerdW,

Thank you for the explanation. I really appreciate it. I shared your answer with my supervisor and we are going to purchase the DAQ. I just wanted to make sure we are ordering the right device (https://www.ni.com/en-ca/support/model.usb-6001.html). Does the device include a USB too?

Best regards,

Bahram

[BGG1990]

Hi again GerdW,

I looked at https://www.ni.com/docs/en-US/bundle/usb-6001-specs/resource/374369a.pdf for more information about the device.

There seem to be pin I/O.

How can the desktop computer with LabVIEW on it input to this device? Plus, how can it output to the Powerlab (https://m-cdn.adinstruments.com/product-data-cards/PL3508-DCW-15A.pdf)?

I appreciate your time.

Best regards,

Bahram

[GerdW]

Hi Bahram,

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@BGG1990 wrote:

I looked at https://www.ni.com/docs/en-US/bundle/usb-6001-specs/resource/374369a.pdf for more information about the device.

There seem to be pin I/O.

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Reading the manuals and datasheets is always a good idea!

Yes, those USB600x devices all have some IO pin connectors…

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@BGG1990 wrote:

How can the desktop computer with LabVIEW on it input to this device? Plus, how can it output to the Powerlab (https://m-cdn.adinstruments.com/product-data-cards/PL3508-DCW-15A.pdf)?

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In the linked datasheet a "Trigger" BNC input is shown. I guess ADInstruments also offers larger manuals describing those BNC connectors and their usage in all details! (Like I wrote: it's always a good idea to read the manuals…)

I would guess you need to connect your USB600x DO signal to that BNC input. The DO usually is connected to the inner BNC contact, while GND is connected to outer BNC contact. DO you have any experience with measurement devices (like scopes) - or atleast someone else at your university/department? Is there someone you can ask for problems with electrics/electronics/wire connections?

[BGG1990]

Thanks for the reply. 

I don't have much experince with measurement devices but we have an IT expert in the research center that I'm doing my research who might be able to help me.

As far as I learned so far, the USB-6001 connects to the computer through the USB cable to receive the generated signal from LabVIEW. What I haven’t figured out yet is the connection between the DAQ device (USB-6001) and Powerlab (my LabChart software is supplied with the PowerLab device). Powerlab has digital and BNC input/output (there is also an adapter that connects to the 15-pin connector). I have attached some pictures of my Powerlab device for your consideration. You will find the digital, BNC input/output as well as the adapter in the attached pictures.

I appreciate your time.

Best regards,

Bahram

[GerdW]

Hi Bahram,

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@BGG1990 wrote:

What I haven’t figured out yet is the connection between the DAQ device (USB-6001) and Powerlab (my LabChart software is supplied with the PowerLab device)

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What's wrong with my previous answer? Did you even read it?

In image0 (and the datasheet) there is a BNC connector labelled "Trigger" in the lower left. Did you read your manual on that specific connector???

[BGG1990]

Yes I did read your answer, and I appreciate it. But it's still not clear for me how to output the USB6001 to the BNC connector!

I know that there is a BNC connector on Powerlab. My question is "what cable should I use to output from the screw terminal plugs on USB6001 to that BNC connector on Powerlab?"

For example, can "Pomona 3901 Pin Tip Plugs To BNC" be an option? or, "Pomona EM4970-24# BNC (M) With 20 Awg Leads". 

Best regards,

Bahram

[Bob_Schor]

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@BGG1990 wrote:

I don't have much experince with measurement devices but we have an IT expert in the research center that I'm doing my research who might be able to help me.

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Yo.  u don't need an IT expert, but you do need someone who is comfortable building simple electronic circuits.  I used to make my own coax BNC cables all the time (it's been a while, but I think I generally used RG-79, a fairly thin, flexible coax that can easily be crimped onto a male BNC connector).  You need a cable with only one BNC connector -- figure out how much cable length you need (probably a good idea to keep it to under 5 feet, if possible).  The end with the BNC goes to PowerLab.  The other end you is.olate the center connector and attach it to the DIO line you want to use.  You need to connect the shield to another (insulated) wire, about 2 inches in length, that you'll connect to the Digital Ground pin on the USB-6001 (some heat-shrink on the UBS-6001 end of the cable should be used to keep the shield/ground away from the other 6001 connectors).

Am I correct that you've never used a soldering iron?

Bob Schor