Watlow Series 96

[LeifArnesen]

So I have a Watlow 96 connected to my HP laptop (Windows 7) via a RS232 to USB serial adapter.  I am new to LabVIEW and I am having trouble figuring out what driver to install/use to communicate between the two (Watlow and laptop) and figuring out how they communicate with each other.  I have been told to use an NI Serial Driver and have also been told by others to use a Modbus driver.  After making several calls, I am still unclear as to what products I need to purchase to make communication between these two devices possible and also how these products work.  What is the difference between an NI Serial Driver and a Modbus driver?  Where do I download/purchase these drivers?  I also downloaded the watlow-basicndriver.llb from the LabVIEW drivers - Watlow Series 96 controller web page, but I would also like to know how this file comes in to play.  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.  Please feel free to call as well.

Thank you for your time,

Leif Arnesen
(602) 283-5054

[SteveChandler]

In response to the last part of your question, you can double click on the llb file and open it. There will be a list of files that make up the driver. Maybe there is an example in the llb on how to use it.

[Patricia B · Accepted solution]

Hello,

Here are some articles that may help you get started with using your instrument driver in LabVIEW. You have made the correct first steps in located the driver on our Instrument Driver page. The articles located below should help in showing you what to do next in using the driver in LabVIEW. You should contact the manufacturer of your instrument for more specific information regarding the functionality of the driver. I have also posted additional links for the benefit of others who may come across this post with similar questions.

How to Use an Instrument Driver in LabVIEW Tutorial

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/2804

How Do I Add an Instrument Driver or a Custom SubVI to the Functions Palette?

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/1D0D514BC3852BFD8625685F007BC976?OpenDocument

What is an Instrument Driver?

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/4803

Types of Instrument Drivers

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/2921

NI Instrument Driver Network

http://www.ni.com/devzone/idnet/

Watlow 96

http://sine.ni.com/apps/utf8/niid_web_display.model_page?p_model_id=4598

Best,

Patricia B.