Howdy from Wyoming!
I'm working on rounding up a list of hardware components needed to build a full hydraulic actuator controller. The hydraulic actuator is an Instron 1332, which is currently working just fine. The current controller we have is an MTS TestStar IIs, and while it is working fine as well right now, we need to upgrade to a different controller, as the only software that will run that controller can only be used on Windows XP or older operating systems.
So, I know a few of the kinds of things I'll need to replace the current controller, but no specifics, as in, just what NI hardware will work for that task. I need:
Something to send a 25-50mA signal to an acutator servovalve
Something to read an LVDT. I know of the SCXI 1540 module that NI has, but is there anything newer that could match the same platform as the other hardware for the controller?
Something to read a load cell--I know of CDaq options, such as the NI 9237, but is this ideal for a controller system?
Hardware to control a solenoid valve.
Hardware to control a safetly soldnoid valve.
Hardware to control switches triggered by hydraulic pressure readings.
I was told by MTS that our current system is digital, and so I'm wondering if we can make our new system digital and if that would help make the controller to react faster to commands compared to analog.
Really, I am very unfamiliar with building a control system for a hydraulic actuator, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Edit: Sorry, I just realized I posted this in the LabVIEW software section of the forums, rather than hardware, so I have re-copied this message in hardware. I would delete this copy, but I'm not quite sure how...
