Create IVI Installer

[Kevin-PTP]

I am currently updating a CVI6.0 IVI class driver (DCPSU) in CVI8.5. The original version used the installer created in the DLL project to distribute this driver and then a WISE installer to configure LabVIEW to make it available to the user without the need to import it via the fp file.

I now have access to Create IVI Installer and have created a installer. The following questions have arisen though?

1. An MSI file is produced, is it acceptable to distribute just this or should I be distributing the DLL installer and spawning this MSI package from it (it seems suspiciously small at only 1MB for an NI produced installer 🙂 )?
2. Once installed will MAX (or any other product) reflect this?
3. How would the LabVIEW programmer interact with the driver in terms of selecting it from a pallet?
4. Is there some way I can add a Soft Panel that can be accessed in MAX?

If anyone knows of an article that summaries any/all of the above I would appreciate it if they could post a link.

Thanks in advance.

[DanBrowne]

Hi Kevin,

I shall post my reply to your email here so that others can also see the answers:

To answer your first question:
1) That does seem a little on the small size for an installer but it really all depends on what functions the customer is installing with the driver.
2) If the MSI utility installs the files in the correct locations the IVI driver will show up under IVI Drivers under Driver Sessions and Software modules in MAX.
3) The VIs will show up on the IVI instrument I/O pallet.
4) IVI class drivers do not implement a soft panel for testing but the customer could create an exe to test if the hardware is working correctly.

Regards,

Dan - NIUK