Setup and deployment a program to another PC

[darbyln]

Crickets 

[srdfrn]

Hi darbyln,

I'm sorry that programming with .NET has been more difficult that it was made out to be.  Here is some more information on the USB-TC01 that I hope might make things a little more clear and get you started a little easier.

The USB-TC01 does come with some software that runs with the device itself (called InstantDAQ), which is actually quite great if it will suffice for your application.  I understand that this shipping software is limited, but it will work for basic systems and needs, and it is intended for those plug-and-go purposes.  It does not have a development environment -- it is merely a standalone application that allows the user to view and log data from the unit. The reason why it is so limited and closed to further development is because it uses the device drivers already built into your computer to communicate with the USB device.  Therefore, no driver download is necessary -- but there is also no way to alter the software (think of distributed applications or executables on your computer -- you can't change them as is; you must do so in the development environment, and then redistribute them).

Therefore, if you do need to tweak the program or would like the freedom to construct a new and customized application, then you will need to use the DAQmx drivers.  This will allow you to make custom calls to the device through development environments such as LabVIEW or, in your case, .NET.  The DAQmx driver is much larger because it has been designed to account for the many various applications all of our customers might choose to pursue with any of our data acquisition devices.  So, while the driver might be large in size, it is also quite functional (and necessary), and it gives the programmer a wide range of versatility.

One thing that might be worth checking out are the other TC01 applications available for download.  You can view them by clicking on Do More with Your USB-TC01 from the launch screen that is loaded when you plug in your device.  Additionally, you can read more about using the TC01 here and here.  Additionally, pages 5-6 of the user manual provide some more information on how to take measurements with both InstandDAQ and DAQmx.

Regards,

Stephanie R.

National Instruments

[srdfrn]

Hi HoaOCLR,

Unfortunately, I do not believe that there is a core version of 488.2 that does not include Measurement and Automation Explorer, like there is for DAQmx.  Regarding your question about the dependencies -- the program will work with those included, as long as the necessary device drivers are installed on your computer.  You need these drivers in order to interface with your hardware.  If you create a program that only requires software (just uses Measurement Studio, for example), then you won't need these drivers.  Because you are communicating with external devices, however, you will need to install the drivers, too.

Hopefully this information helps!  Again, I apologize about the necessary MAX install with 488.2 -- I would recommended editing the setup.ini file, though, so that you do not have the MAX shortcuts placed on your desktop and in your Start Menu.

Regards,

Stephanie R.

National Instruments

[darbyln]

The point that I am trying to make is that the "InstantDaq" program can talk to the device with out the DAQmx install so I should be able to right some code to do the same thing.  I understand that I can not alter the demo app but I should be able to create my own program that does esentially the same thing that does not require the DAQmx software.  NI has just chosen to keep the details of how to do that hidden.  I have a VI that does what I want and I can build an executable from that but it does not solve the problem of needing to install gobs of software to get it to run. Any of the "Do More with Your USB-TC01" options are the same also.