Beam shutter, NI DAQ series

[WWW121]

I want to control the beam shutter with NI DAQ X series (Just want to ON and OFF). In which port should I connect? I tried with digital ports but it didn't work.

[santo_13]

You need to share a lot more information. The information you gave is like telling the doctor that you're sick.

For starters, please share the following,

1. Beam shutter model and link to manual
2. NI DAQ model
3. How did you connect DAQ and beam shutter? exact wiring diagram
4. How did you control the DAQ to send/receive signals? screenshots if you used Test Panels or attach VI if you used one (down convert to 2019)
5. Any additional information that will help us understand your goals and problem better to guide you

[WWW121]

Thank you for your reply. You are right, if I don’t explain my situation properly the doctor might assume the simple seasonal flu is a chronic disease. Let me clarify my situation.

1. The model of the Beam shutter is SC10 - Optical Beam Shutter Controller (THORLAB)

2. The model of the National instrument is NI USB-6341. The manual has been attached.

I tried to control the beam shutter by connecting with the port “PFI 0/P1.0 of digital and timing I/O ”  of NI. But, it didn’t work. I am attaching the image.

No LabVIEW design, nothing else. I plan to simply turn ON and OFF the beam shutter with NIDAQ software. I am seeking suggestion about which port or how should I connect it.

I didn’t get any insight into solving this simple problem. I would be pleased if I could get some feedback or ideas from the generous people of the NI community.

1.

NI DAQ series manual  

2.

[santo_13]

Still you're missing a few critical details to guide you properly.

1. Based on the SC10-Manual (you failed to provide link) - you can control it from computer using the RS232 port and Thorlabs software - is there a reason you want to control it using 6341?
   
2. In your attached image, you show the BNC cable connected to PFI0/P1.0 but failed to show where it connects to on the SC10, based on the manual, you must connect it to 'Trigger In'
   
3. Based on the SC-10 manual, it looks like you need to configure the unit to work with external triggers, was this configured?
   

[WWW121]

Answering-

1. Firstly, sorry not to provide the manual of SC-10. Secondly, I want to control the beam shutter with Python code. If I can run it by 6341, the code will also work.

2. I know you got me novice but seriously that much? How can I expect it to run without connecting the other point of cable with the controller? It was connected with the "Trigger IN" point.

3. Yes, it was configured. The external trigger mode was ON, but still no result.

Thank you very much for your cordial intention to help me.

[santo_13]

The next step is to ensure you're generating the trigger, you can use the DAQmx test panels to toggle the digital I/O.

https://knowledge.ni.com/KnowledgeArticleDetails?id=kA03q000000YGZPCA4&l=en-US

Navigate to the Digital I/O tab in the test panel, select Port1, select the direction of bit0 as Output (or click the `All Output` button), set the output state of the port bit, and click `Start`. Try changing the output state of the line and check if the SC-10 triggers.

To ensure you're generating a trigger, instead of connecting the BNC cable to SC-10, connect a digital multi-meter to the BNC terminals to monitor the voltage as you control the port line from the Test panel.

If you verified that there is a voltage change at the Port1.0 BNC terminal but SC-10 still fails to trigger, then you need to debug the SC-10 side of things as to why it doesn't trigger despite the DAQ generating the transition.

[WWW121]

Thanks a lot!