How do I create an executable file for an accelerometer?

[Fascinated by Electronics]

Hello,
 
I am currently searching for a one-axis accelerometer to use to measure vibration in a centrifuge. For our purposes, we only need to measure in one-axis. I have looked at several accelerometers (IC type, modules, etc).
 
My lab manager asked me if I knew how to make the executable file to run the accelerometer. I am a little bit unsure about how to do this. Please advise on how I would do this (What do I need to use? Java?, C++?, Visual Basic?, Linux?, etc.) or if that file can be provided from the manufacturer. He said that by creating an .exe file, other members in our test group would not have to use LabVIEW or similar software to acquire data from the accelerometer.
 
 
Sincerely,

Fascinated by Electronics

[Dennis_Knutson]

What software are you currently using? Most programming languages (Linux is not a language) can be used to create an exe. That includes LabVIEW. Do you have any experience at all with programming?

[Fascinated by Electronics]

I have access to C/C++, Java, and Visual Basic. In terms of programming, I have only really done stuff with BASIC (to run microcontrollers). I understand the fundamentals of programming, but was wondering how hard it would be to make an .exe for an accelerometer?

In terms of LV, I am fairly new to it and have been using the online tutorials and forums to help me. Basically, we want to make an exe so that LV doesn't have to be used to collect data from the sensor......... 

[Dennis_Knutson]

Whatever programming language you use, you will probably need a data acquisition board in order to read the accelerometer. Since you have posted to the NI forum, does that mean you already have a DAQ board from NI? C/C++, VB are all supported by NI as well as LabVIEW. Not so sure about Java.

Your last statement is a little strange. As mentioned, you can write a program with LabVIEW and then build an exe from that. You would need a LabVIEW runtime installed, just like you would need a runtime for whatever other programming language that you might use.

[Henrik_Volkers]

Do you want to monitor the spectrum of your accelerometer/centrifuge?

Get an accelerometer IC with analog output ( ask freescale for a sample 😉 . However the f_max of the MEMS is mostly below 2k, more in the 500Hz region.

Take a look at sound analyzing freeware that work with a soundcard  to get an impression what's going on. (And that's already an exe 😄

To make serious measurements you need a sensor (traceable??) with appropriate signal conditioning and acquisition. For a centrifuge  at ??? RPM I would suggest at least a measuring range of 5kHz better 10kHz or more if you want to detect bearing faults before a crash... 

For a simple but robust unbalance detection I would heat the solder iron and do a pure analog solution... or buy a ready certified solution if it comes into health safety ... 

BUT if your lab manager see it as a start up project and is willing to invest into your learning time and software tools for future use:  LabVIEW is the fastest and best way for lab applications. Note: This is my personal opinion, my only relation to NI is that my employer pays NI for the Hard- and Software 😉

If you provide more information about what you want to do, we maybe can give more precise answers.

Message Edited by Henrik Volkers on 02-19-2010 11:00 AM