I need help using the Keithley 236 with LabVIEW

[lguard73]

Hello,

I'm relatively new to LabVIEW, though I am somewhat literate in the workings of the program. I'm involved in some research where I need to use the Keithley 236 Source/Measure Unit with LabVIEW, and I basically have no idea where to start. I've downloaded the driver (I'm on LabVIEW 7.1 with Windows 2000) and installed it, it seems to work and it communicates some with the Unit but not completely. I've been trying to find a "How to Use Keithley 236 with LabVIEW" page, but none such exists that I can find. Are there any such resources or do I simply have to spend several more hours perusing my LabVIEW book until I find something relevant? Any links or tips would be greatly appreciated, especially since it seems that many of the other questions posed on here are far more advanced.

[Dennis_Knutson]

There probably does not exist a page that you are looking for unless there is one on Keithley's web site. However, there is information on the main Instrument Driver Network on what a driver is and how to use one. Also, you should always have context help turned on. When you place your mouse over the VI's icon, you will get a brief description of what the function in the driver does. As you move your mouse over a control/indicator, you will get a brief description of that. 

When I start with a new instrument and driver, I start by reading the instrument manual and understanding what instrument functions and steps I need in order to perform a measurement. I then look at the functions in the driver and determine what ones of those I need in order to duplicate the steps. There is an example in the driver but there are no real shortcuts. Once the instrument is fully understood, the programming of it is usually fairly straight forward.

p.s. You posted to the wrong board. For future questions, you want to post to the Instrument Control board.

Message Edited by Dennis Knutson on 03-30-2009 09:19 PM

[lguard73]

Thanks, I appreciate the advice!