Sequence File Translator Example

[TobyD]

Is anyone using the sequence file translator? I am exploring my options and was thinking of doing a LabVIEW implementation of the Text to Seq translator. I have checked out the example that comes with TS and I think I understand what is going on. I have modified the example to allow me to add comments to the text file and I have added a couple more step types.

I'm curious about loading performance as the seq file grows. I would also love to see any examples of your implementation if it is small enough to post. What does your text file format look like? How complex/smart is your translator? Is there a list of parameters and descriptions for the built-in test types (I.E. MessageExpr or TitleExpr for a Message Popup)?

Thanks,

Toby

[KristenC]

Hi Toby,

One place you could look for a list of parameters and descriptions for the built in step types is in the TestStand Types pane.  In TestStand go to View » Types, then choose My_Types.ini, and expand Step Types.  This lists all the steps and the properties you can specify.  There don't seem to be any descriptions, but if you have any questions about any of them we can figure out what they do.

I know we've had a few customers that are using a sequency file translator, so hopefully one will stop by this thread and post about their implementations.

[V_T_S]

I modified the Text to sequence translator for my application.

I modified it to accept any tab delimited file with certain keywords

This is text file format which I am using:

Version Number           1                     

Test ID                        2                     

Test File Type  CRC               

Firmware                                  xxx

Family                          xxx

Memory                                   64 Meg

[V_T_S]

Attached the example file in doc file..

As .lvtf  is not a valid extension for attachment 🙂

[TobyD]

Thanks for the reply. That is similar to what I decided on. I use KEYWORDS and have made the parser smart enough to ignore comments. I'm making progress in getting this to work, but the lack of documentation makes it tough. Here is a sample of the format I am working on.

#########################################
# Possible Step File Format                           
#                                                    
# File Version 1.0 - File Format 2.0   
#########################################

FileFormatVersion=2.0;
FileVersion=1.0;

#SCOPE Name as Type = Value;
LOCAL BtnLabel as String = "Click Here";
LOCAL BtnPressed as Numeric = -1;
GLOBAL MyNumericVar as numeric = 24.321;

#STEPXXX TestName:TestType
#     TestName.Parameter=value
STEP001 NumTest1:numeric;
      NumTest1.module=LabVIEW_NumTestModule.vi;
STEP002 MsgToUser:msgbox;
      MsgToUser.text="Can you see me?";
      MsgToUser.button1label=BtnLabel;
      MsgToUser.title="This is Cool!";
      BtnPressed.value=MsgToUser.BtnPressed;

[V_T_S]

True lack of documentation makes it difficult. The changes which I made in text to sequence file translator are working very well. But still I have some issues with ActiveX controls and recursion.

Have you used ActiveX controls in yours?

[JettR]

Hey Toby and Vidula,

I saw that you were looking for more documentation on the Sequence File Translator Example.  Is there anything in particular that you are looking for or are having trouble developing?  I look forward to hearing back from you.

[V_T_S]

Jett,

I am looking for some guidelines which will help me for

1. The ActiveX calls that do the dynamic translation of the LVTF files.

2. Something which will assist me in my application architecture.

3. Recursion within the text to sequence file translator.

4. Customizing the teststand reports.

-Vidula

[JettR]

Hey Vidula,

Thank you very much for your feedback.  We are always looking to improve our documentation, and we will definitely take your input into consideration as we create the next version of our documentation.  Right now though, you can find a lot of great information in Chapter 15, "Sequence File Translators," of the TestStand reference manual.  You can find this manual from Start»Programs»National Instruments»TestStand 4.0»Online Help»Manuals»TestStand Reference Manual.  Have a great day!

[Anand_Jain]

Vidula

I have for some questions regarding your earlier post -

1. "The ActiveX calls that do the dynamic translation of the LVTF files."
    - Sequence File Translator works via a callback mechanism. So I am not sure what do you mean by ActiveX calls. Are you asking for better documentation for TestStand ActiveX API           which you use in your translator code?

2. Something which will assist me in my application architecture.
    - Are you asking for assistance with the architecture of your code in the sequence file translator or your TestStand application as a whole?

3. "Recursion within the text to sequence file translator."
    - Can you give me more details of what you do you mean by text to the sequence file translator?
Regards
-Anand