Using SE as a Controller

[AkshayHari]

Hello,

Is it possible to use SignalExpress to automate the repitition of the following task...

1) Record a voltage for 30 seconds using an NI DAQ

2) Send a digital output immediately following the 30 seconds to open/close an air valve for the next 5 minutes

I would like to be able to repeat the above two steps over the course of a few hours.

Thanks,

Akshay

[DFGray]

Yes, provided you don't need really tight timing.  If you do, you may still be able to do it by chaining triggers through your acquisition and generation devices.  Look at the sequence break step and the digital triggering options for your devices.  If you need more info, let us know and give us a bit more information about what devices you are using.

[AkshayHari]

Thanks a lot for your reply.

Will play around with what you mentioned and let you know if I need more info.

Best,

Akshay

[AkshayHari]

I am using an NI USB-6210 DAQ. I have not finalized on a controllable air valve yet, but found one that takes 4-20 mA input as its control signal.

Any other tips?

Thanks,

Akshay

[DFGray]

The 6210 only has digital output, so you will need an external circuit to switch the 4-20mA control for that valve.  This could be as simple as a battery-resistor-transistor or as complex as an off-the-shelf commercial unit (if you are careful, you can use the 5V output of the 6210 as the battery).