Labview String output

Question

How do I send a string output from a DAQ Board (NI- USB 6259) using labview? I want to send commands such as " CELL 0" or "READ" to a potentiostat device using labview.

Thanks

Answer 1

The 6259 doesn't do string output. It's a data acquisition board that's intended for reading/sourcing analog voltages or sending/receiving individual digital signals. It's not a communications device.

If you're really trying to send strings to this device, you probably need something more like an RS-232 or GPIB connection.

Answer 2

As eaolson said a DAQ is not intended to control devices. However it is an interesting project to enter the guts of the communication protocol. Doing it with a DAQ would require to:

• Identify the protocol (GPIB or RS-232)
• Make your cable from the DAQ output connector
• For each command, generate the waveform in LabVIEW, by using the letters' ASCII code, stop bits, etc. This is the funniest part (INMHO, but I understand it's not everybody!)
• Send it (using DAQ analog write VIs, you should find many examples for this)
• The oscilloscope will be your best friend