Help with the Parallel Model configuration

Question

This is my first time posting, but I am a long time reader....
First off, I would consider my Teststand knowledge level as high novice to low intermidiate. I created  a test sequence using in Teststand which calls labview vi's. My test sequence tests 5 units at a time in a parallel model (parallel model sequence). Functionally, everything runs great in single pass and looping. However, here is my issue:
When selecting "Test UUT's", it brings up a window that asks for the serial number for each of the five stations. The operator then needs to enter a serial number for each and press okay to proceed. This setup is not valid for what I am doing. My test fixture has a button at each of the 5 stations. The user is to push the button to start the test (connects to a DAQ). Then, the serial number is read from the UUT and populated in the report.
How would I go about reconfiguring this? I am not looking for someone to solve my problems for me, I just need a little direction. I looked at the parallel model sequence and I can't figure out where to go with it.
Please help,
Ryan
Teststand 4.2
Labview 2009
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Answer 1

No problem Ryan,
When you are done here you will be a pro.  
Here is a link that talks about callbacks and how overriding them works: http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/6605
The PreUUT will be a Model Callback.
One thing I should point out- There is a huge difference between the Batch Model and the Parallel Model.  People tend to get them confused and sometimes use the wrong when the other one is a better fit for their architecture.  They way I think about it is like a race track.  Each car on the track represents a different test socket.  One time around the track represents a full test.  Pretend the race is completed by teams of cars.  Each team can only race one car for one lap (sorta like a relay).  The team would represent the available test fixture for the next UUT and the car would be the UUT. Here's how the race would work with each model:
Batch Model-  Let's say there are 2 available spots in the race so we have 2 teams of 5 cars each.  Both of the teams 1st cars would line up at the starting line.  The gun would go off and each car would take off.  Let's say team 1's car gets around the lap first.  Before they can start their 2nd car they have to wait for team 2's 1st car to get around the track as well.  Then both team's 2nd cars would line up and continue the same as the first go around and so on until all 5 cars had raced.
Parallel Model-  In the same car scenario as the Batch Model both of the team's 1st cars would line up and the gun would go off and they would go.  However, this time if team 1's car gets around the track they can immediately send their second car without waiting for Team 2's 1st car.  In fact all 5 of team 1's cars could be finished before team 2's 1st car even finishes it's lap.
Not sure if you are a fan of analogies but they work for me. In short-
Batch Model- Everything in that set of test sockets must start and stop at the same time.
Parallel Model- Each test socket is independant of any other test sockets.
I'm picturing your scenario where you have 5 different stations that will be running independantly of each other and trying to figure out if you would want the Batch behavior or the Parallel behavior.  Or..... Why wouldn't you just use the sequential model on each station and deploy your sequence to each station?  Maybe you can describe your setup in a little more detail and we could come up with a better solution.
How does the one station know that the others have the Go button pushed?
Regards, 
jigg
CTA, CLA
teststandhelp.com
~Will work for kudos and/or BBQ~