LabVIEW / Mass Spectrometer Setup

Question

Good afternoon,
I began progamming in LabVIEW only a few weeks ago, so I apologize if I use terminology or describe something incorrectly.  I recently began a post-doctoral position, and my first project is integrating a SRS mass spectrometer with a catalyst desportion instrument we bought.  It's extremely convenient that LabVIEW modules are provided for the mass spec in question (http://www.thinksrs.com/downloads/labVIEW.htm).  As such, programming is much easier.  However, I am having difficulty in figuring out how to initialize the mass spec unit.
Basically, I would like to have a USB-6000 receive a current from the instrument (the purpose of the current is to mark when the mass spec should turn the filament on) and from this input, initialize and run the mass spec.  To accomplish this, would I be better served to use SignalExpress with the mass spec VIs, or use LabVIEW with the SignalExpress input (IVI DMM Acquire)?  Or am I completely off base and will need to use DAQmx software?
Thank you.
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Answer 1

Thank you for the additional information.
1. The mass spec apparently communicates via an RS-232 serial port or ethernet.
2. The other instrument communicates via ethernet.
3. What you describe as "an internal RS232 cable" is more likely a cable with DB-9 or DB-25 connectors but is almost certainly NOT carrying an RS-232 signal.
To communicate with the mass spec will require a serial port adapter (USB to RS-232) if your computer does not have a native serial port (as most do not thees days). The ones with FTDI chips have a much better reputation for instrument communication than others.
Before you splice the cable check the manuals to see if you can trigger the mass spec via the communications port. If you can, that may be much easier than setting up an analog output program and splicing into the cable.  The timing is likely about the same.
I do not know anythng about Signal Express but doing this in LabVIEW should not be too dififcult. The LV drivers for the mass spec are old but were written by David Moore, who has a very good reputation.
Lynn