Linear actuator, motor controller and labview. Establishing connection.

Overiew:
I have a 12VDC linear actuator (potentiometer built in) connected to power and Jrk 21v3 USB Motor Controller with Feedback (http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1392). The USB motor controller connects to the computer through USB, actuator's feedback wires connect to the motor controller.
Problem:
Establishing connection between the motor controller and labview.
What I have done so far:
I installed drivers to the motor controller and windows detects it. NI MAX detects my motor controller (pic attached), but for some reason, when i try to access it through daq assistant in labview it doesnt see it. I also tried accessing it through VISA with no results..
Help will be appreciated.
Thanks
Peter
Solved!
Go to Solution.
Attachments:
problem.jpg ‏124 KB

You have a few things you need to look into:
When you installed the software, did it install a USB > Virtual Com Port dll such as FTDIchip or similar? If so, when you hook up your device, it'll reveal itself as a normal (new) Com Port in Device Manager. You then need to try to talk to that com port.
If you are trying to use the native USB on the board (as MAX has detected for you), then you'll need to use the .NET framework code provided by the manufacturer (probably written in C#), and make your own Constructors in LabVIEW. If you've never done this, it isn't trivial.
I would call the manufacturer and just tell them what you are trying to do. They've probably dealt with LabVIEW before, and may have an example to get you started.
edit: For fun, I followed the link you provided (which doesn't really work). I searched their site for "LabVIEW", and indeed got several hits. This one thing I downloaded (can't resist looking at code) was a gigantic turd ball. However, it did appear to use a normal Com port.
Richard

Similar Messages

Using a Phidget Motor Controller and attempting to get a feedback loop

Hello! Recently, I aquired a Phidgets 1065 motor controller and a compatible motor with built-in encoder. Currently, I am trying to write a program that allows me to input a position, and the motor moves at a user-specified speed until the encoder reaches that position. However, the original instructions to the Phidget VI's are so vague, I'm not entirely sure how to tackle this problem. Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!

It looks like Phidget has a lot of documentation on its website. This webpage might be helpful to get started: http://www.phidgets.com/docs/1065_User_Guide . This user guide shows how to connect the wires. Notice that both the motor control cables and the encoder cables are connected to the motor controller. I believe that the position control loops are performed on this controller/drive itself.
Phidget also has LabVIEW VIs that you can use to set the motor position. This new position is sent to the motor controler through the USB connection and the motor controller will control the motion to that new target position. See this document to get started with the LabVIEW API http://www.phidgets.com/docs/Language_-_LabVIEW#Quick_Downloads . See this document for more information about each of the Phidget VIs: http://www.phidgets.com/documentation/web/LabVIEWDoc/index.html I believe that you would need to look at the section that talks about the servo control module.
Take care,
Jeremy P.
Applications Engineer
National Instruments

HT5192 I have iPhone 4Gs Although I am in a good coverage area I lose network connection and re-establish connection again

I have iPhone 4Gs
Although I am in a good coverage area
I lose network connection and re-establish connection again

Please post in the iPhone forume. This is the iPod touch forum.

I have iPhone 4Gs Although I am in a good coverage area I lose network connection and re-establish connection again

I have iPhone 4Gs
Although I am in a good coverage area I lose network connection and re-establish connection again

Please post in the iPhone forume. This is the iPod touch forum.

WAGO Linux Controller and LabVIEW

Hello,
in WAGO catalogue I've seen two interesting products: The "WAGO-I/O-IPC" (758-870) and "Linux Ethernet Controller" (750-860). Both are working with Linux.
I have'nt experience in Linux, IPC and LabVIEW RT, i'm only good in LabVIEW. But I want to know
- if these two devices are programmable via LabVIEW RT,
- where I can get information, what kind of target systems available for LabVIEW RT
Thank you
C. Dietz
Test Engineering
digades GmbH
www.digades.com

Hello,
LabVIEW RealTime applications can currently run on PXI-Systems, desktop PCs, compact Fieldpoint, compact RIO and compact Vision systems. Please refer to this link for a complete overview.
These hardware targets run Pharlap or VxWorks as operating system. LabVIEW supports Linux on Intel/AMD desktops but I'm pretty sure that those applications won't run on the WAGO-I/O-IPC or the Linux Ethernet Controller.
Please let me know if you need further details.
Best regards,
Jochen Klier
National Instruments Germany

How Multisim, ELVIS 2+ Board, and Labview All Connect

My school recently obtained some ELVIS 2+ boards and I have been tasked with figuring out exactly what they can do and how we can incorporate them into the curriculum as part of my work study. Now I have all the basics down for building a circuit on the ELVIS, getting measurements and controlling inputs on the computer etc. I would like to delve deeper into what the full potential of this device is by integrating it with multisim and Labview. My question is, is it possible to construct a circuit (or partial circuit) in multisim and then send the output of said circuit to the ELVIS board where it could feed into an actual circuit. For example, could I build a voltage supply virtually in multisim, and output the voltage to a specific pin on the ELVIS board where I could wire it into my built circuit? Along the same lines, could I build a circuit on the board and send the output of the circuit to a program in Labview? Is this board capable for such things or is its connections to labview and multisim just used as a comparison tool for real life readings and simulated readings? What is the full potential of this board?

Hello,
Glad to hear about you work with NI ELVIS. The integration between ELVIS and Multisim is limited to running circuit simulations and then comparing results with the real circuit, in other words, you can compare simulated vs real measurements; this is a great approach to circuits education.
Now, if you want to have more control of the inputs/outputs available on NI ELVIS, then LabVIEW is the perfect fit. In LabVIEW you can use the NI ELVISmx Express VIs to configure settings for all the instruments. Furthermore, NI ELVIS is supported by the NI-DAQmx driver, therefore you can use the NI-DAQmx functions to acquire signals from the analog inputs, generate signals in the analog outputs, access the digital I/O and program general counter/timing functionality.
Visit the NI ELVIS & NI myDAQ Instruments and Applications community to learn more about the integration between ELVIS and LabVIEW; in this page you will find some ready-to-use applications.
Hope this helps!
Fernando D.
National Instruments

Hi, we have a G5 Blade server running OS X 10.5.8 with a dual Fibre Channel card. The OS does not read the card and cannot establish connection to the RAID controller. I have tried to move the card to another port with no luck. Ran all the updated softwar

Hi, we have a G5 Blade server running OS X 10.5.8 with adual Fibre Channel card. The OS does not read the card and cannot establishconnection to the RAID controller.
I have tried to move the card to another port with no luck.Ran all the updated software possible. Please can someone advice

Hi,
Was the card previously working in that machine? If it was and you have a G5 tower you could try the card in there. Here is a list of Apple fibre cards and cables which show what's compatible with what. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1769
The card should appear in the System Profiler under Fibre Channel and PCI Cards.
All the best
Beatle

Is LabView able to read digital inputs from maxon motors controller, EPOS2?

Hello,
I would like to ask that if LabView is able to read any digital inputs directly from a maxon motor controller, EPOS2. As i have tried making a new VI from the maxon example VI, but the difference is that i've added a input control. But the program doesn't seems to work.
That's why i would like to ask if LabView can read a direct digital input from the maxon motor controller.
Thank You & Regards,
ParkyPak
Attachments:
sensor.vi ‏34 KB

Hello Parky,
I understand now. I check on the motion controller and it is connected through USB to your computer. In term of controlling the motion controller, you are using some LabVIEW library from maxon. The photosensor is connected to the motion controller may be as a switch or as a limit switch.
In order to read the value of the Digital input port, you may need to take a look of the libraries to check on what function call and the supported command to check the digital input port. If this is not successful, then question or referring to examples from Maxon motors would be the best.
I hope that this helps.
James
- Meadow -
LabVIEW 7.0 - 2011, Vision, RT, FPGA
TestStand 3.0 - 4.5

Can DAQ send signal to motor controller?

Dear all,
I have been busy with a project since 6 months. This project involves a DAQ which acquires loadcell samples while a linear motor pressing on a loadcell.
the DAQ i am using is "NI USB-6343", the linear motor controller is Newport SMC 100(has its labview drivers). I am controlling both of them with labview and I managed to build my application. BUT there is only one problem.
The problem I am facing is: The motor controller has a limited response time like 220 ms while DAQ is acquiring sample in every 1 ms.
So while running the tests, when DAQ's acquired value reached 5 Newton preload, the vi. stops the linear motor using the motor controller's labview drivers. Since motor controller's response time is high, this preload goes over 5 Newton, because the linear motor keeps pressing the loadcell due the the motor controllers late response time.
So what I want to know is that: When the certain value is reached, can I force the Motor Controller to do "stop.vi" action by DAQ? , for example, Can I manage this with DAQ trigger signal options?
Note: I built my application with case structures(like move the linear motor in true case untill a value is reached, then get to the false case structure to stop the motor and return home position)
Kindly waiting for your responses,
I really want to solve this problem, please help me.
Sincerely,

Dear apok,
Please see the attached view of my vi. I can not try to enter lower preload to match with what I really want, because it is unpredictable and it is not professional solution.
It is always 220 ms for motor controller. Isn't there any solution with DAQ triggering options or something else?
Kind Regards,
Sincerely.
Attachments:
Loadcell&MotorControl.png ‏286 KB

Linear actuator controlled with external encoder and smart motor - randomly stops

Hi,
This is my first experience with Labview or any sort of programming for that matter. I am using an Animatic Smart Motor Model: SM1720M version 4.15b with an Ultra Motion Bug linear actuator: 4-2B.125-SM17-3.2-1NO-B/EC4 and a 600 series optical encoder. I am trying to write a VI that allows me to manually control the linear actuator using the encoder. I attached the one I have been using, but for some reason it randomly stops working, generally when the actuator is extended about an inch and 2 1/2 inches. It stops in the same general area, but not the exact same spot. Any ideas? Any help would be much appreciated!
Attachments:
Manual Command.vi ‏29 KB

1. The VISA Clear and VISA Close should be outside the loop. You do not want to be re-initializing the VISA session each time through the loop.
2. You have the port initialized to use line feed as a termination character. When using termination character, you should not use Bytes at Port. Just set the byte count input of VISA Read to a constant larger than the longest message you expect to receive.
3. With the termination character you do not need the waits between or before the reads.
4. The 10 ms Wait in the outer loop is rather meaningless when the start button is True. The VISA Write takes much longer than 10 ms for the string you are writing. It does make sense to have a Wait in the False case.
5. The start button is set to Latch When Released mechanical action. With that setting it retuns to False every time it is read. The result is that the code in the True case only executes one time for each press of the button. Is that what you want?
A state machine architecture is more flexible and more robust.
As to why it stops in a particular place, you have not given us nearly enough information to even guess. What is the relationship between motor speed and displacement? Where do you do anything with the encoder? What is the format of the encoder output? How far does the motor move at various speed settings during one iteration of the outer loop? Where is the command to stop the motor when it gets to where you want it?
What error messages, if any, do you get when it stops?
Lynn

How do I establish serial communication using LabView to two stepper motors using a motor controller?

I currently use an off the shelf motor controller to run my two stepper motors. It already has integrated a firmware software that sends commands to operate each motor. I would like to create an interface where I can send these commands using LabView. If someone can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

Look at the examples for the serial VISA vi. Something like Basic serial write and read.vi is a good starting point.
Have you searched for a LabVIEW driver at the NI LV driver network? Asked the vendor?
If you write your own driver with the serial VISA vis remember to open and configure the port only once at the beginning and close it at the end of your program.
Message Edited by Henrik Volkers on 07-13-2009 04:21 PM
Greetings from Germany
Henrik
LV since v3.1
“ground” is a convenient fantasy
'˙˙˙˙uıɐƃɐ lɐıp puɐ °06 ǝuoɥd ɹnoʎ uɹnʇ ǝsɐǝld 'ʎɹɐuıƃɐɯı sı pǝlɐıp ǝʌɐɥ noʎ ɹǝqɯnu ǝɥʇ'

Establish connection between labview and Lantronix XPort Pro

Hi:
I am pretty new in this field. I just got into grad program, and I have been asked to establish a TCP/IP connection between Lantronix XPort Pro and labview 8.5. The goal is to get data from the server (Lantronix XPort Pro) and put them into labview and modify them, then I need to send modified data back into server.
The server has registered into local network wirelessly, it has IP 192.168.5.117 in port 26.
I would really appreciate your help and comments.
cheers!
Kian.

Which field are you "new" to? Programming in general? Programming in LabVIEW? TCP/IP?
Have you taken a look at the TCP/IP examples that ship with LabVIEW? There are simple Data Client/Data Server examples that show transfer of data over TCP/IP. You will likely need to do something very similar. Does the XPort Pro have a TCP/IP listener running? Do you have a communication protocol defined?
Also, if you are new the LabVIEW, have you gone through any of the tutorials? To learn more about LabVIEW it is recommended that you go through the introduction material, tutorial(s), and other material in the NI Developer Zone's Learning Center which provides links to other materials and other tutorials. You can also take the online courses for free.

Running 2 stepper motors with LabVIEW using RMV ST400-NT controller and driver

Hello, I am new to programming as well as motors in general so please bare with me in my attempt to explain myself. I have a project involving laser therapy and I am attempting to control two stepper motors from Falhauber, Type AM2224-R3-AV-4.8. I will be using a RMV ST400-NT controller and driver. Original plan was to use 3 stepper motors for control in 3 axis but realized 2 axis is complicated enough. My power source is an Agilent E3630A. I am new to this whole thing and from what I have read form examples and other posts is that NI drivers seem to work best for these applications. I've written simple programs from examples, reading and watching videos. I want to know whether it's possible for these to work together using LabVIEW and also a nudge to help me get started would be much appreciated. Can someone please help guide me in the right direction, I feel a bit lost when it comes to all this. Thank you for your time and consideration. Also, I will be using Windows 8 laptop with Labview 8.5. I have attached pics of components I will be using.
Justo T.
Attachments:
photo 1.JPG ‏1150 KB
photo 2.JPG ‏987 KB
photo 3.JPG ‏1085 KB

Hi jtarula,
I want to preface this response by saying that I am mre familiar with NI controller and driver rather than the one that you have. I am assuming that you are using the dll provided by the manufacturer here:
http://www.rmv.com/download.htm
With these, you should be able to interface with LabVIEW using the call library function node. What the controller is capable I am uncertain of. I am certain that you should be able to since another user has commented on the use in LabVIEW before in another forum post.
I also want to let you know that LabVIEW 8.5 is not supported on Windows 8, which means that you may run into some compatibility issues. Here is the compatibility chart.
Paolo F.
National Instruments
Applications Engineer

How to finetune the force control of an AC Motor Linear Actuator?

Hello,
I
am hoping to find some help here with the following problem, which I am trying
to solve for several days now....
I
am using the UMI-7774 and an AC servo-motor-driven linear actuator to do
force control. Basically, I need the actuator to apply a constant force and
react quickly to force changes. My system setup is as follows: I am using
a PCI-7344 Motion Control Card to provide the analogue command signal
(0-10V). This signal is supplied to the actuator controller (through a
UMI-7774), which transforms the command signal to an amperage command signal
(0-2.17Arms). This is the signal controlling the actuator’s torque. The actuator controller is working in torque mode. I use
a Kistler PZT force sensor (ring type) and a Kistler amplifier as my feedback
source. The signal from the sensor amplifier is directly connected to the ADC of the
UMI. I am using MAX to tune my system and define a PID controller that gives
me a good step response.
(1)
The results so far show that it works in principle, but I believe my system is
not yet tuned optimally. However, the best step response results I have
obtained and the PID parameters I used are shown in the attached files. As I am
relatively new to this area, could you please advise me on how I could further
improve the step response of the system? The current rise time and
overshoot values are very good (a 3% overshoot would also be acceptable),
but the observed undershoot is causing delayed settling. Also, the oscillation
observed during undershoot is something I would like to remove.
(2)
I have tried increasing Kp and Kd values. Increased Kd does not seem to correct
the oscillation problem. On the contrary, it destabilises the system. Increasing
Kp causes an unwanted overshoot. I have also tried to reduce the
Derivative Sampling Period but that gave even worse results (System Inertia: J
= 1.8629*10^-5 Kgm^2).
At
Td=2 the actuator was retracting on its own to its home position when I set Ki>=8.
I got the most stable behaviour using Td=4. Is there any other way I could
improve the actuator’s response?
(3)
I have seen that in some cases people have used a “double PID loop” one
for the encoder feedback and one for the force feedback. Do you believe that
this would improve system behaviour? If so, how could
I implement two PID loops? I mean, MAX only allows me to enter
one set of PIDs....or is there a possibility to set up a second PID-loop
somewhere?....I have seen that the "Force Control Using Monitoring
Force" example essentially works with two Closed-loops, but one of them is
implemented in the application software and this would result in a
non-deterministic and comparatively slow response of the system, right??
Sorry for the long post and thanks
a lot in advance for help and advice.
Attachments:
Force Conrtol Loop Settings Actuator-BEST.JPG ‏41 KB
Step Responce Actuator-Force Feedback-BEST.JPG ‏58 KB

Hello Jochen and thank you for your very nice reply.
The past few days I have been trying to implement your advice, but unfortunately I did not have much success. Let me start by saying that explanations to my problem, the 2nd one looked more probable, as I always make sure that there is contact between my actuator and the workpiece I am pushing against. So, I unmapped my DAC by setting up the axis as a stepper axis with no feedback and I used the Load DAC to apply voltage and see when my actuator starts moving. That gave me the upper and lower limits for the Static Friction Compensation filter (please refer to attached image). I then implemented this filter and tried to retune the PID parameters, but the results I got were poor.
I can now adjust the parameters so that there is no initial spike and undershoot, but now the force ramps up fast to a specific value and then keeps rising slowly. Vibration is observed at the point of transition from fast to slow ramp-up (ref. Step Responce Actuator-Force Feedback-WITH FILTER_v2).
I could not eliminate the steady state error. When I tried to eliminate the steady state error by increasing Ki, or tried to create an initial overshoot by increasing Kp, I always ended up with an unstable system or a system with a response similar to the one shown in attached figure “Step Responce Actuator-Force Feedback-WITH FILTER_v1”.
Do you perhaps have an explanation or comments for this behaviour? As for your other questions:
Sensor Bandwidth: N/A, Charge Amplifier Bandwidth: 200 kHz, Low pass filter: No (Amplifier has the capability though)
PID Update Period: 250 microseconds (fastest available)
NI Motion Version 2.3
Labview Version 8.5.1
Thank you,
Thomas
Attachments:
Step Responce Actuator-Force Feedback-Filter Settings.JPG ‏28 KB
Step Responce Actuator-Force Feedback-WITH FILTER_v2.JPG ‏69 KB
Step Responce Actuator-Force Feedback-Filter Settings.JPG ‏28 KB

LabVIEW driver for a ControlTechniques motor controller

Anyone know of LabVIEW driver for a ControlTechniques
Unidrive motor controller?
Or any info/pointers to programming them via LabVIEW?
Any help much appreciated
Paul
Dr Paul Rocca - Managing Director
Brill Engineering Ltd, 3 Longwood Court,
Love Lane, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
GL7 1YG. www.brill-eng.co.uk
Phone: 01285 883888 Fax: 01285 883876
NI Alliance Member Since 1992
Please note that calls may be recorded using our leading edge digital
recording product AudioPC.
Any opinions expressed in the email are those of the individual and not
necessarily of the Company. This email and any files transmitted with it are
confidential a
nd solely for the use of the intended recipient. It may
contain material protected by lawyer-client privilege. If you are not the
intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering to the intended
recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that
any use is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error ple
ase notify the Security Manager by telephone on +44 (0)1285 883821 or by
email to [email protected]

LV can interface to 232, 485, Devicenet... depending on what the controller has.
You could find a LV/CVI driver for this (232/GPIB/ethernet only) instrument at http://www.ni.com/devzone/idnet/default.htm . If it's not listed there, it leaves you with one of a couple options. First, I would like you to submit a request for this driver at: http://zone.ni.com/idnet97.nsf/instrumentdriverrequest/
We develop drivers based on demand and popularity so the more requests we have for it, the greater the possibility that we will develop one.
If you would like to try developing your own instrument driver (or modify the existing one), we have documentation, model instrument drivers, and driver templates to help at :
http://www.ni.com/devzone/idnet/development.htm
We also have a syndicate of third party vendors that specialize in National Instruments' products and services. Some of the vendors specialize in driver development. I would suggest contacting one of the Alliance members at:
http://www.ni.com/alliance
An instrument driver is a collection of functions that implement the commands necessary to perform the instrument�s operations. In short, someone read the instrument user manual and implemented some of the functionality in a program for the end user. Instrument drivers are not necessary to use your instrument. They are merely time savers to help you develop your project so you do not need to study the manual before writing a program. With all of this work already done for you in the driver, instrument drivers can significantly reduce development time.
There are example VI's in LV on Instrument Connectivity. If you go to the Help menu >> Examples.. >> I/O, you will see a couple and Examples.. >> Fundamentals for File and String manipulation. I would suggest tweaking them to suit your application. Also the specific command that your instrument responds to can be found from it's manual.
Some useful resources for your application are
ni.com > NI Developer Zone > Development Library > Instrument Connectivity
http://search.ni.com/?col=alldocs&layout=TechResources&ql=a , to search examples and knowledge bases
Hope this helps.

Linear actuator, motor controller and labview. Establishing connection.

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for