Where do I start (complete newbe)

Question

Here we go. I need to learn LabVIEW ASAP!  Where do I start? My background: 1 yr vb.NET GUI w/ ACS Motion ControllerI Program in C/C++, vb.NET, C#, Java, ACSPL+, ladder logic and assembler and C for PIC microcontrollers. (with varying degrees of success)I am a junior in the BSCS program at Metro State University finishing my degree at night; I am also doing a math minor.I am practically comfortable with signal conditioning electronics.I have worked with (used) LabVIEW based systems for the last 5 years.I can learn just about anything if I can find some form of detailed info on it (I don’t need everything “abstracted” for my own good!) What I am up to: I have specified a system using a cFP-2210 and a quad encoder, adc and strain gauge module to build a system that logs data to a PC by a user click a start/ stop button.  I don’t have the specifics nailed down yet but each channel will need to acquire 100 samples/ sec.  I can figure this out on my own. What I need: I have not written a single line of LabVIEW code.  In fact, I understand that you don’t write lines of code in LabVIEW.  What I need is a book or tutorial that can explain the boring old basics of how to get started building a simple GUI, hooking up to cFP and collecting data.  I have searched AMAZON and there seems to be several books but I have no Idea which one to buy.  Help! Also, I have looked at the Developers Zone and found some helpful info but no “getting started” tutorial.  I assume this is because LabVIEW is such a broad product that getting started is different for every one but what I need is some basic LabVIEW programming how to.  Help! Thanks for your time and I look forward to your replies.  I am always excited to learn a new language. Kyle    

Answer 1

Ehhh, actually you could learn the basics in about 5 minutes.  Just understand that each control or function represents a structure and the connectors are where you pass parameters in and out of it.  Do you have LabVIEW in front of you right now?
Let's do it!  Take a simple function like addition:
Two inputs on the left (the two numbers to add), one output to the right (the sum of the two numbers).
Mouse over the top left input.  The cursor turns into what's supposed to be a spool of wire.
Right-click and you have a menu.  Choose Create -->  Control.
LabVIEW correctly guesses you want a numeric control.  A control is where you can input data of your own.  Check it out!
Mouse over the bottom left input.  You get the spool again.  This time choose Create --> Constant from the right-click menu.  A box opens up.  Enter a number you'd like to add.  I'll choose "3."
Now right-click on the output and choose Create --> Indicator.  This makes what comes out of the function visible.  LabVIEW knows it's a number you want to see and chooses the right type of indicator for you.
Now enter a number in the "x" numeric control either by using the up/down arrows or just by entering a number.  I'll choose "5."
Click on the run arrow () and...
You just made your first VI!  I was going to do a "hello world," but this example is actually easier. 
Bill
Edit:
Just remember that the inputs and outputs are paramters passed into and out of a structure.  Wires merely take the output from one sttructure and pass it into the input of another.  As you would expect, the types of parameters you are passing from one to another have to match in type.  Plop down another function, then delete the indicator.  Wire the output of the original function to an input of the new one.  Do lots of other stuff, too. 
Message Edited by billko on 08-14-2009 01:15 PM
Bill
(Mid-Level minion.)
My support system ensures that I don't look totally incompetent.
Proud to say that I've progressed beyond knowing just enough to be dangerous. I now know enough to know that I have no clue about anything at all.