A simple example for LabVIEW to write to USB-6501 outputs?

[Andy_Swain]

I've just purchased a USB-6501, and am just looking for a simple example for Labview to write to a few USB-6501 outputs, from LabVIEW 8.2.

The few references I've found on the NI site tell me to go through "Find Examples", but even by following the references exactly, it doesn't lead me to anything about the USB-6501 or anything like it!

I just can't believe that this could be so difficult...

Can anyone help?

[NIquist]

That's because it's not difficult.  You can specify which hardware to limit the search to down in the lower left corner of the Example Finder.  But it will just point you at Write Dig channel.vi, Read Dig Channel.vi and their equivelents except using Ports.   The 6501 is pretty limited.

NOTE:  After you find the USB-6501 in the list, make sure it's properly selected or you won't get anything.

[Andy_Swain]

Thanks for the reply. There must be something wrong with my LabVIEW then...

I've accessed Example Finder, looked in the lower left corner of the screen, and selected only USB-6501 Hardware.

All that appear in the centre pane then are "Favorites" and "Most Recent" folders.

If I deselect limiting to USB-6501 hardware, a whole list of folders and vi-s appear, with their requirements listed in the lower right box; most of them are for PCI, PXI, USB232 or 485, ENET, AT, etc. (but not USB-6501).

So I can't find anything like "Write Dig channel.vi", "Read Dig Channel.vi", or such.

I know the 6501 isn't supposed to be complex, but that's all I need for the task(s) - simple digital i/o to run on an old LabVIEW 8.2 setup.

I must have fallen down one of the many NI pitfalls my colleagues complain about.

I'll have to battle on...

Thanks again for your suggestion.

[sebster]

Have you installed the DAQmx drivers yet? (available http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/2337/lang/en)

I've attached the properties page of the Write Dig Chan.vi that is on my LabVIEW 8.6 system so you can see the path to it.

With the USB-6501 plugged in to your computer a 'DAQ Assistant' express vi should be able to control it very easily.

[Andy_Swain · Accepted solution]

Eureka!  I've tried the USB-6501 on another machine, checked the Example Finder, and can actually see the examples!

So, I presume that the original laptop hadn't got the DAQmx drivers and software installed properly/fully, so although it recognised the device, it couldn't locate the examples, either on the laptop or online, for whatever reason.

I'll re-install the disk on the laptop anyway, which should hopefully solve the issue, and then get on with the original task.

Thanks to NIquist and sebster for giving me guidance, (and saving me from hitting the kit with a hammer!).