SR400 continuous two-channel counting

[matkin]

I am using photon counter SR400 for low level luminescence light measurement. I have prepared a program, where I have used counter T and preset a needed time for counting. I have used channel A (input 1) in CW mode for signal. The developed Labview code works well for 1-channel setup.

Now I want to extend the system for 2-channels. I have revised the code to enable measurement of channels A and B (inputs 1 and 2) at the same time. But now there seems to be some problems. Counter B is not initialized and it does not response to the commands, given by Labview software.

Does anybody have experience on this kind of problems? What should I do to get channel B working in CW mode, where counting period is set by counter T and present time? (Input 1 and 2 are measured simultaneously)

[Blokk]

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@matkin wrote:

I am using photon counter SR400 for low level luminescence light measurement. I have prepared a program, where I have used counter T and preset a needed time for counting. I have used channel A (input 1) in CW mode for signal. The developed Labview code works well for 1-channel setup.

Now I want to extend the system for 2-channels. I have revised the code to enable measurement of channels A and B (inputs 1 and 2) at the same time. But now there seems to be some problems. Counter B is not initialized and it does not response to the commands, given by Labview software.

Does anybody have experience on this kind of problems? What should I do to get channel B working in CW mode, where counting period is set by counter T and present time? (Input 1 and 2 are measured simultaneously)

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You just do not give enough information so I cannot help. Several things which you should specify for this product (http://www.thinksrs.com/products/SR400.htm 😞

1. How do you interface your PC to this instrument? GPIB? RS232? Analogue output?
2. If you use the analogue outputs, what kind of DAQ hardware you use?
3. Attach your VI so we can have a look, and give better advice about possible problems...

 EDIT: "Counter B is not initialized and it does not response to the commands, given by Labview software."

By this sentence, I think you do not use analogue outputs, but the RS232 or the GPIB interface. Right? Anyway, you should show your code.

[Alexander_Sobolev]

I would say that the problem is not with LabVIEW code, interface type or configuration but with counter programming using its internal language. So I doubt VI would help at this point.

I have worked with similar devices, but no exactly with this counter, so only general advices:

Is counter capable of running these measurements in parallel?

Are you able to configure these measurements and run counter using its front panel controls? Try to repeat the same steps in your program.

Possible program errors:

Sometimes calling command without a parameter presumes default channel (A). 

Try to configure and run channel B measurement only.

Check if there are specific commands for 2 channel measurements: for example first you need to say that you are running 2 channel measurements, but you do not have a similar command when configuring 1 channel measurement.