Static C++ Library in LabVIEW

[pru]

I want to use the attached library in LV in order to communicate with a device. The library is written in Visual C++ 6 and the developers say that it is compatible with ANSI C projects. I want to use the Call Function Library Node but this can only include dll files. But this library is a static one (lib). The DLL_CHR.def file seems to be a work around so that the library can pretend to be a dll (I'm not really sure about that).
I can open the lib file with node but I can not chose any functions. Can anybody help me?
I'm using LV 7.1 and have the possibilty to upgrade to 8.1 if needed.

Patrick

[smercurio_fc]

It may be compatible with ANSI C projects, but then LabVIEW is not an ANSI C project...

Unfortunately, you need a DLL for Windows. In Linux you use a shared library (.lib).

Can't the developers simply compile it into a DLL? It's not that hard.

[l_bala]

Have you looked at using the Code Interface Node? You can access the C++ code through the function generated by LV, and it not necessary that the library be dynamic. Again, making it dynamic is not that hard

[pru]

I don't have the source code for the library. So I can't create a dll.

And from the manual I've understood, that you need the source code to create CINs. Otherwise it won't work, since you have to declare every methode with the word CIN.

[pru]

Okay, we can stop the dicussion. I called the support.
Due to complicated pointers and structures the library does not work with LV.
One possibility would be to use LabWindows or low level communication via RS232. Since I only got LV I will do the low level communication.