Hello Everyone,
I am building a MOKE device which will need to transfer data from a Lock-in Amplifier to a PC using LabVIEW. Do I need to use a SCB-68 to be connected between a the Lock-in Amplifier and the PC or can I connect the Lock-in directly to the PC, and if so with what type of cable? I also am having trouble starting the design of the LabVIEW program, if anyone can help with that also.
Thank you for any replies, they are all helpful.
https://www.lehigh.edu/~jph7/website/Physics262/aMaxsonLockIn.pdf
Dear Edward Ryan,
First of all check the type of communication ports available with the instrument. Generally, instruments provide GPIB, RS232 or in some new cases USB. But in your case it must be both (first two). For GPIB you need GPIB cabe which is little costly. But if you already have it then that's the best to use. It offers faster data transfer. If you don't need faster data transfer simple RS232 (9 pin cable) is ok. Just to confirm I have gone through the data sheet and found that it offers these communications.
Now, once the instrument connection provision is made you need to have the LabVIEW instrument driver installed. Once installed please check the options (icons) will now be available in LabVIEW for programming.
If you face problem in controlling the instrument I will suggest to use any general serial monitor software just to check the device functionality. For this
a command need to be sent and the expected response should be identified. For this you really don't need any driver. Once the valid command is recognised it probably will enter into remote mode. If it happens the instrument communication is working fine. Further, you can proceed for LabVIEW program development.
Best wishes
Dear Edward Ryan ,
P. K. Dubey explains in detail about the cable that connects the PC to the device.
As for communication after the cable connection is made, the manufacturer sometimes provides official drivers for LabVIEW.There are also cases where individuals have unofficially released their own drivers. These need to be used at your own risk, but if they work well, they can save you a lot of development effort.
For example, check out the following links.
- http://sine.ni.com/apps/utf8/niid_web_display.model_page?p_model_id=1536
- https://forums.ni.com/t5/LabVIEW/Lock-In-Amplifier-SR830/td-p/237983
Thank you Kengo Shibuya and P. K. Dubey
I was able to find a LabVIEW program (sr830.vi) on the ni website based on the SR830. Since I am only able to get in the lab on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the moment I have been unable to successfully test this program out. Thank you for the insight on the cables as I have been struggling to find the right connection method, but I know that their is a 9 pin to 9 pin cable that I can use.
I was wondering if you have worked with the sr830.vi before, and if so was there any changes that needed to be made based on the progran itself to receive proper data?
Dear Edward Ryan ,
As you may know, before creating a control program in LabVIEW, it is recommended to use NI MAX (Measurement & Automation Explorer) to make sure that the connection between the PC and the device is well established. NI MAX can be downloaded from the NI website for free.
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