CH_LM Instrument Driver Readme

To rate this instrument driver, go to the driver download page on the Instrument Driver Network.

1. Overview

Instrument Driver Technology: LabVIEW Plug and Play
Manufacturer: Coherent, Inc.
Supported Language(s): LabVIEW 7.1 (A separate library for LV 8.2 is avalaible, too.)
Supported Model(s): LabMax
Model(s) Tested: LabMax TOP
Interface(s): GPIB, Serial, USB
Firmware Revision(s) Tested: V2.9, Mar 20 2008

Certified: No
NI Supported: No
Source Code Available: Yes

Driver Revision: 1.3
Original Release Date: 11/29/2007
Current Revision Date: 06/15/2008

2. Required Software

Some software components need to be installed before using this instrument driver. The minimum versions of these components are listed below. They are part of the distribution.

LabMax OEM Software: ActiveX Control (CLabMaxLowLevCtl Object) Version 1.0.0.5, USB Driver

Refer to the LabVIEW Help for more information about software requirements. You access the LabVIEW Help by selecting Help»Search the LabVIEW Help.

3. Known Issues

To report issues or provide feedback about this instrument driver, please send an email to instrument.drivers@ni.com or support@BrandNewTechnologies.de.

4. Getting Started ...

Open the CH_LM VI Tree.vi. In the upper left corner of the block diagram you find the CH_LM ActiveX Control.vi. This VI must be started first and prior to all other VIs of this driver. You can start it manually or call it from your application VI. You have to specify the communication mode. Only one communication mode can be selected at one time. Mixed communication modes are not supported by the current version of the LabMax ActiveX Control. You can stop the VI from the front panel or via occurrence in an application.

You have to call the CH_LM VI Initialize.vi for every meter you want to use. You need to supply the address, GPIB address or COM port number, or, in case of USB, meter index or serial number. You have to call the CH_LM Close.vi for every meter to disconnect.

You can view the connected meters with serial number and index in: CH_LM Utility Monitor Meter List.vi.

Refer also to the Example VIs to get started.

5. Demo Application ...

Open the CH_LM VI Tree.vi. In the upper right corner of the block diagram you find the CH_LM App Main.vi which starts CH_LM ActiveX Control.vi automatically, so, it must not be started before. You will be prompted to specify the communication mode. Only one communication mode can be selected at one time. Mixed communication modes are not supported by the current version of the LabMax ActiveX Control. In case of GPIB and RS232 communication you need to sepcify the LabMax meters to use via Menu->Settings->Interface.... Then you are prompted to select the LabMax meters to be used by the current frontpanel. You can do also change your selection later via Menu->File->Select Devices or by clicking the button in the upper left corner. If you want to read data from multiple selected meters in synchronous mode you have to check the menu option Menu->Settings->DAQ->Synchronous. Use Menu->Help->Show Context Help or press CTRL+H to open the context help window and point with the mouse to the desired control/indicator.

6. Revision History

The latest version of this and other LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI instrument drivers can be downloaded at the Instrument Driver Network or Coherent.