File Tools

  File Tools is LaVIEW a toolkit which helps working with some file types. The list of tools in this toolkit is as follows:

  • Execute File – a couple of VIs for executing one or multiple files. This tool can be used for launching documents or other files as well as executable files.
  • HEXrw – this tool reads and writes Intel hex files as described in Wikipedia. The HEXread.vi is a polymorphic VI. You have options to read 8, 16, 32, 64-Bit files. HEXwrite.vi automatically selects what type of file to create based on address and data size.
  • RW_INI – this tool provides simple VIs for reading and writing of configuration files in ini format. Both ReadFromIni.vi and WriteToIni.vi are polymorphic and allow for different data types to be used. You can choose from boolean, double, integer, path, string and unsigned. Those VIs are not meant for use in loops. They open (create) a file, read or write a single parameter and close the file.

  The Array Tools can download as zip file here: download link. It includes the full source code and VIP installer for JKI VIPM.

 

Array Tools

  This is LabVIEW a toolkit, meant for array processing tools. Currently the contents is as follows:

  • LogSort – this tool sorts logically 1D string array. Big part of this tool I found on NI’s forums. Those VIs are sorted a bit, but I haven’t put my copyright in them of course. I replaced the original swapping with a set of new VIs that are capable of sorting strings, containing multiple numbers, numbers with leading zeros, IP addresses… It is a bit slower than the original, but provides better sorting. If you are sorting thousands of strings, it will take some time, but even Windows takes its time sotring files by name and it is not really good at it. The vip file will install 2 icons in your Functions menu under PenoffTools>>ArrayTools>>LogSort: LogSort and LogicSwap. LogSort is the VI that does full 1D array sorting. LogicSwap is a part of the tool and it only swaps 2 strings if need in order to sort them. It can be used to sort 2 strings if you ever need that.

The Array Tools can download as zip file here: download link. It includes the full source code and VIP installer for JKI VIPM.

Numeric

  The LabVIEW Numeric toolkit contains a few VIs for numeric operations. The following list shows the VIs you will find in Functions menu if you install this toolkit as a VI package:

LV_Numeric

  • 2’s_Comp_to_Num and Num_to_2’s_Comp – a couple of VIs for converting between decimal and 2’s complement numbers
  • SIprefixConverter – converts a number for use with a specific SI prefix. For example you can use it to convert from nano to base or from kilo to mega or anything else you choose. Both input and output prefix are selectable.
  • x_power_y – calculates x to the power of y
  • y_root_x – calculates y-th root of x
  • NumToNoDecPtStr – a VI to convert a number to a sort of scientific notation, but without using decimal point (or comma). It uses the SI prefix instead. For example you can convert 4523 to 4k523 or 0.025 to 25m. You can also add unit.

  The Numeric toolkit can download as zip file here: download link. It includes the full source code and VIP installer for JKI VIPM.

PSU KA3005P Driver

   Couple of years back I needed a lab power supply and I bought one, which supports computer control. RND Lab 320-KA3005P is the model. Nothing fancy, but does its job. It came with software for computer control. I immediately recognized LabVIEW controls and looked for LabVIEW driver, but couldn’t find one. I decided to write one myself. The instructions manual was not bad and provided most of the commands. For some I had to search for manual of other similar power supplies. It turned out that there are multiple companies, which use the same commands (perhaps same firmware and maybe even same hardware made in the same factory).

PSU_KA3005P_pic1

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Snake Game

Recently I found the good old snake game in LabVIEW version on National Instrument’s Code Exchange pages (link). Since LabVIEW is very expensive software for professional use in research and manufacturing, I didn’t expect to find games made with it. This really surprised me and I tried it. It has some issues and not really great design practices. I spent some time to rebuild the game in a little better way, fixed the issues I found and did some changes on the playing grid (array) to make it less exhausting for the eyes. I also added high score option so you can keep your record. There is a startup screen for couple of seconds as well. Looks nice and brings some joy 🙂 It’s far from perfect, but it is just for fun. I didn’t find any license notice on the page I got it from, so I am assuming it is OK to release my modification for free.

Download link