Download Cell Assistant - Dynamometer Test Automation Software

Chapter 3 Getting Started
2.1 Hardware Devices Tab
The first step in creating a TestSystem is to install device drivers for all attached devices. All devices
(serial port or network based) should be connected to the host computer and powered up. Add a
driver instance for each connected device. Although rarely necessary, multiple devices of the same
type (and hence multiple instances of the device driver) are allowed.
A set of device configuration dialogs are available for each device. These dialogs are used to
configure the serial port and/or network communications settings as well as other device-specific
configuration. Simple diagnostic dialogs are also available to test communications and overall
functionality of each connected device.
Do not proceed to the next step until you have successfully established communications with each
device.
2.2 Channels Tab
The second step is to create virtual channels that exchange data with the various installed devices.
Some channels may be data channels (e.g. thermocouple readings, voltage readings, PLC I/O bits,
etc.) while others may be device control channels (e.g. On/Off and Speed/Torque mode commands
to a dynamometer controller). Other channel types such as internal timers, averages of other
channels, computed channels, etc. can also be created.
If your system has been completely specified and fully designed, all channels can be created at this
time. Unfortunately, this situation rarely occurs. Plus, it is also a good practice to build your design in
smaller increments; therefore, initially create just a few analog input channels (e.g. temperatures,
voltages, speed readings, torque readings, etc.) for each installed device.
Start data acquisition to test the channels created in the previous step as well as to further test
communication with the connected devices.
Select ‘Control’ then ‘Start Data Acquisition’ from the main menu. A warning dialog may appear
since the previously created channels have not yet been calibrated. Check the ‘Do Not Warn Again’
checkbox and click the ‘Continue’ button to start data acquisition. If all devices are properly
connected and configured, data acquisition will start with no errors. The ‘DAQ’ indicator will appear
in the status bar at the bottom of the Cell Assistant main application window. If any error dialogs
appear, one or more devices are not properly connected and/or configured. Return to the ‘Hardware
Devices’ tab to resolve these issues.
Use the Channel Viewer utility to view and validate all acquired data. Select ‘View’ then ‘Channel
Data’ from the main menu. The Channel Viewer utility will appear. All channel data is displayed and
actively updated.
Note: The Channel Viewer utility can be used to modify channel data. While this
typically makes no sense for input channels (as they are continuously re-acquired and
updated by the data acquisition subsystem), this is extremely helpful for debugging
output channels. Later on (after various analog, digital, or device control output channels
have been created), the Channel Viewer can be used to write data to these channels
which ultimately send voltage commands, speed/torque setpoints, etc. to connected
devices.
DyneSystems • Cell Assistant
DPD-008-02 • © Copyright DyneSystems, Inc.
Creating a TestSystem
3.3