Setting up/Debugging the National Instruments DAQ to connect the MTS with VIC 3D: From Kristin Myers
Connect a BNC cable from the back of the MTS (I think it’s called STRAIN1 or something like that) to the NI DAQ which is connected to the VIC 3D computer via the USB Carrier. There are a few BNC connections in the back of the MTS - try them all. The BNC is a simple analog out that emits 0-10Volts. Use a multimeter to test which ones are on. I think we had to pay MTS to turn on that analog out channel. Once connected, in Vic SNAP click on the Analog button and see if you are reading a signal - tap the load cell or run a mock test to see if the analog signal correlates to the load cell. Also make sure that Vic Snap is creating the excel file w/ the appropriate analog readings. In Testworks you may have to program it to send this signal. You also may have to calibrate the 0-10 voltage according to the range of load cell you are using.
Other things that can help you debug:
- make sure you have updated drivers from NI
- use a multimeter to test BNC cable and analog out of the MTS
- Turn computers on/off, or reload Vic Snap (there is a small amount of voodoo to get Vic Snap working)
