Using the system:

If you are using a computer without LabVIEW installed, the LabVIEW run-time engine plug-in is needed to view and operate the acquisition system. This executable can be downloaded from National Instruments. Note that it is a large download, and it is highly recommended that you download and install the plug-in before you visit the acquisition system page. The plug-in is supported by Internet Explorer and Netscape, but not Firefox.

Starting and running the acquisition system Virtual Instrument:

When the acquisition system is accessed, it will appear as shown below.

To gain control of the VI (LabVIEW Virtual Instrument), right-click and select "request control." If someone else is currently using the VI, you will be notified that you must wait for them to reach the end of their time limit. There is a limit of 1 minute if someone else is waiting.

If the white arrow is visible at the upper left corner of the VI, it must first be clicked to run the VI.

When the VI is run, the stiffness will first automatically be changed. Then select the desired sampling rate and excitation type, and click "Start Acquisition." The experiment will be performed, which takes approximately 10 seconds, and then the data will be plotted in the window. A video of the system is also recorded.

If you are going to acquire data for both impact and initial displacement, and wish to have the same parameters for both data sets, the impact data set must be recorded first. Also, be sure to save the hyperlink to the recorded data before running the initial displacement acquisition. if the data is obtained in this order, you will not have to change the stiffness between excitation types.

If you have any technical difficulties, you can go here to download pre-recorded data sets and videos.

Reconfiguration of the new web server has forced temporary shutdown of pre-recorded data – this will be corrected shortly

Plotting the data:

The buttons on the left side of the VI can be used to select which channels are plotted. In order to be able to zoom in on the plot, the VI must be stopped (by pressing the large "Stop" button). The zoom tools are located at the lower right corner of the plot. For details on how to operate the zoom tools, go here.

Downloading the data and video:

To download the data and video of your experiment, open the page whose URL is shown at the bottom of the VI. You can highlight the URL and press CTRL-C to copy it.

Operate live acquisition system