The Caliper

Linux and LabVIEW

LabVIEW and LabPro
(Open Source Code)

We have continued to work with LabVIEW as a way to program LabPro. Why are we working with LabVIEW when we have a full-featured program, Logger Pro, for data collection with LabPro? Here are some reasons why you may be interested in using LabVIEW with LabPro:

• We offer a collection of simple data-collection and control programs (called Virtual Instruments, or VIs) on our web site at www.vernier.com/labview. These VIs can be used as they stand or modified by LabVIEW programmers. We are treating this as "open source" code. If users make improvements to the VIs, we will incorporate them in the future. This can be a great way for instructors or students to do custom programming for projects using LabPro.
• It is a great way to teach data collection and programming in a modern, graphic, object-oriented language. Many upper-level college physics and chemistry programs introduce their students to LabVIEW. There are two sessions planned at the winter AAPT meeting on using instrumentation to teach physics.
• We now offer simple Linux data collection with LabPro (see below).
• We can produce very specific, stand-alone applications in Windows, Macintosh, and Linux®. Two examples on our web site are Function Generator and Drop Counter. You do not need to own LabVIEW, unless you want to modify the functionality.

Linux Data Collection
We have a number of stand-alone applications for use with Linux on our web site at www.vernier.com/linux. You do not need to own LabVIEW, unless you want to make changes. These applications include

• Simple data-collection programs that allow you to collect data with most of our sensors.
• Function Generator: A program that allows you to turn your LabPro into a simple function generator with six waveforms, frequency, and amplitude control.
• Drop Counter: For use by chemistry students doing titrations and similar experiments. It supports our new Drop Counter hardware.

LabVIEW with LabPro Workshop
There will be a three-day, hands-on workshop for high school and college physics instructors on using LabVIEW with LabPro on April 3-5, 2003 at Lee College in Baytown, TX. This workshop is being organized by Curt Hieggelke and Tom O'Kuma, who have conducted dozens of successful workshops around the country. An instructor from National Instruments and David Vernier of Vernier Software & Technology will be assisting. Check out http://tycphysics.org for more information on how to apply.