Assuming that you are happy to use one of the built in data aquisition
examples as a basis. Labview and NI-Daq are installed and the hardware
fitted in the computer system.
Well a plan would be a good start so how's this: -
1.0.0) Your first task would be to prepare the system.
1.1.0) Read all the instructions.
1.2.0) Choose data channels.
1.2.1) Insert SCC SGC04 into appropriate channel
1.2.0) Make the physical connections.
1.2.1) Use screened cables to Load Cell
1.2.2) Route earth and 0v seperately
1.3.0) Determine data aquisition rates.
1.4.0) Check all connections.
1.4.1) Look for short circuits.
1.4.2) Use a multimeter to check for shorts!!!!
1.5.0) Connect SC2345 to P.C.
1.5.1) Ensure P.C. is off !!!!
1.5.2) Take care with 50 pin connectors they can
be damaged if inserted with excessive force
1.6.0) Check all connections (AGAIN)!!!!
2.0.0) Your next task is to check systems operation
2.1.0) Apply power to the P.C. (see 1.4.0)
2.2.0) Configure the Hardware
2.2.1) Open the 'MAX' application
2.2.2) Drill to 'Devices and Interfaces'
2.2.3) Select 'Device 1' (assuming 1 card)
2.2.4) Right click 'Device 1'
2.2.5) Select 'Properties'
2.2.4) Configure the hardware connected to
'Device 1' (see manuals)
2.3.0) Configure the Load Cell
2.3.1) Right click 'Device 1'
2.3.2) Open 'Test Panel'
2.3.3) Apply simulated load using resistor to
shunt (calibrate) simulate largest load.
2.3.4) Adjust / determine channel gain untill
the best range of the input cards A/D
convertor is used for max resolution.
2.3.0) Work out scale factor for the unit
now that you have maximum load and Volts
for the maxiumum load.
3.0.0) Your final task would be to modify the design.
That's the easy bit!!! Honest.
This is a Labview task and you can find
great examples in the on-line documentation.
Get familar with them as you will learn heaps
from the different implementations.
You can use MAX (Measurement And Automation Explorer) to handle
channel configuration but I suggest you avoid this until you have a
better feel around the software. Max is a great tool for debunking and
isolating the area of issues from hardware or software.
Finally you don't say if your Load cell is used with any 'Load arm' or
force is applied directly (compressive or tensile). There are
conventions for representing tensile and compressive forces and the
wiring or you Load Cell mean that you will have to check for 'sense'.
These are things you need to know and consider. Aditional factoring is
required for 'Load Arms'. It's not always possible to apply a test
load to a Load Cell and can be dangerous, as often the test /
calibration load would not be applied as the instrument was intended
to be used. Here you are using a resitive unit rather than a piezeo
device. Hence the 'Shunt' or Calibration resistor. This is a small
resistor which is determined by the physical design of the load cell
(mechanical, gauge selections and signal conditioning). It is placed
in parallel with one 'Arm' of the load cell strain gauge. It is
possible to purchase Load Cell simulators for both Strain and Piezo
type Load Cells. In the case of a strain gauge type you can completely
simulate the Load Cell with a resistor network wired appropriately
(normally a wheatstone bridge but again can be dependadant on the
design).
I think this raises more questions than you asked but then that's what
a good plan should do.
Good Luck