Using Visual C++ to Self-Calibrate the NI PCI-6733
Primary Software: Driver Software>>NI-DAQ
Primary Software Version: 7.3
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: N/A
Hardware: Signal Sources (AWG/FG/AO)>>Analog Output Devices>>PCI-6733, Signal Sources (AWG/FG/AO)>>Analog Output Devices>>PCI-6731
Problem: How can I self-calibrate my NI PCI-6733 using Microsoft Visual C++?
Solution: The NI PCI-6733 is a high speed analog output board supported by Traditional NI-DAQ and NI-DAQmx. The
NI 671X/673X Calibration Procedure manual provides a general background on calibration and describes the self-calibration procedure in detail. Reading this manual is highly recommended before performing any self-calibration.
The self-calibration procedure suggests calling the Calibrate_E_Series function to internally calibrate the device. This function is used within the
Calibrate_Eseries.C example, so this file provides a good starting point for calibrating the PCI-6733. Unlike other E-series boards, however, the PCI-6733 does not support analog input. Thus, running the example without modification will produce errors during analog input operations. These errors can be avoided by commenting out lines 78 - 92 and 109 - 124 in the
Calibrate_Eseries.C file.
Follow the instructions below to build an executable from the
Calibrate_Eseries.C file that will allow you to self-calibrate the NI PCI-6733:
Visual C++ 6.0:
- Open Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0
- Click the File » New » Projects tab. Select Win32 Console Application and enter a project name

- Add the Calibrate_Eseries.C file to the project by clicking the FileView tab and right clicking the project name » Add Files to Project... Browse to \NI-DAQ\Examples\VisualC\Calib and select Calibrate_Eseries.C

- Configure the project to reference the NI-DAQ Include folder by going to Project » Settings » C/C++. Change the Category to Preprocessor and fill in the Additional include directories with \NI-DAQ\Include

- With the settings window still open, click the Link tab and change the Category to Input. Add nidex32.lib nidaq32.lib to the Object/library modules line, and fill in the Additional library path with \NI-DAQ\Lib

- Click OK and press F7 to build the solution
Visual Studio .NET 2005/2008:
- Open Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2005/2008
- Click File » New » Project
- Select Visual C++ » Win32 » Win32 Console Application and enter a project name

- Click Application Settings and check Empty Project

- Add the Calibrate_Eseries.C file to the project by going to Project » Add Existing Item, browsing to \NI-DAQ\Examples\VisualC\Calib, and selecting Calibrate_Eseries.C
- Configure the project to reference the NI-DAQ Include folder by going to Project » Properties » Configuration Properties » C/C++ » General and setting Additional Include Directories to \NI-DAQ\Include

- With the property window still open, browse to Linker » General and set Additional Library Directories to \NI-DAQ\Lib

- Lastly, click on Linker » Command Line and enter nidex32.lib nidaq32.lib. Click Apply and OK to exit

- Click Build » Build Solution
Make sure you disconnect any cables from the NI PCI-6733 and wait at least 15 minutes after the machine boots before you run the executable. You should launch the executable using the Windows command prompt (cmd.exe).
Related Links: Product Manuals: NI 671X/673X Calibration Procedure (April 2004)Products & Services: NI PCI-6733Support Utilities: Calibration Solutions from National InstrumentsCalibration Resources: Specifications and AccuracyDeveloper Zone: Field Wiring and Noise Considerations for Analog Signals
Attachments:
Report Date: 10/15/2004
Last Updated: 05/15/2009
Document ID: 3EEBMA73