Installing and Configuring NI-IrDA for the LabVIEW Real-Time Module

IrDA (Infrared Data Association) is a communication standard that specifies a way to transfer data using a wireless infrared connection. IrDA devices communicate using infrared LEDs. You can use IrDA devices to send data in and out of VIs running on an RT target using the LabVIEW IrDA functions. RT Series controllers support the Extended Systems XTNDAccess IrDA PC Adapters connected to a built-in controller serial port. Refer the Extended Systems Web site at www.extendedsystems.com for information about the XTNDAccess IrDA PC Adapter.

Complete the following steps to configure an XTNDAccess IrDA PC Adapter on an RT Series controller.

1. Connect the XTNDAccess IrDA PC Adapter to the built-in RT Series controller serial port.
2. Copy RTUtility.llb into the vi.lib\addons\rt directory on the development computer to replace the existing RTUtility.llb.
3. FTP irda.dll to the ni-rt\system directory on the RT target using the Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) FTP Client or any other FTP client.
4. Select the RT target in LabVIEW and open the RT Configure IrDA VI located in the vi.lib\addons\rt\RTUtility.llb. The RT Configure IrDA VI automatically downloads to and runs on the RT target.
5. Select the appropriate options. The RT Configure IrDA VI includes the following options:

   IrDA Device—Specifies the IrDA device or to disable support for an IrDA device.

   COM Port—Specifies the serial COM port to which the IrDA device is connected.

   Note  If you use Serial VIs or functions in an RT application, you cannot configure the IrDA device to use the same COM port.

   Limit Baud Rate to 9600—Limits the IrDA communication baud rate to 9600. Place a checkmark in this checkbox if you have trouble communicating with the faster default communication speed.

6. Click the OK button.
7. Reboot the RT target.

The IrDA device receives the same device name assigned to the RT Series controller in MAX. The IrDA device receives NIirdaxxxx as a device name if you have not configured the RT Series controller in MAX with a device name, where xxxx is a random 4-digit number.

Refer to the LabVIEW Help, available by selecting Help»VI, Function, & How-To Help, for information about using the LabVIEW IrDA functions to exchange data using IrDA devices.