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Getting Started with Object-Oriented Programming in LabVIEW

8/3/2020

LabVIEW is a great language. What could make it better? Objects.

Object-oriented programming adds a dimension to LabVIEW that can help bring order to your program and keep that order as it grows. If you have used OO in other languages, most of the principles are still in place. If it is a new concept, don't let that keep you from harnessing the power of objects to improve your LabVIEW code.

There is a learning curve, of course. But it is well worth it.

Choosing a LabVIEW Framework

7/24/2020

A framework is a set of code, strategies, and programming techniques that serve as a starting point for a program. Like the framework of a building, it provides the basic structure. You can then build the details of your application around that basic structure.

A framework provides some boiler plate code, saving time by giving you a jump start at development.

It also standardizes the programming style, making it easier to read code from other developers. It is especially helpful in a team environment to have everyone on the team coding with similar styles and techniques.

LabVIEW Tips and Tricks

7/21/2020

The current pandemic has stopped us from meeting for a LabVIEW Developer Days this year. So this seems like a good time to look back at some of the presentations from last year.

This is a short video of a 7x7 presentation given by Stuart Wilson, one of the senior LabVIEW developers at S5 Solutions.

This video is on the Seattle LabVIEW Youtube channel that is dedicated to the presentations from the 2019 event. Let's hope next year we are back face to face.

Improved Ventilator Testing

7/6/2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of challenges. One of our clients had to significantly increase their production of ventilator testers to keep up with demand.

We attacked the problem from multiple directions. Changing only software, we improved test time by 30%.

Masks Ready!

6/25/2020

The S5 office is ready for mask compliance, even the Cylon.

David the Intern: Shapeoko CNC GRBL Upgrade

6/23/2020

By David the Intern

This is another episode making some upgrades to our Shapeoko 2 CNC. For more episodes, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Making COVID Masks with Glowforge

6/23/2020

By Mike Wynn, Engineer

As the COVID-19 epidemic broke out and people were looking for masks, my wife wanted to help. She began making masks using a pattern she found online which she then printed on cardstock to use to cut the fabric.

As she continued making more masks, I reminded her we had a Glowforge at work and I could make her some acrylic templates. We’d spoken previously about doing this for quilting templates, a commodity that’s pretty readily available in the quilting community, though they do tend to come at significant cost. I also pointed out that I could etch the pattern information on the templates to minimize confusion and wasted materials caused by using the wrong template and cutting out fabric in the wrong size.

Specify: You Hit What You Aim For

6/22/2020

We think of engineering projects in 5 distinct phases:

Specify
Design
Implement
Validate
Deliver

The first step, Specify, is in many ways the most important step. This is the step that sets the direction for everything that will come after it.

Too often, the engineer in all of us wants to get right to the meat of the project. Even before we have analyzed the full scope, we want to get to the fun part. I submit that the rest can be fun too. The whole solution is part of the challenge. Some problems are solved with a circuit, some with code, but others can only be solved by other factors.

LabVIEW in Meatspace

6/22/2020

This is a presentation we did at the CLA Summit a few years ago. Using a 3-D printer, we made physical LabVIEW icons.

We then did the most groan-inducing pun-based routine we could conceive of, then gave away the icons in an blatant attempt to bribe people into voting for our presentation.

This might be the most fun I ever had at the CLA Summit.

You can see more details and download the STLs to print your own here.

LabVIEW Background Image

6/22/2020

Here is an easy way to dress up a VI with a background image.

It isn't intuitive or easy to find, but it is simple:

Right click on the vertical scrollbar of your VI
Select "Properties"
Choose your image
Consider using a tile-ready image

Be aware that a custom image is stored as part of the VI, so your VI can grow in size quickly if you use a big image.

Click Read More to watch the demo video.