Using National Instruments LabView as Oscilloscope via Serial Cable

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using National Instruments LabView as an oscilloscope via a serial cable. Participants explore the practicality, limitations, and alternatives of this approach, with a focus on programming and automation applications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the validity of using LabView as an oscilloscope through a serial cable, seeking clarification on its capabilities and limitations.
  • Another participant asserts that while it is possible to connect LabView to an external DAC via a serial or parallel port, the speed limitations of the serial port make it unsuitable for oscilloscope applications, suggesting it is only effective for slowly varying data.
  • A different participant recommends purchasing a dedicated oscilloscope instead of attempting to use LabView for this purpose, implying that it would be a more practical solution.
  • Another comment emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of buying an oscilloscope compared to using LabView in this manner.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the feasibility of using LabView as an oscilloscope via a serial cable, with some advocating against it and suggesting alternatives, while others seek more information on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of using LabView in this way, and there are unresolved questions about the specific limitations and capabilities of the setup.

TheDestroyer
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Hi everybody,

I have a very simple question for programmers and automation professionals,

My friend told me that I can use the program National Instruments LabView as an Oscilloscope through the serial cable!

Is this true? and what are the limits of this advantage?

I'm using this program for the first time, so can anyone offer me some samples?

Thanks :cool:
 
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No, it is not true.
You can of course use the serial port (or better, the parallel port) to connect to an external DAC and then use Labview to acquire data, but this is slow process and you can never reach the kind of speed you need for an oscilloscope.
The serial port is only useful for logging slowly varying data (e.g. temperature).
 
It will be sooooooo much easier to just buy an oscilloscope if you need a oscilloscope.
 
Not to mention cheaper...
 

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