What's New in the LabVIEW 8.5 PDA Module

1. Reading and Writing Front Panel Data Using Data Binding
2. Inline C Node Support
3. Boolean Mechanical Action
4. Scroll Bar Control
5. Run Application VI
6. XML Functions
7. Blinking Boolean Controls and Indicators
8. Text Justification For Controls and Indicators
9. Bug Fixes
10. More Information on the LabVIEW PDA Module

Reading and Writing Front Panel Data Using Data Binding

You can use data binding to read or write front panel data for network-published shared variables. You can use data binding with any front panel control or indicator that the PDA Module supports. This new features simplifies the process of sending data to be displayed on the front panel by removing the need for any programming; front panel objects are connected directly to the network-published shared variables, and send and receive data to those variables without any instructions on the block diagram.

In the screenshots below, a chart named Data has been configured to read a waveform value from network-published shared variable. Once configured through the Properties menu for the chart, no wires are needed to bring data into the chart on the block diagram.

Inline C Node Support

You can use the Inline C Node to add inline C code to the block diagram. The Inline C Node is similar to the LabVIEW Formula Node with additional support and functionality for low-level programming and header files without the overhead of a function call. You can use the Inline C Node for short blocks of code that you cannot easily implement in graphical VIs.  

The Inline C Node supports any C code, including assembly directives and #defines, that syntactically is between the curly braces in a C file. Syntax checking for an Inline C Node occurs at edit time, and red dots on the left bar of the Inline C Node indicate errors. Some errors, such as undefined functions or variables, cannot be detected until the generated C code for the VI is compiled. If errors occur, the build stops and you receive an error.

Boolean Mechanical Action

The PDA Module now supports the six types of mechanical action for Boolean controls, which include Switch when pressed, Switch when released, Switch until released, Latch when pressed, Latch when released, and Latch until released.

Scroll Bar Control

The PDA Module now supports scroll bar controls, which include vertical and horizontal scroll bars that you can add to any front panel control or indicator with scrollable data. The scroll bar control simplifies the process of navigating a large control or indicator. You can add associate a scroll bar control with a front panel control or indicator using a Property Node.

Run Application VI

You can use the Run Application VI to run a specified PDA application. This VI allows you to easily call an application on the PDA, either through a user command or hard-coded logic, without having to use a DLL call or the Inline C Node.

XML Functions

The PDA Module now includes the Escape XML, Flatten To XML, Read From XML File, Unescape XML, Unflatten From XML, and Write to XML File VIs and functions. You can use these VIs and functions to manipulate LabVIEW data in XML format.

Blinking Boolean Controls and Indicators

Due to popular demand, the PDA Module now supports blinking for all Boolean controls and indicators except system controls. By using a Property Node with the Blinking property enabled, you can configure a Boolean to blink as a means to display important warnings to an operator.

Text Justification For Controls and Indicators

You now can set the justification of text and underline text for buttons; enumerated type controls; and string, time stamp, and numeric controls and indicators.

Bug Fixes

The following items are the IDs and titles of a subset of issues fixed between the LabVIEW 8.2.1 PDA Module and the LabVIEW 8.5 PDA Module. If you have a CAR ID, you can search this list to validate that the issue has been fixed. This is not an exhaustive list of issues fixed in the current version of PDA Module. More information on workarounds for other issues can be found in the LabVIEW 8.5 PDA Module readme file.

More Information on the LabVIEW PDA Module

For more information on the LabVIEW PDA Module, visit the LabVIEW Mobile Module web portal.

Learn how to use the LabVIEW PDA Module to develop a handheld measurement system.

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