Notes from the Editor

We’re Still Hiring!

We are looking for some smart and talented system integrators with great LabVIEW and client skills to join our Buffalo-based group. If you want to work with one of the best teams in the industry, in one of the most scenic regions of the country, with a ridiculously short commute, and super-affordable house prices, see http://www.viewpointusa.com/careers.php#engineer and contact jobs@viewpointusa.com today!

Cool Video

This video is a cool example of symmetry in motion as multiple pendulums with specially chosen arc lengths go from aligned to seeming chaotic back to aligned. It’s mesmerizing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVkdfJ9PkRQ

There is a lesson in anti-aliased sample rates buried in this example. Can you see it?

Cool App – Monitoring a Meat Smoker

One of our Senior Engineers enjoys cooking in his spare time and one of his specialties is smoked brisket and pork butt. As smoking meat is all about time and temperature, making a clean, consistent fire is paramount. This is the secret that harks back to the caveman. Clean burning fire and consistent temperatures will render the toughest cuts of meat into tender, fall apart deliciousness. While the true BBQ’er relies on instinct, Viewpoint engineers automate processes and measurements! So, why not use a cRIO to monitor the temperatures in the smoker and meat? Here’s a link to the initial efforts: meat smoker. . We all expect an update will be posted soon.

Thanks for reading!

Jim Campbell
jac@viewpointusa.com

Part 3: More Action Engines for the Data Logger App

Last month’s issue of this newsletter reviewed the requirements for the Data Logger application we are building in this ongoing series to show good practices for LabVIEW app development and preparation for the Certified LabVIEW Developer CLD exam.

The architecture being developed here can be used by many types of applications, not just data logging. The ultimate goal is to have a LabVIEW Project that you can download and run.

This month’s issue develops more action engines for the app and starts to discuss the architecture. Read on...

PROGRAMMER’S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

‘Twas the night before implementation and all through the house,
not a program was working not even a browse.
The programmers hung by their tubes in despair,
with hopes that a miracle would soon be there.

The users were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of inquiries danced in their heads.
When out in the machine room there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.

And what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a super programmer (with a six-pack of beer).
His resume glowed with experience so rare,
he turned out great code with a bit-pusher’s flair.

More rapid than eagles, his programs they came,
On update! on add! on inquiry! on delete!
on batch jobs! on closing! on functions complete!
His eyes were glazed-over, fingers nimble and lean,
from weekends and nights in front of a screen.

A wink of his eye, and a twitch of his head,
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
turning specs into code; then turned with a jerk;

And laying his finger upon the “ENTER” key,
the systems came up and worked perfectly.
The updates updated; the deletes, they deleted;
the inquiries inquired, and closings completed.

He tested each whistle, and tested each bell,
with nary an abend, and all had gone well.
The system was finished, the tests were concluded.
The users’ last changes were even included.

And the user exclaimed with a snarl and a taunt,
“It’s just what I asked for, but not what I want!”

To register, visit ni.com/training
or call 585-475-9555.

All classes are held at Viewpoint’s Certified Training Center in Rochester.

Don’t see a course listed here?
Call 585-475-9555 or review our complete training schedule to learn about other courses offered by National Instruments and Viewpoint Systems. Viewpoint can also custom tailor a training course to meet your company needs.

About Viewpoint Systems
We are consultants, designers, and builders of custom automated product test platforms for design validation, reliability, manufacturing and data management.

Viewpoint is dedicated to increasing the competitive advantage of our regional product design and manufacturing community in a global economy.

Newsletter Staff:
Editor-In-Chief: James Campbell
Associate Editor: Sunny Teumim