I need a data logging system where the operator can select 2 logging
parameters:  Log Period and Sample Time.  I also need a START and STOP
button to control the logging session.  For example, set the log
period for 1 hour and the sampling time for 1 second.  (I may be using
the wrong jargon here.)  In this case when the START button is
clicked, the system starts logging for 1 second.  An hour later, it
logs data for another second, and so on until the operator clicks the
STOP button.   (I will also include a time limit so the logging
session will automatically stop after a certain amount of time has
elapsed.)

It’s important that when the STOP button is clicked, that the
system promptly stops logging.  I cannot have the operator wait for up
to an hour.

Note that a logging session could last for several days.   The
application here involves a ship towing a barge at sea where they want
to monitor and data log tow line tension.   While the system is
logging, I need the graph X-axis (autoscaled)  to show the date and
time.  (I’m having trouble getting the graph to show the correct
date and time.)   For this application, I also need the system to
promptly start data logging at a continuous high rate during alarm
conditions.

Of course I need to archive the data and retrieve it later for
analysis.  I think this part I can handle.

Please make a recommendation for program control and provide sample
code if you can.  It’s the program control concepts that I think
I mostly need help here.   I also wish to use the Strip Chart Update
Mode so the operator can easily view the entire logging session.

DAQ Hardware: Not Selected Yet
LabVIEW Version: 6.1  (Feel free to recommend a v7 solution because I
need to soon get it anyway.)
Operating System: Win 2000

In summary:

How do I control a graphing (data log) session for both period and
sample time?
How do I stop the session without having to wait for the period to
end?
How do I automatically interrupt and control a session during alarm
conditions?
Does it make a difference if there is more than one graph (or chart)
involved where there are variable sample rates?

Thanks,

Dave

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