Bryan

I don't know about creating a database in TestStand, but it's not too difficult to access one and read/write from/to it. If you have TestStand installed (in the default location) you can see database examples in C:\Program files\National Instruments\TestStand[version]\Examples (I'm using 3.1). Unfortunately, I dont have any examples of my own to post for you. I've been using TS on and off for about 2 years. My original sequences accessing a database were created by building my on DB access routines in LabVIEW and then calling them from TestStand. At that time, I didn't know there were DB-specific step types already built into TS. :headbang:

QUOTE(Jim Kring @ Mar 22 2007, 12:00 PM) Very true! Dammit, why can't any of you guys be located in Central VA? There's no decent LabVIEW jobs around here. *GRRR*

I see all points valid here. If you work at a company and a coworker knows you're on this site, and even who you are (maybe you recommended it to him) or they're even a member, they could use that information against you if you have a falling out or if they have a hidden agenda. But, being LabVIEW programmers, we're all interested in metrics and statistics. I think each member has their own responsibility to make themselves as anonymous as they deem comfortable (posting company names, using real names, posting personal info). Just like you would on any other site on the internet. I think it would be a good idea to have some sort of feature that allows you to be more anonymous, but if that's not implemented, perhaps another nickname (as Tomi suggested) would be a better avenue.

Checked them out. Right now, my time issue is in coming up with something to submit to the repository. I was working on something for a while, but then things got busy at work and at home; wife, son and house take priority. I want to get around to submitting something someday.

I'd apply if I was sure I had enough time to devote to it. I don't know if I meet all of the qualifications anyway.

http://www.ratemyeverything.net/post.aspx?post=760 Link to phone call on YouTube (if you have 22 minutes to spare): http://youtube.com/watch?v=Gp0HyxQv97Q (Math > The Verizon Rep in this sound clip)

^ That's where I got my quote from Ben, if you're interested in that stuff, you should read the book "Angels & Demons" (Dan Brown). I just finished it, pretty good fiction novel. For those who have read it, shall we sway the discussion to matter and antimatter and how they could possibly be involved in the creation of the universe?

I mentioned the salary info and location in one of crelf's job postings to my wife last night just joking around and later caught her online looking up housing costs in the area! I actually looked for an NI job at one point, but found nothing for which I felt was really a good fit. When I lived out in California 2 years ago, I didn't even know JKI existed, or I would have sent in my resume. Only problem is that the SanFrancisco area is much more expensive than in Orange County where I lived and wifey wants to be able to have a house in lieu of a condo. Anyway, I think I took this thread off topic. Welcome rconde!

Great, Aristos Queue has gone plaid.

Hmmm. A doughnut-shaped universe within the confines of a Hawkins pressure cooker? Intriguing.

What about Homer Simpson's theory of the doughnut-shaped universe? Stephen Hawking seemed intrigued by it.

Would definitely seriously consider it if it wasn't so derned cold up there. I don't think I could convince my wife to move to MI. We've lived in upstate PA, but since she's been spoiled by southern Cali and Virginia weather. Plus, your link says your positions are filled and I'm not quite sure if I have what one might consider a "superstar resum

Damn, who here doesn't work indirectly or directly with crelf... besides me?

Most non-NI I/O cards I've had to deal with come with (or you can find on the web) DLLs and documentation on the functions and how to use them. If you're able to find the same for your card, you may be able to use the "Call Library Function" VI, which is much easier to use than the CIN (which I have personally never attempted except in trying to learn how... without success).

So, you mean creating a dialog or something that will run only the first time the application is run that prompts the user for the password (software key) provided by moephunk or his company?

I didn't mean to insult anybody or anything by saying what I said (my brother actually had problems with spelling in school). I was talking about people who do it out of general laziness and/or don't even try, not out of their own abilities or limitations. It just irritates me, just like someone writing in all caps when it's not necessary. I apologize if I offended anyone, it wasn't my intent

I believe that I communicate better in written form than orally. I don't know if my mind is going faster than I have the ability to move my mouth and get them out or what. Occasionally I'll be in a hurry and let written mistakes slip, but I try not to. I also think that how someone communicates in written form (especially on the internet) is a good indication of their credibility, thoroughness and respect for their audience. The way some kids communicate on the web nowadays irks the living hell out of me. One of my friends has a point though. He said that written and oral communication has evolved to what it is today and is still evolving. My only qualm is that it seems like we went from primitive pictographs to written text and are now going to 'internet shorthand' and on the road back to pictographs. Back to my LabVIEW stuff though. I've had times where I've generated an application or program that is neat and tidy as well as (what I perceive to be) well laid out and efficient... to the best of my knowledge/ability. Only thing is that nobody else gets to see it. I've wanted to create my own LabVIEW programming samples to provide with a resume, but never have time to develop my own, and the ones I've created are proprietary intellectual property of the companies for which I've worked. Someday hopefully, I'll get around to creating some that's MINE. Gary, it's funny that we have so much in common. I've ordered my state flags in order of residency. I'm a PA native, but moved from PA > CA > VA. If yours are ordered similarly, it looks like you went from VA to CA.

I actually have something I created as a quick tool that I could submit. I need to clean it up a bit and add some functionality I've been thinking about as well as documentation before I submit it (I'm sure someone has already created something like it though). My problem is just getting time to spend on it right now. My son and work pretty much dominate my day.

There ya go! Someone should do a VI that will generate all of the possible letter and capitalization combinations for the word "LabVIEW" and post it in this thread. I'd do it, but unfortunately, after my morning slack time is over, I'll be spending all day with my head in a machinery control system.

Holy cow, Elmer Fudd has hacked this thread! Spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes are a pet peeve of mine, especially on the internet (my mom is a reading specialist, so she pounded it into me). This has earned me the title of "Grammar Nazi" on one of the online BBs I administer. It was originally intended to be an insult to me, but I embraced it.

I always try to put in LabVIEW properly, but sometimes I'm in a hurry, or just feeling lazy. LaBvIeW lAbViEw

Willingness to move has never been a problem for me since my wife and I embrace opportunity for something new... however, I now have a 1 yr old and can definitely understand how it gets more complicated and even more when they get older. Also, the point on having someone on the inside... it makes complete sense, and that's how I got my current job. I never would have if it handn't been for JRH. My last job I got becuase I was one of very few applicants... I desperately needed a job (Corning had just downsized their photonics division and I was one of many victims) and they desperately needed a LabVIEW programmer. I've never hidden the fact that I didn't have a Bachelor's Degree. I've actually put it out there... probably more than I should to show that I'm being honest and straightforward. I also agree that not having a degree leaves me with a lot of holes in my knowledge as far as being an engineer is concerned. I desperately want to go to school, but with a kid and house that needs constant attention, it feels impossible to devote any time to anything other than my source of well-being (work) and my family/home. I'm glad to see so much understanding and advice for my point of view. I also think that I'm probably somewhat over-ambitious and set myself up for disappointment at times. A man feels whole when he feels that there's something about him that gives him that extra edge. I've been complimented... sometimes daily on my ability and knowledge and willingess and quickness to learn despite my educational background. Even being told that if I had a 4-yr, I'd be dangerous (in a good way). It's a good feeling and keeps my ethic and enthusiasm alive... but then there are times when reality hits and pulls me down, drowning the motivation and enthusiasm. Maybe I just need a :beer:

Man, when I was living in California (Moved to VA in 9/04), if I would have known JKI would be even REMOTELY interested in hiring me... I would have been there in an instant. Hell, my first and I think only PM correspondence with you through this board was back when I lived in Orange County... just before I moved here. I'm not so much looking for a job as looking at my possibilities. I have a friend who lives in NC and another one moving there soon and the idea of looking for a job there crossed my mind... so I did a monster search and found a position open with an NI Alliance partner (the position is actually posted on this board too), but when I saw 'bachelor's with 3.0 GPA required', it brought all of this up. Back when I was looking to move back here to the east, I had a problem finding companies interested in me because I didn't have a bachelor's, even though I was CONFIDENT that I would be able to meet their needs for a LabVIEW programmer based on their position descriptions. Sperry was the only one willing to take me and that was through John.

Well, it's comforting to see that I'm not the only one. It sucks though that so many companies will pass up enthusiasm and talent for an expensive piece of paper. But, I guess the paper guarantees certain competencies. Crelf, thanks for the link, but MI is too cold for me.

Okay... I don't know if I'm having somewhat of a depressing day or what, but I was thinking of my experience, background and knowledge and was wondering what I'm "worth" to an employer as far as a test engineer/labview programmer. I've worked for 3 different companies and have done LabVIEW in all of them. I've only ever had LabVIEW Basics I, but have been using learning and developing in LabVIEW since 1999. I've used LabVIEW with serial, gpib, vision, pxi, analog/digital I/O, TCP/IP & UDP etc, I've been using TestStand for a year now (no formal training) and have integrated LabVIEW into some pretty custom/complicated applications. I've learned a lot about LabVIEW software architecture and useage and am always eager to learn more. I would typically consider myself to be a "good", advanced LabVIEW programmer (compared to most of you guys, I'm not, but have been relative to the experience at some of my companies). I've designed and built test fixtures and done LOTS of engineering work. But here's the thing... I have an associates degree in Fiber Optics and Electronics. I've been titled an "Engineer" at this company and my last, and have been told countless times that I perform well within an engineer's level, even moreso than some of our degreed engineers. Only problem is that my tangible "certifications" limit me career-wise and have often prevented me from getting jobs that I really wanted... including but not limited to self employment and NI Alliance partners. I'd LOVE to get a job with an NI Alliance partner because then I would be GUARANTEED to be doing just what I enjoy... LabVIEW and NI stuff. I would love even more to find a place willing to help fund my LabVIEW/TestStand development and even help me gain certification. I'm a quick learner, so this wouldn't require much patience. It's tough with my current job as LabVIEW and NI stuff involves a small portion of my job. I'd love it to BE my job. Hell, to get my current job I just about begged John Howard (former board member before he moved to the mountains... "JRH") to test my LabVIEW knowledge so that I could prove to him that I knew my stuff. (LV2-style functional global knowledge I think got me in ) I guess bottom line is that I feel like I'm worth something as a LabVIEW programmer/Test Engineer... but when I start looking at job postings and comparing myself to other LabVIEW gurus, it diminishes my view of my own competence. On the plus side however... I can advertise myself like: "Get an Engineer's work without having to pay an Engineer's salary". Only problem is that I want the Engineer's salary, so that would only really get me in the door. I'm sure if a potential employer were to take the time and sit down with me to discuss my experience and relative work-history and set degree aside, I'd be able to prove myself competent. Sadly though, you have to impress them enough on paper to even get to that point (interview). Without the often sought after line items (degree, GPA), it's tough to get.