MSP-GANG: Main Process takes longer; timeout function not effective; communication (commands with checksum) via RS232 not possible

Hello everybody,

I'm using MSP-GANG DLL in the production environment. I use a LabVIEW program together with the MSP-GANG DLL. And communicate via RS232 interface.

Versions:

- HW: 1.05

- SW: 1.3.8

Error description:

Sometimes (really sporadic) the main process takes longer as usual: e.g. 200s instead of 9s.

Analysis:

What I found out: When I switch the LabVIEW program at debugging mode (e.g. after 20s), the dll finishes the execution immediately.

I tried some workarounds:

1.  Use timeout parameter of main process to catch the exception.

-> timeout function does not work: Even if I choose 1s (parameter lTime = 1) at normal process duration of 9s, the main process is not interrupted and I don't get any error code -> It takes 9s.

2. I tried to communicate with the programmer not via dll but directly via serial interface (commands according user's guide).

-> Via USB it works with all commands (with / without checksum). But I can only use commands without checksum ("Hello", Get Progress Status) when I want to communicate via RS232 (that's my use case).

So, at the moment, my only solution is, to change my whole setup (switch from RS232 to USB). But that requires a lot of work and effort. (It's a setup integrated into an inline production line).

Do you have some advice, additional ideas for workarounds or the solution of the underlying problem / problems of the workarounds?

Thank you!