Support : Knowledge base

Knowledge Base

Welcome to OPAL-RT’s Knowledge Base

OPAL-RT offers a repository of support information for optimal use of its technology.

Loading…

Please note that OPAL-RT knowledge base is not fully optimized for mobile platforms.

For optimal experience, use a desktop computer.

Reference Number: AA-02081// Views: AA-02081// Created: 2022-07-15 18:59:32// Last Updated: 2023-04-06 17:48:22
TestDrive
TestDrive: How to Run a RT-LAB Model Using TestDrive

TestDrive is an Opal-RT tool which allows to run a RT-LAB model without need to use Matlab and RT-LAB, once the model be already compiled.

The goal of TestDrive is to provide a nicer user interface than Simulink user interface using LabVIEW panels. These panels can also control parameters and variables.


1 – Select a RT-LAB model.

Choose a model that is already configured and running on RT-LAB.

If it is the first time using TestDrive, there is a demo model available at the TestDrive folder: C:\OPAL-RT\TestDrive\v2.9.0.16\Models\PID_Example

2 – Compile the model in the RT-LAB

Create an empty project in RT-LAB, and link the model that is to be compiled. Do not import the model since that will create a copy on RT-LAB directory folder. 




Check if the Matlab version of the project is up to date with the RT-LAB version that is being used. Check the compatibility between the versions on RT-LAB: Basic Concepts and Compatibility

Also verify if theSimulink model is saved in the .mdl format. If it is saved as .slx open it in the Matlab and save in the .mdl format. In RT-LAB it is necessary to close the project and reopen it to identify the change on file format.

Build the model in RT-LAB. Do it while assigning the model to a target or even using the localhost (assign the localhost to the model).

Now it is possible to close Matlab and, also, RT-LAB.

3 – Open TestDrive

Click to open the Testdrive application.

Launch the MetaController. If RT-LAB is still open, it will not ask to launch MetaController since it will already be running.


In the sequence, a login window will be launched. Just click on Login. No extra information is required.


4 – Configuring the model on TestDrive

In the TestDrive window, click on Options. It will open another window with four different tabs.



In the General Tab, check if the Model Path is exactly the same from the model that was previous built in RT-LAB (if the path that is set corresponds to a model that was not compiled, it will be in red and the Targets tab will not appear).

In the Panes Tab it is possible to set some pre-defined elements in the simulation panel. Basically, set the Control and Pane options.

In the Targets Tab you can assign the simulation to a target to run it in real-time, or you can run it offline running on the localhost.

After that, click in Load.

5 – Running the model on TestDrive

After loading the model, a new window will open, and the simulation will start to run.


At this point it is not possible to work in the RT-Lab model itself, but it is possible to interact with the model using Labview panels, as the one presented in the picture (it corresponds to the TestDrive demo model).