Help running Arduino with DC Motors in LabVIEW 2012 using Sainsmart L293 Motor Shield:

[mtadmani]

Hello everyone.

I am having trouble figuring out the correct procedure for connecting and programming two DC motors to do basic commands via USB (move both forward, both backward, spin clockwise, spin counterclockwise)
I have flashed the Arduino with the correct firmware and have followed all the procedures for setting up the arduino to the best of my ability.
I can run an Initialize -> Display Message to User -> Close without errors, so I imagine the Arduino is at least communicating. The LED on both the board and the motor shield are lit. I have the Arduino toolkit installed in LabVIEW.

Here are the specifications of everything I am using:

Arduino: I am using an Arduino UNO purchased recently

Motor Shield:

http://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-L293D-Shield-Arduino-Duemilanove/dp/B00813HBBO/ref=sr_1_2?s=electron...

(I was told this was extremely similar if not identical to the Adafruit Motor Shield, if that helps)

Motors:
http://www.amazon.com/Amico-300RPM-Torque-Electric-Geared/dp/B0080DOEQU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=13740...

Chassis:
http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1418

If someone could help me with the process I would need to take to get these things running I would appreciate it greatly.

I am experienced in LabVIEW but not very expreienced in Arduino yet, so I would sincerely appreciate detail.

Thank you very much for your help!

[Nathan_B.]

I'm not sure what this means: "Initialize -> Display Message to User -> Close".  I don't see any Arduino communication here (other than Init).  I always first test setting digital pin 13 high and low to make sure that the Arduino is actually communicating with LabVIEW.

I generally first try to find working Arduino code and then port it over to LabVIEW.  If it exists, you don't have to completely redisign the wheel .