Verification of a working remote communications connection using NI-MAX

Verification of a working remote communications connection using NI-MAX

Automating a test can dramatically increase the productivity, throughput, and accuracy of a process. Automating a setup involves connecting a computer to the test instrumentation using a standard communications bus like USB or LAN and then utilizing code entered via a software layer (like LabVIEW, .NET, Python, etc..) to sequence the specific instrument commands and process data.

This process normally goes quite smoothly, but if there are problems, there are some basic troubleshooting steps that can help get your test up-and-running quickly.

In this note, we are going to show how to use NI-MAX to test the communications connection between an instrument and a remote computer using both a USB and a LAN connection to ensure that they are working properly. Once the connection is verified, you can begin to work on the control software.

National Instruments Measurement and Automation Explorer (NI-MAX) is a free communications tool provided with NI’s VISA library.

What Is Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)?

Solution:

Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) provides access to your National Instruments CAN, DAQ, FieldPoint, GPIB, IMAQ, IVI, Modular Instruments, Motion, NI Switch Executive, VI Logger, VISA, and VXI devices. With MAX, you can:

Configure your National Instruments hardware and software

Back up or replicate configuration data

Create and edit channels, tasks, interfaces, scales, and virtual instruments

Execute system diagnostics and run test panels

View devices and instruments connected to your system

Update your National Instruments software.

MAX is a free piece of software that automatically installs with National Instruments software and device drivers. Detailed, topic-specific help can be found by clicking on the Help tab in MAX and selecting MAX Help. This same tab will give you access to your System Information (OS version, number of processors, physical memory, etc.) and information on what version of MAX you are using. If you need a driver for a particular hardware product, please see the Related Links section below.

If you need detail, please click on 'more information'