CompactRIO not powering up?

[TheGreenMachine]

Our current situation is that our cRIO shuts itself off. When we first power the robot up, the lights blink and flash like they are supposed to, but a few seconds later, the lights and the cRIO itself turn off. When we check the voltage with a voltmeter, the Power Distribution Block is giving out 24 volts when not plugged into the cRIO. But when it is plugged in, the power supply is 14-15 volts.

Basically we think the problem has something to do with either a short within in the cRIO itself or the PD board. Any thoughts?

[Eric_R]

Hi TheGreenMachine

Are you team 1816? If this is the case we have an NI Engineer already assisting you and in contact with one of your mentors. First check your wiring and confirm that there are no shorts present. Make sure that the wires going into the cRIO are firmly connected. Secondly have you tried switching the batteries?

Are you using WindRiver? If so, try running some basic example code (place the cRIO in no app mode and deploy the basic robot) and see if the cRIO functions normally, if this is the case the error is being caused by incorrect memory access in your code (you can fix this by checking your pointers and function parameters).

Have you tried setting the cRIO into safe mode and reformatting it? You can do this by flipping the safe mode switch on the cRIO and rebooting it. Next, Launch Measurement and Automation Explorer and right click on the cRIO and select Format.

One team experienced a problem similar to this caused by debris that had fallen inside the cRIO casing. In this specific case the debris was metal shavings left over from modifications to the chassis. If you hear a rattling inside your cRIO then this maybe the case but don't open the cRIO unless you need to because it will void the warranty.

If you are unable to perform any of these trouble shooting steps and the cRIO just continues to reboot itself then you will need to mail it in for repair.

Thank You

Eric Reid

NI Engineering