Problem imaging cRIO

[JimHackett]

I am a FIRST robotics mentor with team FRC team 663.

I am running into a problem with imaging the cRIO controller for the 2011 FRC competition.

We used the same controller last season. Never had a problem with it before. So I think the imaging utility software might have some incompatibility this year. I installed the latest cRIO imaging update available, as instructed by the FIRST web site.

The cRIO keeps coming up in safe mode. I click on the dialog box menu item that pops up, indicating reformat cRIO ("Format cRIO").

If I click on that Format menu item, the cRIO reboots, and I get a new dialog box popup that indicates "Error 56 occurred".

This happens every time I try it. If someone sends me their Email address, I can send back an Email with screen shots of the problem.

I saw some old postings on your web site. Sounds like people have had this problem before. I saw some people resolved it with switching the cRIO dip switch setting to safe mode off. Regardless if I have it turned on or off, I get the same problem.

Other people seemed to resolve the problem by using a crossover cable to direct connect the PC running the imaging tool to the cRIO, and avoid using an ethernet hub/router. I tried it both ways, still get the same problem.

Right now, I am dead in the water. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Pcorcs]

Hello Jim,

I would like to confirm a couple of things:

1. Did you apply the Utilities Update listed on NI's FRC Community page? http://decibel.ni.com/content/community/first/frc

2. The recommended method is the Cross-Over Connection. Pleas ensure your network connection is configured with a Static IP Addres. (Network Adapter Settings >> Properties >> IPv4 >> Properties >> Use the following IP address 10.XX.YY.06 for a development computer)

3. Make Sure all DIP switches are first in the OFF position, and that the controller is discovered by the utility. Then follow any on screen instructions.

4. If your computer has automatic crossover detection, you may try implementing a straight-through ethernet cable, as auto-negotiating ports may not work as expected with crossover.

5. If you are still experiencing communications errors, we will need to look in Measurement and Automation Explorer to verify that the cRIO is accepting an IP address, and maintaining it through reboots.

Please let em know if you have any questions on these items. If you begin the troubleshooting process in Measurement and Automation Explorer. I would recommend calling NI directly via the FIRST support line to speak with an Applications Engineer regarding next steps.

Thank You,

[JimHackett]

1. The utilities update I installed is the one we are directed to from the FIRST web site:

http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/2262

2. Static IP address is set to 10.6.63.6

3. By DIP switches off, I assume you mean the switches are in non-depressed position (i.e. up position) on the side of switch labelled off? That would seem to be the intent from the picture in the FIRST document that discusses how to set up the cRIO. That is how I am using it. It shows safe mode off, and all other switches on. Changing to all switches off does not change anything for me.

4. I don't think my laptop has crossover detection. The straight through ethernet cable provides no controller communication at all (i.e. controller is not even detected).

5. Can you send me appropriate number of who to contact for Measurement Automation Explorer?

[Pcorcs]

Hello Jim,

The number can be found at the FIRST Community Overview Page, along with hours of operation.

Call (866) 511-6285 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time

Do you see any lights flashing on the controller? Do they have a cadence (2 per second, 3 per second, etc)?

Cheers,

Patrick C.