Hi,
First of all, the latest versions of NI-VXI and NI-VISA are fully compatible. The latest version of NI-VXI is NI-VXI 3.3, and the latest version of NI-VISA is NI-VISA 3.0. When you install NI-VXI 3.3, it will include NI-VISA 2.6. I recommend you uninstall this version of NI-VISA and upgrade to the latest version.
In order to troubleshoot this problem, let's step through the setup. This way, we can find out exactly where we encounter the error.
1. Let's turn off your VXI chassis. Now, let's turn it on. By cycling the power to the chassis, we ensure that each instrument is in a known state. While we are at it, let's make sure that the MXI-2 cable is connected correctly. On the MXI-2 cable, there is a label that says "Connect this end to device closest to MXIbus controller." This is the end of the cable that should be connected to your PCI-MXI-2 board.
2. Open Measurement and Automation Explorer. Your VXI system should be listed under Devices and Interfaces.
3. Sometimes, the instrument settings are cached. Let's make sure that we do not use any of these cached settings. Delete each VXI instrument except the VXI-MXI-2 board. You can do this by right clicking on each instrument and selecting delete.
At this point, all you should see under VXI System 0 is a PCI-MXI-2, a MXI-2 bus, a frame, and a VXI-MXI-2. If you did not have any instruments cached, then you will not have anything listed under VXI System 0.
4. Now, let's run the VXI resource manager. You can do this by selecting Tools>>NI-VXI>>VXI Resource Manager. According to the VXI specification, the resource manager must be run before you can communicate with any instrument.
5. Now that we have executed the resource manager, we need to refresh the view in MAX. Select View>>Refresh.
After following these 5 steps, you should be able to communicate with each instrument. If this did not work, please let me know which step caused problems.
Regards,
David Shatila
Applications Engineer
National Instruments
