NI USB to 485 box Advanced tab

[jyang72211]

I have a NI USB to 485 box.  I try to access the advanced tab that would enable me to edit termination, transceiver mode, etc setting, but the tab is greyed out.  Does anyone know why?  Thanks!

[Kevin_F]

Hey jyang72211,

I tried this out on my end and I am able to get to all the tabs in the VISA test panel as well as the Serial Communication Panel.  I am able to change the termination character and other advanced settings. It is possible that the correct driver is not being associated with your device.  Instructions on how to fix this for a similar device can be found here: http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/0F6177D3EF24DCA4862578F7000036CC. You can check this in the Windows Device Manager Could you include a screenshot of what you are seeing to allow us to get a better idea as to what is going on here?  It would also be useful to know the version of the Daqmx drivers that you have installed on your machine.

[jyang72211]

Attached is screen shot.  I do see the advanced screen, but all options are greyed out.  The ports seem to be using the correct drivers.  Currently, none of the ports are connected, would this be be problem?  Thanks!

[Kevin_F]

Hey jyang72211,

I think I may not have been clear in which tabs I was talking about in my first post.  The advanced tab on the port itself you will not be able to set anything on as all those settings are determined automatically (this tab is greyed out for me as well).  Where you can edit termination settings is in the advanced tab in the test panel.  From the screenshot you attached it looks like you can open the test panel for your USB-485 device (it will need to be plugged in).  In the test panel you can edit all the settings you are allowed to change for your device. Please post back if you have any additional questions.

[jyang72211]

You meant open VISA Test Panel and change the serial attribute?

[Kevin_F]

Hey jyang72211,

You are right I meant use the Open VISA TestPanel. I apologize for not making that more clear.  Please post back with any additional questions.

[jyang72211]

A separate but related question:

If I change the setting to 2 wires (transmit + and receive + use one pin; transmit - and receive - use one pin), can I change setting through software, so that only two pins are used on the 485 port?  I am trying to avoid jumpering; I want to avoid tying the + pins together and the - pins together.  Thanks!

[JasonSmith · Accepted solution]

You can change the advanced options, but you will need to right-click on the MAX icon and choose to run it as Administrator to enable the controls. As for the 2-wire configuration, the setting changes how the transceivers are controlled, but you will still need to tie the lines together externally.

-Jason S.

[jyang72211]

Run as administrator fixed my problem.  THanks!