Setting IP address on PXI-8196 Embedded Controller

[Chris_12345]

I have a PXI-8196 Embedded Controller that has been working, but recently failed to boot properly. I formatted the controller harddrive, and followed the directions given in

https://knowledge.ni.com/KnowledgeArticleDetails?id=kA00Z0000019LSXSA2&l=en-US

The IP address shown in NI-MAX and on the controller video output is 0.0.0.0. I have tried everything I can think of to change this address, but have not been successful. Does anyone have any suggestions beyond what is given in the NI link?

The controller didn't keep the IP address even though it was configured to keep the address settings when it was formatted. I've tried the physical DIP switches, tried a direct ethernet connection, and tried the USB boot drive method. Host machine firewall is off. Tried various host machine ethernet adapter settings. Norhing seems to work. When using NI-MAX to change the address, no errors are reported, and it reboots the controller, staying with 0.0.0.0.

[Bob_Schor]

Drat!  I know I've done this, but I haven't worked with a PXI system for more than a decade, so my memory is fuzzy.  If you set it up with an IP of 0,0,0,0 (which, if memory serves, can be done by using the four little switches located inside somewhere, see the helpful figure in the Manual -- you might also be able to set it from the BIOS), will MAX allow you (Networking tab?) to set the IP?  I know I wanted to use a 10.x.x.x IP and have a second controller in my PC that was directly wired to the PXI using the same IP range, which worked very nicely ...

Bob Schor

[Chris_12345]

Hi Bob, in MAX I can see the controller listed with IP address 0.0.0.0, and when I plug a display into the controller itself, that also shows 0.0.0.0. When I use MAX to change the IP address and then press "Save" at the top, it re-boots the controller and still shows 0.0.0.0. I remember fighting with this a few years ago and had found a way to set the IP address, but don't remember the details. The BIOS on the controller only allows clearing the IP address to 0.0.0.0, and doesn't have the capability to specify a particular address. MAX does have the ability to create a USB boot drive; I've tried that without success.

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

Is the BIOS Date/Time incorrect after a power down? Perhaps if the backup battery is dead it could be affecting the IP address setting?

Just a WAG, I have zero experience with this hardware.

-AK2DM

[Chris_12345]

Good point about the battery; I'll check it out.

I did find another link that may be relevant:

Using a Utility USB Drive to Format my Real-Time Phar Lap ETS PXI Controller - NI

so I will try that. In particular, I will try the Windows/Other OS setting. It may be possible to set the IP address under Advanced Ethernet Options.

[Chris_12345 · Accepted solution]

I got it working! Here are the steps that I took:

Controller has direct ethernet to host machine

Controller has new battery (type 2032)

Insert a small (256 MB) USB drive into the host machine

NI-MAX > Tools > Create Desktop PC Utility USB Drive

Insert USB drive into PXI-8196 controller

Boot controller while pressing Delete key to enter BIOS

BIOS > LabVIEW RT > Boot Configuration > Windows/Other OS

BIOS > LabVIEW RT > Reset IP Address: YES

BIOS > LabVIEW RT > Disable Startup VI: YES

BIOS > Boot > Boot priority order: USB first

BIOS > Exit › Exit Saving Changes

In boot utility, select 3. Reset network configuration

In boot utility, select 2. Boot into safe mode

Wait for display at top to show new IP address: 169.254.168.214

Host machine: Control Panel \Network and Internet Network Connections ›

Ethernet › Properties › Internet Protocol Version 4 > Properties

Set IP address 169.254.168.100, subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Close and re-open NI-MAX (important)

NI-MAX > Remote Systems › "Controller" › Tab: Network Settings

Configure IPv4 Address: Static, 169.254.168.214, 255.255.255.0

NI-MAX > Remote Systems > "Controller" > Software

Select items to install software

[Bob_Schor]

THANK YOU for not only solving your own problem, but so carefully documenting the steps you took "for the next person with the same issue".  Your choice of Message Topic is also excellent!  I gave you a Kudo!

Bob Schor