Hello,
NI has validated the basic requirements for a desktop PC to run LabVIEW Real-Time as an ETS target. You can refer to the link below for specific informations about them.
* Requirements for a Desktop PC as a LabVIEW Real-Time Target
http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/3efedde4322fef19862567740067f3cc/cb3434da94466dd286256e9e006bb775?OpenDocument
This method requires you to purchase the LabVIEW Real-Time Deployment License for Desktop PCs (ETS RTOS), part number 777849-03. This kit includes one deployment license and special RT disks to support the desktop PC Ethernet chipset. These boot disks cannot be made from MAX.
The part number 777849-03 gives you the license to be able to deploy into a regular desktop PC. We actually have a part number and do not give it for free because the Real-Time OS is from a third-party company (Venturcomm), and NI pay to them for every copy of it that NI sell.
Take a PXI-8186 controller, for example: If you purchase it as a Windows system, its cost is 3,995 (US). If you purchase the same controller, but as a RT target (meaning it has the LabVIEW Real-Time license), then it costs 4,495 (US). So, you can realize that we are not just making up the part number for the license, but we actually are consistent with this pricing scheme.
The main difference between the PXI boot disks from MAX and the ones that ship with the license is that the desktop boot disks include the gigabit ethernet driver so it recognizes a ethernet card (in case you are using one). As you are stating, depending on the ethernet card you use, the boot disks from MAX might work, but again, you will be incurring in illegal practices if you don't get the proper license.
Best regards.
Matthieu Gourssies
National Instruments
Note: French thread need to be posted in the French community forum.
