Why can't the host computer connect to the smart camera over the network?

[Rob518]

My NI-1772 smart camera was connected to our network and functioning as a target to a host computer.  Both are running VBAI 2011.  The camera was moved to a different location on the network and a different computer is being used as the host? The host is connected to the network wirelessly.  The camera works fine when connected directly to the back of the computer.  Thanks.

[Joel-P]

Hello Rob518,

From your description, it sounds as this is a network communication issue. This may be caused by the Smart Camera, and the Host PC residing in different subnets on the network. If this is the case then Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX) would not auto-detect the Smart Camera. It is still possible to connect to the Smart Camera, you will simply need to know the IP address or host name of the Smart Camera.

Here is a troubleshooting tutorial for the Smart Camera and MAX. In this scenario, I think that section 2 Smart Camera does not appear in MAX would be useful for troubleshooting this issue.

Troubleshooting the Smart Camera in Measurements & Automation Explorer (MAX)

http://www.ni.com/white-paper/6881/en

Cheers,

Joel

[Rob518]

Hi Joel,

Thanks.  The camera IP and Subnet, etc were set to fixed values when connected directly to the back of PC.  Once plugged in to the network it will not connect. 

[Joel-P]

Hello Rob518,

I'm glad that the whitepaper was useful in diagnosing what may be causing the issue. Were you able to connect to the smart camera after you changed the network configuration?

[Rob518]

We connected a powered hup inline with the camera to the network.  We are able to connect to the target and run inspections.  But, it still periodically loses connection with the camera.  It regains connection within a few seconds.  Our IT people are saying the network is fine.  Is there a way to determine if there is an issue with the camera?

Thanks,

Rob

[Rob518]

Sorry... that's a powered ethernet HUB, if you didn't already figure that out.

[Joel-P]

Hello Rob518,

The connection loss may be caused by the processor being maxed out for a short period of time in the inspection, then once the processor load has decreased it is able to communicate again. You can attach a monitor to the Smart Camera to determine if the resource usage may be causing this issue.

Cheers,

Joel

[Rob518 · Accepted solution]

Hi Joel,

Yes, that makes sense.  I've noticed a corellation to when I'm configuring and when I lose the connection. 

Thanks. 

Rob