null exception creating daq component

[Steve Gottschalk]

Solution has multiple projects. Main project has a daq task component already. Tried to add a second one using two methods:

1. Add new DAQ item to the project from the solution explorer.

2. View the designer, click on toolbox panel and drag/drop DAQ component.

Method one generated an mxb file, but didn't create any component so no obvious way to use it.

Method two created a null reference exception immediately. Screen shot shown below.

Existing acq component performs asynchronous acquistions with an external sample clock. Wanted to have a simple, timed, synchronous acquistion as well.

Using the DAQ wizard..

[KristenC]

Hi Steve,

What versions of Visual Studio and NI-DAQmx are you using?

[Steve Gottschalk]

VS2005, MS 8.1.2.472 (latest). The VS has all updates. OS is XP with all updates. DAQ is PXI-1036 with PXI-6281 and PXI-PCI bridge.

To check this I did a simple test where I made a brand new DAQ project that configured the DAQ task to use external sample clock. Then I added a second DAQ task from solution explorer and configured it with the wizard. After that I added a second DAQ component and was given a choice of which DAQ task to use. So, if I start with a "fresh" project then I can add a new DAQ task.

As near as I can tell, there is "something" wrong with my application. I've explored the projects in detail and couldn't find anything. The solution has a lot of projects (12) and the main one is dependent on most of them, so stripping them away is not very easy. Likewise, it would be very difficult to send everything.

Steve

[KristenC]

We should make sure you are using the latest version of NI-DAQmx.  You can find out by looking in Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX) (Start>>Program Files>>National Instruments>>Measurement and Automation).  In MAX, look under My System, and then under Software.  You should see NI-DAQmx, then you can click on it and see the version.  If you have anything earlier than 8.7.1 I would upgrade to that version.  You can download it here: http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/965/lang/en.

[Steve Gottschalk]

The version that I have (which came with the 8.1.2 upgrade CD) is 8.6 Of 12. Before I do this, what did the new version fix? I am attaching screen shots of the MAX tool that I used to check if I need a product update and the results of that process. According to the NI product update page I do not need any new NIDAQ software. I do not have LabView on my system, so none of the LabView runtime stuff is relevant, even though the update keeps telling me to download them.

[KristenC]

Hi Steve,

There were some issues with NI-DAQmx 8.6.0f12 and we are encouraging everyone to upgrade to a later version.  This KnowledgeBase article addresses the problems:
Can I Safely Install NI-DAQmx 8.6.0f12?
http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/0B290791C18F420B862573A9000062C7?OpenDocument
 

While, they do not list in the readme for NI-DAQmx 8.7.1 that they've fixed anything with Measurement Studio DAQ Assistant, not everything that is fixed or added is necessarily listed.  I still recommend especially because you have 8.6.0f12 that you upgrade.
Here is the link for NI-DAQmx 8.7.1:
http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/965/lang/en 

[Steve Gottschalk]

Ok. The download is huge and I'm on the SSP. By implication I should have received a new CD, but didn't. How do I get one?

[KristenC]

Hello Steve,

You should have received a notice indicating the problems with the NI-DAQmx 8.6.0f12 driver along with another set of device drivers a few months ago.  If you missed it, here is a link to the notice we sent out:
KnowledgeBase 4I392QQA: Product Notice: Software Problem May Corrupt Configuration in MAX
http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/F140447B994578ED862573E500571FB2?OpenDocument 

In the related links section of this article, there is a link to request new device drivers if you do not want to download them:
KnowledgeBase 4G4H3JQA: Can I Safely Install NI-DAQmx 8.6.0f12?
http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/0B290791C18F420B862573A9000062C7? 

This next link has instructions on how to return your system to a working state.  After you've followed these instructions it should fix the problems you are having with the DAQ assistant. 
KnowledgeBase 4GHCB9QA: Product Notice: Software Problem May Corrupt Configuration in MAX (NI-DAQmx)
http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/90503C3649F0E1FA862573B50069D089?OpenDocument 

National Instruments is sorry for the introduced bugs, since this affected a variety of products.  Please let me know if you have any questions about any of this.

[Steve Gottschalk]

Kristen,

I ran the check utility and it said that my MAX configuration was OK. Nevertheless, I have another Measurement Studio CD for a new purchase made Feb 19,2008 which is AFTER the date of the notice. So, I tried to install the instrument drivers from that CD. It said that I already had a later version on my computer and it did not install.

It appears that NI is not even shipping the most recent drivers. So, what version of NI-DAQ is being shipped and will this other system misbehave because it has obsolete software?

Steve 

[jkelly]

Good tips, thanks....

John, www.uthos.com