General query about NI driver, controller, and C module

[Corelab]

We have a cRio 9047. We are preparing to integrate an NI SMD-7615 and motor (it's NI but I don't remember which) with the controller for a redesign of an application currently using a non-NI motor and controller through rs-232. We have soft motion installed already. We also have the NI 9512 module and we were about to wire up the motor/encoder, 9512 card, and controller together when one of the manuals mentioned connecting the motor drive to the controller (or PC) via etherCat. Now we're confused. Do you need the 9512 if you're connecting the motor drive to the cRio through cat 5? Is it one or the other?  Thanks in advance for any assistance on this.

[AustinStanton · Accepted solution]

Hello,

The SMD-7615 is not an EtherCAT compatible drive so will need to connect to it using the 9512. This manual should include all the steps for setting up your drive.

Goodluck!

Austin Stanton

[Corelab]

Thanks for the reply. We had some confusion initially as the manual we were working from had provisions for connecting via etherCat, but for NI 9144 specifically (oops). Thanks again!