Has anyone gotten NI USB-6229 configured to work with Linux kernel 2.6.20?

[dodell]

After studying forum communications concerning NI-DAQmx support under Linux, I have had some success installilng the software on a Mandriva 2007 system (kernel version 2.6.20).  This was accomplished using the fedora7nidaq.tar.gz and the nidaqmxbase-2.1.0.iso.  'updateNIDrivers' seemed to complete without a problem, and a subsequent reboot of the system appeared to install the appropriate NI drivers. 

However execution of 'lsdaq' lists no devices, and 'nilsdev' also indicates an empty list of devices found.

It was possible to build one of the ansi_c examples: 

    /usr/local/natinst/nidaqmx/examples/ansi_c/AnalogIn/MeasureVoltage/Acq-ExtClk

However, at execution there is a compliant about invalid device identifier:

    DAQmx Error:  Device identifier is invalid.

    Device specified:  Dev1

    Task Name: _unnamedTask<0>

[J_Thomas]

Hi dodell,

Thanks for posting to the NI Discussion Forums.  You are absolutely right that there is a version of NI-DAQmx that is supported in Linux.  I believe the issue you are seeing is that the NI-DAQmx distribution for Linux does not support all devices typically found under the Windows version. In particular, the NI-DAQmx version for Linux does not support USB data acquisition devices like the NI USB-6229.  This is the text from the NI-DAQmx version 8.0 for Linux readme file:

“USB data acquisition products - Not supported.”

Please refer to the readme file for a list of devices that are supported.

Based on this information, the error you are seeing makes sense.  This error occurs because you have connected a NI USB DAQ device with NI-DAQmx firmware. You will need to switch the firmware to DAQmx base in order to use USB DAQ devices in Linux.

[J_Thomas]

Hi dodell,

I have a correction to my last post.  The DAQmx base driver does not provide support for every USB DAQ device.  Please check the readme for DAQmx base for a complete list of supported devices.  In general, DAQmx base supports bus powered USB devices and the USB-6008/9.  It does not support the USB-6229.  Currently, there is not a driver version that supports the USB-6229 on Linux.  Sorry for any confusion.

[dodell]

Jared,

I appreciate your response to my question.

On a further note, although National Instruments does not officially support the NI USB-6229 device under Linux, I am wondering whether it might be possible to write a custom driver for it myself.  My company has already purchased the device, and it is recognized by Linux when I configure it to my Linux box.

Executing 'lsusb -v' provides a wealth of information about the device, with the limitation that its behavior (bDeviceClass) is defined at the Interface Level, which is a Vendor Specific Class.  I assume this Class has been defined by National Instuments.

Is there a programming API for the NI USB-6229?

Can you direct me to any reference for programming this device?

[Tom_W_[DE]]

Hi dodell-

Unfortunately there is no documentation about the API to program the USB-6229, either externally- or internally-available.  We have been working to eventually provide a USB driver development kit solution, but it is not released yet and I have yet to add any support for the externally-powered (622x/625x/628x) devices.  So there is really no chance of getting the USB-6229 working on Linux at this time.

That said, you may want to consider other options in the USB M Series family.  For example, the USB-6218 provides roughly the same AI functionality (32 AI, 250kS/s with isolation) and also provides 2 16-bit AO channels and 16 DIO (8 input, 8 output) digital lines.  It is supported on several Linux distros by the NI-DAQmx Base driver (current version here).  It may be a good alternative depending on which functionality of the device you need.  I would recommend contacting your local field sales engineer to discuss the possibility of an exchange.

Hopefully this helps-