PCI-6035E Replacement

[ScottK]

We have several systems that use the PCI-6035E.  That product is no longer available, but we need to replace these boards in some cases.  We would like a replacement that would not require any software changes for our code that was already written.  PCI-6221 seems like a good replacement, but I just want to make sure prior to purchase.  Thank you for the help!!

[Kevin_Price]

The 6035E is old enough that the code *might* have been based on the legacy driver, a.k.a. "traditional NI-DAQ."   If so, then code changes *will* be needed.

When was the code written?  Do you know what driver was used, traditional NI-DAQ or DAQmx?

-Kevin P

[ScottK]

I believe it does use the traditional NI-DAQ drivers actually.  Are there no drop-in replacements for this that are available for purchase?

[crossrulz · Accepted solution]

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@ScottK wrote:

PCI-6221 seems like a good replacement, but I just want to make sure prior to purchase.

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I would not go with a PCI-6221 purely because it is already in "Mature" life cycle state.  In other words, it is practically already obsolete and you will be right back where you are now.  If you can, go with a PCIe card.  What are you requirements (channel count, sample rate, accuracy, etc.)?

[Kevin_Price]

DAQmx was introduced as the "driver of choice" back in roughly 2003 or thereabouts.  No DAQ hardware introduced after that time has been supported by traditional NI-DAQ.

Trying to keep the old system going a little longer is known as "kicking the can down the road."  Only in this case, the can is a barrel and the kick barely moves it.  

crossrulz made a great point that the PCI-6221 is approaching end-of-life and isn't a wise choice for replacement.   I'm guessing you were hoping to reuse your old PC that has no PCIe slots?   Don't bother, honestly.  You've had a good run for a lot of years with that equipment, but the time has apparently arrived to replace all the age-prone components.  So, not only the DAQ device but also the PC itself and the OS it runs on. 

Sorry for the bad news, but you may as well hear it now rather than learn it the hard(er) way.

-Kevin P

[ScottK]

Thanks for the advice.  I've been trying to convince people for a while to change.  Looks like we are finally forced to move on.  I think we are going to go with one of the USB options actually instead.  The equipment gets shipped all over (field service) so I want to move to a laptop based system.