importing configuration file forces conversion to simulated devices

[creillyucla]

we would like to have an association between devices and aliases for multiple computers in our lab

I named all our multipurpose daq devices via MAX on one machine and would like to export that configuration via MAX and import that configuration via MAX on the other machines.

When I try to do so, MAX forces conversion of the devices to simulated devices.

I don't understand why MAX can not add a device ( the .ini file just has the serial number and device number ) to a machine where the device has not been installed.

is there a way around this?

[crossrulz]

Without the devices, what would you expect to happen?  Just install your devices before importing.

[creillyucla]

I would expect that the database would note there's a device with a specified serial number that I would like to be referred to by a certain alias. indeed such a thing happens when I unplug a device and plug it back in.

I tried your suggestion earlier. I removed all the devices from a computer's MAX. Then I plugged a device in, and MAX called it "Dev1". Then I imported a MAX configuration from a different computer, where the device had a different alias. MAX still imported the device as a simulated device.

[creillyucla]

another observation:

I plugged in a device (say, with serial # 1232) to computer A, where it was installed and given alias "dev1".

From computer B I exported a MAX configuration where device with serial # 1232 was included, among 5 other identical devices.

From computer A I imported this configuration. During this process it asked me to specify which of the 6 six devices, if any, I would like to replace "dev1" with.

Even if I do install the devices, the above observation shows that it still won't automatically produce the desired association between alias and serial #.

Inspecting the .ini file, I see that the only information included with an exported configuration is:

• product type
• serial #
• product #
• bus type

In light of this, I really do not see why I can't import a device into MAX that hasn't yet been installed. All this could entail is adding a row into the underlying daqmx devices database with these 4 columns. When the device is installed, MAX would recognize that there is already an entry matching its four parameters.

[jordans]

Hi creillyucla,

That is a great suggestion. While the ability to configure devices that are not installed is not currently available, it is possible that it could be added in the future. I would recommend posting on the NI Idea Exchange. The Idea Exchange is used by R&D when developing products and is a great place to have your voice heard. Below is a link for the DAQ Idea Exchange:

Data Acquisition Idea Exchange
https://forums.ni.com/t5/Data-Acquisition-Idea-Exchange/idb-p/daqideas

Besides that, It sounds like you should be able to install the devices on your second computer and import to preserve the configuration. 

Best of luck on your project!

[sevincom]

I definitely agree with creillyucla and was expecting the same behavior when I think about importing/exporting configurations. This leads me to ask two questions:

- What is the exact purpose of these configuration files if it does not recognize the device?

- Until this new feature will be implemented, what should be the best way to import configurations to a system? For example if I remove all software/drivers including MAX and reinstall. Then, what is the easiest way if I would like to use my applications without changing the source code?