Cannot configure DAQ system (SCXI-1200 via RS232 Serial)

[Eric Lin]

Hi All,

I recently started working with this DAQ system for temperature measurements, however I am not able to set it up correctly in windows. The System configuration is as follows:


SCXI-2000 Chassis

SCXI-1200 12-bit DAQ

SCXI-1102 Thermocouple Amplifier


I searched NI's web support and followed the procedure of setting up the system, however the MAX keeps displaying scxi-1200 as "This device has not passed the test" and an error code -10401 is generated as a result. Also the "online" LED on the chassis keeps blinking, which in the manual it means the system is trying to synchronize with computer. I know that SCXI-1200 can be connected to the computer either through parallel port or serial port. Currently I only tried the serial connection, i.e., connect scxi-1200 and scxi-2000 chassis through parallel cable at the back of chassis, then serial connection to computer's com1. I also made sure the jumpers and software configurations are set the same.

Any help is appreaciated.

EL

[David L.]

Erik,

Take a look at this KB: SCXI-1200 Won't Pass the "Test Resources" Test

The 10401 error is usually associated with a device number that is incorrect or not assigned to the proper device. First check that the device number or channel strings for your SCXI-1200 are correct as shown in MAX. Follow these steps:

1. Open MAX and open a test panel for your SCXI-1200 to make sure that you are able to take measurements with the SCXI-1200 in the test panel.
2. If you are having trouble with the device responding, follow the steps listed in the KB above.
3. Once you have the SCXI-1200 working correctly in MAX, open your LabVIEW VI and make sure that the device number of the SCXI-1200 in MAX matches the device number your are using in LabVIEW.

Please reply if you are still having trouble with this issue and include any details that may be helpful.

[Eric Lin]

Thanks for the reply Dave. Fortunately I've sorted out the problem and it turned out to be the serial cable that I'm using is faulty. The manual does not really specify that the cable has to be a Null modem type (crossover) serial cable so what I had been using was a straight-thru one. Now everything looks functional.

EL