Can I Replace a Relay on My NI Switch Myself?Hardware: Switches
Problem: I have one of NI’s PXI or SCXI switch modules. One of the relays on my card has reached the end of its lifetime or has been shorted. Can I replace this one relay myself or must I send in the entire card for repair? Solution: Often times relay or switch modules offer field replacement options. If your switch module supports field replacement of individual relays, then in the NI Switches Help document will have a topic heading Relay Replacement where you can find instructions on how to replace a relay. After you replace the relay, you can then refer to the Resetting a Relay Count topic to track the lifetime of the new relay. For example, you can find detailed instructions for replacing the relays on the PXI-2529, along with the relay manufacturer and part number information, in the NI Switches Help file as seen in the image below.
Some kits for relay replacement are available from National Instruments. These kits typically contain 10 relays. However, NI may not sell the replacement relays needed for your specific switch module. You may need to contact the relay manufacturer listed in the Help document or check with an online vendor in order to purchase relays in small quantities. An example of a relay replacement kit offered by NI is the IM42GR Relay Kit, linked below, which can be used to field service the relays on the PXI-2568, PXI-2569, PXI-2570, and SCXI-1169. As noted on the product page for this replacement kit: "When used in conjunction with the relay count tracking feature found on NI PXI and SCXI switch modules, this replacement kit can provide a solution for preventive maintenance on the switching system with minimal downtime. Full relay replacement documentation for each module can be found in the NI Switches Help file under the Devices section." Note: Should a heavily used relay need to be replaced while the unit is still under warrantly, following the instructions in the Help document and correctly replacing the relay yourself will not have any affect on the warranty. Note: Your switch module may contain one or more PCB boards with relays, called the Base board and the Mezzanine board (also known as Daughter crads). An example of a module containing 2 PCB boards is the NI PXI-2569. If an individual relay on one of these boards is heavily used and needs to be replaced, we recommend doing this yourself as described in the Help. However, if most of the relays on one of the PCB boards need to be replaced at the same time or if one of the boards was damaged, you can contact support at ni.com and arrange to send the enitre Daughter card back to NI for replacement. This can often be cheaper than buying a whole new Module. Related Links: Products and Services: IM42GR Relay Kit Product Manuals: NI Switches Help (July 2008) Attachments:
Report Date: 06/30/2009 Last Updated: 07/01/2009 Document ID: 4YTE729G |
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