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Why Do I Receive VISA Error 0xBFFF00A7 and NI-RIO Error -63040 Under My CompactRIO Controller in MAX?

Primary Software: Utility Software>>Measurement & Automation Explorer
Primary Software Version: 4.3
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: LabVIEW Modules>>Real-Time Module
Hardware: Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers

Problem:
I’ve connected my CompactRIO target to my network. However, when I look under remote systems in Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX) on my host PC, I can see the controller, but under Devices and Interfaces I see both VISA error 0xBFFF00A7 and NI-RIO error -63040.

Solution:
The most common cause for these errors is an incorrectly configured IP address. When moving a real-time controller from one type of network to another, you will have to reconfigure the IP address of your CompactRIO controller accordingly. Here are possible network changes and what to do to correctly assign an IP address.
 
Static to Dynamic Network
If you move your controller from a network where it was assigned a static IP address (e.g. connected directly to your computer with a crossover cable) to one where it will be dynamically assigned an IP address (e.g. given an IP address via DHCP from a router), the controller will initially show up, but since it is most likely on a different subnet, it will appear with VISA and NI-RIO errors.

To reconfigure the controller follow the given steps: 
  1. Open Measurement and Automation Explorer.
  2. Expand the Remote Systems Menu.
  3. Highlight the controller in MAX and select Obtain IP address from DHCP server and click the Apply button on the top bar.


  4. When prompted, reboot the controller. 
  5. The error should not be there anymore. 
 
 
Dynamic to Static Network
If you move your controller from a network where it was dynamically assigned an IP address to one where it needs a static IP address, the controller will not have an IP address since one will not be assigned to it on a static network. 
 
The steps listed below should be followed to change the settings for a static network:
  1. Set the IP RESET dip switch on the controller to the ON position.
  2. Reset the Controller.
  3. After resetting the controller move the IP Reset dip switch back to the OFF position


  4. Open Measurement and Automation Explorer.
  5. Select Edit the IP Settings and select the Suggest Values option.
  6. Click OK for the suggested values.


     
  7. Click on Apply.
  8. When prompted, reboot the controller.
  9. The Controller should now be configured with a static IP address.

If you are still seeing a VISA or NI-RIO error after reconfiguring your system, right-click your CompactRIO controller in MAX and select Reboot.  If this does not work, try right-clicking Devices and Interfaces and select Refresh. 

Note: Please refer to the link attached to this document if you are using a crossover cable to connect the CompactRIO directly to your computer.

Other Sources of Errors
If the IP address is configured correctly and these errors still occur, there may be something else impeding communication. Common problems include Windows Firewall and multiple network cards. For a complete guide to troubleshooting CompactRIO controllers in MAX, see the attached link for the devzone tutorial on troubleshooting CompactRIO controllers in Measurement and Automation Explorer. 


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Report Date: 11/13/2007
Last Updated: 04/10/2008
Document ID: 4FCHS33U

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