Sending a National Instruments Board in for Repair or Calibration

Hardware: Multifunction DAQ (MIO)

Problem:
I need to return my National Instruments hardware for repair or calibration. How do I begin the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process?

Solution:

Return for Calibration

Go to the Request Support Page.
Select Phone NI and fill out your product information.
Select Question Type as Returning Hardware for Repair/Replacement/Calibration.
From the Call NI Engineers - Return Materials Authorization page, note that you would like to return the device for calibration and choose to Call NI. This will generate a service request for you so you can call NI to speak with a Customer Service Representative who will finalize your RMA.
You will need the serial number and the assembly number (or part number) on the hardware.
- The serial number is a 6 or 7 character hexidecimal code usually on a sticker with a bar code.
- The assembly number (part number) is usually in the form of 18XXXX-XX and it may begin with the letters ASSY.

Return for Repair/Replacement

Go to the Request Support Page.
Select Phone NI and fill out your product information.
Select Question Type as Returning Hardware for Repair/Replacement/Calibration.
From the Call NI Engineers - Return Materials Authorization page, note that the device is visibly damaged and select Call NI. This will generate a service request for you so you can call NI to speak with a Customer Service Representative who will finalize your RMA.
You will need the serial number and the assembly number (or part number) on the hardware.
- The serial number is a 6 or 7 character hexidecimal code usually on a sticker with a bar code.
- The assembly number (part number) is usually in the form of 18XXXX-XX and it may begin with the letters ASSY.

If the device is not working correctly or giving bad readings, please follow these instructions:

Troubleshoot the problem using these tips and the resources available on the product specific support pages at www.ni.com/support.
- Hardware Installation and Configuration Problems:
  - Sometimes sound cards and network cards cause resource conflicts with other hardware. If you have one (or both) of these types of cards in your computer, try removing them to see if the NI device works without other cards competing for resources. If the NI device works at this point, then narrow down which of the other boards is causing the conflict. You may need to change the base address, interrupt request line (IRQ) or direct memory access (DMA) channel settings of each device to resolve resource conflicts between the hardware.
  - Install the NI device in another computer to see if it will work. Remember to install the driver software first. If a version of the driver is already installed and you want to upgrade or reinstall, be sure to uninstall the older version before installing a new one.
  - Refer to the Hardware Installation Wizard linked below for additional troubleshooting advice.
- Incorrect Measurements:
  - Are you able to measure the output from a fresh battery (or other constant voltage source)? Does it give correct readings? This will help determine if the NI Device or the external connections are the source of the problem.
  - If you have an E Series device, run the Online E Series Diagnostic Utility linked below.
  - If you have signal conditioning hardware, try to pinpoint the source of the problem. Troubleshoot the data acquisition hardware alone first. Refer to the Getting Started with SCXI User Manual and the Module User Manuals for jumper settings and configuration information. Make sure there are no bent pins and that the chassis is powered on. Refer to the KnowledgeBases linked below to troubleshoot SCXI problems.
If you have not solved the problem at this point, it is probably best to troubleshoot with a National Instruments Applications Engineer through phone or email support.
Generate a phone or email service request by going to the Request Support Page.
Select a Question Type that best matches the problems you are seeing.
This will generate a service request for you so you can call or email NI to speak with an Applications Engineer who will assist you.

Note: For questions about the RMA process (i.e. arranging shipping) you should contact National instruments directly.

Report Date: 04/23/2001
Last Updated: 09/12/2008
Document ID: 28MH99QO

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