Configuring a PXI-1010 or PXI-1011 Chassis in MAX 2.x - KnowledgeBase - Support

15 ratings:

2.53 out of 5

Rate this Document

Configuring a PXI-1010 or PXI-1011 Chassis in MAX 2.x

Hardware: PXI/CompactPCI>>Chassis>>PXI-1010

Problem:
In Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX) 2.x, how do I configure the SCXI component of my PXI-1010 or PXI-1011 chassis with NI-DAQ using an embedded controller? What if I am using MXI-3?

Solution:
Make sure that the latest version of NI-DAQ is installed on the computer. Refer to the related link Drivers and Updates: NI-DAQ for more information.

Configuration for Embedded Controllers Only

Obtain the correct pxisys.ini file for your controller and chassis from the PXISYS.INI Files link below. The pxisys.ini files are also on a disk that shipped with your PXI embedded controller.
Copy the appropriate .ini file into the following directory:
- Windows 98/95/XP
  Place the pxisys.ini file into the C:\Windows directory.
- Windows NT/2000
  Place the pxisys.ini file into the C:\WINNT directory.
- Real-Time Operating System
  Place the pxisys.ini file into the C:\NI-RT\SYSTEM directory.
Install the data acquisition module that will control the SCXI module(s) in the last slot of the PXI chassis (slot 8 for the PXI-1010, slot 4 for the PXI-1011).
Refer to the Completing Configuration for Embedded Controllers and MXI-3 Extenders: Configuring the SCXI Chassis section to complete the chassis configuration.

Configuration for MXI-3 Only

Download version 1.1.5 or newer of the MXI-3 optimization software from the related link Drivers and Updates: MXI-3 and install the software.
Install your MXI-3 extender in your PC and your PXI chassis according to the installation instructions in the related link MXI-3 Installation Guide.
Power on your PXI chassis then your PC. Run the MXI-3 Optimization application (Start » Programs » National Instruments MXI-3 » MXI-3 Optimization).
Note: You can also configure the MXI-3 Optimization software to run automatically every time your computer boots up.
After following the installation instructions and running the MXI-3 Software, determine the model number of your PXI chassis (e.g., PXI-1010 or PXI-1011).
Using the chassis model number, locate the corresponding pxisys.ini file. An .ini file for several PXI chassis can be found in the C:\Program Files\National Instruments\MXI3\pxisys directory. The files are of the form pxisys_nnnn.ini, where nnnn is the PXI chassis model code.
Copy the pxisys_nnnn.ini file that corresponds to your chassis into the following directory:
- Windows 98/95/XP
  Place the pxisys.ini file into the C:\Windows directory.
- Windows NT/2000
  Place the pxisys.ini file into the C:\WINNT directory.
Rename the copied file (in the Windows or WINNT directory) to "pxisys" so that it is now called "pxisys.ini".
Shut down all PXI Chassis and PC and install the data acquisition board that will control the SCXI module(s) in the last slot of the PXI chassis (slot 8 for the PXI-1010, slot 4 for the PXI-1011).
Power on the PXI chassis (and SCXI) before powering on the PC. It is very important to power on the PXI chassis before powering on the PC each time you power up your system.
Refer to the Completing Configuration for Embedded Controllers and MXI-3 Extenders: Configuring the SCXI Chassis section below to complete the chassis configuration.

Completing Configuration for Embedded Controllers and MXI-3 Extenders: Configuring the SCXI Chassis

Open the Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) version 2.x (you will find the icon on the desktop of your computer). Make sure the controlling data acquisition board appears under "Devices and Interfaces."
Right-click on "Devices and Interfaces" and choose Create New from the pop-up menu.
In the Create New window select the appropriate PXI chassis (1010 or 1011) and click Next.
If you see an error message that states that it could not locate the pxisys.ini, make sure that you followed the steps above which explain how to copy the correct pxisys.ini file into the proper location.
If the Control SCXI with Internal Bus option is grayed out:
- Make sure you have the latest version of NI-DAQ installed.
- The PXI-DAQ module must be in the slot closest to the SCXI chassis.
- Make sure that the SCXI section of the chassis is powered on.
- Verify that you have the correct pxisys.ini file (not the chassis.ini) and that it is in the appropriate directory.
Note: You will not be able to control the SCXI chassis over the internal bus until you select "Control SCXI with Internal Bus".
Make sure that the chassis ID and address match the dip switch settings on the PXI-1010 chassis. There are no dip switches on the PXI-1011 chassis.
Click OK and you will be prompted to auto detect any SCXI modules. Make sure that the SCXI section of the chassis is powered on, and that your modules are inserted. If both are true, you can click "Yes" to autodetect the modules.
The chassis should now show up in the Devices and Interfaces section of MAX. After installation, you can manually add modules to the unit by right-clicking on the slots available in the PXI chassis sub-menu (under Devices and Interfaces) and choosing Insert from the pop-up menu. Again, if the Control SCXI with Internal Bus option was grayed out, manually adding the modules will not solve the problem. (The procedure is the same for a standard SCXI module.)

Configuration for MXI-4
NI recommends installing the MXI-4 driver when configuring MXI-4. The MXI-4 driver automatically upgrades Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX) to version 3.x. Therefore please refer to KnowledgeBase 30QG08OK, "Configuring a PXI-1010 or PXI-1011 in MAX 3.x" linked below.

Report Date: 07/16/1999
Last Updated: 09/25/2007
Document ID: 1NFF457T

Your Feedback!

Poor | Excellent

Yes

Document Quality?

Answered Your Question?

Please Contact NI for all product and support inquiries.