Chassis not identified in NI MAX

[EricLee]

Hi, I'm trying to use the NI MAX version 4.5 to identify my PXI system.

I have already import the .ini files for the chassis and controller, which are written according to the PXI software specification(I've checked it line by line), and the name of the controller and chassis were all showed up  in the list and were able to select.

The controller has been identified correctly, but while I try to identify the chassis, I got the error message "This chassis has been identified but is not described in the pxisys.ini for this system."

The hardware:

Controller: ADLINK PXI-3800

Chassis: ADLINK PXIS-2700 (18 slot chassis)

When I was using MAX ver. 3.1.1, this problem did not happen.

And I switch the chassis to the ADLINK PXIS-2558T (8 slot chassis), the error messages were no longer occur, but all of the slots are showed "Unknown/Empty" except the system slot, none of the cards can be identified.

I searched on this web site and found some discussion about this issue, like "additional error checking was introduced with VISA 4.0 and NI-MAX will now refuse to accept a chassis identification if it doesn't match the system layout. The checking is only possible with multi-segment chassis (more than 8 slots). " but so far I can't find an solution.

My questions are:

1. What is the difference between MAX 3.1 and MAX 4.5? What is the "additional error checking"?

2. Does NI MAX disable the support for 3rd-party hardware? How if I use 3rd-party hardware and still wnat to use NI MAX?

Please help, thanks in advance.

[Billingsley]

Hello. After search ni.com , max 3rd party pxi chassis, i got the following result.

http://forums.ni.com/ni/board/message?board.id=270&message.id=4810&requireLogin=False

[EricLee]

Hi, Derek,

Thanks for the information, but still can't find the solution in this...

[muks]

R you sure that your ini file is not corrupted ?

[EricLee]

Hi muks,

I attach the files for your reference. If anyone find anything wrong in these files please assist.

I suppose MAX should be able to communicate with 3rd-party chassis and controllers if they follow the PXI specification,

but I'm blocked in the first step. It seems not very friendly for 3rd-party hardware users. Any suggestion?

[Chuck_Chao]

Hi EricLee

if you got the error message "This chassis has been identified but is not described in the pxisys.ini for this system."

please follow the steps below:

In order to resolve the issue, MAX and the pxisys.ini file should be reset.

1. Find the Data folder:
   
   • On Windows XP and Windows 2000:
     
     1. Navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\National Instruments\MAX\Data\
     2. The folder named Application Data is a hidden folder.  To view hidden folders in Windows Explorer, select Tools » Folder Options..., click the View tab, and select Show hidden files and folders.
   • On Windows Vista: 
     1. Navigate to C:\ProgramData\National Instruments\MAX\Data
     2. If this folder cannot be seen, go to the C: drive and then in the menu bar, choose Organize » Folder and Search Options, click the View tab.
     3. Select the Show hidden files and folders option.
        
     4. Deselect the Hide protected Operating System files option.
   
   
2. Rename the Data folder to Data1. If you cannot rename the folder, go to the Windows Task Manager and end the process called nimxs.exe and then go back and rename the folder.
   
   Note: Resetting MAX will clear out any saved configurations in MAX, including DAQmx tasks and scales. The next time MAX is launched, you will have to configure all of your hardware again.
   
   
3. Now navigate to the directory \Windows.
   
   
4. Delete the pxisys.ini. If you are using MXI express, delete the pxiesys.ini.
   
   
5. Restart the PC and launch MAX. This will cause MAX to find the installed devices again and also recreate the pxisys.ini. If you are using MXI express, MAX will recreate the pxiesys.ini file.

Now you should be able to identify your chassis without error in MAX.  If not, then reinstall PXI Platform Services.

 Let me know if this help

Best regards,

NITW AE Chuck