PCI-6281 downgrade

[Katy23426]

I have a mechanical system using NI PCI-6281 DAQ, and need to duplicate it for expansion. I only need one A/O channel to generate waveforms in the frequency range of 1 to 200 Hz, and up to 4 differential A/I channels. For the maximum working frequency of 200 Hz, I believe the sampling rate at 2000 samples/second would be sufficient. 

Considering the cost of PCI-6281 at ~$2100, I would like to replace the card with the options of PCIE-6321 at ~$700 or PCIE-6323 at ~$1000, or even Advantech PCIE-1816 at ~$700. So my questions are:

1. Do I need to re-do the control program developed under LabView, or simply re-configure the channels for the replacement cards?

2. Should I expect any incompatibility issues considering the working frequency range, different slots (i.e. PCI vs. PCIE), etc.? 

3. Any better replacement options?

Thanks for your input!!

[crossrulz · Accepted solution]

As long as your program used DAQmx, you just have to configure your card in MAX to match the settings.  Everything else is completely transparent to your application.

[stockson · Accepted solution]

+1

There might be some device specific differences (some internal connections that can(not) be made, counter operations etc.) but if your code is not using any advanced triggering or synchronization options it should be like crossrulz said.

[Kevin_Price · Accepted solution]

Advice so far is correct if you stick with a regular NI data acq board, but *NOT* if you use the Advantech board.  That would have a whole different driver and api, requiring changes to your program.

-Kevin P