6035E Analog Output problem

[Padresp]

I have a 6035E with two analog outputs ("0" and "1").  Output 0 seems to work just fine, as do the analog inputs I've tried.  The problem is that output 1 does not.  It only seems to give -13V.  Any thoughts?  Thanks!

[Michael.Phillips]

Thank you for contacting National Instruments.

That's a pretty strange problem, especially considering that -13V is outside of the full-scale range of the output!

The first thing to try when troubleshooting a DAQ device is to check the configuration in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX). Look for the 6035E under "Devices and Interfaces" in MAX. Run the self-test on the device to verify that it is working properly, and then try wiring the output 1 to an input channel. Use the test panels in MAX to see if you receive what you are sending. Let us know how this works out for you.

Also, I recommend making sure you have the latest compatible DAQ drivers installed. For your device, the compatible drivers are Traditional DAQ 7.4 and NI-DAQmx 7.5.

[Padresp]

Thanks!  I had already tried those suggestions.  The device appears to be working properly when I "Test Resources."  When I attach the malfunctioning output channel to an input channel, it reads a flat -10V (its minimum).  I have checked the voltage with a DMM, oscilloscope, and the DAQ, and they all come back -13. 

I had V7.5 of the NI-DAQ and now am going to try NI-DAQmx V8.0 to see if that helps.

Any other thoughts?

[Michael.Phillips]

Here are a few other troubleshooting ideas: try the card in another PCI slot of the computer, and try it in another computer to see if you still have the same problem.

[AlanArmstead]

I would also recommend running the DAQ Diagnostic Utility.  That will let you know if you have a bad analog output channel.  You can download it here, listed under Utility.

-Alan A.

[Padresp]

Thanks... I have performed every test (including a new PCI slot) and no luck.  The diagnostic utility shows the same error that I was seeing on the output channel.  Any other ideas?  Or do I just have a faulty board?

[AlanArmstead]

You said the utility shows the same error.  What error?  Did it report that one of the analog outputs was bad (failed a test)?  Or did it give you an error? 

-Alan A.

[Padresp]

The utility said that the analog output failed.  It was expecting 9V but it came back as -10 (I'm sure it was -13, but saturated at -10).  No additional error messages explaining why.

[AlanArmstead]

Thats a fairly certain indication that you have a bad AO channel.  You should call NI support at 866-275-6964 to have the board repaired.

-Alan A.