Run a test panel in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to confirm that your cRIO-904x is communicating with your system.

Note MAX test panels are available only for systems running NI-DAQmx driver software with supported C Series modules installed, and with modules deployed in the Real-Time program mode. The same version of the driver must be installed on both the host and the target. For additional information, refer to Installing Software on the Controller and Choosing Your Program Mode.
  1. In MAX, locate and select your cRIO-904x system in the My System tree.
    If your module and the software are functioning correctly, the System Settings for your module will show a status of Connected - Running.

    If your cRIO-904x is present but the status is Connected – Safe Mode (No Software Installed), complete the procedure to install software on the cRIO-904x in Installing Software on the Controller.
  2. Wire the C Series module as indicated in the C Series module documentation.
  3. Right-click any module and select Test Panels, or select Test Panels from the main configuration window options.


  4. Configure the measurement settings and click Start.


What Should I Do If the cRIO-904x is Not Communicating with the Network?

  • Ensure that the USB connections between the cRIO-904x and the host computer and the Ethernet connections between the host computer and the router are secure.
  • Configure the IP and other network settings by completing the following steps.
    1. Use a USB-to-Type-A cable (included in the kit) to connect the cRIO-904x USB device port to a host computer. The USB driver creates a virtual network interface card and assigns an IP address to the cRIO-904x in the format of 172.22.11.x.
    2. In MAX, expand your system under Remote Systems.
      Tip If you do not see the cRIO-904x under Remote Systems, use the Troubleshoot Remote System Discovery utility to walk through troubleshooting steps.
    3. Select the Network Settings tab to configure the IP and other network settings.
    4. (Optional) Use the RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port 0 to reconnect the cRIO-904x to the host computer. The cRIO-904x attempts to initiate a DHCP network connection at powerup.
      Note If the cRIO-904x cannot obtain an IP address, it connects to the network with a link-local IP address with the form 169.254.x.x. The host computer communicates with the cRIO-904x over a standard Ethernet connection.
  • Ensure that you have the correct version of NI CompactRIO and Drivers installed on the host computer. Visit Software Support for CompactRIO, CompactDAQ, Single-Board RIO, R Series, and EtherCAT at ni.com/r/swsupport for the minimum supported versions of LabVIEW and NI CompactRIO and Drivers.
    Tip If you have recently upgraded LabVIEW, you must reinstall NI CompactRIO and Drivers.
  • Ensure that the NI USBLAN adapter is recognized in the Device Manager. On Windows 7, select Start » Control Panel » Device Manager » Network adapters » National Instruments » USBLAN adapter. If the USBLAN adapter is not recognized, you must reinstall NI CompactRIO and Drivers.
  • Temporarily disable any network firewalls or other security software.

Verify the System IP Configuration

  1. Put the cRIO-904x in safe mode and enable the RS-232 serial port by holding the RESET button down for 5 seconds.
    The STATUS LED starts blinking three times every few seconds.
  2. Use the RS-232 serial port terminal to read the IP address, or connect a monitor to the mini DisplayPort to view the IP address.
  3. Set a new DHCP connection by holding the RESET button down for 5 seconds. The STATUS LED repeats the same behavior from Step 1.
    If the cRIO-904x fails to set a new DHCP address, it assigns itself a link-local IP address. If the DHCP connection is successful and appropriate for your application, skip to Step 6.
  4. In MAX, expand your system under Remote Systems.
  5. Select the Network Settings tab to configure the IP and other network settings.
  6. Reboot the cRIO-904x by pressing the RESET button.

Configuring the Windows Firewall

  • Add an exception for MAX to your network firewall or other security software by completing the following steps:
    1. On your Windows host computer, select Start » Control Panel » System and Security » Windows Firewall » Allow a program through Windows Firewall.
    2. Click Allow another program.
    3. Select Measurement & Automation.
    4. Click Add.
    5. Click OK.
  • Ensure that UDP port 44525 is open to communication on the host computer. If you are using an intelligent switch on the network, ensure that it is not disabling UDP port 44525.