Performing Initial Hardware Configuration

Before using the PCIe-6509, use Hardware Configuration Utility or Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to perform initial hardware configuration.

Note For Linux users, you must use Hardware Configuration Utility to configure your instrument as NI-DAQmx for Linux does not include MAX, which supports only Windows OS.

Configuring the PCIe-6509 in Hardware Configuration Utility

NI recommends using Hardware Configuration Utility to perform initial hardware configuration.
  1. Open Hardware Configuration Utility.
    The PCIe-6509 should appear in the system pane automatically.
  2. Record the name Hardware Configuration Utility assigns to the PCIe-6509 or, if desired, provide a custom name to the PCIe-6509.
    Use this name when programming the PCIe-6509.
  3. Validate that your instrument is installed correctly:
    1. Select the PCIe-6509 module in the system pane and expand the Troubleshooting area of the configuration pane.
    2. Click Self-test.
    Hardware Configuration Utility reports when the hardware setup is validated.

Configuring the PCIe-6509 in MAX

Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your NI hardware. MAX informs other programs about which NI hardware products are in the system and how they are configured. MAX is automatically installed with NI-DAQmx.

  1. Launch MAX.
  2. In the configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed NI hardware.
    If you do not see your device listed, press F5 to refresh the list of installed NI hardware. If your device is still not listed, power off the system, ensure the device is correctly installed, and restart.
  3. Record the identifier MAX assigns to the hardware. Use this identifier when programming the PCIe-6509.
  4. Self-test the device by selecting the item in the configuration tree and clicking Self-Test in the MAX toolbar.
    The MAX self-test performs a basic verification of hardware resources.
  5. Optional: Right‑click the PCIe-6509 and select Configure to add accessory information and configure the device.
  6. Right-click the PCIe-6509 and select Test Panels to test device functionality. Click Start to test the device functions, and then Stop and Close to exit the test panel.
    If the test panel displays an error message, contact NI Support.

What Should I Do if the PCIe-6509 Doesn't Appear in Hardware Configuration Utility or MAX?

  1. Check if the connection between the hardware and software needs to be refreshed.
    SoftwareDescription
    Hardware Configuration Utility Click the refresh button (1378).
    MAX
    1. In the MAX configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces.
    2. Check the list of installed hardware and press F5 to refresh the list.
  2. If your device is still not listed, power off the system, ensure the device is correctly installed, and restart.
  3. Navigate to the Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager.
  4. Verify the PCIe-6509 appears in the Device Manager.
    1. Under an NI entry, confirm that a PCIe-6509 entry appears.
    2. If error conditions appear, reinstall the NI-DAQmx driver.
  5. Restart your computer.

What Should I Do if the PCIe-6509 Fails the Self-Test?

  1. Reset the PCIe-6509 through Hardware Configuration Utility or MAX and then perform self-test again.
  2. Restart the system, and then perform self-test again.
  3. Power off and unplug the computer.
  4. Reinstall the failed module in a different slot.
  5. Power on the computer.
  6. Perform self-test again.