Performing Initial Hardware Configuration

Before using the USB-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 USB-6509 in Hardware Configuration Utility

NI recommends using Hardware Configuration Utility to perform initial hardware configuration.
  1. Open Hardware Configuration Utility.
    The USB-6509 should appear in the system pane automatically.
  2. Record the name Hardware Configuration Utility assigns to the USB-6509 or, if desired, provide a custom name to the USB-6509.
    Use this name when programming the USB-6509.
  3. Validate that your instrument is installed correctly:
    1. Select the USB-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 USB-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 pane, double-click Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed devices.
    If you do not see your device listed, press <F5> to refresh the list of installed devices. If the device is still not listed, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable to the device and computer.
  3. Right‑click the device and select Self-Test to perform a basic verification of hardware resources.
  4. Optional: Right‑click the device and select Configure to add accessory information and configure the device.
  5. Right-click the device and select Test Panels to test device functionality.
    1. Click Start to test the device functions.
    2. Click Stop and Close to exit the test panel.
    If the test panel displays an error message, refer to ni.com/support.

What Should I Do if the USB-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 the USB-6509 is still not listed, plug it into another USB port.
  3. Check the LED indicator on the USB-6509 back panel. Refer to USB-6509 LED Indicator for more information.
  4. Navigate to the Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button, and selecting Device Manager.
  5. Verify the USB-6509 appears in the Device Manager.
    1. Under an NI entry, confirm that a USB-6509 entry appears.
    2. If error conditions appear, reinstall the NI-DAQmx driver.

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

  1. Check the LED indicator on the USB-6509 back panel. Refer to USB-6509 LED Indicator for more information.
  2. Plug the USB-6509 into another USB port.
  3. Launch Hardware Configuration Utility or MAX, and perform the self-test again.