PCI-6528 card produces no voltage using the test panel of the MAX. Card broken?

[Scarecrow]

Hello, I got a PCI-6528 card from TI. I want to control some relays with a LabView Program. So I installed the card and it was recognized correctly. The 5V output pins show the 5V on Digital Multimeter. I wanted to check the output pins by using the Automation Explorer Test Panel (Ports 3-5), so I set the output to high level, but no voltage can be seen on any output pin. I also installed the latest version DAQmx 8.7.1. Am I missing something here or may the card be broken?RegardsArne

[Corby_B]

Hello Scarecrow, Thanks for your post! So I see you have a PCI-6528 from NI? That is great that you have the latest driver of DAQmx 8.7.1 installed. So lets make sure everything is configured right on the output ports. As ports 3-5 are only available for outputs lets try port 3.0. So using your DMM probe pins 97 (P3.0+) and 98 (P3.0-). In Measurement and Automation Explorer set all the outputs on the port to HIGH and then hit the green start button at the bottom of the test panel. Do you see a voltage on pins 97 and 98? You mention that the 5Volt source is giving you a voltage so its sounds like the card is getting power ok. Using the test panels and some kind of digital source do any of the input ports (0-2) read values ok? What terminal blocks and cables are you using?Let us know your findings so we can work toward a solution together!Cheers!Corby_Bhttp://www.ni.com/support

[Scarecrow]

Hello Corby_B, I use the SH100-100-F 2m cable which leads to another 100 pin connector build in my electronic device which contains the relays. Inside the device I checked the voltage directly at the connector. No voltage is applied on any output port. I also tried to read the input port but failed as well.CheersScarecrow

[Wallace_F]

Hello Scarecrow,
You and Corby were on the right track when you tried to measure the voltage drop across pins 97 and 98.  However, when you apply a logic level low to this port, it closes the relay wherease a logic level high opens the relay.  I propose that instead of measuring voltage across these two pins, you should measure resistance.  When a low logic level is applied, it should read a resistance of 18 ohms.  When a high logic level is applied to the port, it should read as an open circuit.  For more information, I recommend you look at pages 15 and 18 of the NI-6528/6529 User Guide and Specifications Manual linked below.
<a href="http://www.ni.com/pdf/manuals/372124c.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.ni.com/pdf/manuals/372124c.pdf</a>
Best wishes,
Wallace F.