Operating Procedures

Become familiar with the following basic procedures for operating your system.

Running Self-Test

Use the self-test operation in MAX to verify communication with the instruments in the Data Record System that support self-test. Refer to your product documentation for more information about each instrument's self-test support.

Complete the following steps to run self-test:
  1. Launch MAX.
  2. Expand Devices and Interfaces » PXI Chassis in the configuration tree.
  3. Right-click the instrument for which you want to perform a self-test and select Self-Test from the context menu.
  4. Wait for the message window to indicate if the instrument passed or failed.
  5. Click OK to continue.
  6. Repeat steps 3-5 for all desired instruments.

In-Vehicle Operating Procedures

The following list is a high-level workflow of in-vehicle operation tasks before, during, and after a datalogging session:

  1. Turning on the system
  2. Starting a datalogging session
  3. Recording data
  4. Managing system status
  5. Troubleshooting
  6. Ending a datalogging session
  7. Turning off the system
  8. Removing and replacing data storage drives

Complete the tasks that are applicable to your workflow. Many of the workflow tasks may be specific to your vehicle or application. Consult your integrator for any instructions not provided in this documentation.

If you are using the Data Record AD User Interface, refer to The Visualization Toolkit for any software instructions not provided in this section.

Refer to Bringing Up the Data Record System for any hardware instructions not provided in this section.

Starting a Datalogging Session

Note Consult your integrator for instructions to power on the vehicle in conjunction with the Data Record System.

Data Record AD launches upon Windows startup by default. If you are using a computer that is not configured with controller factory settings from NI, you can configure Windows to launch Data Record AD on startup by adding the application to your Windows startup folder. You can also launch Data Record AD manually using the application’s desktop shortcut or by navigating to the application in your program files.

You can launch the Data Record AD User Interface before or after launching Data Record AD by clicking the Data Record AD User Interface icon on your taskbar or by navigating to the application in your program files. After opening the UI, select the Operator tab at the top of the screen.

Refer to The Visualization Toolkit or your UI documentation for instructions about starting a Data Record AD recording session.

Troubleshooting Issues During a Datalogging Session

Refer to your instrument and chassis documentation or integrator instructions for specific troubleshooting instructions.

Follow your company’s standard operating procedures to address any error codes that arise.

If you need further support or have a service agreement, refer to Contacting NI for Support for information about submitting a support request.

Ending a Datalogging Session

Refer to your UI documentation for instructions about ending a Data Record AD recording session and shutting down your software.

Once you have ended the recording session and shut down any open software applications, refer to your product documentation for specific shutdown instructions and considerations before powering off the chassis and the vehicle.
Note Consult your integrator for instructions on powering off the vehicle in conjunction with the Data Record System.

Changing a Data Storage Drive

Note Refer to the product documentation for your PXIe-8267 or PXIe-8394 for specific installation instructions and considerations.
  1. Shut down any software you are using.
  2. Shut down Windows.
  3. Power off the system.
  4. Remove the old data storage drive from the chassis.
  5. Install the new data storage drive into the chassis.
  6. Power on the system.
  7. Launch Data Record AD and your UI.
  8. If prompted, confirm the settings for your new data storage drive.

Removing and Storing the PXIe-8267

The following steps apply if your system contains a PXIe-8267 data storage drive:
  1. Ensure that the system is powered off.
  2. Refer to the PXIe-8267 Getting Started Guide for specific removal and storage instructions and considerations.