Data communication and control is USB based and managed via National Instrument's Measurement & Automation Explorer (NI-MAX). When you open NI-MAX and expand the Device and Interface section it should appear as seen to the right. On the following pages is an edited version of the NI-MAX report. Text in italics are additional comments for context. To have a pain free experience use these parameters and follow the advice.
The technician should fully understand how to use this information and setup the hardware.

MAX Configuration Report

08/30/2022 8:07:16 AM

Devices and Interfaces

• NI USB-485 Interface "RS-485 SN:00DCF18B"

1:ASRL3::INSTR "X-AXIS"

NI USB-485 Interface "RS-485 SN:00DCF18B"

This is a single port USB to RS-485 serial device. With this device we connect to the M-Drive interface board.
It is extremely important that the alias name "X-AXIS" is used. This is the means by which IMS knows which USB is connected to the M-Drive that moves the X-axis (sample handler).
Also, be aware that if you change the USB to 485 cable NI-MAX will know. Each cable has a serial number. You will have to delete any previous alias names and reassign them to the correct serial ports. You must also reset the serial port communication parameters.

1: ASRL3::INSTR "X-AXIS"

• Name X-AXIS

• Slot Number 1

• Port Binding COM3

• Port Description Unknown

• VISA Resource NameASRL3::INSTR

• Port Settings

  • Baud rate 9600

  • Data bits8

  • Parity None

  • Stop bits1

  • Flow control None

Property Value

• Resource Name ASRL3::INSTR

• Device Type Serial Port

• VISA Alias on My System X-AXIS

• Device Enabled True

Link to Word Version:NGR NI Max setup.docx (not updated!)

• Prior to KTLF 397P computer replacement the port description was NI USB-485/1 SN:00DCF18B, Communications Port