CAN Device Shows Up as Unknown Board in NI MAX

Updated Aug 29, 2024

Reported In

Hardware

  • USB-8502
  • CAN Interface Device
  • NI-9860
  • NI-9861
  • NI-9862
  • NI-9866
  • PXIe-8510

Software

  • Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)

Driver

  • NI-CAN
  • NI-XNET

Issue Details

I am trying to communicate with my CAN Interface Device in NI MAX, but it is showing up as Unknown, as in one of the following images: 

 
NI-XNET

 
NI-CAN

Solution

To fix how your CAN device enumerates in NI MAX, check for the below conditions.
  • If it is a multi-protocol device, be sure the correct transceiver cable is connected to the device.
  • If it is a PXI(e) device, follow these steps.
  • Make sure you have the correct software support installed.
    • NI-XNET
      1. Make sure you have NI-XNET installed, and that your version of NI-XNET supports your device. This information can be found in the Readme for your version of NI-XNET.
      2. This can be caused by outdated or corrupt firmware on your device. Click the Update Firmware button for your device in NI MAX.
    • NI-CAN
  1. Make sure you have a compatible version of NI-CAN installed.
  2. If you are using an XNET device, you must have XNET and the NI-XNET Compatibility Library for NI-CAN installed.
  3. Verify that all of your software is updated by running NI Update Service and selecting File»Check for Updates.