Error -200329 If an External Master Timebase Is Being Used, Make Sure the Source Is Connected and Generating an Appropriate Clock.

Updated Jul 31, 2023

Reported In

Hardware

  • PCI-6052E

Software

  • Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)

Driver

  • NI-DAQmx

Issue Details

Whenever I try to read signals from my PCI card with a task on NI Measurement and Automation Explorer (NI MAX) or with the DAQ Assitant.vi I get the
error -200329: "If an external master timebase is being used, make sure the source is connected and generating an appropriate clock. Otherwise, contact National Instruments Technical Support."

Solution

Typically this error is caused by the absence of a clock when performing timed operations. 

If you're using an external clock, make sure the task is properly configured on Advance Timing tab:


If you're using an internal clock and the task is configured with right clock type, there are several scenarios:

Troubleshoothing on NI Measurement & Automation Explorer
  1.    Open NI MAX.
  2.    Go to Devices and Interfaces.
  3.    Right-click the PCI DAQ card.
  4.    Select Reset.
  5.    Create a new task. Once properly configured Run the task.

NI-DAQmx Update
Using the most recent version of the driver NI-DAQmx can solve the issue.
  1.     First, verify the compatibility between NI-DAQmx and Microsoft Windows as well for NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW .
  2.     Second, if you need to uninstall the driver, follow the steps described in this article.
  3.     Lastly install the  NI DAQmx driver and then test the PCI card on NI MAX or LabVIEW.

DAQ Diagnostic Utility
If the error persists, it may be a signal of a damaged counter system on the PCI board. NI provide a DAQ Diagnostic Ultility to test the DAQ card to verify that each of its subsystems are working.
If the device fails, please request support to initiate a repair .

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