How Do I Find or Modify My Device's Name?

Updated Nov 26, 2021

Environment

Software

  • Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)

Driver

  • NI-DAQmx

  • I have several NI devices and I want to modify their names or "alias" in order to find them easily next time I connect them.
  • How can I find and modify my device's names?

To find and modify the names of the devices connected to a specific computer, you can:
  • To do so manually:
    1. Open Measurement & Automation Explorer (NI-MAX).
    2. Expand My System >> Devices and Interfaces where the devices are listed.
    3. Right-click the device you want to rename and select Rename.
    4. If using the right hand window Name open textfield instead, make sure to Save after changing the name.
Rename in NI MAX (small)
  • You can also do this programmatically. Refer to the Related link section for examples of doing this.
These device names/aliases need to be unique, as they act as the reference for NI software tools and drivers. Duplicate names will cause a red X next to both devices in NI-MAX and they are not usable until resolved.

Note

NI-MAX will remember the module name on a specific slot of a specific chassis. If you move the module to a different location in the same chassis or a different chassis, you will need to rename it once more. The same happens if you insert a module on a previously named slot.