Configure Interface of RMX-400x With LAN, USB or RS232

Updated May 29, 2024

Environment

Hardware

  • RMX-4000
  • RMX-4002
  • RMX-4003
  • RMX-4004
  • RMX-4005
  • RMX-4006

Driver

  • RMX-400x Electronic Load Driver for LabVIEW

In addition to the physical knobs and buttons on the mainframe, the RMX-400x series supports programmatic control over USB, RS-232, and Ethernet (LAN). Please follow the steps below to configure the interface. Refer to the Interface Configuration Settings in the RMX-400x Series User Manual and Specifications for detailed information about RS-232, USB, or Ethernet configuration.

RS-232 Connection

When using RS232, you need to set several parameters. These include baud rate, stop bit, and parity. When setting RS232 parameters, ensure that they match those of the host machine.
To configure RS232 interface at the panel manually, please follow the below:
  1. Press the Shift key and then the Help key to access the Utility menu.
  2. Press F3 (Interface menu).
  3. If the Interface mode is not RS232, turn the selector knob to RS232.
  4. Choose RS232.
  5. Press the ENTER key or selector knob to confirm. The RS232 menu appears.
  6. Use the selector knob to edit Baud rateStop Bit, and Parity.
 
 
  1. Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) on the host PC to test the RS232 functionality. For guidance, please refer to Connecting Instruments via Serial.


USB Connection

Among the three interface options, USB is the easiest to use.
To configure USB interface at the panel manually, please follow the below:
  1. Press the Shift key and then the Help key to access the Utility menu.
  2. Press F3 (Interface menu).
  3. If the Interface mode is not USB, turn the selector knob to USB.
  4. Choose USB.
  5. Press the ENTER key or selector knob to confirm. The Interface becomes USB.
  6. Connect the USB cable to the USB-B slave port on the rear.
  1. If the PC asks for the USB driver, select RMX4000.inf. You can download this file at NI RMX-400x Loads 1.0 download.
  2. Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) at host PC to test the USB functionality. For guidance, please refer Getting Started with Instrument Control and LabVIEW.


Ethernet Connection

When using Ethernet, you need to set several parameters including DHCP On/Off, IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway. When setting Ethernet parameters, ensure they match the network parameters.
  1. Connect an Ethernet cable from the network to the rear panel Ethernet port. You will see the LED indicator next to the Ethernet port turn on.
  2. Power on the RMX-4000.
  3. Press the Shift key and then the Help key to access the Utility menu.
  4. Press F3 (Interface menu).
  5. If the Interface mode is not Ethernet, use the Selector knob to edit Interface.
  6. Choose Ethernet.
  7. Press the Selector knob to confirm.
  8. The Ethernet menu appears. Use the Selector knob to edit the DHCPIP AddressSubnet Mask, and Gateway settings.

Note: If the DHCP is set to ON, the network DHCP server configures the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway settings automatically. These settings appear after the RMX-4000 gets the information by DHCP. If the DHCP is set to OFF, make sure the IP address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway settings match those of the network. 
  1. Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) at host PC to test the Ethernet (LAN) functionality. For guidance, please refer to How to Connect to a Device in NI MAX via Ethernet/LAN.
Note: The socket server port number is fixed at 2268.