National Instruments NI ELVIS III User manual

NI ELVIS III
Getting Started
2023-09-18

Contents
Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Setting up Your Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What You Need to Get Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installing and Powering the Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connecting the Device to Your Host Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Configuring the Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Setting up the Host Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Installing the Measurements Live Support Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Installing the NI ELVIS III Soware Bundle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using the Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Launching the So Front Panels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Creating an NI ELVIS III Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

Getting Started
The getting started guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to connect the
NI ELVIS III hardware, launch the So Front Panels (SFPs) from Measurements Live,
and develop applications on the NI ELVIS III using the NI ELVIS III Soware Bundle.
If you are a... Where to go
Student ■ Getting Started with Measurements
Live
■ Creating an NI ELVIS III Application with
LabVIEW
■Programming the NI ELVIS III with
Python or C
Note If your lab administrator has
not set up the hardware and
soware for you, set up your device
and the host computer first.
Lab administrator Guide for Lab Administrators—Instructs you to
set up lab devices, computers, and servers.
Professor Act as a lab administrator or refer to Teaching
with NI ELVIS III.
Setting up Your Device
This section provides step-by-step instructions on how to connect and set up the
NI ELVIS III workstation.
■ What You Need to Get Started
■ Installing and Powering the Hardware
■ Connecting the Device to Your Host Computer
■ Configuring the Device
What You Need to Get Started
© National Instruments 3
NI ELVIS III Getting Started

To set up and use the NI ELVIS III, you need the following items:
■Required hardware
■NI ELVIS III workstation
■AC/DC power supply
■High-speed USB 2.0 cable
■Computer
■Recommended items for first time users
■BNC to BNC cable or
■Cables and Accessories Kit (786520-01)
■Optional items and tools for further exploration
■NI ELVIS III prototyping board
■Components to build your circuits
■Cabling and sensors as required for your application
■Wire cutter
■Wire stripper
■Soware
■NI ELVIS III Soware Bundle Installer (optional)
■Documentation
■NI ELVIS III Quick Start Guide
■NI ELVIS III Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Information (SERI)
manual
Unpacking Your Device
The NI ELVIS III workstation and the NI ELVIS III Prototyping Board ship in antistatic
packages to prevent electrostatic damage. Electrostatic discharge can damage
several components on the NI ELVIS III hardware.
Notice Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

To avoid such damage in handling the workstation and prototyping board, take the
following precautions:
■Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object.
■Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis before
removing the workstation or prototyping board from the package.
Remove the hardware from the package and inspect it for loose components or any
sign of damage. Contact NI if the hardware appears damaged in any way.
Store the workstation and the prototyping board in the antistatic envelopes when
not in use.
Tip Go to Installing and Powering the Hardware next.
Installing and Powering the Hardware
Before you set up and use the NI ELVIS III device, ensure that you have the required
items listed in the What You Need to Get Started section.
1. Ensure that the power switch at the back of the NI ELVIS III workstation is
switched o.
2. Connect the power supply.
3. Connect the Wi-Fi antenna and/or relevant cables based on the following:
a. For initial configuration and launching of the So Front Panels without
network access or programming, start with Connecting to the Device via
USB.
b. For Ethernet connection configuration, start with Connecting to the
Device via Ethernet.
c. For wireless connection (Wi-Fi models only) configuration, start with
Connecting to the Device via Wireless Network (Wi-Fi models only).
Note The USB cable is also required for the initial
configuration of the wireless network.
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

a. Power supply cable
b. Device USB cable (required for initial configuration)
c. Ethernet cable (optional connection)
d. Wi-Fi antenna (Wi-Fi models only)
4. Plug the power supply into a wall outlet and switch on the power switch at the
back of the NI ELVIS III workstation.
5. Ensure that the application board power button on the workstation is turned
o. The integrated LED in the power button should not be lit.
6. Install the NI ELVIS III prototyping board (or compatible application boards) as
shown in the following figure:
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

a. Position the opening in the NI ELVIS III prototyping board over the
application board mounting bracket.
b. Slide the edge connector of the NI ELVIS III prototyping board into the
receptacle on the workstation and ease it into place.
7. Secure the NI ELVIS III prototyping board to the workstation using two M4
mounting screws as shown in the following figure:
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

8. Power on the application board power button on the workstation. The
integrated LED in the power button should be lit. The four Fixed User Power
Supplies LEDs on the prototyping board should also be lit.
Notice When you turn on your device and connect it to the network,
certain device data (serial number, device ID, MAC address, IP address,
Hostname, used hardware and soware versions) is transmitted in
encrypted format to NI. This information will be deleted aer you remove
your device from the network, for example, by turning it o or switching
o the Ethernet or Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi models only) functionality. The only
exception is when the device is configured for infinite lease time and/or
infinite grace period, in which case the serial number and device ID will be
stored for this purpose only. Accessing the above data is necessary to
establish the connection and transmit communication between the
devices connected to the Measurements Live network and the instrument
so front panels in Measurements Live, access to which is provided with
the product. NI does not store or use this data for any other purposes.
Because the above information, in particular the device ID, may be
available for others connected to the network, providing any personal
information by setting your device ID or otherwise will be at your sole risk
and responsibility. NI is not responsible for the behavior of any other
device users connected to the network. If you do not want to share the
above data with others in the Measurements Live network, you should not
use the network functionality of your device. You can still use your device
with your computer through a USB connection.
Tip Go to Connecting the Device to Your Host Computer next.
Connecting the Device to Your Host Computer
You can connect the NI ELVIS III to your host computer using one of the following
methods:
■ Connecting to the Device via USB
■ Connecting to the Device via Ethernet
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

■ Connecting to the Device via Wireless Network (Wi-Fi models only)
Connecting to the Device via USB
Complete the following steps to use a USB cable to connect the NI ELVIS III from the
USB device port to your host computer.
1. Connect the Type-C to Type-A USB 2.0 cable to the NI ELVIS III as shown in the
following figure:
2. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the host computer.
Notice Ensure that the host computer is powered on before
connecting the USB cable.
If the connection is successful, you can see the IP address of the USB connection on
the OLED display of the NI ELVIS III aer you install the Measurements Live Support
Files. Press and hold the user programmable button (Button 0) on the le-hand side
of the NI ELVIS III workstation until you turn on the display. The IP address of the
USB connection appears aer the icon.
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

Note The device does not need an ID when connected via USB. The OLED
display returns ID not available when you connect the device via USB
only.
Tip Go to Setting up the Host Computer to set up the soware
environment.
Tip Go to Configuring the Device if you need to upgrade the soware on
the device or set up an administrator password.
Connecting to the Device via Ethernet
Complete the following steps to use an Ethernet cable to connect the NI ELVIS III to
your host computer.
1. Connect the Ethernet cable to the NI ELVIS III as shown in the following figure:
2. Ensure that the Ethernet cable is connected to a router that is set up correctly.
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

Note Your host computer and the NI ELVIS III needs to be
connected to the same subnet (local network).
NI ELVIS III Local Network
Host Computer
Router
If the connection is successful, you can see the IP address of the Ethernet
connection on the OLED display of the NI ELVIS III. Press and hold the user
programmable button (Button 0) on the le-hand side of the NI ELVIS III workstation
until you turn on the display. The IP address of the Ethernet connection appears
aer the icon.
Tip Go to Setting up the Host Computer to set up the soware
environment.
Tip Go to Configuring the Device if you need to upgrade the soware on
the device or set up an administrator password.
Connecting to the Device via Wireless Network (Wi-Fi models only)
Complete the following steps to connect the NI ELVIS III to your host computer via a
wireless network.
1. Connect the Wi-Fi antenna to the NI ELVIS III as shown in the following figure:
© National Instruments 11
NI ELVIS III Getting Started

Note The USB cable is also required for the initial configuration of
the wireless network.
2. Configure a wireless network on the NI ELVIS III.
Con󽘀guring a Wireless Network on the Device
Note The following steps are required for initial configuration only. The
NI ELVIS III automatically connects to the wireless network that it has
connected to before.
1. Use a USB cable to connect the NI ELVIS III to your computer, as explained in
Connecting to the Device via USB.
2. In Internet Explorer, enter http://<USB IP address>/WIF.html in the address
bar to launch the System Con󽘀guration page. To view the IP address of the
USB connection, press and hold the user programmable button (Button 0) on
the le-hand side of the NI ELVIS III workstation until the OLED display on the
workstation is lit. The IP address of the USB connection appears aer the
icon.
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

Note
■You must use Internet Explorer to complete this step.
■The IP address of the USB connection appears only aer you
install the Measurements Live Support Files.
3. Click the Network Con󽘀guration button on the le
of the web page to display the Network Con󽘀guration page.
4. In the Wireless Adapter wlan0 section, select Connect to wireless
network from the Wireless Mode pull-down menu.
5. Select the country in which you are located from the Country pull-down
menu. You must specify a country before you can select an available channel
for the wireless network.
6. Select the wireless network you want to join or select Other network if
you cannot find the wireless network from the Wireless Network pull-down
menu.
7. Enter security settings for the wireless network that you select. You must
select Infrastructure from the Network Type pull-down menu because the
NI ELVIS III does not support Ad Hoc networks.
8. Select DHCP or Link Local from the Con󽘀gure IPv4 Address pull-down
menu. This option specifies that the NI ELVIS III automatically acquires an IP
address.
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

9. Click Save to save the settings.
If the connection is successful, you can see the IP address of the wireless network
connection on the OLED display of the NI ELVIS III. Press and hold the user
programmable button on the le-hand side of the NI ELVIS III workstation until
you turn on the display. The IP address of the wireless network connection appears
aer the icon.
Tip Go to Setting up the Host Computer to set up the soware
environment.
Tip Go to Configuring the Device if you need to upgrade the soware on
the device or set up an administrator password.
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

Configuring the Device
In most cases, you do not need to configure the NI ELVIS III. The NI ELVIS III ships
with the recommended soware installed and necessary configurations made. You
may need to configure the NI ELVIS III in cases such as upgrading the soware on it
or setting up an administrator password.
To configure the soware on the NI ELVIS III, you will need to use Measurement &
Automation Explorer (MAX).
This tutorial contains instructions on completing the most common configurations
for the NI ELVIS III using MAX:
■ Installing Soware on the Device—This topic tells you how to upgrade the
soware on the NI ELVIS III or reinstall the soware on the NI ELVIS III aer you
reformat it.
■ Updating Firmware on the Device—This topic tells you how to upgrade the
firmware on the NI ELVIS III.
■ Securing the Device—This topic tells you how to protect your lab devices by
setting administrator password and permissions.
For more information about configuring the NI ELVIS III using MAX, refer to the
LabVIEW Real-Time Target Con󽘀guration section of the Measurement &
Automation Explorer Help which you can launch by selecting Help » MAX Help in
MAX.
Tip Go to Setting up the Host Computernext.
Installing Soware on the Device
The NI ELVIS III ships with the recommended soware set installed on the device.
You can use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to upgrade or modify the
soware set, or reinstall the soware set aer reformatting the device.
Note MAX is installed automatically when you install the NI ELVIS III
Soware Bundle or the LabVIEW ELVIS III Toolkit.
Complete the following steps to install soware on the NI ELVIS III using MAX:
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

1. In MAX, expand Remote Systems in the configuration tree and then expand
your NI ELVIS III target.
2. Right-click Software and click Add/Remove Software to launch LabVIEW
Real-Time Soware Wizard.
Note If MAX prompts you to log in, enter admin in User name and
leave Password blank if you have not set a new password. Refer to
Securing the Device to learn how to set a new password for the
device.
3. Select the recommended soware set for the NI ELVIS III.
4. Click Next.
5. Ensure that LabVIEW ELVIS III Toolkitx is selected, where x matches the version
of the LabVIEW ELVIS III Toolkit.
6. Click Next to view a summary of your selection.
7. Click Next to start installing the soware. When the installation completes,
the wizard restarts the NI ELVIS III.
8. Click Finish to close the wizard.
Tip Go to Setting up the Host Computer to set up the soware
environment.
Tip Go to Updating Firmware on the Device to update the firmware.
Updating Firmware on the Device
The NI ELVIS III ships with required firmware. You can use Measurement &
Automation Explorer (MAX) to update the firmware.
Note MAX is installed automatically when you install the NI ELVIS III
Soware Bundle or the LabVIEW ELVIS III Toolkit.
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

Complete the following steps to update firmware on the NI ELVIS III using MAX:
1. Obtain the latest firmware file by installing the latest NI ELVIS III Soware
Bundle.
2. In MAX, expand Remote Systems in the configuration tree.
3. Click the NI ELVIS III target, and click the Update Firmware button in the
System Settings section.
MAX automatically navigates to the latest firmware file for the NI ELVIS III.
Firmware files for the NI ELVIS III are named ELVISIII_<version number>.cfg.
For example, ELVISIII_6.0.0.cfg.
4. Click Open.
5. Click Begin Update to update the firmware.
Note If MAX prompts you to log in, enter admin in User name and
leave Password blank if you have not set a new password. Refer to
Securing the Device to learn how to set a new password for the
device.
You can verify the version of the firmware currently installed on the NI ELVIS III in the
System Settings section.
Tip Go to Setting up the Host Computer to set up the soware
environment.
Tip Go to Securing the Device to prevent unauthorized users from
changing system configuration.
Securing the Device
If you are a Lab Administrator, you can prevent unauthorized users from changing
system configuration on the NI ELVIS III by setting an administrator password and
permissions in MAX.
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

Note MAX is installed automatically when you install the NI ELVIS III
Soware Bundle or the LabVIEW ELVIS III Toolkit.
Setting a New Password
By default, each remote device includes a single user with the following name and
password:
■ User name: admin
■ Password: <blank>
Complete the following steps to set a new password.
1. In MAX, expand Remote Systems in the configuration tree and then select
your NI ELVIS III.
2. Login with the default user name and password:
a. Click Log In on the toolbar.
b. Enter admin in User name and leave Password blank.
c. Click OK.
3. Click Set Permissions on the toolbar to launch the Security Configuration
page in a browser.
4. Enter admin in User name and leave Password blank.
5. Double-click admin in the list of users under the Users tab.
6. Enter a secure password in New Password.
7. Re-enter your password in Re-type New Password.
8. Click Save.
9. Click Upload Changes to save the changes to the system.
You can now return to MAX and log in using the new password.
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

Note NI cannot recover lost system passwords. If you forget the
password, you must contact NI and reformat the NI ELVIS III.
Removing Permissions from the Everyone Group
To secure your device, your must also remove all permissions from the everyone
group.
1. Click Set Permissions on the toolbar to launch the Security Configuration
page in a browser.
2. Enter your user name and password. Enter admin in User name and leave
Password blank if you have not set a password.
3. Click the Groups tab.
4. Click the everyone group.
5. Select all permissions in the This group has the following permissions
section and click Remove to remove all the permissions.
6. Click Save to save the change.
Tip Go to Setting up the Host Computer next.
Setting up the Host Computer
According to the task you want to perform with the NI ELVIS III, set up the soware
environment on your host computer.
What you want to do Where to go
Use the So Front Panels (SFPs) to control an
NI ELVIS III in a web browser and do not need to
program the NI ELVIS III with LabVIEW.
Zero installation! Go directly to
measurementslive.ni.com.
Use the SFPs when not connecting your device
to the Internet.
Installing the Support Files
Use the Logic Analyzer and Pattern Generator.
Program the NI ELVIS III with LabVIEW. Installing the Soware Bundle
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started

Tip Go to Using the Device next.
Installing the Measurements Live Support Files
You can either download the Measurements Live Support Files from ni.com or
access the oline installer stored on your NI ELVIS III USB drive.
Downloading the Online Installer
You can download and install the Measurements Live Support Files from ni.com.
Accessing the O󽘃ine Installer
Complete the following steps to access the oline installer stored on your NI ELVIS III
USB drive:
1. Use a USB cable to connect the NI ELVIS III to the host computer, as illustrated
in Connecting to the Device via USB.
2. On your host computer, navigate to the icon that represents the NI ELVIS III
USB drive.
3. Open Start Here.html and follow the instructions on the screen to install the
Measurements Live Support Files.
You can now launch the SFPs from Measurements Live.
Tip Go to Launching the So Front Panels for using So Front Panels to
access and control the Instrument I/O without programming.
Tip Go to Installing the Soware Bundle for installing necessary soware
to control the Instrument I/O programmatically.
Installing the NI ELVIS III Soware Bundle
The NI ELVIS III Soware Bundle includes the main soware you need to build
embedded applications for the NI ELVIS III, including LabVIEW, the LabVIEW Real-
Time Module, the LabVIEW ELVIS III Toolkit, and Multisim.
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NI ELVIS III Getting Started