Issue with calling mccdaq commands getting value cannot be null error

[niconiconico]

Hello. I am trying to interface with USB-TEMP, and I keep getting 'Value cannot be null. Parameter name: ptr' error whenever I try to call mccdaq commands.

I'm can't seem to figure out what is causing it

[JRys]

You must install the InstaCal utility and run the HIDRegUpdater, which tells Windows not to turn the device off. The first time InstaCal is run with the device plugged in, it will pop up a window asking you to update the device. This is the HIDRegUpdater. After the update, either restart Windows or power cycle the device and rerun InstaCal. This time, it can be added to the board list. 

InstaCal is also used to configure the USB-TEMP channels for the different types of sensors. Double-clicking it will bring up the Configuration dialog.

If it is the only device in its board list, it has most likely assigned board number zero. You can use this number to access the device in Python. For example: value = ul.Tin(board_num, channel, TempScale.Celsius)

[niconiconico]

@JRys Thanks! Seems to work on some computers now. But it looks like it doesn't want to work on 32-bit computers. Can I not use the same way for 32-bit computers?

Edited September 14, 2023 by niconiconico

[JRys]

Is the 32-bit computer running Windows XP?

[niconiconico]

It is running windows 7

[JRys]

For your Windows 7 32-bit computer, uninstall InstaCal and replace it with version 6.55:
https://files.digilent.com/archive/MCCDAQ_CD/Archive_6.55/mccdaq.exe

 

[niconiconico]

Doesn't seem to work. I also cannot run HIDRegUpdater manually 

[JRys]

The HIDRegUpdater utility is not required for Windows 7. It started with Windows 8.1. 

 

[niconiconico]

Does it make a difference that I have service pack 1 for Windows 7? Since using version 6.55 doesn't seem to fix the issue.

[Fausto]

Hello @niconiconico.

Which programming language and development environment are you using?

What are the host hardware system, OS version, and application configurations of all your systems?

Regards,

Fausto

[niconiconico]

I am currently developing a windows app on Visual Studio using C#. The windows app will be used on different systems ranging from Windows 7 32-bit to windows 10 64-bit

[Fausto]

Thank you for the reply.

Is your current issue, using an USB-TEMP and MCC's Universal Library, only with Windows 7 32-bit or other Windows 32-bit OS releases as well?

 

[niconiconico]

Only with Windows 7 32-bit. It's the only 32-bit I have.

[Fausto]

Disconnect the USB-TEMP from the Window 7 system's USB port.  If you do not have InstaCal v6.55 installed on the Windows 7 system, then uninstall InstaCal using Windows Control Panel options.  Afterwards, using the following link, download the installer to the host system and run the installation. 

https://files.digilent.com/archive/MCCDAQ_CD/Archive_6.55/mccdaq.exe

Once installed, please launch the InstaCal v6.55.  Using the top menu, go to 'Help - About InstaCal' to confirm you have v6.55.  Close the About InstaCal window and then click on the leftmost menu icon ('Add Board').  Select the DEMO tab and then click the 'Add' button.  

 

The DEMO-BOARD (Board# 0) should appear in the list. 

Double-click on Board# 0 to open its Configuration window.  Click the OK button afterwards and then close InstaCal.  

 

The demo data are voltage points, not temperature data, but this is only a troubleshooting test.  Run your application.  Do you get the same error(s)?

Next, if you are using an external USB hub, then it should be powered by an external power supply.  However, if you are using an USB port that is directly on the Windows 7 32-bit system, is the port USB v1, v2 or v3?

Do you have another Windows 7 32-bit system to test the USB-TEMP?

[niconiconico]

Followed the instructions, but still won't work. I found other 32-bit computers, and they won't work either. It's highly possible that our computers are just corrupted somehow. I will just avoid using those 32-bit computers. I appreciate the help!