NI Pneumatics Module "sputtering"

[nick1023]

We've been experiencing an intermittent problem with our NI pneumatics module and or our cRio. Our module will randomly start "sputtering"; turning the engerized solenoids off and on quickly (250ms or so).

We first suspected a short somewhere in the system so we started unplugging things until we were left with only the cRio loaded with only the pneumatics module tethered to the driver station via a network cable.

I'm comfortable with Labview and the use of the solenoid vis. To be sure I was not doing something weird in programming I used the example program for testing. Using Labview and the solenoid example I can light up one light on the solenoid module when I set the front panel control to true. Since no changes have been made to the example (except the cRio IP) I'm confident the problem is not programming logic.

When the program runs, the solenoid light on the module that I have energized will light up and "flicker" intermittantly. Sometimes it goes minutes with no flicker. Sometimes it will "flicker" repeatedly over a short period. This "flicker" is whats causing our sputtering on the solenoids when we have them hooked up.

I've re-imaged the cRio. From the steps I've taken I believe the solenoid module to be flakey.

I'll be starting a support call with NI on monday morning. In the mean time...

Anyone seen similar behavior with their module or have further troubleshooting ideas?