Use VIPER to monitor and configure a connected VPX power supply.
Before you start
Use the preconfigured Raspberry Pi and kit hardware. Provide a computer, Ethernet switch, suitable input source, and test leads.
Disconnect input power before inserting modules or changing wiring.
Match the input source to the installed power supply’s rating. Do not assume every model accepts 28 V DC.
1. Connect the hardware
- Install the power modules supplied for your kit.
- Connect the Aardvark to the Pi by USB and the backplane by I2C.
- Connect the Pi and computer to the same Ethernet switch.
- Connect the input source with its output off.
- Connect the Pi’s power supply.
- Check wiring and load ratings before applying input power.
For waveform capture, connect the PicoScope’s USB cable, DC adapter, and probes. For bus capture, connect the Beagle’s USB cable and passive I2C tap.
See Hardware setup for connections and switch positions.
2. Open VIPER
Wait for the Pi touchscreen to display its IP address.
Open http://viper.local:5173 or http://<pi-ip>:5173 in your browser.
For an isolated network, follow Network setup.
3. Discover the power supply
- Apply input power after completing the wiring checks.
- Complete the Setup Wizard hardware and discovery checks.
- Confirm the detected model and serial number match the installed supply.
- Open Telemetry and confirm the readings update.
Resolve missing devices or mock-data warnings before testing hardware. See Troubleshooting.
4. Check output operation
- Prepare the connected load for output power.
- Select the slot and use Enable or Disable as required.
- Check the reported output state and rail voltages in Telemetry.
- Resolve displayed faults before changing configuration.
5. Change a setpoint
- Export the current configuration.
- Open Configure and select the target slot.
- Select Read from Device and record the rail’s original setpoint.
- Enter a value within the displayed range and the load’s voltage limits.
- Review the other fields, then select Apply.
- Check the rail voltage in Telemetry and with a meter.
- Restore the original setpoint after the test.
The permitted range does not guarantee safe operation of the connected load. See Voltage setpoints for limits and verification.
Guides
| Task | Guide |
|---|---|
| Identify kit components | Kit contents |
| Understand the system | System overview |
| Trace connections | Hardware diagram |
| Recover or replace the Pi | Pi recovery |
Reference documents
- VIPERA001 data sheet — features, interface examples, and ordering options
- Signal lookup table — backplane connectors, signals, and switch positions
- VIPER brochure — product overview