Best method to implement PC-to-PC communications over GPIB with Visual Basic?

[scooby]

Need to code a VB app that can receive command-strings sent over the GPIB bus and also return results to the sender. The GPIB board in this PC would not be the controller-in-charge. Basically .. I'm emulating a GPIB instrument using a PC, GPIB card, and VB app.
GPIB is a requirement. Any recommmendations?
Would the Meas. Studio GPIB control be useful in this case?


Thanks!

[Randy Solomonson]

There's a product, NI-Device, that is sold for this specific propose. Unfortunately, it has a C++ code base, but it probably is the best solution for this project. See ni.com/catalog for more details.

Otherwise it is possible to use the default driver as a non-controller. First, set the properties of the card in Device Manager. Be sure to uncheck the system controller checkbox. Also, change the primary address from zero. There are many complexities that can arise from here, thus NI-Device was created. However, a crude simulation of an instrument is possible.

Randy Solomonson
Application Engineer
National Instruments

[scooby]

Thanks for the information Randy.
Is NI-Device available yet?
Tried to buy it and was given an Oct 31st ship date.
I work for an NI Alliance Member and have access to
the complete NI Software Reference Library CD set.
Is NI-Device buried somewhere inside?

[Randy Solomonson]

NI-Device is on ni.com/catalog express code: nidevice.