Compatibility of PCI-GPIB IEEE 488.2

[StevenVanuytsel]

Hi,

We currently have an instrument connected to a computer running windows XP via a GPIB connection to a PCI (GPIB-PCI IEEE 488.2). As it is one of the older models, I am wondering if it is compatible with newer windows OS's? I had a look at the driver section for this GPIB PCI, but couldn't find a newer one than the one for Win2000/XP.  Does anyone have an idea? We'd like to switch our ancient computer to a newer one which would run Win8/10.

Kind regards,

Steven

[snordinh]

Hi, 

Thank you for posting this question. I would like to check up on this post since no one in the community has gotten back to you yet. Regarding the available drivers - you are looking in the correct place, and the most recent one available for Windows is indeed for XP. So if you want to use the same hardware with a newer PC, Windows might not be the best option.

However, note that newer driver versions are available for Linux. Considering this, you can either upgrade to a newer PC with Linux, or get a newer Windows PC with a Windows XP virtual machine on it (which gets quite cumbersome to use according to the customers I have spoken to).

Best regards,

Sara N H

Applications Engineer

National Instruments 

[cstorey · Accepted solution]

I've had no issues with Win7 and older model PCI GPIB cards that I transfered from old Win2k and WinXP machines.  In fact I find them more reliable than USB-GPIB due to new Windows power management features that often disable USB ports without notice.

Install the NI-488 drivers first, put the cards in the machine and see if they are recognized and install the driver ok.  Then check NI-MAX to make sure they are visible.  If both of those steps work then you are off and running.

Craig

[snordinh · Accepted solution]

Hi again, 

After consulting with one of my colleagues, I found this: 

The most recent driver supporting the PCI-GPIB is NI-488.2 17.6, and it is supported on Windows including 10/8.1/7 SP1. There is a web download link here: http://www.ni.com/download/ni-488.2/7272/en/

Hope this is helpful to you.

Best, 

Sara

[StevenVanuytsel]

Thanks for your help. I installed the 488.2 drivers, together with NI-VISA, something which was suggested by someone at NI. I am not sure if it would work with only the 488.2 drivers, but everything is up and running now.