Computer won't recognize a second GPIB connection

[NicoleH]

I have two GPIB connections for a Tektronix TDS210 Oscilloscope and a Stanford Research Systems Synthesized Function Generator. The Oscilloscope is recognized in Measurement and Automation Explorer as GPIB0::1::INSTR but the function generator is not recognized as a second instrument. The GPIB card and cables are both NI. I have run through tutorials and troubleshooting on the NI site with no luck. This lab was succesfully run a year ago, but between then and now the college wiped all of the lab computers clean. I've updated to LabView 2009 and the new MAX as well as new VISAs and drivers for the GPIB card and instruments. It's strange the system would recognize one instrument but not the other. Any hints or tricks? Am I missing something huge?

Thanks for your help in advance!

Nicole

[smercurio_fc · Accepted solution]

Have you verified that both instruments are at different addresses? Have you verified that the function generator is configured for GPIB communications? Some instruments can communicate on more than one type of bus, but sometimes only one can be active. Have you verified if it's recognized if it's the only one connected? Have you tried swapping cables? Have you tried changing which one is connected to the controller first in the chain?

[NicoleH]

Thanks so much for your list of potential problems. Indeed I was missing something huge - the function generator was not on the GPIB channel, it was talking to the serial port.

Thanks again!

Nicole