GPIB/ENET 100 connects but can't pass Troubleshooting Utility Test or detect instruments

[Akello]

Hello,

I am trying to control two Agilent power supplies (AC and DC) over GPIB. To connect them to the computer, I am using a GPIB/ENET 100 device but am getting errors connecting it.

Initially, I followed the steps here (http://www.ni.com/gettingstarted/setuphardware/instrumentcontrol/gpibenet.htm) and was able to connect the device using GPIB Ethernet Wizard. Initially, I only ran the software check in the NI 488.2 Troubleshooting Utility and thought everything was working fine since it passed. When I went to MAX, however, the instrument scan produced and error. I do not have the instrument available to me now so I can't be as specific as I'd like but the error was unlike the ones I saw in the troubleshooting resources; it simply said something to the effect of "there was an error." 

During troubleshooting I found that the device failed to pass the NI 488.2 Troubleshooting Utility test. I tried a couple of fixes suggested in the Utility's Help option including changing pinging the IP and the suggestions for changing it. The ping got a response but it came from a different IP and said something to the effect of non-responsive although the same amount of packets that were sent came back and none were lost. Initially I tried setting the device's IP manually to the previously set address and put everything else (subnet mask, etc.) at zero. Then I tried matching the computer's subnet, then asking GPIB Ethernet Wizard to suggest an address, then the former with the IP itself changed to the previously set address, and finally the DHCP option (wouldn't go through). None of these worked and I got the same results from the ping. In fact, when I would go into MAX to check the IP changes, they would not be there and I would have to enter the values a second time. Nothing I've tried so far has led to the device passing the Utility test.

I went through all the suggested fixes in the NI 488.2 Troubleshooting Utility and searched online but nothing has worked. I would really apprecate some help on this matter and am hoping that someone on this forum has dealt with a similar problem. Finally, if you need me to post any screenshots or specific error messages, I can do so starting Monday.

Thanks in advance,
Yusif Nurizade

[Zach J · Accepted solution]

Hello Yusif,

How is the GPIB/ENET 100 connected to your PC?  Is it connected through a router or is it directly connected through an ethernet cable?  When the GPIB/ENET 100 is connected to a router, it might obtain an IP address through DHCP, but when it is connected directly, you will need to ensure your PC and the ENET 100 are on the same "network."  This means you will need to ensure your firewalls are disabled on your PC (to start) and ensure that the IP address range of your PC and the ENET 100 are similar, as well as the subnet mask for both devices.  Can you confirm that you have done this?  Please let me know and I will do my best to help!

[Akello]

Zach,

Thank you for the reply, I will be working with the devices this afternoon and just had one question to clarify.

The GPIB/ENET 100 is connected directly to the computer via ethernet. Do I need to disable the firewall during the setup phase or whenever I am using this device? The latter would not be possible with my current setup.

Please advise,

Yusif Nurizade

[Zach J]

Hi Yusif,

During the setup phase, it is best to ensure the firewall is disabled.  After we have everything working correctly, I can gather some information to ensure you are able to enable your firewall again with the correct ports allowed to communicate with the ENET 100.  Let me know if you have any further questions!

[Akello]

Got it!

Will give your suggestion a try and report back.

Thanks again,

Yusif Nurizade

[Akello]

Zach,

Thank you, that did the trick!

Once I disabled the firewall and modified the Suggest IP Settings option, everything fell into place.

Best,

Yusif Nurizade