GPIB-USB-B and DOS aplications (developed with LabWindows 2.3)

[GUIVENTI]

Is it possible to an aplication developed in LabWindos 2.3 (for DOS) and running on W2000 (or any Windows)  Command Pront window comunicate with GPIB instruments through GPIB-USB-B interface? 

If not possible, does NI have GPIB-USB-B driver for DOS?

[Chris_R.]

Hello!

Communication with LabWindows 2.3 an any newer computer and operating system may be difficult.  We no longer support that version (2.3) of LabWindows since it is out of date. That version is about 10 versions back from our current version of LabWindows/CVI, so an update is definitely recommended for ease of use with our hardware. On the GPIB Installation/Configuration Troubleshooter page, it states that the USB-B is not officially supported or tested by us in DOS. However, I am linking a document entitled My GPIB-USB-B Does Not Communicate with My Device in the DOS Shell with 488.2 version 2.0 that states that the USB-B device does have support in DOS. I am not sure if LabWindows 2.3 will work or not. I have linked a document entitled Will LabWindows for Dos work with a 488.1 gpib card? that may answer this question based on what version you have. I am sorry I am unable to answer your question, but hopefully the underlined linked documents above will help. If you have any trouble with the links above, please let me know.  Best of luck and have a great day!

Chris R.

Applications Engineer

National Instruments

[ScottieB]

To answer the DOS support question, the GPIB-USB-B is not supported in "pure DOS" environments.  DOS doesn't have any awareness of USB.  Now, in a DOS-shell environment where Windows is running a "command prompt" window, you are able to use GPIB devices.  The NI-488.2 for Windows driver has a "DOS Support" option that can be enabled in MAX by going to Tools >> NI-488.2 >> Enable DOS Support and checking the "Enable DOS Support" checkbox.  You'll need to reboot.  With this checkbox enabled, the DOS shell environment will emulate having the old DOS GPIB driver loaded for any software that needs it (such as your LabWindows program).  Calls into the DOS driver will be passed to the Windows driver, which will execute the calls and pass data back to the DOS driver.  Assuming you can get your LabWindows program to run in a Windows DOS shell, you should be able to use any GPIB device (including the USB devices) that is supported in Windows.

Hope this makes sense.  For troubleshooting of DOS Support in Windows, see this KB: Troubleshooting DOS Support.

Scott B.
GPIB Software

National Instruments