How can I see my USB device in the measurement&automation explorer?

[tober]

I'm trying to use an USB-device with LabView7.0.
I followed the manual "using NI-VISA3.0 to control your USB device" which I found on the NI-webpage.
I generated an .inf file using the VISA driver developement wizard and installed it in the INV folder of my system (I'm using Win2000).
The following problems occured: after I connect my USB device the "add new hardware wizard" pops up and aks for a driver for the new hardware. when I direct it to the folder with the generated .inf file it doesn't accept this file as a driver.
second: the USB device doesn't appear in the measurement&automation explorer. I assume that as long as my device doen't appear there it is not recognized by NI-VISA and the comm
unication from LV wouldn't work?

How can a make my USB device visible in the meas.&aut. explorer?

Regards
Tobias

[theW]

Tobias,

In the VISA Driver Development Wizard, you are required to specify the Vendor and Product ID. These numbers are what Windows will use to determine whether a specific driver is appropriate for a given device. If these numbers do not match between your device and the Windows driver (INF file) that you generate, you will see the behavior that you describe. Check to make sure that you are using the appropriate values. Also, did you right click on the INF file and install it as directed in step 2.2.2?

Page 5-87 of the VISA Programmer's reference manual specifies how to do a viOpen to a USB device in RAW mode, but you still need the same sorts of Product ID and Mfg ID that you needed for the INF file generation. Furthermore, if you are communicating with
your instrument directly, you will need to know exactly what command set it expects, so make sure you get that from the manufacturer as well. Finally, I want to mention that if this device complies with the USBTMC standard, then none of this is necessary--the steps above are for setting up a RAW USB connection. See this link for information.

Scott