Hello,
Well, it appears that you are correct in that it must be somewhat different since you are getting the errors you described. Since that is the case and we don't have an instrument driver for that particular instrument, I would recommend one of two things. Try to modify the existing instrument driver to send the commands that your instrument expects, or make regular Visa calls to communicate with your instrument.
Also, I would encourage you to submit a request for the specific instrument driver you are interested in. I cannot guarantee when or if it will be created, but they will evaluate what can be done and get back to you. You can submit that request here:
http://zone.ni.com/idnet97.nsf/instrumentdriverrequest/
Good luck
with your Application!
Regards,
Steven B.
Applications Engineering
National Instruments