Problem with Interface between GPIB PCII/IIA and Instron 8501

[Shaafi]

Hi all!

We're trying to use an Instron 8501 mechanical testing machine so that it can be controlled and its output data extracted using a computer.

For this purpose we have a GPIB PCII/IIA board, and a software from Instron called MAX thats used for processing test data.

The GPIB and its setting are shown below:

The platform is Windows 98 SE.

This setup has worked in the past, but its encountering some problems now.

We can get the Instron machine and the GPIB to communicate using the Troubleshooting Wizard, and the Communicator, as shown below:

Once the GPIB and machine have interfaced, the MAX software should display the data output from the Instron machine, however it shows it as offline:

We've tried installing and reinstalling the NI Measurement and Automation Explorer, Instron MAX, and the GPIB drivers. Also tried messing around with the configuration of the Instron MAX software. The Instron machine is working fine without the computer.

Would really appreciate any help!

Shaafi

[ColdenR]

Your second screenshot (third picture) shows that Measurement and Automation explorer is able to talk to the device, so I would say that the GPIB communication is fine. It looks like there is something going wrong either in the specifics of the operation of the device (commands relating to the axis are not going through), or there is something wrong with the instron MAX software you are using.

Where did you get the instron MAX software, and is there any other identifying information you can give me about it?

What software and driver versions are you using for Measurement and Automation Explorer and for the GPIB drivers?

Can you try sending commands to the device using the NI-488.2 communicator that would do some of the same things that the instron MAX software does? As in, send direct commands over serial to modify the axis positions?

It might be very difficult to solve this issue, since you're using old software that is not supported anymore. But we'll see what we can do here.

[ColdenR]

I have a couple more things for you, Shaafi,

It looks like you're using Primary Address 3 (PAD3) from your communicator screenshot. It's possible that your instron software is expecting PAD1. You might need to change the PAD (primary address) in your instron software.

One thing to do to help diagnose the problem is to run an NI-SPY trace. You can find information about that here:

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/282C5D41E2BA04F2862574BA007803B9?OpenDocument

If you run that the NI-SPY for both the communicator (the working case) and for your instron MAX's attempt at communication, then we could compare those results and see if we can figure out what's going on. So if you can run those tests, post them here and we'll work through them.

[Shaafi]

Thank you for your reply!

The Instron MAX software was supplied by Instron when the whole setup was initially installed. This rig has worked well in the past. I will try and find more information about the Instron MAX software and post it up.

I'll also look up the Measurement and Automation Explorer and GPIB driver  versions and post them.

"Can you try sending commands to the device using the NI-488.2 communicator that would do some of the same things that the instron MAX software does? As in, send direct commands over serial to modify the axis positions?"

Hmmmmm. I don't know what commands would perform the desired actions though I can see how that would help. I can go through the manuals with the machine but I don't know if they'd be any help.

What does 'over serial' mean in this context?

I'll also try to change the PAD in the Instron MAX software. I might have already tried that, though...

I will also try what you suggested about NI Spy. It might take a couple of days to try everything thoroughly.

Thanks again!

Shaafi

[Shaafi]

Problem solved. Instron Max has this software attached to it that can apparently be used to modify GPIB settings. Or is it an NI software.

I found some settings a previous user of the machine had written down in a journal and Sir Umer tried them, and voila!

Here are some screenshots for anyone who has the same problem.

Thanks alot for your help!

Shaafi.