Software link: Route VISA instrument to virtual GPIB

[JohanW]

Hi,

I'm an intermediate user with NI but I can't seem to figure out this problem:
I have some test software (closed source) that will only accept GPIB[0:7] but my instrument only has LAN and USB (works with VISA).

Is there any way to create a software link, fx. in NI MAX, where i can bridge the LAN or USB communication to a virtual GBIP-port? Or is there any other way to create a software link between the two interfaces?

I would prefer not to buy a hardware adapter for this. Also: I'm NOT a software-guy so I'm not skilled enough to code my way out of this issue.

Kind regards,

Johan W (Denmark)

[isakbm]

Hello JohanW,

Are you trying to simulate a GPIB device where the data transmitted over the device should be the same

as that which is being sent over LAN or USB? 

You might find these forum posts relevant:

https://forums.ni.com/t5/LabVIEW/How-to-configure-a-quot-dummy-quot-or-quot-virtual-quot-port/td-p/2...

https://forums.ni.com/t5/Measurement-Studio-for-VB6/How-to-create-a-virtual-gpib-instrument/td-p/181...

Kind regards,

Isak

[andre.buurman@carya]

It shouldn't take a lot of programming effort to have the application accept VISA LAN or USB resource names in case the application implements the GPIB communication with VISA.

It will probably require code changes based on the statement (bold): 

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@JohanW

I have some test software (closed source) that will only accept GPIB[0:7] but my instrument only has LAN and USB (works with VISA).

That part should be altered to allow LAN and USB resource names as input. There might also be some VISA functions that need a more generic implementation (read not use GPIB specific VISA functions). Chances are that the USB interface shows up as virtual COM port (if not LAN would probably the easiest route).

My 2 cents, hope it helps.

[JohanW]

Hi Isak,

Thank you for the reply and the links. I've taken a look at the virtual devices in DAQmx, but they don't seem to fix the issue that I'm having. They are not able to convert from a physical to a virtual device.

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@isakbmAre you trying to simulate a GPIB device where the data transmitted over the device should be the same as that which is being sent over LAN or USB?

---

I'm pretty sure that the transmitted command-set is the same, but I don't know if there are any low-level differences.

Regards,

Johan

[JohanW]

Hi André,

Thank you for the reply, but I think you may have misunderstood me.

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andre.buurman@carya
That part should be altered to allow LAN and USB resource names as input.

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The test software, that only accepts GPIB devices, is not my own. Altering it is not an option for me and would require me to contact the developer and request him to make the changes.

I'm looking for a workaround or a dirty fix that can be implemented fairly quickly, which is why I hoped for a feature that could route a physical device to a virtual port.

Regards,

Johan

[andre.buurman@carya]

OK, I didn't understand that you don't have any source.

I have 2 ideas that might be of interest:

1. Create a virtual GPIB port on your system that acts as the interface for the application and write a small gateway application that connects to the real HW and forwards message to and from the virtua GPIB port.

Have look at:

https://www.tek.com/support/faqs/what-%E2%80%9Cvirtual%E2%80%9D-gpib-connection

https://www.tek.com/oscilloscope/tds7054-software/tekvisa-connectivity-software-v411

2. Try to find drivers from the device manufacturer that install as a virtual GPIB device.

[JohanW]

I appreciate your suggestions, however I'm not skilled enough (yet) to write a gateway application. I'm a hardware-guy 😉
I will look for drivers on the manufacturers website.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

Regards,

Johan