Using one GPIB board in 2 different computers controlling 1 instrument.

[andretor]

We'd never used this type of configuration, I'm implemmenting this sharing, but I'm having doubts about the programming using Visual C++. I don't know if there's a command to the board to make it controller or not. Would you help me? I need a help ASAP.

[DiegoF]

Hi,

The only requirement is that there has to be only one System COntroller in the bus. You can use the GPIB functions to pass control the two interfaces. In this process, the interfaces are taking turns at being the controller in charge.

The following article has some useful info:

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/3efedde4322fef19862567740067f3cc/873be8238ad6b0ba86256b1b004dc203?OpenDocument

Do a search in www.ni.com for "system controller", you chould find more info.

DiegoF.
National instruments.

[DiegoF]

Hi

I just realized that you said TWO computers and one board. I would think that two share the board you just need to unplug it and plug it in the other computer.

I don't exactly know what you mean.


DiegoF

[andretor]

I wanna share an instrument with 2 different computers (and GPIBs).
I mean, 2 computers working at the same time using a device, I know that it's impossible to make write and reads at the same time, but I wanna use the device for a while and liberate this device to work with the other computer, I think there is some flag to put the controller up or down, but I'm not sure. I hope I'm clear now. 😉

Thanks for the attention.

[DiegoF]

Hi,

To set one board as a system controller, you would go to the GPIB interface properties in MAX (Measurement and Automation Explorer). You would set one board as system controller and in the other this setting would be disabled.

The article I copied previously explains the process of passing control. The NI-488.2 has functions that allow passing control between interfaces. Refer to the user manual for details.

The situation is similar to pc to pc communcation (do a search for "pc to pc" in www.ni.com). Here's another article that describes the pc to pc comm:

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/3efedde4322fef19862567740067f3cc/9cc0939663f1c5de862565d70082e89e?OpenDocument

hope this helps.

DiegoF.