VXI control Borland Builder

[Nick_F]

Hi All,

I usually write small programs using Borland C++ Builder v3.0 (very old) to control instruments connected to GPIB port. For that, all I have to include in my software is the #include "ni488.h" and to link "BorlandC_gpib-32.obj".

I would like now to be able to use remote control of instruments via the ethernet port. From what I read, I believe the port or the communication type is called VXI. Ideally, I am looking for a library to include in my projects that is similar to ni488. If nothing is available for Borland C++ Builder v.3.0, then maybe for Borland C++ Builder v5.0 or v6.0? Or, if none of these are available, maybe some simple code for Visual Studio (Basic, C++ or C#) that allows me to send the command *IDN? and get the answer from an instrument? I have NI Visa, IVI and all the rest installed.

I know that nowadays there is a multitude of drivers written by manufacturers, but I prefer to make my own mistakes in processing strings rather than using a million of complex functions 🙂

Regards,

Nick

[Dennis_Knutson · Accepted solution]

VXI-11 is an Ethernet protocol that is supported by some instrument vendors. If the instrument supports it and you are currently using VISA, that is all that you need. The commands for talking to a VXI-11 instrument are the same as if the instrument used a GPIB connection.

[Nick_F]

Thank you Dennis. I found an example using .net (in folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\National Instruments\NI-VISA\Examples\DotNET4.0\SimpleReadWrite) and I was able to compile it with Visual Studio 2010. I can query my instruments.

It is a good starting point, I will try to adapt that program to my needs.

Best regards,

Nick