Documentation for NI DLLs

[djpritchard]

I am moving to try to use NI's drivers, and mostly for Agilent and HP equipment, but I'm having issues and can't find where the various nodes on the Call Library Function  Node are used.  I think the issue is something to do with the DLL, but can't definitively narrow it down.  Something is generating an error after it travels throught the Call Library Function Nodes, and I again, have no clue as to what's causing it.  I see the DLL installed on the local drive, but wonder if for some reason, it's not seeing it.  One thought of mine is whether the DLL is registered by XP.  I did the download for the HP66xxbc off the NI website, and that must have pushed the hp66xxbc_32.dll to the location it resides at on the C: drive.

Also, just looking for some ideas from more experienced users - how best to organize downloaded drivers so each developer doesn't need to download them to each of their PCs.  I still haven't figured out how it all ties together, but I've moved some VIs around, and it seems to be randon as to whether it functions properly or not.

[Dennis_Knutson]

You are talking about IVI drivers and not LabVIEW drivers. The installer places the DLL in a standard location (basically as defined by the IVI foundation) and there is no registration required. If the DLL was not found, you would get a prompt to locate it. I have no idea what 'issues' you are having since you do not provide any details. Provide the error code.

Since you are using IVI instead of LabVIEW, I would presume it's because you want to use the IVI class drivers. You really need to run the installer for each driver locally and leave the files where they are. Otherwise, configuring the driver in MAX and using the class drivers will be much more difficult. It all beomes simpler if you use LabVIEW plug and play drivers.

[Newenglandguy_LV]

I usually try to use the plug and play, but for the HP6614C, here's the only available - and I downloaded the 8.5 version - and I am running 2010.

http://sine.ni.com/apps/utf8/niid_web_display.download_page?p_id_guid=E3B19B3E947E659CE034080020E748...

The error I get when just running the Initialize VI is something indicating there is no instrument there, but I can see the instrument on the GPIB bus through MAT.  And I can send individual commens through MAT.

[Dennis_Knutson]

Do you mean MAX (Measurement and Automation Explorer)? Did you configure MAX to use the IVI driver? It's been a couple of years since I used IVI but the main page in MAX has a 'Configure my IVI Instrument Drivers' link. The IVI resource name is a different class than the VISA resource and I think that might be the source of your problem. When properly done, you should be able to use the pulldown on the control and see the instrument listed.

[djpritchard]

Dennis - I did mean MAX.  I'll try you're recommendation tomorrow, and post how it goes.  Thanks!

What do you typically use then, if not using IVI?

[Dennis_Knutson]

I will use IVI if I have to get something out quickly but I usually end up writing my own in LabVIEW.

[djpritchard]

Still having issues.  Again, back to my original post - is NI kind enough to allow access to some documentation of their test equipmnet drivers?  I'm still having issues with the one of the HP6614C.  There are two languagge modes - Compatibility and SCPI.  I'm not sure which language mode that the drivers us - wouldn't that be nice to know how the DLL was written..

[Joe D.]

Hi djpritchard,

Is this what you are looking for? Also this link might be useful.

[djpritchard]

Joe D - first of all, thanks for the links.  Those will help, but I was really looking for more specific info on the dowloaded driver like the one I got from this link:

http://sine.ni.com/apps/utf8/niid_web_display.download_page?p_id_guid=E3B19B3E947E659CE034080020E748...

This instrument has two language settings - SCPI and Compatability Mode - where would they document what language the instrument should be in?   Or better yet, if it's "smart" enough in the driver design to determine which mode it is in - or does it set it.  I can't seem to get the driver working.  I do get the intrument to go in to Remote, but I've tried the Initialize and Over Voltage VIs and nothing happens, and get no errors on the instrument.

[Joe D.]

hi dhpritchard,

You really need to look at the instrument manual and at the help for the specific vi, by right clicking on them and going to help.