GPIB bus monitoring

[TeBlues]

I have been asked to write a vi to replace one half of a existing two computer system.  Computer #1 controls the controller of the test and computer #2 controls the device under test, based on the controllers configuration. Currently we are using the 488 buse to communicate between computer #1 and the controller. We are using a BCD output of the controller to control computer #2. As thing age we are starting to get synchronization problems. If I could monitor the 488 bus and filter out the data I need and control the DUT based on this data flow we could elimate the problems.

Has anybody been successful and making the IbcLON / ibrd  idea work, and can I manipulate the returns of the ib read.?

Dose anybody have any idea on the best way to do this... why reinvent the wheel?

Thanks

[BeCeGa]

Hi TeeBlues you could use the NI Spy to monitor the GPIB car and obtain the info

http://www.ni.com/support/gpib/max/nispy.htm

[Angela M]

Hello TeBlues,

I am not positive that I understand what you are looking for, but I do have some suggestions.  For synchronization problems I would add some handshaking into your communication.  This is ideal for synchronization.  Also, it may help to use some GPIB+ hardware.  The GPIB+ hardware includes an analyzer where you can monitor the actual line values during communication which will help you find the source of any hardware behavior.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Angela
Applications Engineer