usb to gpib cable

[analog]

Hi, I am trying to use the usb to gpib cable. I tested the driver and it works fine, it can read and write command just fine also. But when I tried to control my instruments, I get error similar to this one: hp34401a Initialize.viDriver Status: (Hex 0xBFFF00A5) The interface type is valid but the specified interface number is not configured." The instruments work fine when I just use regular GPIB cable, and I have checked the GPIB address and they are correct also. Help, please! Thanks.

[Bill Choy]

Did you try to use Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX) to check the usb gpib controller? Try to use it to scan your instruments. It's very good to check NI device status. Also you can take a self-test at MAX -> Help -> Troubleshooting to check the controller. If it is failed, you can try to reinstall the driver (shipped with the device) or use the other USB port. I'm using this controller also and work fine.

Bill

[analog]

Hi Bill,
I am using the USB To GPIB with my laptop, and I only have one USB port on my laptop. But can you tell me where the Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX) is located?
Thanks.

[analog]

Hi Bill,
I found the Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX), but it couldn't find the USB port. I tried to trouble shoot it, and it guides me to Add New Hardware, but the 488-USB is not listed in the selection list. I checked under device manager and the USB to GPIB is listed there and it says that this device is working fine. I use the driver from the website and not the one shipped with the hardware. The test software that came with it seems to be working fine though. Did you run into any problem when you first set it up?
Thanks again 🙂

[Brian_Powell]

I assume you have the GPIB-USB-B. Is that right?

Can you confirm that you have NI-488.2 version 2.1 or later? (You can find the version in MAX under "Software".)

What version of the operating system are you running? If you go to the Device Manager (under the Control Panels somewhere), do you see any problems there?

Brian

[analog]

NI-488.2 version 1.7. Under Device Manager, there is no problem.

[Brian_Powell]

According to NI's web site, you need version 2.1 or later.

Brian

[analog]

I installed it, but it looks the same. Measurement and Automation cannot detect it, and even when I add the GPIB USB-B and GPIB USB-A, it still cannot find it. Thanks for trying to help.

[analog]

BTW, how do you know if it's A or B, or if it's just plain USB? What is the difference? I saw that the plain USB is obsolete or something.

[Bill Choy]

I didn't have any problem when I first used it. I just install the driver, reboot the system and plug the cable to the PC. I'm using NI 488.2 ver2.2. Is it work fine in other PC?