distribution kit

[LocTu]

I need some help here:
I created an application to communicate with hp34401a multi-meter using GPIB. I used hp34401a.fp instrument driver. It works fine on my PC (win2k, CVi5.5). When I installed the distribution program on different machine then the meter cannot be seen by my program. The other machine has GPIB driver installed and MAX can detect the meter. When I install the CVI software to that PC then un-install it then it's ok.
Could some body help?

Thank you,
Loc

[Wendy L]

Hello Loc,

First, did you include the necessary instrument driver files in your distribution kit? By default, they will be included if you include the .fp file in your project. Also, when you created the distribution kit, did you choose to install full runtime engine support? You can find this setting when you select Build >> Create Distribution Kit. From there, you should select to install full runtime engine support with your application. I suspect this is the cause since the application started working when you installed CVI then uninstalled CVI on the test machine. Let me know what options you had selected on the Distribution Kit dialog window.

Thanks.

[LocTu]

Hi Wendy,

Thank you for you reply.
Once again I have CVI5.5 with win2k. When I create the distribution program I use the following options:
+ Install Run Time Engine: Install in Window System Directory
+ Check mark at Install Low Level Support Driver
+ Install Data Socket Support: If Needed
+ Install NI Report Support: If Needed
+ Install DCOM95 Support: If Needed
+ In Edit Group: I added the .fp file
Please advice if I need to do something else.

Thank you,
Loc

[Wendy L]

Hello Loc,

I've actually never heard of this situation happening before. When you installed your GPIB driver, did you install support for CVI? By doing this, you should be able to run your application correctly from CVI. Also, when you initially ran your application on the test machine, did you get an error message back indicating that communication with your instrument was not working?

Thanks.

[jlaney]

Hello,

Are you sure that the instrument driver FP uses GPIB? It could be using VISA to communicate with the instrument over GPIB. Having just GPIB installed will allow you to detect and send GPIB commands to the instrument from MAX, but if the instrument driver uses VISA to abstract the calls then just having GPIB installed will not work.

To debug this problem I would see what you have on you development machine that is installed by NI, then see what you are missing from your deployment machine. CVI 5.5 installs VISA if I remember correctly, so this could be the issue.

Jeff
NI