viOpen fails on 3rd party USB to Serial Ports

[eward]

Im unable to do a ViOpen for a functioning serial port in Labwindows or NI-MAX.  Im using a B&B ESU2-400.  I can use the com ports in hyperterminal,etc so I know it is working.  NI-MAX will hang or give a Misc System error when trying to do a ViOpen, same with Labwindows.  In NI-MAX the enumerated com ports will be present but will have yellow '!' or red 'x' depending on if i clicked it or not yet.  Can NI-VISA not open (some?) 3rd party devices even if they are properly installed?  Can't find any info on either NI or B&B regarding compatibility.  thanks!

[algarcia]

Hi eward,

Do you have the B&B ESU2-400 connected to any other instruments? Perhaps you need to install the NI drivers for that instrument.

Regards,

[eward]

Hi, There are no devices connected to the USB to Serial box.  thanks

[algarcia]

Hi eward,

From looking through the product manual, I didn't see any mention of SCPI compliance.

This looks like it could be a device that isn't supported by NI software.

You could try resetting the MAX database to try to repair any corruption, but this will also clear all of the tasks you have configured in NI MAX.

Process For Resetting MAX Database

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/2C7480E856987FFF862573AE005AB0D9

Best

[WireWeaver]

It sounds like you're running into what's described here. 

Even if you can't use VISA, you may be able to use the RS-232 library in CVI. Just watch out for this.

Also make sure all of the ports are enumerated in Windows Device Manager. I'm assuming they are if MAX picked them up, but it's worth checking to make sure they're all in a good state.

Hope this helps!

Trent