LabWindows/CVI

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Should I use VISA or GPIB/488.2 functions?

I am communicating with several instruments for RF test purposes. (So
most are HP, Tektronic, etc.). I also use the NI PCI-GPIB card.

I am just starting out with CVI programming, and I would like to know
if I should use the GPIB 488.2 functions (ibwrt, ibrd, etc.), or do i
use VISA (viOpen, viWrite, etc.). Will one be easier? Will one give
me more trouble? For what it's worth, I used VISA functions when
using LabView.

william
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Why do you have to go to ibwrt/ibrd level? Most of the test equipment from
HP, Tektronix already comes with LabWindows CVI drivers. If some of the
fuctionality is not available, you can just open the Programmer's Manual and
use SendString command of the driver to send SCPI commands to your
instrument.

The majority of drivers use VISA. Latest ones are based on IVI spec. but I
wouln't worry about that.

Check the NI website for drivers, sometimes you have to search them on
equipment mfg. sites.

http://zone.ni.com/idnet97.nsf/browse/

vishi

"billw" wrote in message
news:2d97926d.0302111017.7164c384@posting.google.com...
> I am communicating with several instruments for RF test purposes. (So
> most are HP, Tektronic, etc.). I also use the NI PCI-
GPIB card.
>
> I am just starting out with CVI programming, and I would like to know
> if I should use the GPIB 488.2 functions (ibwrt, ibrd, etc.), or do i
> use VISA (viOpen, viWrite, etc.). Will one be easier? Will one give
> me more trouble? For what it's worth, I used VISA functions when
> using LabView.
>
> william
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