VISA resource name format for GPIB instruments via 232CT-A converter

[nls]

I know that COM1 is ASRL1::INSTR in VISA, but how do I address individual GPIB instruments using this format?

[Albert.Geven]

gpib::10::instr

for an instrument on address 10

[nls]

Isn't that format for the resource name applicable only to plug-in boards or usb to gpib converters?  Can I use the gpib::xx format for an individual device, even though it is connected via a serial to gpib converter on COM1?

[JasonSmith]

You cannot address the instruments directly through VISA when using the GPIB-232CT-A (or GPIB/485CT-A) on Windows 2000 or XP.  You would actually have to send the commands outlines in the User Manual to the converter through VISA, and those commands would direct the converter to speak to a specific instrument.

It was possible in Windows 3.1/95/98 to utilize the converter as a standard NI GPIB interface, but this was discontinued for Windows 2000/XP.  With USB ports being nearly universal on modern computers, the GPIB-232CT-A is now mainly used for compatibility with existing systems which only have a serial port available--and are unlikely to be running Windows 2000 or XP.

Let us know if that helps, or if we can help answer any further questions,

Jason S.

National Instruments

[nls]

Thanks for the info.  Do you see the GPIB-232CT-A converter being discontinued by NI in the near future?

[JasonSmith]

I do not see the GPIB-Serial (GPIB-232/485) product line going away.  While there is the possibility that devices could be updated or replaced with new designs, the product line will be continued for the forseeable future.

Jason S.

National Instruments