Hello-
After making sure you have the latest driver from (http://www.ni.com/support/gpib/versions.htm), the first step in determining the functionality of your GPIB card is to run the "Getting Started Wizard" found in Start/Programs/National Instruments/NI-488.2.
If the Getting Started Wizard Fails:
-Read the instructions on that utility.
-If you are using a PCI card, try switching slots.
-In Windows NT, you may want to verify your setup in Control Panel/GPIB. In this dialog, click GPIB0 and click "Board Type". Be sure that the board matches what is installed in your system. If you can't see the serial number see KB#1N88Q5RM (http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/websearch?SearchView&Query=1N88Q5RM)
-In other versions of Windows, you should be ab
le to see the GPIB interface in the "Device Manager".
The next step is to communicate with the instrument in the Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX). In MAX under "Devices and Interfaces" you should be able to find your card. Right-click and do a "Scan for Instruments".
If the scan fails:
-Be sure the instrument is powered on and online.
-Be sure the cable is connected tight and screwed on.
-Try switching cables. Shorter cables are preferred.
-If using multiple instruments, try communicating to one instrument at a time.
If all else fails, try calling the support line. It might be a defective board.
Randy Solomonson
Application Engineer
National Instruments
