keithley 3706 switching a keithley 2430 sourcemeter between two PV modules

[brucedickingson]

Hi,

I am trying to use keithley 3706 to switch between two different PV modules after an IV sweep (using a keithley 2430 sourcemeter) of each panel is complete.  Basically I will run a IV sweep of one PV panel, record that data, and then switch to the panel (using the 3706) and IV sweep that panel and record its data and then continue on this loop until I choose to end it.  I have found some example programs using the 2430, but I was wondering if anyone knew of some programs that detailed how to switch via the 3706 or how this would link up with the 2430 and the GPIB 488?  I am connecting the 2430 to the computer via the GPIB 488.  The drivers for both the GPIB 488 and the 3706 are only available on the keithley site.  I have downloaded these files but where should I save them to so I can find them in my Installed Instrument Drivers folder?  Any help on these problems would be greatly appreciated as I am new to Labview.

Thanks in advance,

-Neal

[Hassan_Atassi]

Hi Neal,

In order to use the driver, place the Keithley 3706 Folder in C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW \instr.lib.  Then, on your function palette, under Instrument I/O>>Instr Driver, you should be able to see all the 3706 VIs. 

[brucedickingson]

Thanks,

What file type format should these drivers be in?  Will they be a .dll or .lib or something like that?  or should I be copying the entire folder?  Any idea about which driver files I need for the Keithley KUSB 488 and the keithley 3706 switch that are compatible with NI since they have multiple on Keithley's website?

[tbob]

Copy the entire folder.  There will be some VI's and there will probably be some menu files (.mnu).  By copying the entire folder, when you go to Instruments, you will see one icon for your device.  Open this icon and you will see all the subvi's (drivers) for your device.

[Dennis_Knutson]

Copy the entire Keithley 3706 folder. It has the LabVIEW project, lvlib, and folders with VIs.

The use of a non-NI GPIB card is an entirely different matter. If there are multiple versions, install the latest or contact Keithley if you have questions. They have a 'Config Assistance' button on their product page. Typically, you would need to install Keithley's version of VISA, NI-VISA, and enable tulip support in MAX.