Ray Mor,
Here is a look at what this error might be signifying, based on this
KnowledgeBase article:
ECIC (1)Error Condition: Function requires the GPIB board to be the Controller-In-Charge (CIC).
Description:
Certain functions require your GPIB board to be the CIC - these
functions are noted in the NI-488.2 Function Reference Manual (see the
Related Link, below). By default, your GPIB board will be the System
Controller, but this is not the same as being the Controller-In-Charge.
The System Controller has the ability to become the CIC at any time
(there can be one System Controller on a given General Purpose
Interface Bus).
Possible Cause: Often ECIC errors
are caused when you do not send an interface clear at the start of your
program to make sure that your GPIB board is the CIC.
Solutions:
- If your GPIB board is supposed to be the System Controller, then use ibrsc 1 to make sure your GPIB board is configured as the System Controller.
- If
your GPIB board is the System Controller, then use the ibsic function
(or SendIFC function) to send an interface clear. This will make your
GPIB board the CIC (it also resets GPIB communications on the bus).
- If
your GPIB board is one of several controllers on the bus, then always
check for the CIC bit of the status word, ibsta, before attempting any
function calls that require your GPIB board to have CIC status. If it
does not appear, then you can call the ibwait function (set the wait
mask for the CIC bit) to delay further processing until control is
passed to your GPIB board.
Hope this helps!
Brian T
Applications Engineer