Appendix E Windows 2000/NT: CommonQuestions
© National Instruments Corporation E-3 NI-488.2 User Manual for Windows
How do I use an NI-488.2 language interface?
For information about using NI-488.2 language interfaces, refer to
Chapter3, D eveloping Your NI-488.2 Application.
What do I need to know to communicate properly with my GPIB
instrument?
Refer to the documentation that came with your instrument. The command
sequences that you use depend on the specific instrument. The
documentation for each instrument should include the GPIB commands
that you need to communicate with your instrument. In most cases,
device-level traditional NI-488.2 calls are sufficient for communicating
with instruments. For more information, refer to Chapter3, Developing
Your NI-488.2 Application.
How do I check for errors in my NI-488.2 application?
Examine the value of ibsta after each NI-488.2 call. If a call fails, the
ERR bit of ibsta is set and an error code is stored in iberr. For more
information about global status variables, refer to Chapter4, Debugging
Your Application.
What information should I have before I call National Instruments?
Before you call National Instruments, record the results of the NI-488.2
Troubleshooting Wizard. To start the NI-488.2 Troubleshooting Wizard,
select Start»Programs»National Instruments NI-488.2»Explore GPIB.
Then, select Help»Troubleshooting»NI-488.2 Troubleshooting Wizard.