National Instruments GPIB NI-488.2 Installation Guide for Windows

Internal Controllers Installation

This section details the installation process for internal GPIB controllers, including PCI, PXI, PCI Express, PMC, and ISA interfaces.

1. Step 1: Install Software

   Insert the NI-488.2 installation media into your computer's optical drive. From the installer interface, select the option to "Install Software".

   ? Tip: The "View Documentation" link available on the installer provides access to comprehensive NI-488.2 documentation, which includes detailed hardware installation instructions.

2. Step 2: Shut Down Computer

   Upon completion of the software installation, shut down your computer. Ensure the system is completely powered off before proceeding with hardware installation.

   A system dialog may appear prompting a restart. If you are installing hardware immediately, it is recommended to shut down. If you choose to restart later, ensure the computer is fully rebooted before running any associated software.

GPIB Hardware Installation

Install your GPIB hardware and then power on the computer.

Internal Hardware Installation Examples:

• PCI, PCI Express, ISA: Install the GPIB interface card into an appropriate expansion slot on your computer's motherboard.
• PXI: Install the GPIB module into a slot within a PXI chassis.
• PMC: Insert the PMC GPIB card into a compatible PMC slot on the host system.

External Controllers Installation

This section covers the installation for external GPIB controllers, including Ethernet, USB, ExpressCard™, and PCMCIA interfaces.

1. Step 1: Install Software

   Insert the NI-488.2 installation media into your computer's drive. Select "Install Software" from the installer interface.

   ? Tip: The "View Documentation" link provides access to NI-488.2 documentation, including detailed hardware installation instructions.

2. Step 2: Restart Computer

   Once the software installation is finished, restart your computer to apply the changes.

   A system dialog may prompt you to restart. Follow the on-screen instructions to ensure the software setup is properly completed.

3. Step 3: Install External GPIB Hardware

   Install your external GPIB hardware according to its specific requirements.

   • Ethernet: Connect the Ethernet-based GPIB device to your local network.
   • USB: Connect the USB-to-GPIB adapter to an available USB port on your computer.
   • ExpressCard™, PCMCIA: Insert the ExpressCard or PCMCIA GPIB card into the appropriate slot on your laptop or computer.

   ⚠️ Caution: It is crucial that the GPIB devices and the computer share the same ground potential to prevent potential damage or operational issues.

4. Step 4: Configure Ethernet Interface (Ethernet Only)

   After the computer has restarted, use the GPIB Ethernet Wizard to configure your Ethernet interface for GPIB communication.

   • For Windows XP/Vista/7: Launch the GPIB Ethernet Wizard by navigating to the "National Instruments»NI-488.2" program group within the Start menu.
   • For Windows 8: Launch the GPIB Ethernet Wizard from the "National Instruments»NI-488.2" program group in the NI Launcher.

   The wizard is designed to guide you through the process of installing a National Instruments GPIB Ethernet interface, and it lists supported interfaces such as GPIB-ENET/100 and GPIB-ENET/1000.

Where to Go for Support

The National Instruments website serves as your comprehensive resource for technical support. Visit ni.com/support to access a wide range of resources, including troubleshooting guides, application development self-help materials, and direct email or phone assistance from NI Application Engineers.

National Instruments' corporate headquarters is located at 11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas, 78759-3504. The company also maintains a global presence with offices worldwide to address diverse support needs.

For telephone support within the United States, you can create a service request at ni.com/support or call directly at 512 795 8248. For support outside the United States, please refer to the "Worldwide Offices" section on ni.com/niglobal. This section provides access to branch office websites, current contact information, support phone numbers, and email addresses.

Trademarks and Legal Information: LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI, ni.com, NI-488.2, and the National Instruments corporate logo are registered trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. For detailed patent information, please refer to the "Help»Patents" section within your software, the patents.txt file included on your installation media, or visit ni.com/patents. For information regarding National Instruments' global trade compliance policy and to obtain relevant HTS codes, ECCNs, and other import/export data, please visit ni.com/legal/export-compliance.