Getting Started with Your GPIB-ENET and the NI-488.2 ™ Software for Macintosh January 1995 Edition Part Number 320727B-01 © Copyright 1994, 1995 National Instruments Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
National Instruments Corporate Headquarters 6504 Bridge Point Parkway Austin, TX 78730-5039 (512) 794-0100 Technical support fax: (800) 328-2203 (512) 794-5678 Branch Offices: Australia (03) 879 9422, Austria (0662) 435986, Belgium 02/757.00.
Limited Warranty The GPIB-ENET is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
Copyright Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of National Instruments Corporation. Trademarks LabVIEW ®, NI-488 ®, and NI-488.2™ are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
FCC/DOC Radio Frequency Interference Compliance This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the instructions in this manual, may cause interference to radio and television reception. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the following two regulatory agencies: Federal Communications Commission This device complies with Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules for a Class A digital device.
• Move the equipment away from the receiver with which it is interfering. • Reorient or relocate the receiver’s antenna. • Be sure that the equipment is plugged into a grounded outlet and that the grounding has not been defeated with a cheater plug. Notice to user: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under the FCC Rules.
Contents About This Manual ............................................................................................. xi How to Use This Manual Set......................................................................... xi Organization of This Manual......................................................................... xii Conventions Used in This Manual................................................................. xiii Related Documentation ........................................................
Contents Chapter 4 Installation Verification and Troubleshooting ......................................... 4-1 Troubleshooting Hardware Problems ............................................................ 4-1 Verify the Software Installation..................................................................... 4-1 Troubleshooting Software Problems ............................................................. 4-2 READY LED Signaling............................................................................
Contents Figures Figure Figure Figure Figure 1-1. 1-2. 1-3. 1-4. GPIB-ENET Top Panel....................................................................... 1-4 GPIB-ENET Side Panel ...................................................................... 1-5 GPIB-ENET Back Panel..................................................................... 1-6 GPIB-ENET Identification Label ....................................................... 1-6 Figure 2-1. Figure 2-2.
About This Manual This manual contains instructions for installing and configuring the National Instruments GPIB-ENET and NI-488.2 software for Macintosh. This manual is meant to be used with the NI-488.2 User Manual for Macintosh and the NI-488.2 Function Reference Manual for Macintosh. This manual assumes that you are familiar with the Macintosh and with Ethernet and Internet networks, and that your Macintosh is connected to an Ethernet network.
About This Manual Use the NI-488.2 User Manual for Macintosh to learn the basics of GPIB and how to develop an application program. The user manual also contains debugging information and detailed examples. Use the NI-488.2 Function Reference Manual for Macintosh for specific NI-488 function and NI-488.2 routine information, such as format, parameters, and possible errors.
About This Manual Conventions Used in This Manual The following conventions are used in this manual. bold Bold text denotes commands, menus, menu items, options, screen button names, checkboxes, and LEDs. italic Italic text denotes emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction to a key concept. bold italic Bold italic text denotes a note, caution, or warning. monospace Text in this font denotes the proper names of programs, utility names, filenames, folder names, device names, and icon names.
About This Manual Customer Communication National Instruments wants to receive your comments on our products and manuals. We are interested in the applications you develop with our products, and we want to help if you have problems with them. To make it easy for you to contact us, this manual contains comment and configuration forms for you to complete. These forms are in Appendix C, Customer Communication, at the end of this manual. GPIB-ENET for Macintosh xiv © National Instruments Corp.
Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter lists what you need to get started and optional equipment you can order, gives instructions for inspecting your GPIB-ENET, and briefly describes the NI-488.2 software, the GPIB-ENET hardware, and its assigned Ethernet address.
Introduction Chapter 1 Optional Equipment You can call National Instruments to order any of the following optional equipment.
Chapter 1 Introduction Optional Programming Tools Your kit includes the NI-488.2 software for Macintosh. In addition, you can order the LabVIEW software from National Instruments. LabVIEW includes instrument driver libraries that make it easier to communicate with your GPIB instruments. LabVIEW is a complete programming environment that departs from the sequential nature of traditional programming languages and features a graphical programming environment.
Introduction Chapter 1 The Top Panel LEDs Figure 1-1 shows the top panel of the GPIB-ENET. Seven status light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the GPIB-ENET top panel. The LEDs show the current status of the GPIB-ENET at all times. Table 1-1 describes each LED.
Chapter 1 Introduction The Side Panel Connectors Figure 1-2 shows the side panels of the 10Base-T and coax versions of the GPIB-ENET. 10Base-T Connector 10Base-T Version Ethernet AUI Connector Coax Connector Coax Version Figure 1-2. GPIB-ENET Side Panel Both versions of the GPIB-ENET contain an Ethernet AUI connector. You can verify which type of GPIB-ENET you have by comparing the other connector to the two options shown in Figure 1-2. © National Instruments Corp.
Introduction Chapter 1 The Back Panel Switches The GPIB-ENET has a 2-position slide switch and an 8-bit DIP switch that you use to configure the operating characteristics of the box. These switches are located on the back panel of the GPIB-ENET, as shown in Figure 1-3. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ON 10BASE-T AUI Figure 1-3. GPIB-ENET Back Panel The Bottom Panel Identification Label Figure 1-4 shows the identification label on the bottom panel of the GPIB-ENET.
Chapter 2 Hardware Configuration and Installation This chapter gives instructions for configuring the 10Base-T and coax versions of the GPIB-ENET. It also describes how to connect the GPIB-ENET to a Macintosh computer or local Ethernet network, switch on the GPIB-ENET, and power on your system. Configure the Hardware The GPIB-ENET is shipped from the factory with either a 100 to 120 VAC or a 220 to 240 VAC power supply.
Hardware Configuration and Installation Chapter 2 Configure the DIP Switch The 8-bit DIP switch selects the operation mode of the GPIB-ENET. The GPIB-ENET is shipped from the factory with the DIP switch set for normal operating mode. Figure 2-1 shows the factory default setting of this DIP switch. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ON Figure 2-1. Default Mode Switch Settings (All Switches OFF) Switches 8 and 7 are OFF, indicating normal operating mode.
Chapter 2 Hardware Configuration and Installation Select the Operating Mode Switch 8 selects the Extended Factory Test mode and should remain OFF for normal operating mode. When this switch is ON, the GPIB-ENET performs extended tests which require special connections to the GPIB and Ethernet ports. Without these connections, the GPIB-ENET cannot pass the extended factory tests. Switch 7 selects the Update EEPROM mode and should remain OFF for normal operating mode.
Hardware Configuration and Installation Chapter 2 10BASE-T AUI COAX AUI Figure 2-2. Default Ethernet Port Configuration Switch Setting for Either Type of GPIB-ENET If you want to connect an Ethernet conversion box to the AUI port, change the setting of the switch to match that shown in Figure 2-3. 10BASE-T AUI COAX AUI Figure 2-3.
Chapter 2 Hardware Configuration and Installation Step 2. Switch on Your GPIB-ENET Power on your GPIB-ENET. The POWER LED should come on immediately. The READY LED should flash while it completes its power-on self tests. When all the tests complete successfully and the IP address is assigned, from either nonvolatile memory or the network, the READY LED remains steady, indicating that the unit is ready to operate.
Chapter 3 Software Installation and Configuration This chapter contains instructions for installing and configuring your NI-488.2 software. You must have MacTCP installed on your Macintosh before you can use the driver software for the GPIB-ENET. MacTCP contains the necessary drivers to support the TCP/IP protocols and AppleTalk-to-TCP/IP protocol conversions for Macintosh. To acquire MacTCP for Macintosh, you must purchase the TCP/IP Connection for Macintosh software separately from Apple Computer, Inc.
Software Installation and Configuration Chapter 3 • The Update utility updates the GPIB-ENET firmware. This utility is contained in the Ethernet folder. • The IPassign utility assigns an IP address to the GPIB-ENET. This utility is contained in the Ethernet folder. • GPIBENET_EPROM xx is the GPIB-ENET firmware image, where xx stands for the firmware revision number. This file is contained in the Ethernet folder.
Chapter 3 Software Installation and Configuration Figure 3-1. Settings Dialog Box 3. The installer creates a folder named NI-488.2 to contain NI-488.2 files and folders. If you want to rename the folder, click on the Change Folder button in the installation dialog box, shown in Figure 3-2, and enter a new folder name. Figure 3-2. Installation Dialog Box © National Instruments Corp.
Software Installation and Configuration 4. Chapter 3 Click on the Install button to install all of the NI-488.2 software. If you want to install only some of the files, click on the Custom Install button and select the items to install. After installation of all of the software, the NI-488.2 folder should contain the items shown in Figure 3-3. If you are running System 7.
Chapter 3 Software Installation and Configuration 4. To enter the IP address of your GPIB-ENET, choose the GPIB bus associated with your box by selecting the bus using the Bus/Device menu. An IP Address edit box appears below the Bus Timing menu. If you do not know the IP address, see your network administrator. The IP address you used to configure your GPIB-ENET hardware is the same IP address you should enter here. 5. Enter your GPIB-ENET box IP address in the edit box.
Software Installation and Configuration Chapter 3 Configure the Software (Optional) The default settings for the NI-488.2 software work for most applications and devices. However, you might want to change a device name or primary address. Also, if more than one GPIB interface or external box is installed, you might want to associate a device with a particular interface. You can examine and adjust the configuration of the software using the NI-488 Config control panel utility.
Chapter 4 Installation Verification and Troubleshooting This chapter describes how to verify the software installation, troubleshoot hardware and software problems, and interpret the READY LED status messages. If you still have problems after completing the steps in this chapter, complete the forms in Appendix C, Customer Communication, and call National Instruments for technical support.
Installation Verification and Troubleshooting Chapter 4 Follow these steps to run the software verification test. 1. Disconnect all GPIB cables from the GPIB-ENET. 2. Double-click on the NI-488.2 Test icon in the NI-488.2 folder. If no error messages are displayed, the installation is complete and you are ready to write your own application program. Refer to the NI-488.2 Function Reference Manual for Macintosh for sample programs. 3.
Chapter 4 Installation Verification and Troubleshooting READY LED Signaling The READY LED has several purposes on the GPIB-ENET. When you first power on the GPIB-ENET, the READY LED flashes while it completes its power-on self tests. When all the tests complete successfully and the IP address is assigned, from either nonvolatile memory or the network, the READY LED remains steady, indicating that the unit is ready to operate. During operation, there are times when the READY LED might flash again.
Installation Verification and Troubleshooting Chapter 4 Step 3. Record Your Status Code Number When you have computed your status code number, record it on the GPIB-ENET Hardware and Software Configuration Form in Appendix C, Customer Communication, before calling National Instruments. Table 4-1 lists some examples of the long and short flashes and the status codes they report. Table 4-1.
Chapter 4 Installation Verification and Troubleshooting My driver is not communicating with the GPIB-ENET. What should I do? Make sure that DIP Switch 7 is set to OFF. If Switch 7 is OFF and the driver still cannot communicate with the GPIB-ENET, make sure that the Ethernet Port Configuration slide switch is in the correct position for your network connections. My I/O worked with a board interface, but it times out when I use the GPIB-ENET interface.
Installation Verification and Troubleshooting Chapter 4 What information should I have before I call National Instruments? When you call National Instruments, you should have the results of the software verification test. In addition, make sure you have filled out the configuration form in Appendix C, Customer Communication. GPIB-ENET for Macintosh 4-6 © National Instruments Corp.
Chapter 5 Using Your NI-488.2 Software This chapter describes the IBIC 488.2 utility and lists some general programming considerations. Introduction to IBIC 488.2 The NI-488.2 software includes the Interface Bus Interactive Control utility, IBIC 488.2. You can use IBIC 488.2 to enter NI-488 functions and NI-488.2 routines interactively and display the results of the function calls automatically. Without writing an application, you can use IBIC 488.
Appendix A Hardware Specifications This appendix lists the electrical, environmental, and physical characteristics of the GPIB-ENET and the recommended operating conditions. Table A-1.
Appendix B Utilities This appendix contains information on the IPassign and Update utilities for the GPIB-ENET. IPassign Utility If your network does not have RARP capabilities, you can use the IPassign utility to configure the IP address for the GPIB-ENET. Before using this application, make sure that you know the Ethernet address of the GPIB-ENET, which is listed on the bottom panel of the box, and the IP address that has been selected for the box.
Utilities d. Appendix B IPassign constructs 10 reply packets and sends them across the local Ethernet. When the GPIB-ENET successfully receives its IP address, the READY LED remains steady. As long as the READY LED is flickering, the address has not been configured. Because the reply packets do not form a guaranteed delivery protocol, it is possible (though extremely unlikely) for all 10 packets to get lost in the network and for the GPIB-ENET not to receive any of them.
Appendix B Utilities The following procedures describe how to update the firmware. 1. Power off the GPIB-ENET and set DIP switch 7 to the ON position. 2. Power on the GPIB-ENET and wait for the READY LED light to remain steady without flashing. 3. Execute the Update application, which is located in the Ethernet folder. a. Enter the IP address of the GPIB-ENET in the space provided, and click on the Done button to continue. b. Select a GPIB-ENET EEPROM file to use as the firmware image.
Appendix C Customer Communication For your convenience, this appendix contains forms to help you gather the information necessary to help us solve technical problems you might have as well as a form you can use to comment on the product documentation. Filling out a copy of the Technical Support Form before contacting National Instruments helps us help you better and faster. National Instruments provides comprehensive technical assistance around the world. In the U.S.
Technical Support Form Photocopy this form and update it each time you make changes to your software or hardware, and use the completed copy of this form as a reference for your current configuration. Completing this form accurately before contacting National Instruments for technical support helps our applications engineers answer your questions more efficiently.
National Instruments software product Version Configuration The problem is List any error messages The following steps will reproduce the problem
GPIB-ENET Hardware and Software Configuration Form Record the settings and revisions of your hardware and software on the line to the right of each item. Update this form each time you revise your software or hardware configuration, and use this form as a reference for your current configuration. National Instruments Products • GPIB-ENET Model and Hardware Revision • 10Base-T or Coax Version • AC Input Voltage (100 to 120 V or 220 to 240 V) • NI-488.
Documentation Comment Form National Instruments encourages you to comment on the documentation supplied with our products. This information helps us provide quality products to meet your needs. Title: Getting Started with Your GPIB-ENET and the NI-488.2 ™ Software for Macintosh Edition Date: January 1995 Part Number: 320727B-01 Please comment on the completeness, clarity, and organization of the manual.
If you find errors in the manual, please record the page numbers and describe the errors. Thank you for your help.
Glossary o % A AC ANSI AUI C CSA DIP EEPROM EMI FCC g GPIB Hz IBIC IEC IEEE in.
Index 10Base-T connector, 1-5. See also Ethernet port, configuring. address. See also Ethernet address; IP address. primary GPIB address, 3-4 secondary GPIB address, 3-4 AUI connector, 1-5 AUI Ethernet port, 2-3 to 2-4 bus association, 3-4 to 3-5 cables connecting, 2-4 to 2-5 optional, 1-2 requirements, 1-2 coax connector, 1-5. See also Ethernet port, configuring. configuration dynamic. See RARP. hardware, 2-1 to 2-4 software, 3-4 to 3-6 static. See IPassign utility.
Index NI-488.2 Test file, 3-1 NI-DMA/DSP file, 3-1 to 3-4 operating modes, 2-3 power cords, 1-1, 2-4 POWER LED, 1-4, 2-5 power requirements. See power supply. power supply, 1-3, 1-6, 2-1, A-1 primary address, GPIB, 3-4 programming considerations, 5-1 languages, 1-2, 3-1 tools, 1-3 RARP, 2-1 to 2-3, B-1 READY LED description, 1-4 IPassign utility status, B-2 power-on behavior, 2-5 status signaling, 4-2 to 4-4 Update utility status, B-2 to B-3 RECEIVE LED, 1-4 secondary address, GPIB, 3-4 software.
