Getting Started with Your Hardware and Software
To use your GPIB hardware and NI-488.2 software to communicate with an instrument, follow these steps:
- Install your GPIB hardware according to the instructions in the getting started documentation on the NI-488.2 for Windows CD. For more information about the documentation, refer to Access Additional Help and Resources for GPIB.
- Following the GPIB configuration requirements, connect an instrument to your GPIB hardware and power it on.
- Launch Measurement & Automation Explorer by selecting Start»Programs»National Instruments»Measurement & Automation or clicking the following button.
> Start Measurement & Automation Explorer. - In Measurement & Automation Explorer, scan for instruments connected to your GPIB hardware. For more information, refer to Scan for GPIB Instruments.
- Use the NI-488.2 Communicator to send commands to and read responses from your instrument. For more information, refer to Communicate with a GPIB Instrument.
Measurement & Automation Explorer also gives you access to all the NI-488.2 software utilities. You can access online help, troubleshooting assistance, and the National Instruments Web site from the Measurement & Automation Explorer Help menu.
For an overview of how to set up and configure your system, refer to the Setting up and Configuring Your System topic.