2. Setup
Step 1 Installing the Software
This section describes how to install the API function libraries.
Before installing the hardware on your PC, install the API function libraries from the bundled
API-PAC(W32) CD-ROM.
The following description assumes the operating system as Windows Me. Although some user
interfaces are different depending on the OS used, the basic procedure is the same.
About the driver to be used
Two GPIB communication drivers come with your board: API-GPIB(98/PC)W95/NT and
API-GPLV(W32).
API-GPIB(98/PC)W95/NT provides a CONTEC proprietary function interface.
API-GPLV(W32) provides a function interface equivalent to that from National Instruments
Corporation (hereafter NI), allowing the GPIB488, GPIB488.2, and VISA functions of LabVIEW to be
used directly and application programs created for NI boards to run without modification.
Selection guide
Given below is a guideline for easily selecting the appropriate driver for the board.
driver to be used
Purpose
API-GPIB(98/PC)
- Used to use CONTEC functions
- To make the board operate as fast as possible
- To convert (digitize) binary and string data easily
API-GPLV(W32)
- To use existing applications for NI boards
- To use LabVIEW
- Familiar with NI functions but not with CONTEC functions
GP-IB(PCI)L, GP-IB(PCI)
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