Chapter 1
Introduction and Hardware Installation
© National Instruments Corp.
1-3
GPIB-PCII/IIA for Graphics
You can use standard GPIB cables to connect the GPIB-PCII/IIA with up to
14 instruments. If you want to use more instruments, you can order a bus
extender or expander from National Instruments. Refer to Appendix A,
Hardware Specifications, for more information about the GPIB-PCII/IIA
hardware specifications and recommended operating conditions.
Software Description
Your kit includes NI-488.2 software, which National Instruments has
developed for use with the GPIB-PCII/IIA. The NI-488.2 software and
the GPIB hardware transform a general-purpose PC into a GPIB
Talker/Listener/Controller that has complete communications and bus
management capability. Your kit includes the NI-488.2 software for
MS-DOS and for Windows.
Installing the GPIB-PCII/IIA
Warning:
Several components on your GPIB-PCII/IIA board can be
damaged by electrostatic discharge. To avoid such damage
in handling the board, touch the antistatic plastic package to
a metal part of your computer chassis before removing the
board from the package.
Perform the following steps to install the GPIB-PCII/IIA:
1.
Turn off your computer and all external devices, such as monitors or
tape drives.
2.
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
3.
Remove the top cover or access port of the I/O channel.
4.
Remove the expansion slot cover on the back panel of the computer.
5.
Insert the GPIB-PCII/IIA into any unused slot with the GPIB
connector sticking out of the opening on the back panel, as shown in
Figure 1-1. It might be a tight fit, but do not force the board into place.
