KUSB 488B not operating with LabVIEW

Question

Hi, I'm trying to establish a connection between an instrument and LabVIEW by using an USB to GPIB Converter (KUSB 488B). Although I installed the driver of KUSB-488B, LabVIEW always shows the same error:  Error connecting to GPIB driver or device (Error 0). The computer recognizes the instrument and also its GPIB address. I use LabVIEW 2011.
It would be great if someone could help me.
Thanks.

Answer 1

Here is a list of things to check...
First, verify you have the correct driver installed:
Be sure that NI-488 is uninstalled (found listed in Control Panel -> Programs and Features (or Add/Remove Programs) -> National Instruments Software -> NI-488,2
Be sure that you have installed the latest version of the KI-488 driver (which currently is version 3.12 for the KUSB-488B).
(Recommend you install it as NI Command Compatible).
http://www.keithley.com/support/data?asset=56984
Second, verify that the KI-488 GPIB driver and a connected instrument work correctly:
If you have a properly installed KUSB488B and an instrument cabled and connected...when you open the Program Files -> Keithley Instruments -> KI-488 -> KI-488 Configuration Utility you should see two things:
1. GPIB0 <-- this confirms GPIB0 interface exists
2. An icon for an instument in the GPIB0 tree with a name next to it of the form "Keithley Instruments Model xxxx ....(PA:24)" <-- this confirms there is an instrment at address 24 connected to GPIB0
If you only see GPIB0 and no instrument, then the instrument is not cabled properly or is not on or is not in GPIB mode.
Third, verify that the GPIB driver works correctly with NI-VISA:
If you open VISA Interactive Control, then you should see any connected NI Compatible GPIB cards (e.g. GPIB0::INTFC) and connected instruments (e.g. GPIB0::24::INSTR). (This program can be found from the start menu as follows... Start -> All Programs -> National Instruments -> VISA -> VISA Interactive Control).
If you do not see the GPIB0::INTFC listed, then open NI MAX (Start -> All Programs -> National Instruments -> Measurement & Automation) and under Software -> NI-VISA -> VISA Options check that your NI-VISA Passprt for GPIB is enabled ON.
Finally, communicate with your instrument using :LabVIEW as follows:
Open LabVIEW and create an new blank VI using either...
- VISA Read/Write: Recommend using VISA Read and VISA Write to talk to the instrument (this should work if you were able to communicate with your instrument using VISA Interactive Control)
- GPIB Read/Write: If you prefer to do GPIB Read and GPIB Write, you must use the ones supplied with the driver, not the NI GPIB ones. The KPCI-488 driver ones can be found from any LabVIEW block diagram by selecting View -> Functions Palette -> User Libraries -> paletteMenu.