GPIB Installation/Configuration Troubleshooter
GPIB-ENET and Windows 3.1 - Configure the GPIB-ENET Hardware
The following steps explain how to set up the GPIB-ENET.
Step 1. Determine IP and Ethernet Addresses
The Internet Protocol (IP) address is the address that TCP/IP-based networks use to route information to the appropriate network and host. When you first install a GPIB-ENET in a network, or if the IP address for the GPIB-ENET changes, the GPIB-ENET IP address must be configured.
- Note the Ethernet address from the bottom panel label of the GPIB-ENET. The Ethernet address is not the same thing as the IP address. All devices on an Ethernet network are assigned a physical address, the Ethernet address, so that they can communicate with each other. The identification label on the bottom panel of the GPIB-ENET contains various information, including the Ethernet address. See below for a picture of the GPIB-ENET identification label.
- Contact your network administrator to use the GPIB-ENET on your network. Your network administrator assigns a unique, valid IP address to your GPIB-ENET. Your network administrator can also tell you whether the GPIB-ENET should have its IP address configured automatically or manually. A Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP) server on the network automatically configures the GPIB-ENET with an IP address when you power on the GPIB-ENET; once your network administrator has configured your network RARP server, you can use automatic configuration. You can configure the IP address manually using the Assign IP Address utility. Once you configure the IP address, it is stored in the GPIB-ENET so that you do not need to reassign it every time you power on the box.
- Make a note of the IP address configured for the GPIB-ENET hardware. You must enter the IP address when you configure the NI-488.2 software.
Step 2. Configure the GPIB-ENET Operating Characteristics
The GPIB-ENET has a two-position slide switch that you use to configure the network interface connector of the box. The GPIB-ENET also has an 8-bit DIP switch used to configure the operating characteristics. The switches are located on the back panel of the GPIB-ENET, as shown below.
- Configure the Slide Switch
Your GPIB-ENET has two network interface connectors: a 15-pin AUI connector and either a 10Base-T Ethernet connector or a coax Ethernet connector. Use the slide switch to select which of the two connectors the GPIB-ENET uses. The default switch setting is either 10Base-T or coax. The default setting for the different types of GPIB-ENET boxes is shown below.
If you want to use the AUI connector, change the switch setting to match the appropriate
setting shown below.
- Configure the 8-Bit DIP Switch
The 8-bit DIP switch selects the operating mode of the GPIB-ENET. The GPIB-ENET is shipped to you with the DIP switches set for normal operation mode. In normal operation mode, all the switches are in the OFF position. Most users use the GPIB-ENET in normal operating mode. Do not change the DIP switch settings unless you run a GPIB-ENET utility that prompts you to change them. For information about the 8-bit DIP switch, refer to Appendix B of the Getting Started with Your GPIB-ENET and the NI-488.2 Software for Windows.
Step 3. Connect the Cables
If you do not have both a GPIB cable and Ethernet cable, refer to the Optional Equipment section in Chapter 1, Introduction, for ordering information.
- Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the GPIB-ENET and securely fasten it. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your Ethernet network. Be sure to follow all IEEE 802.3 cabling restrictions.
- Connect one end of the GPIB cable to the GPIB-ENET and tighten the thumb screws on the connector. Connect the other end of the GPIB cable to your GPIB system. Be sure to follow all IEEE 488.1 cabling restrictions and use only shielded GPIB cables.
- Plug the power cord into an AC outlet of the correct voltage.
Step 4. Switch on Your GPIB-ENET
Warning: Operating the GPIB-ENET at any voltage other than the one specified could damage the unit!
The GPIB-ENET is shipped from the factory with either a 100-120 VAC or 220-240 VAC power supply. Before you configure your GPIB-ENET, verify that the voltage rating listed on the bottom of the box matches the voltage that is supplied in your area.
- Automatic IP Address Assignment
Power on the GPIB-ENET. The POWER LED comes on immediately. The READY LED flashes while the GPIB-ENET completes its power-on self tests and the IP address is assigned. Once the READY LED remains steady, the unit is ready to operate and you can configure the software.
The power-on self tests take about 10 seconds to complete, then the box obtains its IP
address. The time required for the IP address assignment is highly dependent on your network and the configuration of your GPIB-ENET. If the READY LED does not become steady after 1 minute, refer to the Troubleshooting Hardware Problems section in Chapter 4, Verification and Troubleshooting.
- Manual IP Address Assignment
To assign the IP address manually, refer to Appendix C, GPIB-ENET Configuration
Utilities, and run the Assign IP Address utility.
Step 5. Configure Subnet Information
Before the GPIB-ENET is fully functional, you should configure it with proper subnet information. Your GPIB-ENET may work properly even if you skip this step, but National Instruments recommends that you configure information about the subnet. This information includes the broadcast IP address and netmask to use on the subnet and up to four router IP addresses. Refer to Appendix B, GPIB-ENET 8-Bit DIP Switch, and run the Assign Subnet Information utility.
When you have completed these hardware configuration steps, you are ready to configure the NI-488.2 software.
