National Instruments GPIB-232CT-A IBCL EPROM User manual

NATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS
®
The Software is the Instrument
®
Installation Guide
_____________________________
NI-488.2™ is a trademark of National Instruments Corporation. Product and
company names are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
320613B-01 © 1993, 1994 National Instruments Corp. All rights reserved. Sept. 1994
GPIB-232CT-A IBCL EPROM
Installation Guide
This guide describes how to replace the factory-installed EPROM that comes
with your GPIB-232CT-A. This kit is meant to be used with the GPIB-CT IBCL
Reference Manual.
The procedures in this guide should be performed only by qualified persons.
This guide contains separate instructions for the AC and DC versions of the
GPIB-232CT-A. Be sure you follow the appropriate instructions for
disassembling and reassembling your GPIB-232CT-A.
Introduction
The Interface Bus Control Language (IBCL) is a powerful, interactive language
that you can use to program the GPIB-232CT-A. You can use IBCL to create
custom applications that are outside the scope of the NI-488.2™software and the
firmware that comes with your GPIB-232CT-A. IBCL is intended for
experienced users who require additional functionality and stand-alone capability.
If you want to use IBCL, you must replace the factory-installed EPROM. The
original warranty for your GPIB-232CT-A is still valid if you follow the
directions in this installation guide.
What You Need to Get Started
One of the following boxes:
GPIB-232CT-A (100-120 VAC)
GPIB-232CT-A (220-240 VAC)
GPIB-232CT-A (DC)
GPIB-232CT-A IBCL EPROM

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The following tools:
• Phillips screwdriver
• 3/16 in. nutdriver
• 1/4 in. nutdriver or pliers
• Scribe
Caution: Most of the circuitry in the GPIB-232CT-A uses advanced CMOS
technology and can be damaged by static electricity. Avoid
touching any of the components and take any necessary CMOS
handling precautions.
Disassembling the GPIB-232CT-A (AC Version)
This section describes the disassembly of the AC version of the GPIB-232CT-A.
The disassembly instructions for the DC version are located in the next section.
Warning: The GPIB-232CT-A contains circuitry which operates with
hazardous voltages. Do not open the unit unless you have removed
the power cord.
Refer to Figure 1 and complete the following steps to disassemble the
GPIB-232CT-A.
Note: You may find that organizing the pieces as you disassemble the
GPIB-232CT-A simplifies reassembly.
1. Disconnect any GPIB cables, the serial cable, and the power cord from the
GPIB-232CT-A.
2. Using a 1/4 in. nutdriver or pliers, remove the jackscrews (A), the lock
washers (B), and the GPIB connector shield (C) from the GPIB connector (I).
3. Using a 3/16 in. nutdriver or pliers, remove the jackscrews (D) and the
washers (E) from the 9-Pin D-Sub serial connector (L).
4. Lift the metal cover (F) from the lower assembly (M) of the GPIB-232CT-A.
5. Remove the four screws (G) that hold down the printed wiring board (H) at
each corner with the screwdriver.

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Disassembling the GPIB-232CT-A (DC Version)
This section describes the disassembly of the DC version of the GPIB-232CT-A.
Refer to Figure 2 and complete the following steps to disassemble the
GPIB-232CT-A.
Note: You may find that organizing the pieces as you disassemble the
GPIB-232CT-A simplifies reassembly.
1. Disconnect any GPIB cables, the serial cable, and the power cord from the
GPIB-232CT-A.
2. Using a 1/4 in. nutdriver or pliers, remove the jackscrews (A), the lock
washers (B), and the GPIB connector shield (C) from the GPIB connector (I).
3. Using a 3/16 in. nutdriver or pliers, remove the jackscrews (D) and the
washers (E) from the 9-Pin D-Sub serial connector (L).
4. Lift the metal cover (F) from the lower assembly (M) of the GPIB-232CT-A.
5. Remove the four screws (G) that hold down the printed wiring board (H) at
each corner with the screwdriver.
Warning: Straining the power wires that connect the printed wiring board (H)
to the DC power jack (R) and the transistor (S) can damage your
GPIB-232CT-A. Do not strain these wires when changing the
EPROM (O). Be sure to support the printed wiring board to reduce
strain on the power wires (Refer to Figure 2).
6. Lift the printed wiring board (H) from the lower assembly (M).
Figure 2 shows the location of the parts you need to disassemble the DC version
of the GPIB-232CT-A.

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Changing the GPIB-232CT-A EPROM (AC Version)
Refer to Figure 3 and complete the following steps to change the GPIB-232CT-A
EPROM.
1. Turn the printed wiring board (H) so that the underside is facing upwards.
2. Use the scribe to remove the old EPROM (O) by carefully prying it out of the
EPROM socket (P). Be careful not to put too much force on the EPROM
socket (P) which might cause it to crack.
3. Notice that the EPROM (O) and the EPROM socket (P) are each keyed in one
corner so that you can only insert the EPROM (O) in one orientation.
Remove the new EPROM from the antistatic bag. Align the new EPROM
(O) correctly with the EPROM socket (P).
4. Press firmly to ensure that the EPROM (O) is secure in the EPROM socket
(P).
5. Store the old or original EPROM in the antistatic bag for future use.

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Changing the GPIB-232CT-A EPROM (DC Version)
Refer to Figure 4 and complete the following steps to change the GPIB-232CT-A
EPROM.
1. Turn the printed wiring board (H) so that the underside is facing upwards.
2. Use the scribe to remove the old EPROM (O) by carefully prying it out of the
EPROM socket (P). Be careful not to put too much force on the EPROM
socket (P) which might cause it to crack.
3. Notice that the EPROM (O) and the EPROM socket (P) are each keyed in one
corner so that you can only insert the EPROM (O) in one orientation.
Remove the new EPROM from the antistatic bag. Align the new EPROM
(O) correctly with the EPROM socket (P).
4. Press firmly to ensure that the EPROM (O) is secure in the EPROM socket
(P).
5. Store the old or original EPROM in the antistatic bag for future use.

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Reassembling the GPIB-232CT-A (AC Version)
This section describes how to reassemble the AC version of the GPIB-232CT-A.
The reassembly instructions for the DC version are located in the next section.
Refer to Figure 5 and complete the following steps to reassemble the AC version
of the GPIB-232CT-A.
1. Align the printed wiring board (H) on the lower assembly standoffs (N). Be
certain that the berg sticks (Q) on the printed wiring board (H) line up with
the socket on the lower assembly (M).
2. Insert the four screws (G) to secure the printed wiring board (H) to the lower
assembly (M). Tighten the screws.
3. Gently press the metal cover (F) back onto the lower assembly (M) and
ensure that the metal cover (F) is positioned so that the tops of the light-
emitting diodes (J) are flush with the top of the GPIB-232CT-A.
4. Place one washer (E) on one jackscrew (D) and insert the jackscrew (D) into
the mounting holes on the 9-Pin D-Sub serial connector (L) and tighten using
a 3/16 in. nutdriver or pliers. Repeat with the other washer (E) and
jackscrew (D).
5. Place one lock washer (B) on one jackscrew (A). Hold the GPIB connector
shield (C) on the GPIB connector (I) and insert the jackscrew (A) through the
GPIB connector shield (C). Tighten using a 1/4 in. nutdriver or pliers.
Repeat with the other lock washer (B) and jackscrew (A).

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Reassembling the GPIB-232CT-A (DC Version)
This section describes how to reassemble the DC version of the GPIB-232CT-A.
Refer to Figure 6 and complete the following steps to reassemble the DC version
of the GPIB-232CT-A.
1. Align the printed wiring board (H) on the lower assembly standoffs (N).
Check that the wires that connect the printed wiring board (H) to the DC
power jack (R) and the transistor (S) are inside the box and are not being
pinched.
2. Insert the four screws (G) to secure the printed wiring board (H) to the lower
assembly (M). Tighten the screws.
3. Gently press the metal cover (F) back onto the lower assembly (M) and
ensure that the metal cover (F) is positioned so that the tops of the light-
emitting diodes (J) are flush with the top of the GPIB-232CT-A.
4. Place one washer (E) on one jackscrew (D) and insert the jackscrew (D) into
the mounting holes on the 9-Pin D-Sub serial connector (L) and tighten using
a 3/16 in. nutdriver or pliers. Repeat with the other washer (E) and
jackscrew (D).
5. Place one lock washer (B) on one jackscrew (A). Hold the GPIB connector
shield (C) on the GPIB connector (I) and insert the jackscrew (A) through the
GPIB connector shield (C). Tighten using a 1/4 in. nutdriver or pliers.
Repeat with the other lock washer (B) and jackscrew (A).

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Verifying the EPROM Installation
To verify that you have properly installed the EPROM, plug in the unit and power
on your GPIB-232CT-A. The POWER indicator should come on immediately.
The READY indicator should come on after the GPIB-232CT-A has passed its
power-on self test, indicating the unit is ready for operation. If the READY
indicator does not come on within seven seconds after the unit is powered on,
recheck the assembly and retry the power-on sequence. If the READY indicator
still does not come on, carefully fill out the forms in Appendix G, Customer
Communication, of the GPIB-CT IBCL Reference Manual, and call National
Instruments.
You are now ready to start using the GPIB-232CT-A. Attach your GPIB cables.
Refer to the GPIB-CT IBCL Reference Manual for information on programming.