Communicate with HP3235 using GPIB

[JG Lynch]

I try to communicate with HP3235 Switch/Test Unit and I use a PCI-GPIB card and VisualBasic.

I send the command ID? and when I try to read the data from the instrument, an EABO error occurs. But, if I look in the string used to store the information, it contains "HP3235\r\n".

So, why do I get this error even if I receive the information from my instrument?

Thanks,
J.G. Lynch

[Randy Solomonson]

Hello-

The EABO error is caused by a timeout. The gpib read functions will only be considered complete when a termination method is detected. There are two methods an End of String (EOS) character or an End-or-Identify (EOI) line assertion. The ibeos command can be used to set these options when using ib commands. Otherwise, the Send and Receive commands have a parameter to set these features. The gpib32.hlp file can explain these functions in detail.

If problems persist, feel free to include an NI-Spy capture file.

Randy Solomonson
Application Engineer
National Instruments

[JG Lynch]

Hello

I'm now able to read data from my instrument. But, when I send the command "idn?", I must read 4 times to retrieve all data. I use EOS "\n".

See NI-Spy file...

Thanks,
J.G. Lynch

[Randy Solomonson]

Unfortunately, all reads are necessary, unless the EOI assertion termination technique is used as described above. It might be necessary to contact HP/Agilent about enabling this feature for this instrument.

Randy Solomonson
Application Engineer
National Instruments