Converting from Rocky Mountain Basic to C to control a Vector Network Analyzer

[Andy Kass]

I am trying to convert an extremely old program written in Rocky Mountain Basic to C (Visual Studio.net) using the GPIB controller, and have run into some problems. While calibrating I cannot get the program to wait for the ibwait command (leading to the program prompting the user to change ports before it is done with the first). What mask should I use in the ibwait command (if that is the correct command) to get the program to wait until the calibration is completed? I've tried 8 and 13, and neither work. Am I completely off base?
Thanks
Andy Kass
Colorado School of Mines

[Ray K]

Hello Andy,
I am not exactly sure what signifies the end of the calibration. In any case, the best thing for you to do is to run NI-Spy in the background when you are running your Rocky Mountain Basic program to see what commands are executed with what parameters. Do the same with your C code. If both programs are the same, then the spy captures should also look the same.


NI Spy Tutorial

These two example programs may be of use to you when analyzing your spy captures.
Compare the Differences Between Two NI Spy Captures *requires MS Visual Studio* *Note: Use a simple compare*
Convert an NI Spy Capture into a Spreadsheet File
*helpful for reformatting spy capture for easier printing*
http://zone.ni.com/devzone/devzone.nsf/webcategories/BFEA3A69F40A9F8C862569FD006FFCF6?opendocument&node=DZ59203_US