Gpib: how to read a voltage from a power supply using a multimeter??

[My_Madaleine]

Hallo, this is my first post and I am a beginner in Labview.

I need to interface some instruments using the Gpib connection and Labview. Now I am learning how to do it, so for the moment I am trying to start from an easy level!

What I would like to make now is this: I should connect an Agilent 34401a multimeter and a DC Keithley 230 Power Supply using a Gpib to a PC (that will act as a controller, ofcourse). Then, I want to send a voltage and read the value from the multimeter, using a program in Labview.

Which is the best way to do it? I downloaded the instrument drivers but I don't know how to put everything together!

Do I need also the Gpib.VI to let the instruments communicate?
Sorry for the lack of knowdlege, I started menaging these things only 4 days ago..

So, some example should be very useful! Thank you very much for the help !!

PS: I use Labview 7.0, someone told me that for the instruments I will use it should be better to have this version. What do you think about? The compelte list of the instruments I'll use in the future should be this:

*HP 34401a

*SR830 DSP

*Fluke 8840a

*Keithley 230

Thanks!

[Dennis_Knutson]

Have you seen the links on what a driver is and how to use one on the Instrument Driver Network page? The drivers for the instruments also contain some high level examples that demonstrate how to use some of the functions in the driver. In your case, you will be creating a top level VI that contains functions for both instruments. The general process will be to setup both instruments and then perform a measurement. Use the error in/error out connections to control dataflow.

No, you do not need to directly call the low level GPIB functions. The code in the drivers do that and actually use VISA functions for a more portable application.

I think whoever recomended 7.0 is not correct. If you have access to it, use the very latest version of LabVIEW. The style of drivers changed quite a bit with 8.0 (and for the better). There are also drivers that only exist in version 8.x.

[My_Madaleine]

Hi Dennis,

Thank you very much for your help!
I had a look and I found good examples for my purpose. The communication works!
Now I have to work a bit on my knowledge and understand how to put all the (5) instruments together. So, I am still looking on the web if some good soul posted something useful for me!

Thanks again

Madaleine