How to read from a HPIB instrument using GPIB software?

[Shazaduh]

How Can I read from a HPIB instrument using GPIB software and library functions in Visual Basic Environment? In HPIB we do not have to send query first but in GPIB we do? Although writing and sending a command is to a HPIB instrument is pretty much the same as a GPIB instrument. Any help or suggestion?
Thanks in Advance
Shazaduh

[DiegoF]

HI,

HPIB and GPIB are the same thing at a low level in terms of instrument communication. They are both compliant with the IEEE 488.2 standard.

The difference is the driver you have to use. Each manuafacturer has to develop a driver to control the interface ont he host. For National Instruments interfaces you use NI-488.2 (which you refer to GPIB functions). For HP interfaces you need to use the SICL library. For information using this library in Visual Basic you'll have to look at the SICL documentation.

You can also use VISA (HP-VISA) which would allow you use NI interfaces or other buses in the future.

Hope this helps.
DiegoF
National Instruments.