Prologix GPIB to usb controller and python

[Balkishore]

Hi,

I am trying to establish a connection with HP 3437A System voltmeter via Prologix GPIB to USB converter.

And I use Python to do so, along with the NI-VISA drivers.

My python script is as follow:

from visa import *
ins=instrument("COM3")
ins.write("*idn?")
ins.write("++auto 1")
print(ins.read())

Before I run the above script, the talk light in the converter glows, but when I run this above scipr the listen glows. And I get nothing as output and after a while get a TImeout error.

What exacty am i doing wrong here? 

Any help??

[Dennis_Knutson]

The instrument is so old that it does not support the *IDN? query. You'll need the manual to see what, if anything, is the correct command.

[Balkishore]

Hi,

Could you please tell me some command that might support for this instrument! I had no luck with the manual.

Thanks for the reply.

[Dennis_Knutson]

I don't have the manual. You could try something like ID? but that is just a guess.

[Stephan_D]

Hi Balkishore,

I think that the NI forum is not the right place for this specific problem. The HP 3437A is really old and the manual seems not available on the internet.

The biggest question which commands to you need to communicate with this instrument. According to the available information, the instrument is ~30 Years old. The normal SCPI (Standard Commands for ProgrammableInstruments) commands wouldn't work with this instrument, because SCPI are introduced 1990. The easiest way for you is to ask HP/Agilent, if they could you provide a copy of the manual. Whitout this information, it would not be possible to use this device.

Regards, Stephan