TCP/IP remote lost connection thru NI-MAX

[wcsoh]

Hi, i try to remote LeCroy WaveRunner 104Xi oscilloscope thru "VISA TCP/IP resource" option in NI-MAX configuration panel, but the VISA session will be lost (0xBFFF00A6) just after i viWrite the "*IDN?" command for several time.

Below is my whole process of configuration:
1. Install VISA passport of LeCroy oscilloscope, LeCroyVICPPassportInstaller_1.0.8.exe

2. Setting the session by follow the instructions (as per attached, LAB_WM827.pdf)

    [by the way, i'm not able to configure the session as "VCIP::<ip address>" type, i only able to configure the session as "TCPIP0::<ip address>::1861::SOCKET"]
   
    VISA TCP/IP Resources -> Create new TCP/IP Resource... -> Raw Socket
    Set the IP address: 137.57.96.8 (this IP address is successful to be ping by PC and this address is sure belong to the WaveRunner 104Xi oscilloscope)
    Set port number: 1861

3. Then, there will be a new resource under the "VISA TCP/IP Resources". Select it, and "Open VISA Session". A dialog will be pop-out for instrument communication.

4. Go to "viSetAttribute" tab, set VI_ATTR_TCP_KEEPALIVE to VI_TRUE, set VI_ATTR_TMO_VALUE to 15000.

** NI-MAX Version:3.1.1.3004
** Connection: Thru comapny server (not 1-to-1 connection), ethernet cable is used

After all this, I send"*IDN?\n"(in viWrite tab), it return 0 value (meaning no error occur) and return 6 counts. Then i try to read buffer (in viRead tab), but it return me timeout error (VI_ERROR_TMO). After this, i clear the buffer by viClear. Then, i repeat again same steps,this time it (viRead) return me connection lost error (VI_ERROR_CONN_LOST).

This situation is repeated whenever i reopen new session. Meantime, i also doubt the viWrite did actually send the command to the oscilloscope or not. The oscilloscope didn't have any response after i send "ASET" (WaveRunner 104Xi command, to autosetup the oscilloscope) thru the viWrite tab.

I've run out of ideas now. 😞

Is that my NI-MAX configuration problem? or hardware problem? or server problem?

Please advice... need help badly.

Thanks in advance.

[alanjb · Accepted solution]

Hi wcsoh,

Alan from LeCroy Tech Support here... 

Use the LXI connection type instead.  The problem is that when using the TCPIP (VICP) connection type, you cannot configure the WaveRunner 104MXi as a VISA TCP/IP Resource in MAX.   Note that MAX isn't "wired" to recognize all type of TCPIP instrument, including LeCroy scopes via VICP.  To use LXI, go to Utilities > Utilities Setup... and then to the "Remote" tab, where you'll find the button on the left side of the config screen to use "LXI".  If you don't see this button, you likely need to upgrade your firmware.

With the LXI connection type, you can automatically find the scope via MAX, include it as a VISA TCP/IP resource, and configure an alias as well...  You can also point your web browser at the scope's IP address, and you'll see a status page with info, including the ever-useful VISA Resource name to use when setting up the scope in MAX.  (Note, however, there is no need to use MAX at all when making VISA connections to LeCroy oscillloscopes!)

Here's a link to an app note written by me that discusses the LXI interface, including info on configuring MAX to show the scope: http://www.lecroy.com/tm/library/AppNotes/LXI/LXI_Interfacing_AppNote.pdf

Feel free to contact me with any questions!

Best Regards,

Alan Blankman

[wcsoh]

Thanks Alan. I'm able to remote thru NI-MAX after i install newest version of NI-MAX (with auto-detect LAN instrument feature); and download and install latest LeCroy WaveRunner firmware (with LXI remote feature) into 104Xi as well.

Thank again for your helpful advices. 🙂

[alanjb]

You're welcome, wscoh!