Tektronics TDS 5052B oscilloscope control without GPIB

[jj@IIT]

Also , though it seems possible to install LabVIEW in the scope, it is written in the manual that they don't recommend it..and you should use a separate PC for that. 🙂 

[Dennis_Knutson]

Finally had a chance to download the manual. I can see no reference in the user manual for remote control except through the GPIB port. It looks like the USB ports are for connecting a mouse or keyboard and the serial port is for connecting other peripherals. On the page that describes the TDS 5000  characteristics, there is a mention that the OpenChoice software includes a VXI-11 server. VXI-11 refers to instruments with a network connection. It's possible that you can use this to control the instrument. You configure an Ethernet connection in MAX. Select Devices and Interfaces, right click, and Select New>VISA TCP/IP Resource. I really don't know if this will work. I'm just telling you that if the instrument does support it, this is how to get started. At this point, it might be better for you to contact Tek directly.

[jj@IIT]

Thanks..I've done that..They also told me the same thing...I'll try using a LAN connection..Can I use the ordinary LAn cable to connect the scope directly to my PC..and do a peer2peer kinda thing?..(the LAN here keeps giving me headaches even otherwise!!)

[Dennis_Knutson]

If you connect directly to the scope, you will need a cross-over type network cable. You should be able to add the scope to the LAN. I think there is a mode where it gets an ip from a DHCP server. Depending on how it's going to be used, it might be worthwhile to add a second NIC to your pc and connect that to the scope. That way, you can still be connected to LAN while communicating to the scope.

[jj@IIT]

Hi..(sorry for the delay in the reply).. got it working.as you said..I used a cross over LAN cable to connect directly to the scope..Then the scope came up as a TCP/IP resource and I was able to control it with the instrument driver vi's (using VISA read writes..etc)..Thanks for the help!!