Trouble connecting to HP3488A

[hn1]

Hi,

I was using Labview to control the HP3488A successfully. From yesterday on, I do have difficulty connecting to the module. I tried both Labview and Matlab but both failed. I checked the NI "measurement and automation explorer" and it can find the instrument but the ID field is empty. The instrument is working fine, when I use its keyboard. The connection is also fine because each time I try to ask for, query, its identification I hear a beep.

Any suggestion will be appreciated,

Thanks

-H 

[Dennis_Knutson · Accepted solution]

Fails how? What do you mean by 'difficulty'? Please provide error codes and messages. Are you using the LabVIEW driver?

The id field is supposed to be empty since it does not support the *IDN? query. When you ask for it's identification, do you actually get the id back? A beep is often an error.

[haraku]

Hello,

I have the same issue with this model.  However, I've tried to communicate directly to the unit thru the GPIB. It does not work with standard GPIB syntax. The programming information in the manual is written in Basic. You may have to try communicating with the unit using old school process. That is using the HP-IB handheld interface control. Any beeps that you hear are indeed error beeps. If I find out anything else, I'll try to keep you posted.

[Dennis_Knutson]

This is an old thread and I would hope the op has long solved any problems.

Your comment about 'old school process' is confusing. What programming language are you using? There are LabVIEW and IVI drivers available. Try one or the other instead of starting from scratch.