handshake problem when trying to work with Agilent 34401A multimeter (serial RS-232 connection),

[vandevelde.lorenzo@skynet]

i am trying to connect with the 34401A on COM1 with labview 7, the latest version of VISA (3.01) and runtime VISA (3.0) but my meter always gives an error codeon his LCD. error 511,514 (frame error code)
some synchro problems. i also launched NI SPY but this one find nothing.
my COM port works good. i also branched pin 2 with 3 and pin 4 with 6 and vice versa of my D-SUB connector.
how must i configure my multimeter (baud rate, etc..)
can someonehelp me?

[BeckyB]

Hello vandevelde �

It seems that your problem is specific to the Agilent 34401A multimeter since your COM port is working properly.

What version of the instrument driver are you using? The current version is 4.3.2. This release fixed many problems that other customers had with using LabVIEW and the 34401A. See this KnowedgeBase for more information. Click here to download the latest instrument driver for the 34401A.

Concerning the proper configuration of the instrument, information may be available in your user manual or from th
e manufacturer.

If these suggestions do not solve your problem, please post a screenshot of the error so I can look more into the matter. Have a great day!

Becky B.
Applications Engineer
National Instruments

[quixomniac]

Hello,
I was wondering if this issue was resolved.

I am having a similar issue.
I am connecting a 34401a agilent multimeter via RS 232 serial.
I downloaded the most recent drive, it's dated for 2014.
Choosing COM4 I ran it and got the error message below.

I opened the code to try to trouble shoot.
The problem seems to be in the initialize sub vi.

I opened that one.
It got most of the way thru, so I'm pretty sure COM4 is correct,
but it ran into issues at the Query ID section.

I am certain the serial port works (I am using a serial to USB converter).
I used the NI Max to see if my instrument is there, it says  COM4 is there.
However, whenever I try to validate, i get the following message:

I used these settings to run the program, so I think the baud rate and other stuff is set correctly.
Although I believe NI max detects a device connected to COM4, I don't think it can properly communicate with it.
Any tips would be useful.

[Dennis_Knutson]

MAX does not try to detect any device connected to a serial port. As many posts have said, a timeout error can have numerous causes. Double check the com settings on the instrument and verify they match. A successful validation does NOT mean anything except the port itself works. Check that you are using the correct cable. I'm pretty sure you need a null-modem cable.

Don't try to use MAX and LabVIEW at the same time. That would cause the last error.