hp4142b not responding to gpib write/read function

[MACeng]

I am trying to control 4142b with labview 8.5.

can someone tell me how to send the *IDN? command and what the syntax should be for gpib primary address = 7 and code = 7

GPIB write with string: OUTPUT 707;"*IDN?"   ???  and how do I use the GPIB read to read the buffer or does it directly do that once i supply the GPIB address?

Thanks!

[NathanT]

Hello MACeng,

       Here is the starting point for some great resources:

Instrument Control Fundamentals

Cheers,

NathanT

[MACeng]

hi thx for the info.

this intrument is dated and does not respond to the standard syntax eg. *IDN? .  I am wondering if anyone worked with this model and was successful in control it eg.  set voltage and make measurements.

it seems from the manuals that it is possible so i might just be sending in the wrong syntax so i am wondering if someone here can help me with that.

[Adam G]

Hi,

I haven't worked with this device before, but I was wondering if you tried using VISA test panels or the NI-488.2 Communicator to talk to your device. These can both be found in Measurement & Automation Explorer by selecting your instrument and then either clicking Open VISA Test Panel or Communicate with Instrument. Here you can directly enter in the commands that correspond to your device. Have a great day!

Best Regards,

Adam G 

[MACeng]

Hi Adam,

i can get it working in Measurement and Automation interface using *IDN?\n 

however within labview itself i am still having issues reading information on the buffer.  I tried directly inputing *IDN\n via GPIB write followed by a GPIB read ... as well as adding string palette carriage return constant.  Still no luck in getting the value back.

[Dennis_Knutson]

You did not answer Adam's question about which tool you were using in MAX and the carriage return constant is \r - not \n. You would want to use the line feed constant. If you use a string control/constant and type \n into, right click on it and verify you have '\' Codes Display set.

[MACeng]

Ok Dennis i will give that a try.

Adam, i am using the 488.2 communicator not the visa interface.

[Ulab]

hi,

I am also working on hp4142b. If still u haven't find the solution, check the below steps.........

1. GPIB address and hp4142b address should be same. For hp4142b address is 17 and so change the GPIB address TO 17.

2. Send *IDN?\n command and u will see HEWLETT-PACKARD,4142B

[41412b]

Yes.. Handling 4142 B is tricky...

I have developed an application which control 4142B.

This application is used for automated FET IV/CV measurement with a semiautomatic prober.

all the instruments control through LABVIEW and measured data is stored in the desired location/drive

I can share my out puts/

[jerry3k]

A copy of the vi would be so useful for me. Its been a while and now slowly giving up on driving 4142B!

Thanks

jeremy.murray@ed.ac.uk