When I write instrument drivers for new instruments I do use the NI-488.2 Communicator, which can be accessed from MAX, to try out various GPIB commands.
The one thing that drives my absolutely insane every time I use it is this:
When one types a command into the 'Send String:' control and happens to hit 'Enter' (as I am prone to doing when entering text) the program exits!!!
I have lost count of the number of times that this happened to me.
Any idea that has received less than 4 kudos within 4 years after posting will be automatically declined.