Agilent ESA Series Spectrum Analyzer (E4448A) - Can not initialize.

[MissyS]

Hi,

What error are you seeing? Is this error with the Initialize with Options.vi?

Here is a link to a KnowledgeBase that describes resolution for a timeout error with initialization and this driver. I hope this helps!

Regards,

[Kaspar]

Hello Missy D,

   Thanks for the reponse to my append about initializing the Spectrum Analyzer. Please be aware that I am frustrated with doing what I thought should be a "simple task" to initialize a Spectrum analyzer. I have looked at the VI to initialize the analyzer and I have noticed that there are only four inputs to the VI, they are:

1. Error-In    (driven by the prior error out, which does not generate a error)
2. the option string  (Simulate=0,RangeCheck=1,QueryInstrStatus=1,Cache=1)
3. the resource name (GPIB0::16::INSTR)
4. the reset device flag  (set to true)

 So.... you would tend to think with something this simple, how could I be having such a hard time? I have checked the front panel settings and I am in the proper mode. I am assuming that I should be able to "feed the beast" and the initialization vi should purr like a kitten. The error message I am getting is BFFF0011 and/or -1073807343.   I have noticed that the spectrum analyzer has a "Final RF Overload" message on the screen. I am suspecting that this messgae is caused by the RF signal that is being sent to the spectrum analyzer. I have several quesitons, they are:

1. Is the "Final RF Overload" message a reason why I cannot initialize the spectrum analyzer?
2. Can I add something to the option string to set the analyzer in the correct mode?
3. Can I add something to the option string to disable the front panel control of the spectrum analyzer?

Do you have any other suggestions?

Regards,

  Kaspar

[Dennis_Knutson]

When you right click on an error out indicator, you can select 'Explain Error'. That error code means " Insufficient location information or the device or resource is not present in the system." In MAX, did you do a scan for instruments and did it find your analyzer? On the VISA Resource Name, there is a little down arrow on the right side. Did you click on this and select your instrument from a list or was the GPIB0::16::INSTR a default that you did not change? Are you using an NI GPIB board with NI-VISA or something else? Do you have the IVI Compliance package installed?

[Kaspar]

Hello,

  Thanks for the response. When I use the "Explain Error" for the initialization I get the "Insufficient Location Information etc/etc/ etc"   I did not use MAX (what is it and how do I use it). The Spectrum analyzer is on the buss and the address is set to 16. I have verified the reource  name to be correct "GPIB0::16::INSTR". I am using a NI GPIB card and the NI-VISA.

  Any ideas?

[Dennis_Knutson]

MAX is Measurement & Automation Explorer and when you installed your GPIB card you were instructed to do a scan for instruments to see what's out there on the bus. Open MAX, expand the devices and interfaces, select the GPIb board and do a scan for instruments. Also, on the download page for the instrument, it's says that you need to install the IVI compliance package. Did you do that?

[Kaspar]

Hello,

   I have ran MAX and I have found the instruments on the bus. How do I get to the IVI compliance package for the spectrum analyzer? I am working with several other people who have inherited code from someone else. We have assumed (we know what that stands for) that we can just plug in the cables, set the address and it works. Well that appears not to be true.

  So how do I get the IVI compliance package for the spectrum analyzer?

[Dennis_Knutson]

IVI drivers like the one you are trying to use are a bit more complicated. The latest compliance package is 2.5. You should also read Using IVI Drivers in LabVIEW.

[underdog]

Hi.

I have the same error when running .exe file on one of comps. On other comps this program is running correctly. I  am using VISA only (self-created drivers). It is falling on simple *IDN? command.

I can see the instrument on MAX and communicate with it. *IDN? is working in MAX.

[MissyS]

Hi underdog,

As this is a different driver (and a different issue), it might have been better to create a new thread for this question. However, I have some questions to help you with this issue. What version of NI-VISA do you have installed on this machine? Is this different than the working computers?  Are you using the Agilent E4448A as listed in the title of this thread? What error message do you see on the non-working computer(s)? If you swap hardware with one of the working computers, does the issue follow a specific piece of hardware? Are you using this instrument with GPIB, serial, USB, or TCP/IP communication? Has this ever worked on this machine?

Regards,