HP Agilent 8714ES

[DanB83]

I'm using LabView (version 😎 for the first time, and have worked through a couple of the tutorials.  I am currently trying to connect to an HP/Agilent 8714ES Network Analyzer using the 'Instrument I/O assistant', but with no success.  I have downloaded and installed the relevant drivers from the HP website.  I am connecting through a GPIB cable coming from a PXI-8232 card (GPIB and ethernet) mounted in a PXI-1045 rack.  I have proved the rack and card to be working, by testing the ethernet connection.  Any suggetions would be most welcome.

Thanks.

[smercurio_fc]

You'll need to better define "no success". Is the instrument showing up when viewing all instruments through MAX? In MAX can you do a simple ID query? Do you have any other instruments on the GPIB bus? If so, check all the addresses to make sure you don't have a conflict. Try removing all other instruments and connect only the 8714 to the controller. I don't know what kind of drivers HP puts out. NI has drivers also.

[DanB83]

What is MAX?  I am trying to get the analyzer to show up using the Instrument I/O Assistant block in LabView.  All that shows up in the dialogue box is COM1, COM2, COM3, etc.  The analyzer I want to connect to is the only thing on the GPIB bus.  The link to drivers you posted actually links to 3rd party HP drivers, which are the same as those I am using.

[smercurio_fc]

MAX is Measurement and Automation Explorer. This software gets installed when you go through the Device Driver CD installation. Typically it's automatically selected when you select to install NI-VISA or NI-488.2 drivers. MAX allows you to see all driver software components installed as well as see all instruments connected. I do not believe there's any difference in functionality if it's running from a PXI chassis since you have a controller in the PXI chassis that's basically just a PC, albeit a very small one.

During installation an icon is usually created on the desktop, but you can access it from the Start menu. Typically it's at Start->All Programs->National Instruments->Measurement and Automation. Once you launch it you'll get a tree menu on the left. With it you can scan your system to see what devices have been recognized. It's usually a good first step in troubleshooting connection problems. You should check to make sure you've installed PXI support for VISA.

[rich_s]

Try looking at          

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/F7C187DBF09EBE1186256F550065BD32?OpenDocument

and follow the related links to get more information.

Let me know if this doesn't solve your issue.

[smercurio_fc]

rich_s, are you sure you posted that response in the correct thread? I ask that because the poster's question has nothing to do with an Agilent GPIB card, or even a GPIB-USB interface card. So, that article is of no use.

[rich_s]

yea sorry, completely missed the fact that an NI GPIB card is being used. Dan have you manged to find your instrument in MAX?

[DanB83]

No, still can't see it in MAX.

I can see all the other boards in the PXI chassis, but not the PXI-8232 GPIB board.

I have tried re-installing the software/drivers from the NI website, but it still doesn't work.

[rich_s]

Ok, I think we might be getting somewhere! In MAX the slot that your PXI-8232 is in should show up as being empty. The PXI controller essentially sees the PXI-8232 as an extension of itself.

Right click on the GPIB option under devices and instruments in MAX, and then click scan for instruments. Hopefully you should then be able to see your instrument.

Let me know if that works.

[DanB83]

I don't seem to have a GPIB option under devices and interfaces, see attached screenshot.