How do I write a serial number into 34401A DMM?

[aghouse]

Hi,

I am trying to read a serial number from 34401A DMM using IDN query. The query returns in the following format.

HEWLETT-PACKARD,34401A,0,11-5-2.

As per IEEE 488.2 it returns the above, but serial number as 0. Looks like the instrument is not updated with the proper serial number.

Now my question is how do I update the serial number(manually or programmatically) in the instrument so that the *IDN? returns the serial number in the above string?.

Thx

Abdulla Ghouse

 

[mfitzsimons]

From the manual.  You know, that thing that no one rades anymore.

http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/34401-90004.pdf

CALibration:STRing <

quoted string>

Record calibration information about your multimeter. For example,

you can store such information as the last calibration date, the next

calibration due date, the instrument serial number, or even the name

and phone number of the person to contact for a new calibration.

[Stored in non-volatile memory]

•

You can record information in the calibration message only from the

remote interface. However, you can read the message from either the

front-panel menu or the remote interface.

•

The calibration message may contain up to 40 characters. However,

the multimeter can display only 12 characters of the message on the

front panel (additional characters are truncated).

CALibration:STRing?

Query the calibration message and return a quoted string.

[aghouse]

Well, I have read this before, but it does not seem like the place holder specifically for the Serial number. What order do I need to give the serial number? How do the instrument know to use the serial number in the Calibration:string in return packet for the IDN query?

Thx

Abdulla

[MissyS]

The user manual in the link shows how to set this string on page 99.

********************
You can record information in the calibration message only from the remote interface. However, you can read the message from either the front-panel menu or the remote interface.
• The calibration message may contain up to 40 characters. However, the multimeter can display only 12 characters of the message on the front panel (additional characters are truncated).

Remote Interface Operation:
CALibration:STRing <quoted string> store the cal message
The following command string shows how to store a calibration message.
"CAL:STR ’CAL 2-1-96’"
********************

So, to programmatically write the serial number to the instrument, you will send "CAL:STR 'Serial Number'". To read the serial number send "CAL:STR?" to the instrument. You will send these commands over RS232 or GPIB, whichever you are using to communicate with the device remotely.

Regards,

[mfitzsimons]

Thanks Missy!  You should get an above and beyond award for that anwer. 

[tbob]

To add to what has been said, you must first unsecure the cal memory area before you can write to it.  Cal memory is secured by default so that it won't be accidentally overwritten.  Look at the manual starting on page 95.  You will see the commands to unsecure the memory area.  After writing the serial number, secure the cal memory.  This makes it read only so that no unauthorized user can overwrite the data.

I have run into a similar situation with the E3631A power supply.  I have successfully stored the serial number into the cal memory area.  Like yours, this instrument returned a 0 for the serial number when responding to the IDN query.  I think Agilent intended to store the serial number there originally, but never followed through with the plan.  Each instrument they sold would have had to be programmed individually.  Newer instruments return their serial numbers with the IDN query.

For what it is worth, I have attached my vi to change the secure code on the E3631A.  You can modify it to fit the 34401A.  I will try to also attach the vi's to write to and read from cal memory.  The way I did it, I read the cal memory, and appended the serial number at the end.  That way, some cal data can still be stored by our cal lab if they wished to do so.

Message Edited by tbob on 05-03-2006 11:32 AM

Message Edited by tbob on 05-03-2006 11:32 AM