Unable to read GPIB from Agilent 8757D

[KEOopt]

I'm unable to read from an Agilent 8757D. I can write commands to the device but get the response timed out errors when attemping to read or the device displays HPIB ERROR and locks up. I have tried all the known applications in LabView to try to establish comms. The device doesn't recognize the *IDN? command sent in VISA while running the Measurement and Automation Explorer. Any help here would be appreciated. PS IR not a programmer so please KISS your answers thanks.

[Dennis_Knutson · Accepted solution]

First, MAX does not use VISA when attempting to locate an instrument on the bus. It uses the low level GPIB functions. You can use this as well in MAX and send the OI command. This is what the instrument uses instead of *IDN?

Second, make sure you are sending the correct termination character. In MAX, append the above command with a \n. This is a line feed and it is what the manual says you should use.

I know it is possible to use LabVIEW with this instrument because I wrote a driver for it back with LabVIEW 4. I no longer have that code, however.