hp8648c instrument driver

[LV_Pro]

Back to the original question, changing the IDN? to match the expected returned value (remember it is Agilent now, so if it isn't an HP era instrument make sure you know what the returned string will be). The primary difference, from a programming point of view between the 86A and C models was the increased frequency range; A= 100KHz - 1000 MHz, C=9KHz - 3200MHz. You probably won't have to change any of the other numbers as there is no "limit checking" that I have found. This instrument, in my (recent) experience, will return an error if an out of range frequency is attempted. You are, as one of the posters mentioned, responsible for making sure that your "stuff" works within the requirements of safety, accuracy, etc., but I will add that regardless of who wrote the drivers you are ultimately responsible. Does the downloaded driver have major error checking, etc., No. It, for the most part, provides an interface that takes the various settings and builds the apporpriate GPIB strings, with no limit checking  other than having "sane" defaults for the controls (i.e.,programmed frequency is defaulted to 100 MHz).  Mind you, this is not a badly written driver, as they go, so don't assume that even those from the "NI Approved drivers list" will have this desired level of operator protection.

P.M.

[jjlee]

Thanks everyone for your help!

[jjlee]

I have saved all the files in 8648a's with 8648c and saved the 8648c folder in instr.lib folder. However, accessing instrument drivers via Functions palette did not show 8648c but all subVIs (icons) with question mark.

Is there something that I am not doing correctly?

[xseadog]

Hi jjlee

sounds like you jumping the gun without reading the help context of Labview. Be very careful as you can corrupt your instrument drivers. First ensure that you have copiesa of your libraries!!!

If possible undo you work. ( Reload your org 8648a library- can labview see it ?)

Read the labview help html file ( see attached png).

Basically you create a new folder in your instrument folder .name it 8648c save a copy of your new library there.

Use labview edit palette control open via tools>>advanced>>edit palette views.

To cut a long explanation short - try it using the guidance from help file.

good hunting

xseadog

[jjlee]

Hi xseadog,

I followed your suggestion by creating 8648c folder and copied all files from 8648a. Then, I exited the LV program and restarted the program. It seems like the VIs from 8648c do not exist since they all show question marks and cannot be selected as icons.

The new folder(8648c) does exist in the instrument directory.

I am clueless...

[Matt_S.]

It sounds as though you may have skipped some of the steps that xseadog posted. Make sure to take a look at the help file that he posted and follow through with that completely.

-Matt S.

[LV_Pro]

As "x" says, make a copy of your current inst.lib directory before making the changes, just in case. The process involves using one of the Advanced features under the Tools pulldown, but read the explanation first.The help files they are talking about is "Creating and Editing a Custom Palette View" in the LabVIEW Help, which is the same as the image "x" posted.  It is not hard, but it can be a bit confusing.

P.M.

Message Edited by LV_Pro on 09-28-2005 10:46 AM

[jjlee]

I think I have figured this out....it was not too bad, but a bit confusing that I have to keep track of adding and deleting VIs...

Thanks everyone for your help!