Getting Started w vb 6 gpib Keithley 6517A

[Hobiecat]

I am looking for some assistance in getting started developing an application in VB 6.  The application hardware is a Keithley 6517A Electrometer, PCI-GPIB card, and computer, data are collected from a detector and we need to measure current.  I have installed Measurement Studio, copied the NIGLOBAL and NIVBIB32.bas modules into the project.  What next?  I am hoping that someone might have done some work with this instrument before, but a few questions:

1.  It appears that there are a few ways to talk to the instrument, but I am unfamiliar with this kind of programming (database experience previously)...What is the name of the command set that I should plan to use and can you suggest a good reference?

2. Do I need to install VISA?  I found an example program on the NI website that refers to a gpib-32.dll that I can find on my system, but cannot add to the project, either through add file, components, or references via the Project menu.  Despite having the modules, I still need to talk through a dll to send messages to the instrument to ask for things and get things, correct?

It would be great is someone had a simple vb6 program for the Keithley that takes current measurements...

Thanks for input.  I am looking for a stepwise approach assistance.  I can communicate with the instrument "somewhat" through the Measurement Automation interface that allows you to send commands like *IDN? and the instrument responds usually, although, this tends to lock the Keithley up.

Thanks again for input.

Mike

[Chris_R.]

Hi Mike,

Unfortunately, I am not familiar with your instrument or the command set required, but you can try referring to some VISA examples.  The following KnowledgeBase will direct you to them.  They should install with the VISA, so I do recommend installing NI-VISA.  You may be able to base your program on these examples.  Also, you may want to refer to the NI-VISA Programmer Reference Manual for more information on VISA calls.  With the installation of the NI-488.2 drivers, you should also get a NI-488.2 Help file (GPIBHELP.chm), which includes information on using the gpib-32.dll.  Search for the dll for information on calling this dll properly.  The command set needed for your instrument should be included in the Keithley 6517A User Manual.  If you have LabVIEW, you can download the LabVIEW driver for the instrument at www.ni.com/idnet.  You can then see how the instrument receives commands and base your program on that.  I hope this information helps, but let me know if you have any other questions.

Chris R.

Applications Engineer

National Instruments