Starting to program a GPIB device

[Oaky]

Hello friends,
I'm new to this forum, but I've found it has a lot of great information to start with. So thanks.

I've recently started working with a device using GPIB-PCIe.
I want to have the option to remote control this device, so I'm trying to write a gui that will enable me to communicate with the device via GPIB.
The device doesn't respond to *IDN?\ nor does it appear in NI MAX.

I do have it's command list.

So...
What's the simplest way to set up communication with a gpib device? I just want to be able to send a command and see if the device responds.
Thanks

[mkossmann]

What kind of device do you have ? Do you have a manual for it ? What does the devices manual say about configuring GPIB and the command set ?  

First idea: GPIB might be disabled in the devices setup.

[crossrulz]

Even if the device doesn't respond to *IDN?, MAX should show that there is something at that GPIB address.  Do you have other instruments connected as well?  First, make sure the GPIB is enabled on your device.  Then make sure it has an unique address (each instrument on the bus must have a different address).

[Oaky]

UF3000 prober. I have the manuals, but as they are direct translations from japanese so they are not clear on all points.
GPIB is enabled.
I can see the the device via VISA and MAX.

I tried to send commands (from the manual of course) via VISA but received timeout errors ( the device is configured properly as far I can, having a 3000 ms timeout).

[Oaky]

I have enabled GPIB  and found the device with NI  MAX.
Having the query write and read options I  tried to send commands but so far all the have timed out.

[SunshineDesign]

3000mS is a short timeone of only 3 seconds. We usually make the timeout at least 10 seconds default and up that to 30 sec when reading traces so there is enough time to do the trace read before timeing out. You should be able to query the instrument thru the instrument interactiver control within MAX to test that the instrument can communicate. You may need to check or uncheck some of the settings until you see a response from the instrument.

[Dennis_Knutson]

Since you have not provided the manual or the exact commands you are sending, impossible to say what is wrong. As long as the instrument is found by MAX, the NI hardware and software are working. Check with the vendor if you don't want to post useful information.

[NimbleThink]

The UF3000 does not respond to normal IEEE488 (GPIB) commands.

It has its own cryptic command set of single or a few letters, commands are case sensitive, and depending on prober settings commands may be swapped.

To retrieve the prober ID use the "B" command, and make sure to terminate all of your commands with CR and LF.  The normal VISA call with IEEE488 END character enabled will not append these characters, so you have to append them yourself.

However if the operator changes parameter 2013 to "CR" only then you will need to append only a "CR" to your commands.

Sincerely,

Leif S. Kirschenbaum, Ph.D.