8510C doesn't send data to PC via LabVIEW: why?

[anna75]

I posted this morning regarding the driver for 8510c. even if you do not have the driver, I only need one tip/explanation.

I can control the instrument, sending it commands via Labview (sweep, number of adta point, axis format, etc), but the PC doesn't receive any data back.

If I use the NI measurement & automation tool, I can exchange data between 8510 and pc (query: OUTPDATA; I get several ASCII data back ). I can ask for ID as well (OUTPIDEN). If I use the same commands  in labview, I cannot get any data read by Labview (i.e with GPIB read command, the output data variable is left blank).

I only need to be able to record to an excel sheet the S parameter traces, avoiding using the floppy to save data on it.

Even if any of you has a labview 7 version: could you tell me how OUTPDATA; (or OUTPRAW OUTPFORM) work?

THANK U

[Dennis_Knutson]

I just posted a LabVIEW 6 version of the driver in response to your other question but if you can't get OUTPIDEN to work in LabVIEW, then you should check to make sure that you've got the correct address. Do you have the error connections wired up and do you get an error? How many bytes are you specifying for the GPIB Read? The driver uses VISA and you should use that but if for some reason, you want to use the low level GPIB commands, the code for getting the device id should look like the attachment below. After you get this to work, then move on to getting a measurement.

Message Edited by Dennis Knutson on 11-29-2006 09:15 AM

[hello man]

Hello Anna,

Can you please post your VI file. I want to control an 8510C VNA using labview, which I don't have that experience in using it.

Best,

[anna75]

Hello. Attached the VI I made to get S11, S22, S21 and S12 from the 85070 system (which includes the 8510C). I am not the best programmer (or the tidiest) in the world but the VI works and save the Sxx traces.

Good luck.

Anna

[hello man]

Thank you a lot........I really appreciate it.

Is it compatible with GPIB interface?

Thanks,

[anna75]

Yes, the VI uses GPIB calls. Just look in the diagram and you will see. I use 2 addresses, 5 and 17 but in reality I only call 5.

I have connected all the "HPIB" ports on the back of the network analyser: I have 4 pieces and they are all interconnected. The PC connects via GPIB cable to the piece of kit with the screen.

I hope it makes sense.

Before I start labview i use  "measurement & Automation" tool to make sure the analyser is talking to the PC.

[hello man]

Thank you a lot. I'm using a GPIB cable with a USB interface at the other end of the cable. The GPIB is connected to the VNA and the USB is connected to the laptop. Do you that the VI still can work with the interface that I'm using?

Best,

[Dennis_Knutson]

If it's an NI GPIB controller it will. Why don't you just try it if you have so many concerns. You can use MAX to scan for instruments and if it shows up, then everything is fine.

[hello man]

I don't have NI one. I have one from Agilent and I guess it should work, but still can't get the results.

Best,

[Dennis_Knutson]

If you are using the posted example and the low level GPIB functions, then of course it will NOT work. The low level commands are only for NI boards.

Make sure you have tulip support selected in MAX. Once the Agilent board is listed in MAX, then you should connvert the VI to use VISA.