controlling signal generator, spectrum analyzer

[gpsrt]

Hi,

     I want to automate 8656B signal generator(HP make),8590A spectrum analyzer(HP make) using labVIEW 8.6.I'm using GPIB interface to connect the instruments.Do I've to install drivers for signl generator and spectrum analyzer?what should I do?can anyonet ell me from scratch.

[Darin.K]

Go to the instrument driver network (here) and search "8656B" and "8590".  They don't always have an exact match to your instrument, but most times any driver with the same model number but different letter will still work.

[gpsrt]

K Darin,

               can you tell me what are all the steps needed in sequential order in order to control these two instruments using labVIEW 8.6 like for a beginner.(like 1st what are all the drivers needed to be installed,next what in sequence...)

[Coq_Rouge]

You should also get both the programming manuals for the instruments. Remember that Labview drivers is not really drivers. They are more a program for controlling some instrument. The are seldom complete, regarding all instrument functions. Use them as a base for your own application

Steps:

1 download the driver

2 Unzip to a separate folder

3 Read the documentation

4 Test the "driver"

5 Good Luck, post again if you are stuck

Message Edited by Coq Rouge on 08-14-2009 09:49 AM

[gpsrt]

Hi,

     I'm using GPIB to USB converter to connect  these two instruments to the PC.So, driver for this converter is sufficient or should I have to install drivers for signal generator and spectrum analyser.

[Coq_Rouge]

No for the controlling your instruments you need to create a Labview program (given that your GPIB to USB converter has the correct driver). The Labview instrument driver is such program. So as I said use the instrument driver as a base for your program

[Alain_S]

I suppose you get a CD with your GPIB to USB cable, right?

Did you install it?

If yes, using the MAX, you know "Measurement & Automation", you should be able to send some commands toward your instruments.

If no, install it first 🙂

With the MAX you can easily check your connection and get used to "play" with the instruments.

Then, like Coq Rouge said, read the programming manual of your instruments to find out which command you should send for certain actions and, again, try it in the MAX. Once you know what you want to do and which commands you should send, you can start thinking LV programming. 

As a final, be sure that both instruments has another address on the GPIB bus!!

[gpsrt]

I've installed driver for GPIB to USB converter.Now my question is, Do I've to install drivers for spectrum analyser and signal generator.

[Alain_S]

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gpsrt wrote:
Do I've to install drivers for spectrum analyser and signal generator.

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Basically no, since, like Coq Rouge already said, LV drivers aren't drivers as one think of "driver" they are more like a lot of VI's that can do some things for you, send a command to initialize an instrument, send a command to start a measurement, send a command to read some data and so on. Of course they can help you design youre application but you don't absolutely need them.

Did you try to communicate through the MAX?

Was it successfull?

[gpsrt]

Then, why is this  NI device drivers DVD that comes along with labVIEW 8.6