Error 550 while using Windows Terminal

[Phil_K]

I am using the GPIB-RS232 converter
  I am NOT using LabView.  I am attempting to use it with an RS232 interface via a standard terminal program.
  I am testing the setup with an HP(Agilent) 34401A meter

  If I enter the following via the terminal:
Wrt 22
*cls
Wrt 22
*rst
Wrt 22
Conf:volt:dc 100, 0.003

  Everything is fine and the meter goes in the proper mode.

  If I enter:
Wrt 22
Meas?

  Or
Wrt 22
Read?

  The meter reports Error code 550:
From the HP manual:
"The multimeter received a READ? or MEASure? command while in the local mode. During RS-232 operation, you should always execute the SYSTem:REMote command before sending other commands over the interface."

SYSTem:REMote is an RS232 command and is not available when utilizing the GPIB interface.

From the HP site
"
This RS-232 error 550 can be generated when using a non-Agilent controller to program the DVM over the GP-IB. The error usually occurs when performing a query (MEAS: ? or READ?). We have seen the problem occur with a National Instruments and a Metro-byte(sp?) 488 card.

This error occurs when the non-Agilent controllers sends commands to instruments, without pulling the REMOTE line on the GP-IB interface. The IEEE 488.2 specification requires the instrument to be in remote mode, when performing a query. The fixes is to set a bit on the card to force the REMOTE line true.

Something is wrong with how your GP-IB card is setup, please contact the manufacturer of your GP-IB card on how assert the REMOTE line.
"


Solutions or suggestions appreciated.

Phil

[pBerg]

Howdy Phil_K,

Let's try configuring your GPIB interface to automatically assert the REN line when a device-level call is made. We can accomplish this through these steps:

1. Open the Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) via Start»Programs»National Instruments
2. Within MAX, expand My System»Devices and Interfaces to where you see your GPIB device
3. Left-click on your GPIB device
4. Under the GPIB Interface Properties on the right-hand side, check the box Assert REN when SC

As an additional piece of info, you could accomplish this by using LabVIEW as outlined in this article: KnowledgeBase 2ICIL0M2: How Do I Set and Get the Status of the GPIB REN Line in LabVIEW. Alternatively, you could use the viGpibControlREN() NI-VISA function in a text-based development environment like Visual Studio, LabWindows/CVI, etc. More info on the viGpibControlRen() function can be found in the NI-VISA help.

[Phil_K]

pBerg,

  Thank you for the information.  The "problem" is that I am not utilizing the NI environment.  My interface to the GPIB-RS232 is RS232 terminal mode (think Windows HyperTerm) only.  In this mode is there a similar sequence of commands that would enable REN?

  Regards,
PhilK

[pBerg]

Howdy Phil,

Programs like Hyperterminal just pass data in string format between the interface and instrument. Tasks such as asserting REN with GPIB are accomplished through driver level calls, which Hyperterminal doesn't do. Your best bet would be to develop a self-contained application (in whatever programming environment you prefer) that can accomplish the desired communication as well as make the appropriate driver calls.