Read Measurment from HP-3458A

[cepheus]

I'm trying to communicate with a HP-3458A Multimeter (DMM), basically all I want is the current measurement reading.

I'm using VB .NET with VISA to link to my GPIB Instruments. 

My Issue is that the DMM is using HP-Basic, whichs programming instructions are confusing to me, I can get the instrument to spit out values, but it stops with a timeout. It spits out values until the EABO indicates a timeout:

 ...

 4.939384589E-02
 4.973027350E-02
 5.263923852E-02

iberr = EABO

My Question is: How do I read a single "line", which means one measurement? I play around with the EOS Stopbit, but I could get it to work? Any hints?

[Dennis_Knutson]

The instrument does not use HP-Basic at all. You seem to be confusing a programming example with the actual command set.

I really can't help much with .NET but I would suggest you try the driver that is available.

[JÞB]

The 3458A is a bit of an animal to set-up the first time.  Its an incredibly powerful DMM.  Read the programming manual front to back then re-read the arm-trigger section again. 

[DeeG]

Actually, the 3458A does use HP Basic, and can run HP Basic programs internally.

[cstorey]

*Just realized this thread was started in 2009 and there's no new question.

DeeG is correct, the 3458A has the ability to run BASIC subprogams. These can be loaded into the instrument over GPIB, then called. Its a great way to get the highest reading rate out of the ADC.  But like JÞB said the 3458a is a beast, and you have to read the manual carefully to make sure you understand the trigger arm and triggering for the measurements you are making.  There are lots of states that don't work together, and the manual contains tables that describe them.  

If you're measurement is simple, just recording a few DCV readings then the driver mentioned above is sufficient.  If you want to make DCV at 10ns intervals, then you need to look into subprograms.

[Henrik_Volkers]

You said HP 3458 😉

If you try recent driver,  make sure that you 3458 firmware work with it. Simple commands should always work, but already the ID? Command can make trouble with old firmware