Newport controller ESP300: Time out error

[rolfk]

I'm pretty sure I did the firmware update through the Newport utility and through the GPIB connection.

[jmgregory]

Thanks for the tip, rolfk!  I was able to upgrade the firmware via GPIB to 3.09D, but the odd delays in the motion controller remain.  That's a moot point now, since the delays no longer trigger time-out errors, but I thought I'd report what's going on, anyways.

[FullDuplexPeter]

@jberney

many THX, your library fixed the issue here, too!

i'm very happy now as i can move on...

cheers

[TJWhittemore]

After chasing this problem for a day I have found my own (strange solution) to this problem. My ESP300 was using old software so I used this forum to find the following link:

ftp://download.newport.com/MotionControl/Archive/Motion%20Controllers/ESP300/Updates/

This shows you how to use the utility executable to upgrade the Firmware to using ESP300-309.fwr the most recent version.

I used the CD found here:

ftp://download.newport.com/MotionControl/Archive/Motion%20Controllers/ESP300/Software/

I installed the software, ran the utility per the 1st link, and  upgrade the system.

Since I am using Labview (2012) I went to the samples folder available in the CD (second link) and went to the

Then, using the software available the subVI GPIB_Comm_ASCII is responsible for all commands. I had to edit this VI, I am currently running a delay of 10 ms, a timeout of 20 second (20,000 ms), and most importantly, I am using "6" for the termination character. This indicates that the write mode appends CR (carriage return) LF (line feed) but does not send EOI. I hope this helps the poor souls following in my footsteps.

Also, the status bit preamble to all "MD?" commands put forth in earlier posts did not work for me, but I will add it if the persistent beeping returns, it is a good idea.

Good luck,

Tyler

[TJWhittemore]

Furthermore, if you always query the device after sending an input it will usually prevent a timeout. For example I always send a 2MO? command. I do not use the input in this case, but it has seemed to stop any latent errors.

Thanks

[SUSI3]

Hi Tyler,

Could you explain more about how you update the firmeware? I tried to upgrade it via RS232. But the Fault RED light on esp300 is on ever since. Do you know how to fix this?

Thank you

Susi