labview 7.0 version driver for E8254A signal generator

[gatorfan]

Hello,

I am trying to use labview 7.0 driver for E8254A signal generator to control this instrument. I have two questions about this driver.

1. This driver doesn't have VI tree like other driver I downloaded before. I used to use the icon in VI tree to build my own VI to control other instruments. But this one just has some sub_vi's in the list. How should I use these sub_vi?

2. I tried some sub_vi's but the "error out" box shows an error which says this session is not valid or ended. I think this is an issue of the instrument connection. But the Measurement and Automation can scan the GPIB and get the correct instrument information including the GPIB address and the instrument name "Agilient E8254A signal generator". Is this error about the connection? How can I fix this problem?

Thank you !

[Dennis_Knutson]

I don't have any experience with this specific model so my best recomendation is for you to open the subVIs one by one and read the description of the VI and the description of each of the controls and see how the subVIs match up to functions in the instrument manual. A lot of drivers converted from third-party plug & play drivers do not come with a VI tree or example program. When you run a subVI, you can also have NI-Spy turned on to see the actual commands that are sent.

With a plug & play driver, it's important that you use the initialize function and then wire the handle out to the instrument handle input of any other subVI. You probably can't just open a subVI and then enter the instrument name into the handle input. Do you also have an error with the initialize function? If so, do you pick your instrument from the list (i.e. clciking on the arrow on the right side of the Resource Name Control) or did you type it in?

[gatorfan]

Thanks for your help.

The initialize sub_vi also has the same problem? I picked intrument name from the list and then change the GPIB address number. Is this the right way to do it?

[Dennis_Knutson]

If you picked the name from the list, you shouldn't change anything. The address that is in the picked name (GPIB0::n::instr) is what MAX found the instrument to be actually set to. If you want to use a different address, change the instrument and re-run the scan in MAX. Then the list will show you the address that you changed it to.

[gatorfan]

I tried the way you suggested and it fixed my problem. I run MAX first and pick the instrument from the list. Everything works just fine! Thank you so much!