GPIB Error 6 on Read for Two Fluke 8842A Multimeters

[Steve1]

I have two Fluke 8842A measurements that use the GPIB read function on address 1 and 3. First I write to the Fluke 8842A meters with the command *F1 R0 S0 T0 to initialize the meters. Then in a loop the voltage from the two meters are read with the read function for each meter in a separate frame with a 100 ms delay between reading the two voltages. The voltages are read every 20 seconds for both meters. I think the read function has a 10 second default time out which should be fine for this meter. Viewing a days worth of data the value is 0 sometimes which may indicate an error 6 because sometimes one of the meters will read 0 constantly and the error coming out of the GPIB read is an error 6. When the meter constantly reads 0 and there is an error 6 the only way to correct the problem is to turn the meter off and then on again.

Is there a way to troubleshoot this problem or at least be able to reset the Fluke multimeter by software when the meter hangs up.

[fivestar]

It sounds like your read from the malfunctioning meter is timing out and returning an EABO error (6).  You should refer to the instrument's manual, but *RST is a typical command that resets an instrument.  You should then be able to set up the instrument again.  If the reset command doesn't work, the instrument probably isn't accepting commands any more and you'll have to continue switching it off and then on again.

Message Edited by fivestar on 03-08-2006 01:38 PM