Sending GPIB Commands to Fluke 8520A/PRT

Started by Hawaii596, 05-29-2013 -- 16:46:20

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Hawaii596

05-29-2013 -- 16:46:20
I am not a software guru.... I have some standards lab experiments wherein I need to resurrect a Fluke 8520A/PRT along with an RTD probe.  To use in its special mode, I need to open Program 15.  I understand front panel entry, but on this OLD unit, the "5" key is messed up, and becomes a "2" when I enter it.  So now I'm trying to set it up via NIMAX with direct GPIB commands.  To send program 15, I need to send a P815 command.  Then to run the selected program, I am supposed to send "M1".  There are apparently some command terminators, etc. that are over my head.  If someone with pre-SCPI "old school" GPIB command understanding can tell me what other characters are needed in a NIMAX GPIB command line, I'd tremendously appreciate it.

P.S. - I am communicating with the instrument, and did identify it on the bus (address 02).  It's just that apparently I don't know the other sytax items needed for it to properly understand the commands.  Also, once I have it set up, I need to add it to a LabView program.  I did find a Labview driver, but no luck with that yet. 
"I often say that when you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind."
Lord Kelvin (1824-1907)
from lecture to the Institute of Civil Engineers, 3 May 1883

Hawaii596

#1
06-10-2013 -- 15:15:31
I actually was able to get it to work on LabView.  I experimented with some NIMAX features and finally discovered a combination of commands that would pretty much work.
"I often say that when you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind."
Lord Kelvin (1824-1907)
from lecture to the Institute of Civil Engineers, 3 May 1883

lonewolf

#2
04-16-2015 -- 00:50:55
Interesting,
I own a couple 8520A's ,so I'm just being curious as I only know of Programs P0-P14 providing you have option 010 which I do.
what is this P15 for ???

Are there other Hidden programs in these fine meters ??

Sorry for bringing up an old thread

Hawaii596

#3
04-16-2015 -- 11:42:29
I haven't touched it in a while, but if I recall, it may be a part of the /PRT option.  The meter dates from back in the Motorola days, and I think it was purchased specifically as a readout for a PRT with the strange connector to interface.  And my guess is the P15 is code specially for that option.
"I often say that when you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind."
Lord Kelvin (1824-1907)
from lecture to the Institute of Civil Engineers, 3 May 1883

lonewolf

#4
04-16-2015 -- 15:47:46
Oh Ya, the strange green coloured connector on the rear panel, I have a few of em laying around.

Ok, I got mine into P15, ya I had to go look LOL
Register values, for Cal offsets, I got it now it's actually part of the 010 option I just never had a PRT for it.
the 010 option is just a Firmware/software option.

they old from the 80's but still damned good meter, well for retired folks like me who still mess with Honeywell 218 Bridge Amps ROFL

Thanx for your reply :)
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