Problems with HP 8563E LabView Driver Function

[Hawaii596]

Using a little older HP 8563E Spectrum Analyzer with Calibration Executive 3.6 (LabView platform).  The software does not properly recognize my HP 8563E.  I can see it in NIMAX and it is addressable.  But I get errors from Calibration Executive (Labview) when running procedures.

I am thinking it is old and has older firmware that may not be compatible (or may not be SCPI compliant).

The rev date when I power up the 8563E looks to be 971024 (as I recall). 

Any thoughts about either finding a driver that will work, upgrading firmware on the 8563E, or other methods to get it to talk with the software.  I have to set for manual testing for all associated tests and run the 8563E manually (adds hours to each procedure).

Any thoughts appreciated.

[CalLabSolutions]

First off.. NONE of the 856x Line was SCPI compliant..  I don't think it even supported *IDN? and *RST.  I always used ID and IP..

You can turn on GPIB SPY and see what command it is hanging up on.  That may give you a better clue as to how to resolve this problem.

Mike

[Hawaii596]

My ignorance on the topic may be showing, but in CALIBRATION EXECUTIVE ("Cal Exec") the procedures are totally locked down and have a short list of specific instruments allowable in a given procedure (doing some RF type NI PXI Cards currently).  When I run any of the procedures, the 8563E is a specific instrument allowed.  There are only a couple of spectrum analyzers allowed in the software.  The HP 8563E is one of them.  So when I pick what Spec An to use, 8563E is selected, along with its GPIB address.  Then the procedure is run.  Back in the Cal Exec folders, there is a driver folder for the 8563E with a whole bunch of special function call files to cover its range of functionality.  So definitely Cal Exec has the specifics to run the HP 8563E.

So I am guessing maybe some of the later units had whatever is needed in their firmware.  I speak ignorantly about SCPI (I understand basically what it is).  Perhaps its not a SCPI issue, but some sort of command syntax in later firmware that makes the difference.  My best guess is that since there is not apparently older NI Drivers around, I just need to have an HP 8563E with late enough firmware to be compatible.  Where I'm a little stumped is that nowhere does anything say a minimum firmware date that is compatible.  I have a bunch of these PXI's to do, and it will knock an hour two per card off the cal time if I can resolve this.  However, if my guess is right, it looks like it would have to be an OEM firmware update (which I also guess is no longer available).