Timeout Error when Reading Measurements from Impedance Analyzer Solartron 1260 via NI MAX using IEEE 488/GPIB

Agree, the OP needs to try different things, systematically, and confirm which things definitely work and which do not, i.e. just experiment a bit and, most likely, understand that the previous attempt could have left the instrument in a state where it can't handle the next attempt, so some reboots occasionally too! (although that can kill old instruments : (

Also weirdly just noticed this:

versus:

i.e. there's no question-mark for SI. I don't understand the SCPI rules enough to know if that's non-standard, but probably the instrument is so old, some unorthodoxness may be the case : (

shabaz said:

there's no question-mark for SI. I don't understand the SCPI rules enough to know if that's non-standard, but probably the instrument is so old, some unorthodoxness may be the case : (

They only use SCPI for the IEEE 488 commands (the ones in  michaelkellett 's capture). The rest of the set is proprietary.

Yes, the 1260A is very useful. From electrochemistry (very low frequencies) to low RF (30 MHz). Do you need a functioning backup machine?

Now we are left wondering if the *IDN in the Solatron manual is a typo for *IDN?

I didn't understand the trace data that Abdul captured with the NI interface.

I don't know why Abdul sent OP 2,1?  - it isn't a query and that isn't what the Solatron example does.

@Abdul - do you have the operating manual ?

I've found that some instruments never talk sensibly again after an error until you reset them, sometimes with a press of the LOCAL button or equivalent or sometimes with a power cycle.

MK

Same as the 1260A python code, no question-mark used for their custom OP command (although they did use the question-mark on the normal IDN? command):

I unfortunately don't. But definitely looks to be an excellent instrument for scientific purposes.

My needs are not that specialist, so for now I use other ways to measure impedance (LCR meter, VNA, etc), depending on the requirement at the time.

Subject: Successful Update: Command Reading on NI MAX Interface Achieved!

Dear Element14 Community,

I have successfully configured the NI MAX interface to read commands from the impedance analyzer. My apologies for the delayed update,

Here's a brief overview of the approach that led to this breakthrough:

1. Firstly on the impedance analyzer 1260, press the “DATA OUTPUT” hard key.
2. Select the GPIB option and choose the [dump all] setting. This configuration allows the PC to control the impedance analyzer, facilitating efficient data management and analysis.
3. In the VISA test panel of NI MAX, enable the termination character to ensure smooth communication. All remaining settings are configured to their default values even the time out settings too

For detailed command usage, Referring to Chapter 8 (Remote Commands) of the impedance analyzer's operating manual Model 1260. I've also attached screenshots to illustrate the setup and provide clearer guidance.

I must extend my heartfelt thanks to the Element14 community, particularly shabaz, Jan Cumps , Andrew J , and michaelkellett for their invaluable guidance and expertise throughout this process. Thank you.

Warm regards,

Abdul 

Congratulations! I couldn't help you but I'm glad others here were able to jump in and help. What a resource we have here, eh?  

Hello, really happy you got it going.

Older instruments can be quite a pain to hook up on GPIB.

MK