Fluke 5440B GPIB problem [solved]

[e61_phil]

Hi,

today I wanted to connect my Fluke 5440B to my GPIB "network", but I had some problems. First of all: If I connect the Fluke 5440B to my GPIB chain the VISA stuff will find instruments starting from the Fluke 5440B GPIB adresse. (if it is configured to 20 then 20, 21,..., 30 will appear in NI MAX). All other GPIB devices will work without distortions.

Then I tried to send some commands to the 5440B. However, the 5440B shows "IEEE488 REMOTE ERROR EXPECTING HEADER" and nothing happens. The same commands will work in the company with the Fluke 5440B from the company. The difference between here and there is the GPIB adaptor. I'm using a NI PCI GPIB card and at the company we have some NI USB dongles. But I doubt that is the problem.

I already read the manual twice and split my GPIB bus to reduce cable length. But nothing works. Is there something broken on my 5440B or is there something I overlook?

Thanks
Philipp

[ManateeMafia]

I have had problems with older gear not talking to a controller. My Keithley 181 was very problematic. I think if the commands you are sending are identical, then I would look at termination characters. The 5440B manual states it only accepts ASCII(10) or ASCII(13) and the other special characters are dropped. There may be some being added automatically.

Start with different combinations of those two to see if that makes a difference. Usually these manuals have programming examples with the HP 85a computer but I didn't see anything in the digital versions. I can look at my originals and see if there is anything. Also, the 5440A may have some clues.

[e61_phil]

Thanks for your hints.

My Keithley 619 was also very problematic, but it works. And a Fluke 5450A is also working. I think the Fluke 5450A is from the same era.

I already tried to append \n \r in all combinations, but it doesn't work. The Fluke 5440B in the company shows error messages without \n, but it executes the commands anyhow.

[e61_phil]

There was something broken..

I replaced the bus buffers (U17 & U19) and know it works.