HP 34401A 3457A 3456A 3478A Standalone Software

[mnementh]

Hi, Frex

GPIB port is supported via an AR488 Arduino GPIB adapter, offers faster sample capture rate. Here is the GitHub link for the adapter: https://github.com/Twilight-Logic/AR488   I also have a Agilent 82357B adapter but I have no plans to support it for now.

Good work!  And thanks for making me revisit the AR488 project; I didn't know aboot the addition of BT support via HC05/HC06 modules; that adds Android support via a number of similar APKs, as well as greatly simplified remote logging to any Windoze laptop using your app. 

Do you intend to make multi-channel support happen? Has anyone here tried running multiple instances simultaneously...? *looks at bean* 

mnem
 

[blackdog]

Hi,

I have an old GPIB cable and a handful of Arduino Nano Microcontrollers lying around.
That calls for a test with with the AR488 software!

Just looked up the old GPIB cable, look at the insulation of this cable.
Surely you don't expect that from a Rohde & Schwarz product...


I cut the cable in half and then provide the two pieces with new insulation.
Furthermore I think I will build the Arduino Nano in a small box with a USB cable attached.
If it works I will show the result here.

Regards,
Bram

[Nx-1997]

Alright, I have created the data log graphing utility. This utility allows users to graph their logged data. This software will graph data from my HP 34401A, 3457A, 3456A, and 3478A softwares. Just drag and drop your data log file onto the defined drag & drop area or click browse to navigate to your file. Then just click Graph Data button. I have added an example data log file so anyone can try this software out.

GitHub: https://github.com/Niravk1997/HP-Data-Log-Graphing-Utility
Download link: https://github.com/Niravk1997/HP-Data-Log-Graphing-Utility/releases



Also, you can control multiple 34401As by opening multiple instances of the software. The attached screenshot below shows how I control two HP 3456A by opening two instances of the software, this requires two AR488 Adapters.

I should have the 34401A null feature implemented by tomorrow, hopefully.

[Nx-1997]

Thank you to everyone for testing the software and giving me feedback.

I have implemented the 34401A’s Null function. When Null On button is pressed, the meter puts the most recent measured value into its offset register. Then it starts to subtract this null value from each of the measurements. You can set the offset value manually by typing that value into the input field and pressing the set button. The “Null?” Button asks the meter whether the null function is active or not. The “Value?” button ask meter for the value stored in its offset register. The meter disables the null function when overload occurs. Also, the null function is not available for Diode check and continuity. Null function can be enabled or disabled at any time.

Users can now save their COM settings, simply press the save button to do this. This means that the next time you run the software, your COM settings will automatically be loaded.

A new option has been added to the config menu. The “Local Exit” button will lift the remote status from the 34401A and exit the software. The 34401A will continue to take measurements without having the user to press the Shift (Local) key on the front panel. Only works for AR488 and RS232 versions.

Display panel text colors can be loaded through the Settings.txt file. Simply enter your own RGB values in place of the default values. Do not change the format of the text file, just replace the numbers. RGB values must be between 0 and 255.

Display measurement prefix can also be automatically set via the Settings.txt file. If you want full SI prefix range then set the “TRUE,Partial_SI_Prefix” to “FALSE,Partial_SI_Prefix”.
Partial SI prefix includes milli, kilo, mega, and giga.
Full SI prefix includes pico, nano, micro, milli, kilo, mega, giga, and tera.

I also added 15 additional math waveforms for all samples and N samples. Also, keep in mind if any measurement results in a null (no number) or infinity, that measurement is set to 0 in the math waveform. For example, if measurement sample is -1 then performing log (-1) = error, in this case the result will be set to 0 in the generated math waveform. See source code for more insight.

Fastest sample capture speed can be achieved by going to the config menu and selecting Sampling Only option.

[Nx-1997]

A new N Sample Graph window has been added. N is a user select value. This window allows you see the latest N Samples. Once, N samples have been captured by the software, they will be graphed onto the graph window, represented by Waveform_1.
You can also enable more waveforms, as N sample data gets captured, the newly acquired data is inserted into Waveform_1, while the old data from Waveform_1 will get inserted into Wavefrom_2, and the old data from Wavefrom_2 gets inserted into Waveform_3 and so on. The data is discarded after Waveform_10.
N Sample Data → Wavefrom_1 → Wavefrom_2 → Wavefrom_3 → Wavefrom_4 → Wavefrom_5 → Wavefrom_6 → Wavefrom_7 → Wavefrom_8 → Wavefrom_9 → Wavefrom_10 → Discarded.
All Waveforms are overlapped. Waveform_1 is in the front while Waveform_10 is at the very back.

Here I am measuring a 1Hz Sine wave, generated by my HP 3325A. There is no trigger feature. You can enable or disable the number of waveforms you want to see.



I am not sure how helpful this window is. Here I am measuring DC Motor current.



There is no end goal to this Graph Window, I am just playing around.

[Nx-1997]

Support for Visa GPIB has been added. This allows users with GPIB adapter/Card that utilize VISA software to use this software.

With any VISA software you install, it must have VISA.NET Shared Components Version 5.8 installed.
See here for more info: https://github.com/vnau/IviVisaNetSample

For those with 82357B GPIB Adapter:
1.   Download Keysight IO Library suite 2021, then download NI VISA 20.0 software.
2.   Configure the Keysight IO software to use NI VISA as primary visa.
3.   For the GPIB-USB, check the “Enable Keysight GPIB cards for 488 programs” option.
4.   Open NI VISA Interactive control and wait unit you see HP 34401A’s GPIB address on the list, then close the interactive window.
5.   Open the HP 34401A software, click on config menu then click connect. The select GPIB device window should open, the list should show the GPIB devices. Select your HP 34401A GPIB address by
        double clicking on it from the list. Click the *IDN? Button, you should see your 34401A’s IDN message. Then just click connect.
       
Users who have the GPIB-USB-HS GPIB adapter only need to install NI Visa 20.0 with default settings, that should work.

I had issues with Keysight Visa, see Keysight VISA Error Image, so I downloaded NI Visa 20. After switching to NI Visa, I have had no issues. I ran the software for 11 hours, with fastest sampling settings, with no issues.

More testing is needed. If this version works for some people, I might be able to port my other DMM softwares for VISA GPIB cards/adapters.

I also could not get the 1000 readings per second. With the 82357B Adapter, I could only get around 200 samples per seconds. I tried Keysight’s recommend commands for fast sampling, but that did not work. The HP 34401a software is not the issue, it can handle 371000 samples in 1 second, I benchmarked it by feeding dummy data.

If anyone has any experience with getting 1000 readings per second from HP 34401A with IVI Visa.Net library, let us know.

GitHub Link: https://github.com/Niravk1997/HP-Agilent-Keysight-34401A-Control-and-Data-Logging-Software
Download Link:  https://github.com/Niravk1997/HP-Agilent-Keysight-34401A-Control-and-Data-Logging-Software/releases

If you wish to compile the software from source code, then:
1.   Download the latest visual studio community, on windows computer, and during the installation process select .net desktop development and continue installing it.
2.   Download the project from GitHub and navigate to the scr folder. Choose which version you want to compile and open that folder.
3.   Click on the HP 34401A.csproj or HP 34401A.sln file, visual studio will open the project. From there you can press the green start button to run, the library files will automatically be downloaded.

[jusaca]

Wow dear god you are active in development
I was quite keen on playing around with your software on the weekend and was wondering why my 34401A could not connect - only to find out that I used a gender changer instead of a null modem adapter... Well, new adapter should arrive tomorrow

[Nx-1997]

In the coming days, I will add support for VISA GPIB adapters for my other DMM apps, namely HP 3457A, 3456A, and 3478A. Currently those are only supported via AR488 GPIB Adapter.

[blackdog]

Hi Nx-1997, 

This evening I had a little time to spare and tested your latest version of the 34401A logger software, the proof is the picture below. THANKS!


I have not finished my Arduino with GPIB cable yet, but I have already made a table with the colors of my cable how they should be mounted to the Arduino Nano.

In the same measurement computer, I also have a KeySight PCI 82350B controller.
So when your GPIB software is ready, I can test with that too.

Keep op the good work!

Kind regards,
Bram

[hugo]

It is getting better and better ... thanks.

On the main display panel the "Range" should be "Function" right? 

[tomeo.gonzales]

Hi Nx-1997,
Very nice program.
I was able to use it with 82357B GPIB adapter but I have difficulties finding a correct serial cable.
Can you please publish the pinout of your serial cable (including the null-modem adapter).
I have a computer with a RS232 interface and I want to make a serial cable for it.
Maybe you can also include the pinout for the serial cable in the PDF user manual.

[Nx-1997]

Hi, tomeo.gonzales

These are the serial adapters I have tested working and they are the only ones I have. I bought them from Aliexpress. The blue and the black one have the fake 340 chip and they both work just fine, no issues. The grey one is a UGreen branded, it has a genuine PL2303 chip and it also works just fine. The null modem adapter is a female to female one, also bought from Aliexpress.

The HP 34401A user manual provides the serial pinouts I believe.

Also, I highly recommend users to try and create these AR488 Adapters, these don't need visa software to function.
AR488 Arduino GPIB Adapter: https://github.com/Twilight-Logic/AR488

[tomeo.gonzales]

Thank you for your fast response.
I'll try to duplicate the serial cable from 34401A manual.
One more request: please, if it is possible,  add a menu entry to turn the front-panel display of the instrument on/off. ( DISPlay {OFF|ON} commands )

[Nx-1997]

The Display ON OFF is already included. You can find it in the config tab.

[Nx-1997]

I have updated the 3457A, 3456A, and 3478A software to have the same features as the 34401A software.

I also increased the Date Time Resolution, now date time values have millisecond resolution. This allows Excel to properly graph your data with Date Time X-Axis, if you want to. The custom cell format for date time is “yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm.ss.000 AM/PM”

I also updated the HP Data Log graphing utility to support this new date time format.

I also added another new graph. The Date Time graph is a scatter plot, on the Y-Axis is your measurement data and on the X-axis is their Date Time value.


Graph Pan & Zoom Controls
Left Click: Pan
Right Click Hold: Zoom
Middle Click Hold: Rectangular Zoom Region
Middle Click: Auto Axis Once
Alt + Left Click Hold: Rectangular Zoom Region
Scroll Wheel: Zoom to cursor
Right Click: Save/Copy Image Menu

Ctrl + Left Click Hold: Pan Horizontally
Shift+ Left Click Hold: Pan Vertically
Ctrl + Right Click Hold: Zoom Horizontally
Shift + Right Click Hold: Zoom Vertically

[tv84]

Your animated .GIFs are awesome! 

[tomeo.gonzales]

You are amazing.
I must explore deeper your program   
Thank you

[Miti]

@Nx-1997

I like your software and I figured out what my issue was with the AR488 locking up.
I hope you don’t take it the wrong way if I say that this quality SW deserve to support one more quality instrument; Fluke 8845/8846.

[Nx-1997]

Hi, Miti

Thanks for testing the software. Currently I am only creating software for the instruments I have, and I do not have a Fluke 8845/8846, sorry. However, source code is available, anyone with experience can use the code to create a software for other meters. The graph modules are completely independent, and can be ported to any software that needs a graph.

For AR488 version, the following commands are used.
++addr
++eor, only for 34401a
++auto
++ren, only for 3457A, 34401a
++read
++read_tmo_ms
++rst, only used if clicked on AR488 reset button.
++ver, only if clicked on AR488 version button.

All other settings for AR488 remain set to default. The above settings also change to default when sending ++rst command or unplugging the AR488 adapter from the USB port.

Also, some old instruments do not support *IDN? Command. So, one way to verify what instrument is connected to which COM port is to change the AR488’s firmware version string. So, when ++ver command is issued it will send a custom sting that includes the Instrument ID.

[HKJ]

For the Fluke 8846A TestController https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/program-that-can-log-from-many-multimeters/ can be used, it do also support a lot of other bench meters and devices, it runs on PC, Mac & Linux

[RaymondMack]

Thanks for testing the software. Currently I am only creating software for the instruments I have, and I do not have a Fluke 8845/8846, sorry. However, source code is available, anyone with experience can use the code to create a software for other meters. The graph modules are completely independent, and can be ported to any software that needs a graph.

For AR488 version, the following commands are used.
++addr
++eor, only for 34401a
++auto
++ren, only for 3457A, 34401a
++read
++read_tmo_ms
++rst, only used if clicked on AR488 reset button.
++ver, only if clicked on AR488 version button.

All other settings for AR488 remain set to default. The above settings also change to default when sending ++rst command or unplugging the AR488 adapter from the USB port.

The software looks amazing Nx-1997! Thanks for sharing!

Since SCPI commands are so generic, the Fluke 8845/8846 and relabeled Tektronix DMM4050/4040 multimeters may already work with the HP34401A version of the SW.

I should be able to test this later on tonight.

[RaymondMack]

Looks like the serial version of "HP 34401A" checks to see if an actual 34401A instrument is connected. So I'll need to compile a new version. Shouldn't be very hard to do.

I don't forsee there being any further issues with getting the SW to work with other SCPI compliant DMMs aside from unusual NPLC and >3A current settings.

[Nx-1997]

Hi, RaymondMack

I compiled a special version of the software (RS232) to see if it would support Fluke 8845A/8846A. I have removed the string validation check as well as tweaked a few things, nothing significant. See if this build works for you. 34401A's SCPI commands may be slightly different from 8845/8856 SCPI commands.

[RaymondMack]

Hi Nx-1997,

It's funny that you just made that! I had already removed the 34401A check/verification and tested it to work with my Tektronix DMM4050. I was just about to upload my build before I saw your new comment! I'll give your new build a test here in a bit.

SCPI commands are pretty generic and have good cross compatibility with many instruments. The only time one might run into an issue is with DMMs that have features not available to the 34401A or vice versa (say no diode check etc.)

[RaymondMack]

Just tried the new build from Nx-1997 and... it works!

For those interested in testing the new build, it should work for any SCPI compliant DMM who’s features overlap with the HP 34401A.

If you encounter an error at the meter, just go to the Queries tab and send CLS to clear the error and everything should work again. I didn't need to do this while testing, but problems might crop up for meters that only have a subset of the 34401A's features.

Obviously, a meter with features that are a superset of the 34401A will not available unless "auto range" or similar can be used to set them indirectly (e.g., the 10A range on a Tek DMM4050).