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Why Does My GPIB Instrument Not Respond to SCPI Commands?

Hardware: GPIB

Problem:
I can find my GPIB instrument on the bus, but when I try to send a *IDN? query I do not get the right results. In some instruments it simply returns the value of voltage no matter what I send. Other Instruments I get a Timeout error. Some instruments send back an error report.

Solution:
Some instruments do not respond to standard commands such as *IDN?. Certain instruments will not respond correctly to a *IDN? query.  There are certain reason why an instrument may not respond to an *IDN? query

• The *IDN? query may not be part of that instruments command set
• The instrument is not configured to use the SCPI command language

Old instruments and certain specialty instruments have their own command set. Instruments such as the Agilent 3478A and Fluke 8840A/42A can use both SCPI and Agilent command languages.
The manual for these instruments should contain information on the command set it uses. You can also search for the instrument driver on www.ni.com.

Related Links:
External Document: Fluke 8840/42A Manual and Command Reference
KnowledgeBase 0RK854VD: Where Can I Find Documentation about the SCPI Specification?
KnowledgeBase 01593DEO: Why Can't I Communicate with My GPIB Instrument?

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Report Date: 07/11/2005
Last Updated: 05/01/2008
Document ID: 3NACIUXJ

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