Error 550 while using windows terminal mode

Question

  I am using the GPIB-RS232 converter
  I am NOT using LabView.  I am attempting to use it with an RS232 interface via a standard terminal program.
  I am testing the setup with an HP(Agilent) 34401A meter
  If I enter the following via the terminal:
Wrt 22
*cls
Wrt 22
*rst
Wrt 22
Conf:volt:dc 100, 0.003
  Everything is fine and the meter goes in the proper mode.
  If I enter:
Wrt 22
Meas?
  Or
Wrt 22
Read?
  The meter reports Error code 550:
From the HP manual:
"The multimeter received a READ? or MEASure? command while in the local mode. During RS-232 operation, you should always execute the SYSTem:REMote command before sending other commands over the interface."
SYSTem:REMote is an RS232 command and is not available when utilizing the GPIB interface.
From the HP site
This RS-232 error 550 can be generated when using a non-Agilent controller to program the DVM over the GP-IB. The error usually occurs when performing a query (MEAS: ? or READ?). We have seen the problem occur with a National Instruments and a Metro-byte(sp?) 488 card.
This error occurs when the non-Agilent controllers sends commands to instruments, without pulling the REMOTE line on the GP-IB interface. The IEEE 488.2 specification requires the instrument to be in remote mode, when performing a query. The fixes is to set a bit on the card to force the REMOTE line true.
Something is wrong with how your GP-IB card is setup, please contact the manufacturer of your GP-IB card on how assert the REMOTE line.
Solutions or suggestions appreciated.
Phil

Answer 1

Phil,
There is a special remote enable command for using the serial to gpib converter. You need to send "sre" command to enable the Remote Enable line. Here is the info from the GPIB-serial converter help file:
sre
Set (or Clear) Remote Enable
Type
Low-level bus management function
Syntax
sre
[bool]<CR>
Purpose
Use sre to turn the Remote Enable
signal on and off. In some cases, the first I/O or high-level bus management
function you call sets remote enable automatically.
Remarks
If the argument bool is 1, the GPIB-RS232/485/422 asserts the Remote Enable
(REN*) signal. If the argument bool is 0, the GPIB-RS232/485/422 unasserts REN*.
Many GPIB devices have a remote program mode and a local program
mode. It is usually necessary to place devices in remote mode before programming
them from the GPIB. A device enters the remote mode when the REN* line is
asserted and the device receives its listen address.
Use cmd to send a device its listen
address after using sre. Use loc to return the device to local program mode.
If you call sre with an argument and
the GPIB-RS232/485/422 is not System Controller, the ESAC error is recorded.
If you call sre without an argument,
the GPIB-RS232/485/422 returns its current remote status: 1 = remote, 0 = local.
-Marshall R
National Instruments
Applications Engineer
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