GPIB Ethernet controller 1.2 FAQ

Expand All Answers · Hide All Answers

How do I configure the network settings of Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller?
Prologix NetFinder utility can locate and configure all Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controllers in a local network. The controllers implement a discovery and configuration protocol using UDP broadcasts. Since routers do not (normally) forward broadcast packets, NetFinder can only locate controllers which are on the same network segment as the PC on which the utility is running. There can be hubs, switches or bridges between the PC and GPIB-ETHERNET controllers, but no routers.

Once configured with an IP address (static or through DHCP), GPIB-ETHERNET is accessible from the local network, a connected remote network, or the Internet.

Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controllers support static IP and DHCP.

Since the discovery protocol does not need to know the IP address of controllers, it can be used to (re)configure controllers which have unknown IP address, misconfigured address (for example, wrong network), or to discover their DHCP assigned IP.

Why is NetFinder utility not discovering any Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controllers?
NetFinder will only discover Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controllers connected to the primary network interface on a PC with multiple network interfaces (multi-homed PC). Temporarily disable all network interfaces except the one to which your Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controllers are connected. Once configured with an IP address (static or through DHCP), GPIB-ETHERNET is accessible from a multi-homed PC.
How do I configure the GPIB settings of Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller?

Easiest way to configure GPIB settings is to use the Prologix GPIB Configurator utility (part of KE5FX GPIB toolkit). Prologix GPIB Configurator will locate all Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controllers in the local network. Once the controllers have been discovered, select the controller you wish to configure.

You can also configure GPIB settings by making a telnet connection to port 1234 on the Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller and entering commands manually as described in the User Manual..

What is the difference between NetFinder and Prologix GPIB Configurator utilities?
Use NetFinder to discover GPIB-ETHERNET controllers and to configure their network settings. Use Prologix GPIB Configurator to configure their GPIB settings. A unified utility is forthcoming.
How do I communicate with Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller?
Connect to TCP port 1234 on the GPIB-ETHERNET controller. Once connected, you may communicate using:
  • Terminal window in Prologix GPIB Configurator
  • Terminal utilities such as TeraTerm or HyperTerm applications (both support network connections in addition to serial connections)
  • Custom programs using network sockets. Most programming languages and frameworks support network connectivity.
Please see sample programs in the Resources section.
How do I use Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller in NI LabVIEW?
You can communicate with Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller and attached instruments using TCP functions in LabVIEW. Use the TCP Open Connection function to establish a TCP connection to port 1234 of Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller. All commands and data may then be sent, and received, over this connection.
How do I download and print screen plots from instruments?
To download and print plots you need a plotter emulation application such as:
  • 7470.exe — an excellent open source application.
How do I use 7470 (HP 7470A plotter emulator) application with Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller?
Here are quick start steps for using 7470 application:
  1. Connect GPIB-ETHERNET to PC.
  2. Run Prologix GPIB Configurator (which is part of 7470 download) and select IP address corresponding to GPIB-ETHERNET.
  3. Set configuration to DEVICE, GPIB address to 5, and click "Update CONNECT.INI" button. See picture.
  4. Close Prologix GPIB Configurator.
  5. Connect GPIB-ETHERNET to instrument, directly, or using a GPIB cable.
  6. Run 7470 application and press 'w' to wait for plot data from instrument.
  7. Start plot from instrument front panel.
Please see 7470 User Guide for more details.
How do I use HyperTerminal with Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller?
  1. Connect GPIB-ETHERNET to PC.
  2. Start HyperTerminal. (HyperTerminal application can usually be found in Start | Programs | Accessories | Communications menu.)
  3. Open File | Properties dialog.
  4. In the Connect To tab, select TCP/IP (Winsock), set port number to 1234 and enter the IP address of Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller.
  5. In the Settings tab, click ASCII setup.... In the new dialog, check Send line ends with line feeds and Echo typed characters locally.
  6. Click OK twice.

You are now ready to communicate with the controller. Enter ++ver command in the HyperTerminal window to verify communication with controller.

How do I use Tera Term Pro with Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller?
  1. Connect GPIB-ETHERNET to PC.
  2. Start Tera Term Pro.
  3. Open Setup | TCP/IP... dialog. set port number to 1234 and enter the IP address of Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller. Click OK.
  4. Open Setup | Terminal dialog. Set Transmit to CR+LF, and check Local echo. Click OK.

You are now ready to communicate with the controller. Enter ++ver command in the Tera Term Pro window to verify communication with the controller.

Which commands do I use to control my instrument?
Refer to the programming manual of your instrument for commands accepted by your instrument.
How do I create programs to control instruments, and acquire data, using Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller?
Any programming language and environment that provides network access may be used to develop programs to control instruments using the Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller. Please see sample programs in the Resources section. Also, check out Ulrich Bangert's EZGPIB, an easy to use data acquisition tool for use with Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller.
Can Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller control multiple instruments?
Yes. Specify the GPIB address of the instrument to control using the ++addr command. All subsequent instrument commands are sent to the specified address. When you want to control a different instrument, issue another ++addr command with the new address. See User Manual for complete details and samples.
Why is the instrument not responding to commands?
Some common reasons are:
  • Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller is not in CONTROLLER mode.
  • Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller does not have the correct instrument GPIB address.
  • Read-after-write may not be enabled. See User Manual.
  • Instrument is not in TALK/LISTEN mode. Check instrument front panel menu, or back side DIP switch.
  • Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller is not securely connected to instrument. Try using a GPIB cable, if direct connection is not secure.
  • Other instruments on the GPIB bus may be interfering. Disconnect (not just power down) all instruments except the one being used.
  • Command is not recognized by the instrument. Check instrument programming manual.
Why is the instrument reporting QUERY UNTERMINATED or ERROR -420 error when using Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller?

After sending a command to an attached instrument, Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller will address it to talk to read back the response. If the command does not generate a response (often called non-query commands), some instruments will generate the QUERY UNTERMINATED error when addressed to talk. In effect the instrument is saying, you have asked me to talk but I have nothing to say. The error is often benign and may be ignored.

However, if you wish to avoid the error use the ++read command to read instrument responses. For example:
++auto 0—Turn off read-after-write
SET VOLT 1.0—Non-query command
*idn?—Query command
++read eoi—Read until EOI is asserted by instrument
"HP54201A"—Response from instrument
See User Manual for complete details.
Can I connect Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller directly to my PC or laptop?
If the PC or Laptop network card supports auto-MDIX (most new ones do) you may use a straight Ethernet cable to connect to GPIB-ETHERNET controller. Otherwise you need a cross-over Ethernet cable. If you encounter problems, use an Ethernet hub or a switch.
How do I communicate with Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller over wireless network?
You need a wireless bridge. Connect Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller to the wireless bridge, and configure the bridge to connect to your wireless LAN. Follow bridge manufacturer's instructions. Wireless bridges are often sold as "gaming adapters" or "print servers". We have successfully tested with the following devices:
  1. Linksys WGA54G Gaming Adapter – easy to setup, but can bridge only one GPIB-ETHERNET controller
  2. Netgear WGPS606 Print Server – can bridge up to four GPIB-ETHERNET controllers
What kind of power supply does Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller need?
Prologix GPIB-ETHERNET controller ships with a 110-240V power adapter. Non-US customers will need a plug adapter. There is no need for a voltage converter.

A great product at a very affordable price! For some time, I have had an interest in learning more about GPIB interfacing and all the additional functionality available through the GPIB port on the rear of my test equipment. The GPIB-to-USB Controller has given me the chance to pursue that interest, without emptying my pocketbook. After receiving the GPIB-to-USB unit, I was able to quickly repair a non-functioning programmable power supply. Only through the GPIB port, could I have easily seen what was wrong with the supply. Now, I am ready to move on to bigger challenges involving computerized control of my test equipment. Thanks for the exciting new product. Matt — 3/13/2006