🚀 go-pugleaf

budgie <budgie@nowhere.cantech.net.au> wrote:

>This request is for info to assist in the above.  I'm not after
>general "how-to" stuff, rather I'd like to get some clues from someone
>who has "been there".

>I have a HP34970A on loan, c/w all manuals.  Normally I'm quite
>capable of writing Basic code for RS232 comms for pretty much
>anything, but this one has me stumped.  I've read the user manual for
>far too long - all aussie support have gone for the weekend :-(

>All the commands to the instrument seem to be accepted OK, but all
>attempts to actually receive any data from it are met with a "hang" on
>the input statement.  DOS platform, QBasic and/or QB4.5 in use ('cos
>VB-DOS and serial comms don't get along).

>Anyone been there?  All help appreciated.

Peter,

Post/email a bit of your code, specifically the open comms stmt and
the input for comms.

Are you using the LOC (n) function to see if there is anything at the
port?  If yes send that code as well.

You may not have the right open options set and then your device
doesn't set the correct control lines to be compatible with Basic's
port settings - RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, CD, etc. - that kind of stuff.

How many wires do you have connected end to end - 3? 5? 7? What?

Do your DB9/DB25 plugs have anything shorted to loop back?

Are the port parameters set right in the HP device?

Do you have one of those blinkie-lights thingees that you can use to
verify that the HP device is actually wanting to send data?

Can you verify that your cable does not have an open/shorted solder
connection somewhere in one or more of the pins on one of the
connectors?  (Meter?)

Have you been a bad boy or forgotten to say your prayers or something?

If you are sending an email, send the whole effing program because
it's probly fairly short - I can just fix it for you if there's
something wrong.

 - Tom