Agilent U1272A - Data logging - Software installation.  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2011, 04:54:50 pm
content: I had just install the Data logging software package of Agilent ,and took few screen shots of the process, so to present to you ..The installer does three basic tasks .1) Installs the USB driver .2) Searches your system to find , if you do have installed the Microsoft framework files .3) Updates windows if needed.4) Installs the main software , Agilent Data logger .There is an complete PDF at Agilent web site , and also the software includes an complete Help file.I hope this thread to be used as troubleshooting guide for the new users, of the Data logger aplication .Do not worry, I am new too.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2011, 05:01:13 pm
content: The PetrosA , a good friend of my , started to test the application.(Personally I do not have the DMM yet )And you can find his first impressions here ..https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=2423.msg43379#msg43379

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2011, 09:26:44 pm
content: At this point I like to thanks a new forum member , Mr John @insurgent ..He owns the U1253A .He responded to my request about few sample files, of the Agilent data logger software in CSV format.(So to play with them , by using the Microsoft Excel.)Wellthe Agilent GUI data logger , is an very basic application,that probably will cover most needs.But there is another possibility for the ones that needs better analysis,or presentation of the collected data.And this can happen by importing the CSV files in to Microsoft Excel .From there you get the ability to :1) edit the log ( delete unwanted log entries ) = making the log sorter.2) add factors in the current measurements, example : (+1,5% + 2 digits)3) Making a 2D or 3D graph, more rich in detail , and totally customizable.4) PrintThe truth is that those tasks , are not so straight forward or easy to do,if you are very inexperienced, about using spreadsheets .About getting your way importing those files in Excel,if you Google about it , there is plenty of info .And there is specific directions for the version or brand of the software,that you own as spreadsheet editor.I own the Microsoft Office 2003 ( Small business edition) ,and so , any tips that I have to share , are based to this.I managedto import the data that John send me , in to Excel.and also made an successful 2D graph ( X= Temperature Y= time stamp )I got only in to problems , when noticed that the log made by the DMM,had at its temperature value , additional insignificant numbers that caused problems on the Excel.Example No1 : ( temp in Fahrenheit )Entry sample No1 : 24.4701Entry sample No2 :24.469Example No237, 5/2/2011 12:27:49 AM, {Cap},24.470138, 5/2/2011 12:27:50 AM, {Cap},24.470539, 5/2/2011 12:27:50 AM, {Cap},24.46940, 5/2/2011 12:27:51 AM, {Cap},24.473641, 5/2/2011 12:27:51 AM, {Cap},24.478942, 5/2/2011 12:27:52 AM, {Cap},24.478The reason of the problem that I got to ,looks to be of how accurately the insignificant digits recorded by the device as hardware.All the digits colored as red, they must be manually removed ,so the Excel spreadsheet to be able to function properly , and create the graphs too.The same data at the Agilent GUI data logger works normal as is .(probably because the software are tweaked toignore them)I will come back with more about it , as soon I receive my own U1272A and examine the logs that produces.The current sample Log of the U1253A, it looks to me, that is not an errors-free one.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2011, 02:48:27 am
content: Quote from: Kiriakos-GR on May 02, 2011, 09:26:44 pmI love making mistakes , because it concludes that I am active ..Well I was correct all along about the problem that I had faced,and is an problem , that millions of computers gets troubled from it.Especially the ones with International regional settings .The problem are at the setting of theThousands separator,that if is not correctly set (compatible with the West standards )and causes an serious problem, about formatting properly the numbers.Some information about the existence of the problem, came to me from another Greek,in Greece (His name Michalis, lover of the adventure too )And by searching more, found the proper setting in Excel ,that I had to tweak so everything to work as expected.Guess what .. it called international tab ( No shit )If you face an similar problem set the fieldsas pictured.Now everything works , and I can make nicely made graphs .. (last photo)With out the Data logging , I had no reason making graphs,and so i am two times happy , as I found another one reason , that justify s the price about getting the software,because now it is in good use.Pictures..Click on, for larger image.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2011, 11:07:40 pm
content: My unofficial mini F.A.Q. Part 1Subjects :1) Software crash or not working.2) COM Port detailsOn the Help file of the software ,that is the same with the pdf documentU1251-90023.pdf = Data logger Quick Start GuideAgilent did their part, by writing severalNOTESOn the chapter :Set Up a Communication With the MultimeterNote 1 :a) The U1173A IR-USB cable functions as a serial RS-232 port that connects the multimeter to the USB port of your PC.b) The RS232 port is not meant for hot plugging or hot swapping.c) Disconnecting the U1173A IR-USB cable when it is in use will crash the Agilent GUI Data Logger.As additional info to this note, I will add :a)Disable any power saving modes on your laptop ,exactly like your DMM does automatically ,every time that you activate the data logging function.b)The Windows power saving modes, can also control the RS232 COM port status ( power On and OFF ),This would lead to trouble, as the software fails when this communication fails too.( And it is equal to hot plugging or hot swapping , as Agilent correctly noted about the RS232 port )Steps to follow for Out door Data logging :1) Fresh booted laptop2) Plug in the USB slot , the IR-USB cable ( as soon the laptop settles from booting )3) Wait 10 seconds ( So the laptop to recognise the device )4) Start the software Data logger .5) Do your job6) Close the software .7) Remove the IR-USB cable ( un plug it)8 ) Select on your laptop -> System shutdown - > Power off .9) Go to the step one , if you need another use of it , in a later time.Note 2 :For U1271A and U1272A models, only baud rates of 9600 and 19200 bits/second are available.And this Translates to:Model Number="U1251A" Baud Rate="9600 or 14400 or 19200 "Model Number="U1251B" Baud Rate="9600 or 14400 or 19200 "Model Number="U1252A" Baud Rate="9600 or 14400 or 19200 "Model Number="U1252B" Baud Rate="9600 or 14400 or 19200 "Model Number="U1253B" Baud Rate="9600 or 14400 or 19200 "Model Number="U1253A" Baud Rate="9600 or 14400 or 19200 "Model Number="U1271A" Baud Rate="9600 or 19200"Model Number="U1272A" Baud Rate="9600 or 19200"The 19200Baud Rate, adds Extra bandwidth = faster download time of the stored logs (DMM to PC ).The 9600Baud Rate are more than enough, for real-time logging.I bet, that the function on the software named as Auto discovery of the DMM .It will do what it says, and so, no user interaction or extra manual settings needed.The U1271A / U1272A has two fixed Baud Rates "9600 or 19200" ,And so it’s hard to go wrong with it, when setting it up even manually.What is still untested by me , are if the software are capable ,To auto-detected the U1271A / U1272A, no mater what Baud Rate, was set manually in the DMM .For example : If I have manually set on the DMM menu 19200 Baud Rate instead of 9600.Will be automatically detected?( If not , I would had to set manually on the software too,the same setting as 19200 Baud Rate & and COM port number ? )Tip 1 :You can find the COM port number of the IR-USB cable,In your Windows -> Device Manager -> Ports ( COM & LPT) .Tip 2:If you set manually higher Baud Rate settings in the Data logger software,than what your DMM supports, It will lead to No communication with your DMM.If you like to help this thread,you need to test and submit the workable Baud Rates of the models listed at the end of this post .Example : Model U1272A4800 = No7200 = No9600 = Yes14400 = No19200 = YesModels to be tested:U1251AU1251BU1252AU1252BU1253BU1253A

author: insurgent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2011, 05:05:57 am
content: Hi Kiriakos,I've tested the Model U1273A:2400 = Yes4800 = Yes7200 = N/A9600 = Yes14400 = N/A19200 = YesNote that 7200 and 14400 are not available as options for this meter.Take care,John

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2011, 07:48:30 am
content: Quote from: insurgent on May 11, 2011, 05:05:57 amIf you had I would feel jealousEven so, you are welcome, about posting the results of theU1253A

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 13, 2011, 09:53:19 pm
content: The last weeks I have download almost the half of the Agilent web site ..( documents)And found another document , related to data logging , with some extra tips.http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5989-7937EN.pdfAt the bottom of the page , there is thespecs of the IR-USBcable.( The cable has a maximum baud rate of 19200 bits per second ).

author: mjo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 23, 2011, 07:31:23 pm
content: Do any of you know if the protocol used to talk to meter is documented anywhere ?I'd like to talk to mine from my Mac.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2011, 11:30:40 pm
content: Hi mjo .The current software, it has be made by using major software components, found exclusively on XP, Vista, Windows 7 - 32 bit .It is more wise to email Agilent , and find out, if they have plans for an special release, for MAC users.Or you can ask them, by writing your question on their web forum ..https://forums.tm.agilent.com/community/viewforum.php

author: insurgent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2011, 04:53:07 am
content: Hi mjo,If Agilent provides you with documentation, please let us know. I haven't asked for anything from them under the assumption that they wouldn't. I could be wrong and I'd be please if that were the case.You'll find that the meter supports a very small subset (understandable) of the SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) protocol. You can make a request to the Google Gods to find documentation on SCPI and amazingly it doesn't appear that you have to pay $10,000USD to have the privilege of reading them.Here's a minimal list of commands that the U1253A (Hey Kiriakos, I got the model number correct this time!) meter supports:*Query commands are post-fixed with a "?"*For queries regarding the secondary display, append @2 to the command (e.g. CONF? @2)*IDN? - IdentificationSYST:BATT? - Request batter status. Not sure what units are returned.CONF? - Request confirguration (e.g. "VOLT:AC +5.00000000E+00,+1.00000000E-04")STAT? - Request unit status. I have not decoded the meaning of the return value for this. (e.g. "000000I00302L00004001")FETC? - Request current reading (and FETC? @2 returns current reading on secondary display)*RST - Meter resetSYST:VERS? - Unknown, my meter returns 1990.0SYST:ERR? - Unknown, probably returns the last errorREAD? - Request current reading. I don't believe that the @2 option works for this command.If your meter supports logging (manual or auto) then the following commands can be used:LOG:AUTO xx - Request value of auto-log position xxLOG:HAND xx - Request value of manual log position xxThere are other configuration commands as well. Let me know if you want them.I haven't been able to spend a lot of time playing with the commands so I certainly can't provide comprehensive documentation especially w.r.t. the system and configuration commands.Take care,John

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2011, 09:25:33 am
content: Quote from: insurgent on May 24, 2011, 04:53:07 amSpot on .. Thumps Up

author: mjo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 25, 2011, 04:50:39 pm
content: Thanks for your help.I'll report back when I've played with it.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2011, 01:42:03 am
content: Well I wrote a message to Agilent forums, about my new wish list for the next version of the data logger software.And it looks that I got an response.https://forums.tm.agilent.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=553&t=26896If you have any ideas or hidden wish list, join their forum, and add it on the above thread.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2011, 01:09:29 am
content: Finally got my U1272A and so I can test as much I like the data logger.Few words about the U1173A IR-USB Cable .It is an very well made accessory.All the details on it is well taken cared.Even the cable it self, it can survive to temperatures like 75 - 80 Celsius ( it is printed on it )Pictures of it at the bottom.About the software, it has much power hidden in it, mostly if you care to get an nice graph.But the settings about the nice looking graph demands to adjust its and every time,the X & Y axis parameters, and if you do not play with them, you do not have a chance to get a graph as you like to be.Tips :a) Do not set the background as black, if you print the graph your ink-jet it will waste lots of black ink.b) graph and laptops, just forget it, the software needs one large monitor like a 23" or more so to have the proper or good enough resolution.When working with laptops just use the data logging table so to inspect the values.c) You need to read the manual a bit, By blindly clicking anything like a button, you are not going anywhere.Nags : The data logger monitors the range switch position, and auto adjusts accordingly.unfortunately at the U1272A the software does not understand the change in the selection between the capacitor range,that becomes also as temperature range with the key pad !!And so even if you log temperature the data logger indicates that it is in the capacitor range and adds on the log the word CAP.Even if correctly records temperature.Its a small annoyance and should be fixed, logically it should write TEMP instead of CAP.Other than that nothing major as nag, I am still exploring it

author: mjo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 20, 2011, 03:03:17 pm
content: I had a bit of time over the weekend, and managed to make some progress getting my Mac and U1272A to talk to each other.The short take is that insurgent's notes are just what you need to know to get going.If you want a longer version I wrote up some notes:http://mjo.tc/atelier/2011/06/agilent-macos.htmlThanks again for all your help.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2011, 03:25:50 pm
content: Kyriako, how would you say the Agilent data loggin/presentation software compares with Fluke View Forms?Also, does the USB IR cable come as a bundle with the DMM? If not, do we know how much it will cost to get one?Alex

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2011, 05:20:56 pm
content: I do not know how the "Fluke View Forms" package compares against the Agilent basic data logger approach.What I do know are that you have to spent 600$ or more so to get an Fluke DMM with data logging ability.About the pricing of the USB IR cable looks like 40$ retail.And no it does not come as standard accessory.My opinion is that, the 40$ looks like a small loss, if you do not use the data logger so often.If I spent lots of money on something that I will not use it daily, automatically becomes as an waste of money.Agilent did one small mistake on the software, and I cannot blame them for it .The mistake was that in order to make it more useful and rich,it turned out to look a bit complicate in order to operate it.Agilent I do forgive you about it ... I do not know about the others Lol

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2011, 05:34:36 pm
content: QuoteCompares favourably for Agilent when Fluke's OC4USB retails for £112 ($200) on Farnell UK. I like it. I think Fluke treated the USB cable as a printer ink cartridge rather than an accessory, but it does come with Fluke View Forms as a bundle.Alex

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2011, 06:15:26 pm
content: Well Alex in my language that is currently the Euro coin, it translates like 430 Euro for one U1272A ( with tax) plus 35 EUR for the cable),an total of 465 Euros, when the 87V costs 540 Euros .If we think that the Fluke model with data logging capability retails to 750 Euros Plus 200 for the cable,we getting near to the round number of 1000 Euros .The price difference that comes from the numbers its like a difference of night VS day.At list in Europe.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2011, 07:31:10 pm
content: I dont want to imagine how much the Fluke 289 View Forms will cost in Greece when the Fluke 87V costs 540 Euros.For a more direct price comparison, the U5481A -Agilent's equivalent USB IR cable- costs £20 on Farnell and Fluke's OC4USB £120. Same country, same website, both in stock within the UK. The functionality is the same, I bet if you take the LEDs out and manually align them it will work just fine.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2011, 11:52:56 pm
content: Quote from: mjo on June 20, 2011, 03:03:17 pmMy friend I did take a good look of your page, and I feel the need to congrats you for your efforts.You did an well made presentation .

author: Floyo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2011, 09:51:43 am
content: I don't know whether anybody else has had this problem, but I don't seem to be able to receive the secondary reading either on the "virtual meter" or the data tables. Does anybody know how to fix this (I did read the manual, but still no success)?

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2011, 10:41:55 am
content: Data logger help file --> Agilent GUI Data logger V3.2 --> Ho Do I ? --> Log Data from the Multimeter --> Data Logging TablePrior to using the secondary data logging option,activate the secondary display function by pressing DUAL buttonon the front panel of the multimeter .

author: Floyo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2011, 11:13:19 am
content: AH, It works know, I was clicking the wrong button. Thanks.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2011, 03:56:06 am
content: The data logger GUI is the half part of the story,The other half is the unit it self.And so I decided to benchmark:1) The U1272A internal timer accuracy2) The U1272A when the memory of it gets full. (Took a picture)2) The USB-IR cable speed3) The battery consumption (by using rechargeable Ansmann AAA 1100mA).I did mains voltage Auto - log 10.000 entries (Full memory use)Interval every 5Sec = 14:28min.The internal timer does a true clock work !!And here goes my own example and how to.1) I prepared the DMM for an Auto – log Interval every 5Sec.2) I took a paper wrote on it the starting time 02:02 am (hh/mm)3) And started immediately the DMM log function (The DMM was plugged to mains with home made cables with bananas at both ends)The first value at the log was A0000130 Minutes later the counter was at A0036060 Minutes later the counter was at A00720120 Minutes later the counter was at A01440At the end I got the A10000 , the DMM showed A-FULL on the screen , was still in the logging mode, and was measuring the voltage with out logging,And it was waiting for me so to stop the logging mode.At the GUI software I got as Min/Max voltage events the entries :A05281 = 219.03V ACA08609 = 228.13V ACTo calculate that and find the time, I follow this root.Example: A05281 = 5281 (log entry) x 5 Sec (time interval) = 26405 seconds Now divide by 60 so to get the minutes = 440.08and again divide by 60 so to get the hours = 7:33 (Hours measured by the DMM) + my staring hour ( 02:02 am).And the result is that on Sunday 26 June 2011 at 09:35 am I had the highest under voltage in my shop.For the overvoltage entry, the same method.A08609 = 8609 (log entry) x 5 Sec (time interval) = 43045 seconds = 717.4 minutes = 11.95 hh/mm = 12:35:06 hh/mm/ss + my staring hour ( 02:02 am).And this does on Sunday 26 June 2011 at 14:37:06 pm I got the highest overvoltage.It is not that hard to deal with these calculations if you do start doing logs frequently.But you will need to do it methodically by keeping notes, plus a pocket calculator.I bet that the older in age electricians will found it as slightly complicate this task.The younger’s will find it easy as a new toy.About the USB-IR cable:It needs 07:05 mm:ss to transfer the 10.000 entries at 19200 Baud rate.And 13:06 mm:ss to do the same at 9200 Baud rate.Software related observations:a) b) The data logger GUI at the “Memory tab” , will load the Auto – generated log at the lowest table, it is a predefined place for it.b) At the Memory tab you can move the tables separator bar (tool bar), at a higher location by dragging it with your mouse,and you can gain some extra space for the lowest table .c) By loading the auto-log file, at the top bar of the active window, is the button named as “Shows”With it you can hide unwanted columns of the log before you export it or print it.I found a bug at the setting “Range” I got an pop-up warning and the software does not run the specific command,all the other selections works nicely, I have all ready inform Agilent about it.d) Bellow the Auto data logging tools bar, there is some arrows that helps to see the values with accenting or descending order.Just click on the arrow above the voltages, as many times you like.Tip : the order “ numbering of the entries” gets messed up if you give priority to the voltages sorting,And before you print or export the log, you should adjust the sorting by the entry numbering.You can do that on the MS Excel too, but it’s a bit complex in there.e) Interesting enough the software exports the Auto-Log files at the folder C:\Program Files\Agilent\Agilent GUI Data LoggerIt does not look to offer a choice for changing the folder. (Or I did not find it yet)The battery consumption ( by using rechargeable Ansmann AAA 1100mA ) :I am still exploring this option, because it would be nice to use rechargeable batteries,for long lasting data logging tasks. (As I did all ready)I have all ready some results, but I will have to double check my findings,before saying anything more about it.My digital Ansmann battery tester with load, looks like a priceless tool for such research.I can measure the battery condition, after its one task. (Data logging – uploading – idle – back light usage)My current impression is that Agilent did some good work, about the data logging,but this is not my final word yet.When I will complete my tests I would know how the “Auto data-logging” weights as function among the others.In simple words, it was added on the U1272A for occasional use or as primary?Agilent will release an new version of the GUI Data logger in August..

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2011, 01:09:01 am
content: Oups ... Anewversion of the data logger GUI is out all ready ...I still run 1.2.0.1 ..They just added support for the new small DMM U1230 series.Just get it here ...http://www.home.agilent.com/sec/editorial.jspx?cc=GR&lc=eng&ckey=878442&nid=-34618.956189&id=878442I am going to test it too.Agilent GUI Data Logger 1.3.0.0 Release Notes--------------------------------------------------------------------1. Added support for U1230 series.2. No Secondary display for U1230 series.3. Fix decimal points error for certain ranges.4. Disable the "Write Permission" for the properties tab.Agilent GUI Data Logger 1.2.0.1 (Windows 7 - 32 bit support) Release Notes-----------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Update PL-2303 Driver Installer which support all OS (XP, Vista, Windows 7 - 32 bit)2. Update Help File

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2011, 04:02:24 pm
content: A new version of the GUI is scheduled at September 15 ..I got the info last night.

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2011, 10:27:23 pm
content: Hey Agilent, if I do not get the new version at 15 of September I will start screaming !!

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2011, 08:41:35 pm
content: Finally a new version looks to be out ..Agilent GUI Data Logger 1.5.0.0 Release Notes----------------------------------------------1. Added support for U1273 series.2. Added Trigger Data Logging memory mode for U1270 series.3. Added saving last window workspace when the software close.Agilent GUI Data Logger 1.4.0.0 Release Notes----------------------------------------------1. Added support for U1240 series.Agilent GUI Data Logger 1.3.0.0 Release Notes----------------------------------------------1. Added support for U1230 series.2. No Secondary display for U1230 series.3. Fix decimal points error for certain ranges.4. Disable the "Write Permission" for the properties tab.http://download.home.agilent.com/WC/Installer1.zip?authparam=1318880343_260e86d5fee6fc527ab682abc3b10838

author: amahon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2012, 08:14:05 am
content: Just wondering if anyone has further info/links on the communications spec for the U1272?I would like to write my own scripts to controlling and transferring data from the meter so wanted to round up any command lists, code examples etc.Was also wondering if it is possible to query the meter at a rate faster than its minimum interval (1 sec, interval logging mode). The specs say the LCD is updating at 7 samples/sec.... so one might be able to get data more often if the interface can keep up.ThanksAndrew

author: drjoe047
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 04:26:32 pm
content: I looked for a python version. didn't find one. wrote one. sharing it below. (note: it is brutal but anyone that can read python can at least have something to start)Joe J.import timeimport serial##If Agilent provides you with documentation, please let us know. I haven't asked for anything from them under the assumption that they wouldn't. I could be wrong and I'd be please if that were the case.####You'll find that the meter supports a very small subset (understandable) of the SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) protocol. You can make a request to the Google Gods to find documentation on SCPI and amazingly it doesn't appear that you have to pay $10,000USD to have the privilege of reading them.####Here's a minimal list of commands that the U1253A (Hey Kiriakos, I got the model number correct this time! ) meter supports:## *Query commands are post-fixed with a "?"## *For queries regarding the secondary display, append @2 to the command (e.g. CONF? @2)##*IDN? - Identification##SYST:BATT? - Request batter status. Not sure what units are returned.##CONF? - Request confirguration (e.g. "VOLT:AC +5.00000000E+00,+1.00000000E-04")##STAT? - Request unit status. I have not decoded the meaning of the return value for this. (e.g. "000000I00302L00004001")##FETC? - Request current reading (and FETC? @2 returns current reading on secondary display)##*RST - Meter reset##SYST:VERS? - Unknown, my meter returns 1990.0##SYST:ERR? - Unknown, probably returns the last error##READ? - Request current reading. I don't believe that the @2 option works for this command.##If your meter supports logging (manual or auto) then the following commands can be used:##LOG:AUTO xx - Request value of auto-log position xx##LOG:HAND xx - Request value of manual log position xx####There are other configuration commands as well. Let me know if you want them.##I haven't been able to spend a lot of time playing with the commands so I certainly can't provide comprehensive documentation especially w.r.t. the system and configuration commands.def init_meter(com_port):global meterprint('meter, starting open:')meter = serial.Serial(com_port-1, 9600, timeout=.1)time.sleep(1)print('meter, done open')print(meter)print('meter, reseting meter:')meter.write("RST\n")time.sleep(0.25)response = meter.read(100)print(response)print('meter, identifying meter:')meter.write("*IDN?\n")time.sleep(0.25)response = meter.read(100)print(response)print('meter, Battery:')meter.write("SYST:BATT?\n")time.sleep(0.25)response = meter.read(100)print(response)print('meter, Config:')meter.write("CONF?\n")time.sleep(0.25)response = meter.read(100)print(response)return meterdef read_meter(second='no'):global meterif second != 'yes' :## print ('not in second')meter.write("FETC?\n")else :## print ('yes in second')meter.write("FETC? @2\n")## time.sleep(0.05)responsestr = meter.read(17)## print ('>' + responsestr + '<', len(responsestr))response = float(responsestr)return responsedef close_meter():global meterprint('meter, starting close')print(meter)meter.close()print('meter, closed')returnif __name__=='__main__':init_meter(11)for i in range(100):primaryValue = read_meter()secondaryValue = read_meter(second='yes')## time.sleep(0.1)print('count:' , i, "{:10.4f}".format(primaryValue), "{:10.4f}".format(secondaryValue))close_meter()

author: pdnyberg
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 14, 2013, 10:37:40 am
content: Hi,I've written a small utility for Agilent DMM. It works both with Windows and Linux.http://sourceforge.net/projects/dmmutils/The protocol is reverse engineered from the "Agilent GUI"-program. Drop me an email I you find it useful or need some help.RegardsDaniel

author: pdnyberg
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 14, 2013, 03:28:42 pm
content: I just made a document describing what I know about the protocol. This is the result of the extensive reverse engineering I did when I wrote dmmutils. Look under "files" at the project page. It will be included in the dmmutils archive in the next release.I hope you will find it useful./Daniel

author: jnd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2013, 11:21:46 pm
content: Quote from: pdnyberg on January 14, 2013, 03:28:42 pmI just started playing with our new U1232A at work, nice timingOnce I found out there is free Bluetooth module included I went to search how could I actually connect it to PC and found that the USB Bluetooth modules are very cheapon eBay at $1 with shipping included, so I grabbed three. This is actually the first time I get to work with any Bluetooth devices, I managed to set it up at home where I have Linux, then at work PC with Windows and the actual multimeter with the Agilent software. It's not that great, you can't even adjust the font size for the virtual display but I guess it work enough for logging.However my problem is when I tried to get it working on Raspberry Pi with your project. The USB module works without problems after simple setup, then you get /dev/rfcomm0 serial port. I managed to talk to the meter successfully with manual input but I can't get your app working. It compiles fine, one problem was that you have fixed array of port names so it doesn't accept something like /dev/rfcomm0. I managed to fix that myself by replacing one name in the array. But then I got "unable to open comport" error. And I have no idea why it doesn't work, further browsing of your source didn't enlighten me, I'm not familiar with your way of serial port handling in C. Is there any way I can test more and see where exactly is the problem? Or if you can do something about it, perhaps try with the Bluetooth module if you have one?This Raspberry board is basically just controlling one large LED matrix, currently showing clock and I'd like to add showing values from the multimeter and possibly also reading the value or having alert with text to speech software. I could go simply with some Python script but when you have this already done I thought I could use your app to try the communication and various parameters first.I also have question for the logging, I assume there is no option to set the meter for automatically sending the values, each must be requested separately? If so, how often can you ask, is it the same as the LCD update rate?

author: pdnyberg
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 17, 2013, 04:03:07 pm
content: I do not have the bluetooth module myself, but I will try my best to help you.Can you change line 116 in rs232.c from:Cport = open(comports, O_RDWR | O_NOCTTY | O_NDELAY);to (eg. rfcomm0 hard coded into the code)Cport = open("/dev/rfcomm0", O_RDWR | O_NOCTTY | O_NDELAY);and compile it again.You used the same user when you did the communication manually as when you tried with dmmutils, didn't you?If it still doesn't work I will modify the code a bit to print more debugging info. In that case my suggestion is that we continue either by mail or as a ticket at the sourceforge page to avoid getting to much of topic of this thread.Another thing to try out is to make symlink to the port as described on:http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=107183I cannot give you a good answer to the last question about logging. I know that for my DMM U1252A, there is an option in the setup menu which does what you want. Its "Print mode". Check page 93, section 4 in Agilent document U1251-90003. I can't find it in the documentation for U1232, so I suppose its not there. The best thing you can do is probably to use dmmutils with the -q option and put it into a script and see how long time it takes do do, say 100 measurements. Try to use the highest baud rate as possible.