keysight dmm 34461a  data logging problem - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: robint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2022, 02:24:39 pm
content: I bought this 12 years ago and realised that I had been conned. I was led to believe that it would perform basic data logging functions. It turned out not to have the data log function under acquire. I could only get a trigger delay setting supposedly to set the interval time between samples. this turns out to be very hit and miss and I end up with thousands of samples over a 24hr period. Huge waste of time on a spreadsheet. Anyone know how to tame this beast. I would like say 1s/6mins for a 48 hr record on a 24v reading. OBTW I messed with Benchview and was appalled at the shoddy software - it would talk via usb properly I wasted months trying to get it to work. All hot air and promises from Agilent in the states. Very disappointed in their communication s/w

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2022, 02:37:49 pm
content: Try TestController, it can easily do it, even 48 hours with a entry each second.Forum:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/program-that-can-log-from-many-multimeters/Download (At the bottom of the page):https://lygte-info.dk/project/TestControllerIntro%20UK.html

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2022, 03:23:51 pm
content: You hint at what you are expecting, but aren't totally clear. Are you wanting it to take a sample every second but only record it if there is a certain amount of change from the last sample? And then record at least one sample every 6 minutes even if there is no change? That is a feature that is not universal even to instruments that feature data logging. Once you've had and used it, it does seem like everyone should have it, but alas...

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2022, 06:43:10 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on July 11, 2022, 03:23:51 pmYou can, sort of, do that with TestController. You must record all data, but during export you can reduce the data based on change.

author: robint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2023, 06:36:43 pm
content: Hi allI realised I wasnt getting notifies cos I was using old email from 2014stoopid boyanyway all updated as Im electrically activatedI repost this topic here if there is any interest

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2023, 06:48:50 pm
content: The answer was, and still is: TestController

author: robint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2023, 08:44:45 pm
content: Quote from: HKJ on July 11, 2022, 06:43:10 pmHi HKJI have agilent 34461a dmm which I wanted to use as a data logger for my battery charging set up. I found the operation to be awkward for routine work (too many manual ops). I had to dl onto a usb stick and process on my PC Excel app , all very laborious and demotivating as I had much to do elsewhere.So thnx to board member links Im here and dl your app and loaded the testcontroller.jar which flashed up , asked if I wanted a demo device - yes and then just a plain Gui , all I could get was a table for current tab values which were changing.And thats it, cant get any of the expected simulated pages.I havent plugged in my ethernet cable yet to my router as I dont know if I have a working app.BTW on the dl of your app , it paused several times with an error so I pressed restart and it continued again for several times and eventually completed the dl. Does this mean I have a corrupted file?However I am stuck for lack of simple guidance (not skilled in java nor in command line stuff) Need simple plug and play, maybe this is too nerdy for me?

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2023, 04:13:16 pm
content: Quote from: robint on October 13, 2023, 08:44:45 pmI got this one as a PM, I have answered that, but will post the answer here for other people to read:TestController is designed to be fairly simple to use, you do not need to use command line stuff or for that matter know much about Java (Except you have to install it, before using TestController and you have obvious done that). TestController do also support some advanced stuff, but you do never need to use it.To get all tabs accessible you must log some data: Press the "Log" button and select 1 second (With the test devices you can sample much faster, but with real devices the limit will often be around 1 second). The you can select the different tabs at the top, "Chart" is probably the most interesting to look at first.On most computers you can press F1 on any page/form and get some help to it.Before you add you meter it may be a good idea to play a bit with TestController with the simulated data, there are MANY function (A lot is hidden behind the "Popups" button on the "Commands" page).A easy way to get you DMM into TestController is to delete all test devices (On the "Load device" page) and then TestController will ask if you want to scan for LXI devices and when you press OK will find all connected LXI devices and add them (This way you do not need to worry about IP addresses). If you want the test devices back to play with you can manually add them.You are welcome to ask again, either on PM, on email or in the TestController thread

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2023, 04:36:27 pm
content: Let me add a bit more about the advanced stuff:It is possible to write SCPI command in TestController and send them to the connected devices, but all common SCPI commands can be done from "Mode" and "Setup" forms, that present a GUI interface to the selected device.TestController support a programming language, but nearly all functions in TC can be done from the GUI (Some rather special functions can only be done from command line). Where the programming language is useful is to configure TC (TC can write scripts for that by itself) and to automate testing sequences. To make test script TC can generate some simple scripts, the user can then assemble a couple of them in a longer script. If test scripts that asks for parameters are needed, then it is necessary to do some programming, but there are examples and documentation.

author: robint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2023, 12:18:46 am
content: Hi HenrikIve followed your instructions and got some result (and more understanding thnx) I have connect DMM to my router vis the rear socket (LXI compatible?) and I have an IP address on my router 192:168:1:229.When I start TC Iget this;; 192.168.1.229 Device Keysight Technologies,34461A, do not match: Agilent Technologies,34461A,MY53200769,A.03.03-02.40-03.03-00.52-01-01;; Use "Load devices" page for selecting devices to load. Most devices will only load if they are connected and ready.I removed al other demo from "Load devices", and followed the pop up to getI updated my DMM to FW 3.03 as per notes BTWbut althought the connection seems there, it doesnt look like data is coming through, either sent or receivedCurrent value tab is blank, but Table just clocks up time stuffSo I dont know what to do next? I suspect some devious Keysight stuff? Is there some way to test my ehternet link ? I had a lots of trouble with Keysight 10 years ago trying to make it work with Benchvue and usb - wasted months with BS from their head office. USB was a new thing for them, badly implemented.Robin

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2023, 02:13:19 pm
content: Quote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 12:18:46 amThe issue is that your meter is a Agilent, not a Keysigt meter.It is easy to fix:1) Download the attached file2) Replace the similar named file in the TestController/Devices directory with it.3) Delete the Keysigt entry in your device list4) Add the Agilent entry instead (It is defined in the new file).Note: I have only added the 34461A, if anybody wants the 65A or 70A I can also add them

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2023, 02:59:58 pm
content: would be nice to put this in a text file instead of a lenghty one here

author: robint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2023, 03:21:36 pm
content: Just trying to be precise and polite, because we are dealing with two files with the same name but different content - bad newsso the post was intended for HJK

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2023, 03:22:40 pm
content: Quote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 02:46:15 pmYou did not replace the Keysight device on the "Load devices" page with a Agilent.The error messages means that the #idString line do not match what the device returns and because it still says Keysigt you have not loaded the Agilent definition.Quote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 02:46:15 pmPlease, dont post the full file, it is a lot of noise in the thread.

author: robint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2023, 04:57:18 pm
content: Ok 41 sheets of code is gruesomebut you gave me a dilemma with a filename with two different contents - but I did the replacement in the directoryI thought you said that when TC starts up it automatically detects what instrument it is connected to?So It now comes up withAgilent 3661ASocketAddress sn:MY53200769Baud -Enable okNotesDoes this mean its looking for an Ethernet cable and not finding USB?I did find the Agilent in the "search socket " window " and selected that and it now comes up by default but still not displaying any values?Your system doesnt give info as to whether a successful connection has been made eg IDN?I finally got the original Benchvue loaded and it seems to work and log - I will post a separate topic on this - its been a very very fraught journey and its really hidden away and FREE as it was originally

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2023, 05:24:36 pm
content: Quote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 04:57:18 pmYou can do it either automatic or manually when no devices are listed. When devices are listed you must do it manually.Quote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 04:57:18 pmTestController only supports ethernet for this device.Quote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 04:57:18 pmIt must be listed in the table above the "Search socket" window and checkmarked and you must press "Reconnect"TestController will not display any values, except when you select the "Current values" page. To log values use the "Log" button on the "Commands" page, this will enable the other pages.In the popups there are also a couple of windows that will list the values. The one called "Readout" can be very useful if you want big number while you work with something.https://lygte-info.dk/project/TestControllerPopupReadout%20UK.htmlQuote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 04:57:18 pmOn the "Commands" page it will list connected devices at the bottom and also how they are connected.If you want to see the *idn? string you can type #id? on the command line. It will request the *idn? line from all connected devices. Or you can type *idn? and get the *idn? line from the currently selected device.

author: robint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2023, 09:44:09 pm
content: Sorry It doesnt work for me*************On the "Commands" page it will list connected devices at the bottom and also how they are connected.Nothing but blank windowsIf you want to see the *idn? string you can type #id? on the command line. It will request the *idn? line from all connected devices. Or you can type *idn? and get the *idn? line from the currently selected device.no no responseDead in the waterand btw how am I supposed to have all this prior info above unless im a java nerd?IMHO you need to do a lot more front-of house guidance and judging by 124 pages of comments on this board - that says it allMy IO connection monitor says all ok My router has an IP address for the DMMWhat else have I not been told - You app is pretty unforgiving just like Windows Command line prompt stuff

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2023, 10:59:47 am
content: Quote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 09:44:09 pmThat means you are not connected.Quote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 09:44:09 pmThere is nothing Java related in my last post and very little in my other posts.The difference between Java and many other programs is that you have to install Java and you may start programs slightly different, in usage there is no difference (Except same Java program works on Windows, Linux and Mac).Quote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 09:44:09 pmIn the 124 pages there is very little about starting TC up and connecting, it is mostly about new devices, a few bugs and feature requests.If you use the automatic setup it cannot really be easier.Quote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 09:44:09 pmThe automatic ought to work then.There is one exception to that: The ID return when scanning for LXI is not necessary the same as the *IDN? id, TestController try to match them, but if they are too different it will fail and manual configuration must be used.It is possible to do a LXI scan by typing #discover? on the TC command line, this will list the IP address, device and if it is supported (For automatic configuration).Quote from: robint on October 15, 2023, 09:44:09 pmThe only unforgiving this is that you generally need to know the address of the device (i.e. IP address or serial port) and the device name, but you do not even need to know that when using the initial auto setup for LXI devices.I have the Keysight version of the meter and have never had any problems connecting to it or using it.

author: robint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2023, 01:12:34 am
content: Hi HJK I finally got my free version of Benchvue loaded and working - sort of. I want run my logging from my laptop (W11 good spec etc 8Gig ram, SS drive 2.5g cpu). What I have noticed while logging from my DMM 6s/sample is the high CPU usage 20-50%. I can also tell cos the laptop fan is whistling up and down - must be getting warm in there.I noticed the same CPU hogging on my main PC and thats also good spec, but also raised CPU use to 20-30%, I normally run ca 10%Ive had other apps doing a similar data acquisition logging and chart display and nothing like this heavy use.As a general observation I find BV is very temperamental . I havent yet managed a 24hr record without some unexplained interruption. You cant discover your DMM when starting BV unless you are on line (it wont find your inst in airplane mode even though IO say all ok.)I am suspicious that Keysight is monitoring my activities - their TnCs says it demands the right to check your installation and usage/licenses etc and devious crippling of s/w (like the original BV -on XP you only get and hour logging They dont tell you this up front while you are paying out top dollar for a DMM. You have to get a subscription license $55 pa.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2023, 08:04:46 am
content: Benchvue is not the best from KeysightThey sit on their @ ss and do nothing to do ameliorations / enhancements / less ressources Hog ...

author: robint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2023, 09:28:51 am
content: Im with you there bro, Ive had bad experiences in the past from KS. Typical big Corp arrogance and devious business practices, trying to get you into a subscription service and tied into their spider web. They insist on their right to spy on you an check what you are connected to and phone home!!!!!.I wouldnt sleep at night trying to run a test laboratory using their compost heap of s/w apps. Its all tangled up with IVI (very old GPIB genre from 30-40 years ago?).I recently bought a DSO from Rigol (very smart) and it came with a fully function desk top app running off USB or RJ45, up and running quickly no sweat.Path&*((*&wave Benchvue - Ive spent hours over a week trying to get it working reliably - Im not confident I can leave it a week looking a battery bank usage at 1min sample time - all because I invested in a DMM 30461 6.5 dig thinking this would be a quality tool. JeezI think I might revert to my Hantek 4dig DMM slab (£50). I can get 10 days logging at 100s sample int ca9999 sample max. Only downside is the s/w only runs on XP (my little Acer netbook 20 years old still going strong - it presents timestamp log record list as csv save onto a usb thumbdrive then squirt into an Excel Sheet. Its a bit clunky BUT IT WORKS - I trust it (short of a power out).

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2023, 11:48:14 am
content: humm there is or was 3rd partys softwares if i recall ... my mind is blank for now, unless it was in Labview or Mathlab ??sure you have "testcontroller" here loll but other solutions are hard to findlucky me for the L4411A and 34410A i had found the old dmm software, it was working ok with slightly old i/o librairies, but newer models?

author: robint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2023, 05:24:21 am
content: Yup Im struggling with NI Labview app (I loaded the wrong instance - basic view misleading takes you after wasting a morning dl all the bloatware to a subscription model) I should have opted for the Community model - which I thought was for EDU only - but no hidden away its also free for home hobby use). Jeez its clunky old s/w 40 years old and put together by cheap labour students from their little projects etc so full of dead end config problems. I'll give it another couple of hours and then resurrect my Hanteks bless them.I just want something I can trust to log battery performance for a week that I can run and trust to finish the job. Is that so HARDOh FFS bring back strip chart recorders (worst thing is if ink dries out - but they work)

author: robint
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2023, 07:16:03 am
content: Hey whadayou sayNope Ive given up on that absurd waste of time. I finally got Labview to talk to my Keysight DMM only to discover that KS does not (like other makers) provide example programmed hook ups to display its data, you only get the most utter basic display of a readings table, no timestamp, graph display export data log etc, you have to program that all in your self. Ok for students and lab techs with un costed time to play around. Imagine its like playing with VB for macros on Excel!!!!!!!!!!!!If anyone knows any different pls tell us.If all fails and I simply cant trust BV logger then I'll dig out my trusty HanteksIndustry wants you to shell out for a "Datalogger" $1200BTW I dont want to do anything smart like set up the DMM buttons from my PC or all that bells and whistles stuff - who would trust that with what Ive seen of KS. I just want to collect data and it seems industry wants to put a strangle hold on the User - they clearly see a choke point to bleed the User. Big Companies will just pay out top dollar and sign up for a Company support agent to solve all the config problems by remote access - been there, seen that in action $$$$$$$

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2023, 10:24:37 am
content: KS or any other companies will offer basic NI examples, if they do offer them lollIf so, you have to merge them to get something useful, BUTyou are left with an unfinished software, you need to buy the very expensive creation builder tool to have full excutablesi created 2 software pieces in NI, was hard as h@@$%, no recent and good examples, all old stuff, basic stuff etc ...it was sheer luck at some point for an oldie like meEven controlled an KS meter with an Excel sheet with Macro, oh boy now Office does complaint a ton about converting arguments to 64 bit and of declaring them safe blah blahNo punI tried a few things with TestController, but my coding abilities are zits .... not for the Noobs like meluckily there is help and the maker is here in the threads