file: C:\Hp_svc\readme.txt - 12/20/2000, for utility 'RemH98' This file describes a utility, 'remH98', which removes the "H98" option from an ESG (Agilent Signal Generator). RemH98 _ONLY_WORKS_ on the appropriate models of ESG; it will not harm the configurations of any other instrumentson the GPIB. The utility will 'complain' if it can't communicate reliably, or if anything looks the least bit amiss. Only if all conditions are met will the ESG's configuration be rewritten to remove the H98 option. RemH98 will try for 45 seconds (or so) to establish communications before giving up. After running RemH98, the ESGs needs firmware updated and option UN8 installed. So be sure to follow the complete H98 Removal Instructions documented below. System Requirements ------------------- The computer must contain an Agilent GPIB interface board. The card tested is 82341C/D. This utility does not work with the RS-232 connection. The HP CDROM entitled "HP I/O Libraries for Instrument Control" must have been installed on the computer. This puts needed "driver" software on the computer so RemH98 (and other programs) can communicate via GPIB. The installer described by this note does ___NOT___ install the HP Libraries. How to Install RemH98 --------------------- If you've downloaded these files off the web, you should: - "Go" to the directory contained the downloaded files. If you're unsure where that is, use Windows' Start Bar| Find to locate the file "RemH98.exe". Make Windows Explorer "go" to that directory. When "in" Remh98's directory, double click on the batch file, "install.bat"; it will create any needed directories and move files into their directories. When the batch file finishes, installation will be complete. If you've obtained the RemH98 utility on a floppy, you should: - put the diskette into drive A: Select Windows' Start Bar|Run Into Run's little window, type "A:install" After installation, Windows Explorer may not immediately show any new directories. Select View|Refresh to have Explorer update its presentation of the current directories. Option H98 Removal Instructions ------------------------------- 1. Vertify that when the ESG Signal Generator is powered on, no error messages are displayed. If necessary, troubleshoot and repair problems before proceeding. 2. Verify the instrument has H98 installed. The options installed are displayed via the following key sequence: Utility, Instrument Info, Diagnostic Info 3. Run Install.bat in the Remove H98 software to install Remh98.exe in the C:\hp_svc directory. 4. Execute the C:\hp_svc\Remh98.exe file. Note, to verify the instrument's GPIB address, press the Utility, HPIB/RS-232 keys. - Get Windows Explorer to "go" (select) C:\Hp_svc - double click on RemH98.exe - If you're using Windows 3.x, find the "Run" selection under the Program Manager's "File" menu. Type C:\Hp_svc\remh98 into Run's window. 5. Cycle line power on the ESG. Verify the instrument no longer has H98 installed (see step 2). 6. The firmware in the instrument is unique to the H98 option and must be UPDATED. Update the firmware now. You may access and download the latest firmware from the web. It is available on the Agilent Technologies external website. Just do a search for "ESG Family Firmware". It is also available at the following internal website: http://mktdev.soco.agilent.com/field/service/sources/esg/firmware/firmware.htm Note that with the latest ESG Upgrade Assistant the firmware can be downloaded via RS-232 or GPIB. 7. Cycle line power on the ESG before proceeding. This removes some possible error messages. 8. Access the following menu to start Installation of option UN8. Utility, Instrument Adjustments, Hardware Options 9. Use the Up/Down arrow keys to highlight UN8 and use the Select Item key to select UN8. Note that an X should be displayed to the left of UN8. 10. Press the Proceed with Reconfiguration then the Confirm Change softkeys. 11. When the instrument reboots, check for error messages. It is very likely that some form of a DSP error message will occur. This indicates that the DG3DSP firmware must be updated. Return to the Firmware download process to update the DG3DSP firmware. Make sure that the Main Firmware box is not checked. It is unnecessary to update the Main Firmware again. 12. Calibrate the I/Q Modulation by selecting the following key sequence: Utility, Instrument Adjustments, Hardware Options, Calibrate Selected Items, Start Calibration and Store Results 13. The update is complete. The instrument should have option H98 removed and option UN8 installed. Troubleshooting --------------- - SICL error message "timeout" RemH98 could not access a device at address 19. Perhaps the ESG is at a different address. Perhaps the GPIB connection is not plugged in properly. - "Could not open port 'hpib7,19' The following error was reutned by SICL. 'No error' " SICL (the communications library for the GPIB board) says something major is missing - probably the GPIB interface board ! - takes a long time. seems to "go away". Finally says "Instrument didn't respond". The "long time" should be about 45 seconds. The message could result from - no instrument at GPIB address 19 - a hardware error on the GPIB board. - error message "ESG-D didn't have H98 selected". The model number was ok for H98 removal but the ESG claimed, in its configuration file, not to have H98 selected. This 'error' will occur if you run RemH98 twice on an ESG. - error message "Error reading array ". see below - error message "Error loading array ...". Record the complete message. RemH98 got part way through its changes when a problem occurred. Please contact a service person; be prepared to repeat the message. - error message "ID string didn't have ESG-D ...". RemH98 asked the instrument at address 19 to identify itself and the response didn't say the device was a digital type ("-D") ESG. So RemH98 will exit without touching anything. RemH98 will only work on ESG's at address 19. - error message "Error reading ID string". see below. - error message "ID string had no comma". RemH98 doesn't identify the instrument at address 19 as being an ESG. The response message is garbled or is from another type of instrument.