Error Messages

Error Messages

Last updated: January 16, 2009

Error Message Descriptions

Fixed Timer Messages

Manual User Error Messages

-400 through -499 Error Message Descriptions

-300 through -399 Error Message Descriptions

-200 through -299 Error Message Descriptions

-100 through -199 Error Message Descriptions

+100 through +199 Error Message Descriptions

+200 through +299 Error Message Descriptions

+300 through +399 Link Control Device-Specific Error

+400 through +499 Error Message Descriptions

+500 through +599 Test Application Hardware Device-Specific Error

+600 through +699 Error Message Descriptions

+700 through +799 Error Message Descriptions

+800 through +899 Error Message Descriptions

Description

Reading Error Messages

When an error occurs, an error message is shown in a message window at the center of the test set's display. When an error message is displayed, an audio beep occurs; the beeper state of the test set can be set to on or off. Error messages can be cleared from the test set's display using the DISPlay:WINDow:ERRor:CLEar command, or *CLS. Pressing any functional front panel key, i.e. the LOCAL key, will also clear an error message from the test set's display.

Each error message that is generated is recorded in either the error/event queue or the message log or both.

The error/event queue is read remotely using the SYSTem:ERRor? query. The error/event queue is able to hold 100 messages. The SYSTem:ERRor? query returns one error message at a time. As an error message is queried, it is removed from the error queue. To read the entire error/event queue (and thus also clear the error queue) use the following program.

 
10 DIM Err_msg$[255]
20 REPEAT
30 OUTPUT 714;"SYSTEM:ERROR?"
40 ENTER 714; Err_num,Err_msg$
50 PRINT Err_num,Err_msg$
60 UNTIL Err_num = 0

You can also clear the error queue by sending *CLS or *RST or by cycling the test set's power.

The message log may be viewed on the test set's display by pressing the SYSTEM CONFIG screen's Message Log key. The message log can display up to 24 entries over two pages. To clear the message log, select Clear Message Log ( F10 ), or cycle the test set's power.

Because the error queue and Message Log can be cleared independently, their contents may differ.

Classes of Errors

Error messages are divided into classes, each class of error is handled differently by the test set. The message log is cleared when the test set is power cycled.

Measurement Integrity Indicators

These messages occur as a result of a measurement, they indicate the validity of the measurement. Measurement integrity indicators are read with the FETCh command.

Non-Persistent Errors

These messages are generated when a condition occurs that is incorrect, but has no serious or long lasting effect on the test set's operation. Examples could include an out of range value to a parameter, or an invalid GPIB mnemonic. The message window is cleared when any front panel key is pressed.

Persistent Errors

These errors are generated when a non-transitory error condition exists. Persistent errors occur when a hardware failure is found, or when damage or injury to a person or the test set may occur.

The test set displays these errors in the error message window and as a prompt at the bottom of the display screen where it remains until the error condition no longer exists.

Fatal Errors

When these errors occur no further operation of the test set is possible without cycling the power switch. Fatal errors are not saved in the error message log. The test set display will provide the user with information about what to do next and some details about what the test set was doing when the fatal error occurred.

Maskable Messages

These messages are intended to inform the user of a condition within the test set. They are generally meant to provide information to the user. The user will need to decide if this condition is undesirable and if they want the message to appear.

Maskable Message Display State

The Maskable Messages Display State found in the Instrument Setup menu gives users a way to block these messages and the associated beep from ever happening. When the state is Off these messages and their associated beep will be blocked. The Maskable Message Display State can be set manually or with the following GPIB command:

 
OUTPUT 714;"DISPLAY:MESSAGE:MASKABLE:STATE OFF"
! Prevents certain messages from appearing on the display.

Instrument Maskable Messages

  • Instrument warning: Audio Generator instrument has been closed.
  • Instrument warning: Audio Analyzer instrument has been closed.
  • Instrument warning: Analog Audio instrument has been closed.

Related Topics


SYSTem:ERRor?

Error Message Log