First Post!
I didn't know if this should go in the Test And Measurement subforum or this Programming subforum. Let me know if the other one is more appropriate.

I have a Rigol DHO814 scope on my LAN and can control it with a PC Based utility called Ultra Sigma provided by Rigol.
I can interact with it and send one command at a time.
Can this be done through Excel 365 VBA code? Any pointers to get started?

Background: I spend 20 years as an Electronic Technician and Test Engineer followed by another 20 years using Excel and VBA code. So, I've done some programming but I consider myself a weak programmer.

 

Before coding in VBA, test SCPI commands using a tool like Telnet or PuTTY to ensure connectivity.

 

Yes, commands are working through the Rigol Ultra Sigma PC utility (application).

 

The attached screenshot shows the utility with command sent and response.

 

VBA can do a lot but it lacks internal TCP functionality.
therefore to do what you want, you must use winsock:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/p...basic-6/aa733709(v=vs.60)?redirectedfrom=MSDN

 

Thanks. That looks more complicated than I want to deal with.

 

So, if Excel VBA can't do this what is a simple language that could (and low cost or Open Source, and run on Windows 11)? Additional background: In the 1990's I maintained a DOS Basic program that was over 50,000 lines long. It was structured and modularized. I didn't write it but I knew it inside and out. Except for Excel VBA I have not done programming since then.

 

whatever way you go, you will run into learning curve and challenges. perhaps Python... also Visual Studio Community edition is free. and offers programming language like VB or C#. and there is tons of source code and examples that address just about everything ... including TCP client.

 

I moved this thread from Programming & Languages to Test & Measurement because @tautech might have some information that could help you.

 

I moved this thread from Programming & Languages to Test & Measurement because @tautech might have some information that could help you.

Yup, get another brand with a more powerful webserver and inbuilt SCPI webpage.

Others might not agree......

 

Welcome to AAC.

Almost certainly your time is best spent learning Python. Not because it is necessarily the best language but because of its ubiquitous adoption in science and industry, and readily available documentation, tutorials, and other help.

For example, this article was instantly available with a simple search. What you learn to solve this problem with Python wil be portable to other problems. Python is not my favorite language, but as far as utility in this area, I don't think it can be beaten.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the Python suggestion. It looks like Python and PyVisa are what I need. I see that Amazon has a large number of books for beginners. I think I'll get myself a Christmas present!

 

Hello,

The archive has also some books om python:
https://archive.org/search?query=py...[]=mediatype:"texts"&and[]=language:"English"

Bertus