New Users - HP 53150A Series Programming Manual

Chapter 1 Before You Start ...
How to Use This Guide

New Users

What You Should Understand
As a new user, you must have some understanding of a high-level
language, such as BASIC or C, before you can use the command set
defined in this guide to control the Counter. (In Chapter 3, "Programming
Your Counter for Remote Operation," there are programming examples
provided in HP BASIC, Microsoft® QuickBASIC, and Borland® Turbo C.)
However, whatever language you use, the command strings that control
the Counter remain the same.
Learning to Program the Counter
To learn how to program the Counter, perform the following:
• Scan the summary tables in Chapter 2, "Command Summary,"
to get a feeling for the number and structure of commands
available to you.
• Read and study map drawings in the section titled "Front Panel to
SCPI Command Map" in Chapter 2.
• Read Chapter 3, "Programming Your Counter for Remote
Operation," for an overview of SCPI concepts as they relate to the
HP 53150A, 53151A, and 53152A Frequency Counters. Look at
the flowcharts, which illustrate some of the decisions you must
make when programming the Counter.
• Read the section at the end of Chapter 3 titled "Programming
Examples."
• Modify some of the programming examples to select specific
measurement functions. If the programs work, consider yourself
an experienced programmer and use Chapter 4, "Command
Reference," as a reference for detailed information of all the
Counter's SCPI commands.
1-4 Programming Guide