[fullfilled] WTB : GPIB to USB adapter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cbueche
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 05:02:22 pm
content: Looking to buy a GPIB to USB adapter. Preferably EU.Goal is to talk to my HP 3478A, primarily for calibration backup (and restore).

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 05:35:06 pm
content: you have some thread to create an usb to gpib adapter hereand some very good software to backup the calibration before playing with it or changing the batteryDo a eevblog search youll find them pretty easily

author: cbueche
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 05:58:41 pm
content: Thanks I have seem them, and as well the ebay chinese copies. It's a one-time use, so I'm not wanting to build something, I have other projects in need of my attention. I'm sure labs are dumping these things...

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 07:32:14 pm
content: Not to my experience... those things are still damn expensive. You best option may be to get a chinese clone, it should do the job.

author: H.O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2020, 10:26:49 pm
content: Can't speak for the ebay clones since I haven't personally used one but I (who is not into the "Arduino-world") managed to follow basic instructions for the AR488 project and then talk to my FLUKE PM6680B in WAY less time (and money) than it would've taken to get one of those Agilent or NI clones from China.If it's for a one-time use and (which I'm sure is the case) you have any kind of experience with a soldering iron and some general computer know-how I'd recommend looking one of the DIY projects. Like I said the AR488 worked fine for me when I needed it.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 01:28:26 am
content: 1. The good ones aren't being dumped. They are still sold and used and cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.2. I have an NI chinese clone that wasn't too expensive. And worked pretty well when first set up, definitely less trouble than building one of the Arduino based jobs. BUT a few Windows updates later and the NI driver now identifies it as a clone and sends me off to NI to buy a valid one. See 1. above. I can still make it work, but the effort is getting more and more and I don't know how long it will last.3. I have another Chinese GPIB adapter, not a clone. The hardware seems high quality, and the demo software allows entry of commands and readback of data, but I (and others) have been totally unsuccessful in using the software interface.4. Once you have the thing you may find that you have more and more use of it. The one time thing can easily turn into broader use. There are a lot of pieces of test gear that only speak that language.5. There will be some software effort whichever path you go. Your personal history will have a big impact on how difficult each path is. A Linux/Python guru will find the Arduino 488 easy. My Pascal background made EasyGPIB a friendly choice, but it doesn't easily support the Arduino 488.In spite of all that, or because of that, I am seriously considering putting together an Arduino based interface.

author: cbueche
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 09:05:29 am
content: Thanks all for the hints. I'm electronic engineer in IT since 30 years so soldering and Linux are known areas. Initially I didn't want to start yet another project but you gave me the opportunity to experiment this Arduino thing so I'm on to it.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 10:25:44 am
content: I can sell you a GPIB to USB 82357B adapter made in chinesium, it works and I used in BenchVue Keysight no problem.50€ + shipping.PM me if you are interested.Selling reason: upgrade to Agilent E5810A.

author: eplpwr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 10:31:46 am
content: I bought the most dirty 82357B I could find on eBay, it cost me US$95.02 (+shipping+import duties). My reasoning was that the clones would not be that beaten up, and I got a genuine part! Also, the S/N checked out OK with Keysight warranty information webpage (S/N was visible in the eBay listing).After lots of cleaning the interface itself looked decent, but the cable was permanently dirt-impregnated; I used the cable from one of my clones which solved that problem. The only downside was that when cleaning with IPA it's easy to unintentionally remove the conductive paint that is sprayed on the inside of the plastic shell (on the original ones).Stay away from 82357's with a "Ceryificate".

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 11:30:49 am
content: Quote from: eplpwr on August 11, 2020, 10:31:46 amI heard they are instable if connected with a raspi USB interface. If you are using it from Windows no problem whatsoever.

author: cbueche
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 11, 2020, 12:03:25 pm
content: 5 minutes before ordering an Arduino Nano I took the deal offered by Zucca. Thanks all again !