Re: 11048C feed through termination data?
You can start with a DC R measurement. If they seem fairly precise at DC, that's a good sign that they were intended to be so there and beyond. The RF/HF is of course a different story, but good LF/DC is necessary before you even worry about going up. Most typical terminators that I've seen are around +/- 5%, so nothing special. if you see say, one percent or better, then maybe they're pretty good - at LF/DC at least.
You can check them at RF/HF too, if you have the right gear. The type/grade of connector is a big factor too - if you're talking about BNC only, it's not a big deal.
Ed
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Re: total newbie into GP-IB
Greetings Ruben,
The prices I have been paying on eBay for National Instrument PCI GPIB cards has ranged from $33.00 to $200. It all depends how patient you are and the form factor of the GPIB / GPIB+ adaptor. The "low profile" NI GPIB card I purchased for my primary controller was about $180, this also included the adapter cable to convert the connector on the card to a full size GPIB connector. I have seen GPIB PCIe adapters go for $300+, a bit more than I would be willing to pay for. Once I'm able to test the NI USB HS adapter (paid $86 for) I may post my results, until then I have no idea if it's a counterfeit. It is new in the box, comes from a seller with good feedback from the USA so we'll see.?
I am a big fan of the KE5FX software suite, it does most everything I need to do, everything else is covered by HTBasic, NI IO Trace, NI GPIB Analyzer and or Python scrips. I've used the Phase noise program to plot phase noise measurements with my HP 70k series SA. Used Time lab with a HP 5371A and a HP 5370B to make Alen Deviation plots with ease. I make full use of the console based applications called talk, listen and query. You can piece together some creative batch files to preset instruments with these console based applications.
Best Regards,
Craig Petersen.
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Re: AR488 GP-IB boards with bluetooth
Tom,
can the redirector program be used to get a AR488 working as a plotter with KE5FX tools?
Best regards
Marcus
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Re: total newbie into GP-IB
So, back on my questions
KE5FX site is very interesting, found some tools to do nice operation, mostly with 8566/68 SAs
He talks about NI and prologix adapters, the price tag on originals are madness. So an NI counterfeit is an option?
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Thanks. I tried the shift + power on method and it took about 15 seconds to run and it made lots of internal clicking noises and then it showed PASS.
The only niggle I have found so far with it is that there was a buzz/hum from the transformer. I took the cover off and one lug of the transformer was loose! It sounds a lot better now although there is still a very slight hum from the transformer if I hold my ear to the casing.
It takes 8W when running and the transformer runs quite cool to the touch. So I don't think the transformer is faulty in any way. To try and verify this, there are another seven of them at work and I tried listening to all of them. They all give out a slight hum from the transformer when I listen close to the case. Some are slightly worse than others. I guess this is normal for this meter. They also vibrate/tremble ever so slightly when running and this is from the transformer.
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Re: total newbie into GP-IB
On Thursday 21 March 2024 03:42:50 pm Roy J. Tellason, Sr. wrote: So if anybody might want some, ?please feel free to contact me off-list at roy AT rtellasonn DOT com and we'll work something out. That should be roy AT rtellason DOT com... -- Member of the toughest, meanest, deadliest, most unrelenting -- and ablest -- form of life in this section of space, ?a critter that can be killed but can't be tamed. ?--Robert A. Heinlein, "The Puppet Masters" - Information is more dangerous than cannon to a society ruled by lies. --James M Dakin
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Re: total newbie into GP-IB
On Thursday 21 March 2024 07:03:48 am tom_iphi via groups.io wrote: Hi Joel,
I'm using the homebrew Arduino AR488 adapters on all of my GPIB instruments.
Looking that over, that's really pretty nifty! These are cheap enough to spend an individual adapter for every instrument.
These communicate via a virtual (or real) serial ports and are compatible with the Prologix adapter, so the KE5FX toolkit can be used.
To get away without excessive cabelling, every of my adapters has a Bluetooth interface (HC-05 or HC-06 modules work well), which has very good latency.
I have experimented with wifi, but latency was poor. Another advantage of Bluetooth is that every adapter can identify itself with the instrument name. Some of my instruments are so old that they do not understand *idn? yet.
The serial interface also makes programming very simple. One can test out beforehand with a simple terminal program and then use any programming system and language that supports serial ports.
Moreover, with individual adapters, you will never encounter a GPIB address conflict and parallel communication with multiple instruments is possible.
In summary, I'm very happy with my setup. I get screenshots and measurement data from my 8510 and my 8593, I read out power meters and DMMs and I control 8672A signal generators and an Agilent power supply. All very handy. I looked over the docs that came with that, and saw mention of using "parallel printer cables" to make cables to use with this setup. I have a fairly large pile of those and no particular use for them. So if anybody might want some, please feel free to contact me off-list at roy AT rtellasonn DOT com and we'll work something out. -- Member of the toughest, meanest, deadliest, most unrelenting -- and ablest -- form of life in this section of space, ?a critter that can be killed but can't be tamed. ?--Robert A. Heinlein, "The Puppet Masters" - Information is more dangerous than cannon to a society ruled by lies. --James M Dakin
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Re: AR488 GP-IB boards with bluetooth
On 3/21/24 11:21, tom_iphi via groups.io wrote: Redirector.exe
This software can be used to redirect a device on interface A (NI VISA if installed, COM Port, TCP) to an interface B (another COM Port, TCP, Terminal, KE5FX GPIB Toolbox, Voice output...). Very useful, particularly when working with many COM ports as these can be filtered and Bluetooth names can be displayed.
Porttest.exe
Sends out random data to one COM Port and compares it to incoming data on another COM Port. I wrote this to test HC-05 Bluetooth modules. Recently, I bought a batch that wouldn't properly work at 115.2kBaud. It would drop data packets. Is the source available? I'm wanting to stay linux/python based for this kind of thing. -- John Griessen
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Re: AR488 GP-IB boards with bluetooth
On 3/21/24 11:21, tom_iphi via groups.io wrote: no need to invent the wheel a second time.
I have uploaded several variants as KiCAD projects (KiCAD5!) and some additional information to this folder:
/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment/files/AR488%20GPIB%20Adapter%20Info That's great! Who all wants to order boards? Radu? I'll be wanting 8. I'll probably kit the parts also, ordered with digikey's free shipping prepaid option, unless speed is required. This is back burner for me... -- John Griessen
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Download a copy of the user and the service manuals from Keysight’s website. Lots of good info there, including the instructions for initiating the built in self test program, which will let you know if the unit is working properly.
i am not aware of any particular issues involving the rear inputs. The specifications for accuracy apply equally for either the front or rear inputs.?
let us know if you encounter any problems! They are great accurate and quite stable multimeters.?
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Re: AR488 GP-IB boards with bluetooth
Hi folks, no need to invent the wheel a second time. I have uploaded several variants as KiCAD projects (KiCAD5!) and some additional information to this folder: /g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment/files/AR488%20GPIB%20Adapter%20InfoThe zip package contains two programs: Redirector.exe This software can be used to redirect a device on interface A (NI VISA if installed, COM Port, TCP) to an interface B (another COM Port, TCP, Terminal, KE5FX GPIB Toolbox, Voice output...). Very useful, particularly when working with many COM ports as these can be filtered and Bluetooth names can be displayed. Porttest.exe Sends out random data to one COM Port and compares it to incoming data on another COM Port. I wrote this to test HC-05 Bluetooth modules. Recently, I bought a batch that wouldn't properly work at 115.2kBaud. It would drop data packets. Have fun! Tom DG8SAQ
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Re: AR488 GP-IB boards with bluetooth
John, Heck, yeah! Count me in!! I'm a fan of KiCAD, so if all?things equal etc., I'd favor that option. Radu.?
On 3/21/24 05:03, tom_iphi via wrote:
> I'm using the homebrew Arduino AR488 adapters on all of my GPIB instruments.
> <>
> These are cheap enough to spend an individual adapter for every instrument.
> These communicate via a virtual (or real) serial ports and are compatible with the Prologix adapter, so the KE5FX toolkit can be used.
> To get away without excessive cabelling, every of my adapters has a Bluetooth interface (HC-05 or HC-06 modules work well), which
> has very good latency.
> I have experimented with wifi, but latency was poor. Another advantage of Bluetooth is that every adapter can identify itself with
> the instrument name. Some of my instruments are so old that they do not understand *idn? yet.
I'm familiar with KiCAD, pcb-rnd, gschem, sch-rnd tools and am thinking of making a pcb with:
? integral USB connector, arduino 32u4 and mega 2560, ieee-488 connector, bluetooth HC05.
Anyone else interested?? Does one already exist for sale?
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AR488 GP-IB boards with bluetooth
On 3/21/24 05:03, tom_iphi via groups.io wrote: I'm using the homebrew Arduino AR488 adapters on all of my GPIB instruments.
<>
These are cheap enough to spend an individual adapter for every instrument.
These communicate via a virtual (or real) serial ports and are compatible with the Prologix adapter, so the KE5FX toolkit can be used.
To get away without excessive cabelling, every of my adapters has a Bluetooth interface (HC-05 or HC-06 modules work well), which has very good latency.
I have experimented with wifi, but latency was poor. Another advantage of Bluetooth is that every adapter can identify itself with the instrument name. Some of my instruments are so old that they do not understand *idn? yet. I'm familiar with KiCAD, pcb-rnd, gschem, sch-rnd tools and am thinking of making a pcb with: integral USB connector, arduino 32u4 and mega 2560, ieee-488 connector, bluetooth HC05. Anyone else interested? Does one already exist for sale?
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Re: total newbie into GP-IB
On 3/21/24 05:03, tom_iphi via groups.io wrote: Another advantage of Bluetooth is that every adapter can identify itself with the instrument name. Some of my instruments are so old that they do not understand *idn? yet. That sounds like the way to go!Do you fab these yourself, or buy pcbs, or?
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Re: total newbie into GP-IB
Hey Ed,
I think NI added a check for counterfeit adapters in their 488.2 software from version 17.6 onwards - They stopped making earlier versions of the software available which was an annoyance for me as, at the time, I used an NI GPIB-ENET/100 which wasn't supported in 17.6+. However, you can still get earlier releases over on archive.org.
TonyG
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Re: HP 83651B Operator Panel simulator
Hello,
Likewise! The displays tend to dim and the instruments aren’t always easily accessible.?
Any chance this software might work also with the HP usb-gpib plug?
Regards,
?Staffan
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Re: total newbie into GP-IB
I have no experience with the knock-offs.
In the past I have heard stories of such units working but having trouble with drive capability due to cheapening out on the GPIB bus drivers and giving trouble with setups with more than a couple of instruments on the bus or longer cables.? So they may work OK with an instrument or two.
Peter
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Show quoted text
On 3/21/2024 12:40 AM, RubenRubio wrote:
Are the NI GPIB-USB-HS cheap counterfeit units the way to go? There are tons on eBay. Also seen an Agilent 82357A on sale which seems old but original, is that an option for my old HP equipment? <>
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Re: total newbie into GP-IB
The counterfeit NI adapters may not work with the newer versions of the NI software.
I think that version 14 will work with them, not sure when they started to detect the counterfeits.
I have not tried the latest counterfeit adapters so not sure how they do.
ed
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Did you connect up the internal PTC heater?
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Show quoted text
On 3/21/2024 6:21 AM, Peter Hansen wrote: Hello Peter what about drift I tried to mod a avantek YIG of the same type but I always end up with the drift of the YIG beeing greater than the Loop will handle and with occational you can choose between cold and hot for it to throw a Err301 YIG loop unlock.
maybe you have done something I have not mastered.
73 Peter OZ1LPR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Fra:* [email protected] <[email protected]> p? vegne af Peter Gottlieb <hpnpilot@...>
*Sendt:* 20. marts 2024 23:44
*Til:* [email protected] <[email protected]>
*Emne:* Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] 8562E adventures
Now that I got that Avantek YTO to operate properly in the unit, I would like to
once again see if I can find an outer case and handle for this thing.
Due to insane international shipping costs I will want it to be in the USA.
Anyone have any leads?
Peter
On 3/20/2024 11:23 AM, Peter Gottlieb via groups.io wrote:
An update.
The Avantek YTO requires a lot more current to tune to the required
frequencies than the HP YTO it replaces.? I was running into trouble because I
was actually measuring the 2nd harmonic, which explained why it showed weak on
the bench 8566A.? I was seeing minus some odd dBm where I would expect the 1st
LO output should be around +10 dBm.? This is why I was having difficulties. I
needed to look lower in frequency than I thought for the strongest output.
Tho get the Avantek to run at the needed frequencies required some circuit
modifications.
Bottom line, it required adding some extra resistors in parallel to the
current sense resistors in the Q301 and Q302 circuits.? In each case, the two
parallel 100 ohm resistors had to have added two each precision 76.8 ohm low
TC resistors.? This moved the 50 ohm sense resistor to 21.72 ohms.? Once this
was done, I was able to get the YTO tuning alignment completed successfully at
3.200 and 6.050 GHz per the manual.
The Avantek main coil is 10 ohms while the HP coil was 39 ohms. To limit
dissipation in the drive transistors and sense resistors, I added a 20 ohm 5
watt resistor in series with the main coil, at the YTO.? At the 305 mA
required at 6.050 GHz, it dissipates 1.8 watts. The power dissipation in
components is calculated to be within limits.
The analyzer errors disappeared and I can work further on it.
I did notice that the drive transistor for the YTF is running VERY hot.? I
will need to look into that.
Peter
On 3/18/2024 6:33 PM, Peter Gottlieb via groups.io wrote:
So my adventures in restoring this instrument continue.
The YTO I got from ebay had a definite intermittent short between one side of
the FM coil and the -5 volt pin.
I cut it open and this was a manufacturing defect.
The ebay seller sent me another unit, which is fine.? He didn't give me a
hard time at all, very honorable.
So I mounted it in the instrument with the adapter plate I had made, hooked
up the -5 volt regulator and everything else, and tried the YTO adjustments.
I could set the low to the 3.200 GHz but I couldn't get the high to go to
6.010 GHz.? Not enough range in the adjustment pot.? In the circuit there are
R44 and R126, each 100 ohm 0.1% resistors, in parallel, in the current sense
part of the current source circuit. I found that an added 1K resistor in
parallel would give me enough range so I added a high quality 1% 1K resistor
there.
I was then able to go back and forth on the low and high adjustments until
they were right.
However, that resistor might not be the right value even though I could get
the adjustments to work, because I am getting an error 319, which is a
warning that the coarse YTO tune DAC is near its limit.
I will have to look at the DAC output to see if this is for the lower or
upper limit and go from there.
This is promising.? It looks like this substitute YTO might just end up
working out.
Peter
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Re: total newbie into GP-IB
Hi Joel,
I'm using the homebrew Arduino AR488 adapters on all of my GPIB instruments.
These are cheap enough to spend an individual adapter for every instrument.
These communicate via a virtual (or real) serial ports and are compatible with the Prologix adapter, so the KE5FX toolkit can be used.
To get away without excessive cabelling, every of my adapters has a Bluetooth interface (HC-05 or HC-06 modules work well), which has very good latency.
I have experimented with wifi, but latency was poor. Another advantage of Bluetooth is that every adapter can identify itself with the instrument name. Some of my instruments are so old that they do not understand *idn? yet.
The serial interface also makes programming very simple. One can test out beforehand with a simple terminal program and then use any programming system and language that supports serial ports.
Moreover, with individual adapters, you will never encounter a GPIB address conflict and parallel communication with multiple instruments is possible.
In summary, I'm very happy with my setup. I get screenshots and measurement data from my 8510 and my 8593, I read out power meters and DMMs and I control 8672A signal generators and an Agilent power supply. All very handy.
Best regards,
Tom
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Craig Petersen
RubenRubio