[Test-Equipment] GPIB scrips for HP 8657B? WAD: Signal Generator Wanted

[KA4INM radio]

   On 09/18/14 16:43, Dennis Wade wrote:

/*snip*/
>              I'm interested in the possibility of creating a sweep script
> for the 8657B using the GPIB interface.  I know very little so far, but
> what I've read seems encouraging and I've looked at the various GPIB
> toolkits.  Way overkill for what I'm interested in, but it would seem to me
> if its feasible someone would have done it...and I haven't found any
> examples yet.  I've done some programming (not GPIB) in a previous life

>               So a couple of specific questions:

>                    1.  GPIB cards/boxes.  I see that there are HP GPIB cards
> on the E-place for quite reasonable prices, while the National Inst. and
> Prologix stuff are much less reasonable.  What do I need?  PCI, USB, RS232?
>   I have read Phil's web page on the topic.

   Any hookup that float's your boat.

>                     2.  Ideally what I'd want is a GUI that would let me
> enter the start freq, end freq and amplitude and maybe number of
> repetitions...that's pretty much it.  Seems like a simple idea, but is this
> something an 8657B can even do reasonably?  I'm thinking of settling time
> each time it has to change frequency and how that might limit a sweep
> function.

   This is what the scripting language is good for.
With a precision diode detector (assuming enough signal level) and a 
GPIB dc Voltmeter, or power meter, you can sweep and record the results, 
of testing a piece of suitable equipment, with one start command.
   From what I have seen and I have looked at the programming language 
over the years all it takes is pure persistence and the realization that 
when it is working there may be a little error that must be corrected 
before you reach perfection.



-- 
   Ron  KA4INM - Youvan's corollary:
                 Every action results in unwanted side effects.