This thread is for a MS Excel macro application that logs data from a few legacy HP instruments that I have. Published hoping someone else might find it useful. This work is a fork from the other thread
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/3458a-logging-via-excel-macro/ which was for HP 3458A voltmeter. An early version of this work was published there but I decided to create a separate thread to not confuse the readers. Bits of code and charting was used from that other thread. However I do not have a 3458A, so I reworked the code to control my other HP legacy instruments:
- HP 3456A digital voltmeter
- HP 5334A universal counter
I am also planning to add HP 8753C VNA. While there may be not much to "log" from a VNA, the application can be used to grab screenshots and download/plot measured S-parameters data, as well as manage test setups and calibration standards.
The application uses VISA COM I/O libraries and a GPIB controller to talk to the HP instruments. My setup specifically is based on Win7 64, Keysight IO Libraries and a Agilent clone USB to GPIB adapter, also known as Beiming adapter, apparently named after the guy who created it. I do not have a National Instrument GPIB adapter to try but since the code is using VISA Instrumentation COM interface it should be transparent to the application and may work with other adapters, be it NI or Keysight.
The application requires two things: VISA libraries must be installed - can be downloaded from NI/Agilent, and MS Excel. My version of the MS Office is 2010, Keysight IO Libraries v17.3. The workbook includes separate worksheets for each instrument. Logging can be performed separately or simultaneously for all instruments (still started individually from each device's worksheet). Attached are the sreenshots for currently implemented instruments.
In terms of maintaining the macro and fixing bugs - I made no promises, as I am busy at my full time work, and I am not a programmer. But I will look into what I can do.
Use at your own risk. Caveat Emptor.
PS: The Excel book is attached split to two files because of this forum's attachment size limit. I used the program called 7-Zip,
http://www.7-zip.org/download.html ,use it to reconstruct the archive, though WinZip should also be able to do it.
Before extracting rename the files: remove the last .zip extension. I had to add it because otherwise the forum engine rejected to accept the files.
Update Feb 19, 2017: Updated 3456A sheet with NPLC and added Math box. The Math box only does Thermistor math currently, which can be selected when Function is set to 2-Wire or 4-Wire Ohm (obviously you need a physical thermistor for it). Updated files attached.