Thanks both. I saw on ebay a National Instruments IEEE488/GPIB to SCSI interface box, it's now coming my way for £40, worth a gamble. I have some scsi storage and computers with scsi although writing code for them is a non starter. I already have a scsi-to-cf that I've used for years so I'll try hook that string of kit up. It might be possible to exchange data using the CF, I've yet to work out if the HP works with FAT32 formatted drives or needs it's own custom spec.
If all that fails, I'll call Mr Pamphonica
The NI GPIB-SCSI box has arrived, pik attached. It promises to connect the IEEE488 to SCSI. There's good info in the NI archives. Would be good to find some Mac software, tools type of things, templates for programming. I might try to hook up a Raspberry Pi in the wintertime. I plan to see if it works with a ZIP100, a SyQuest 40/200MB and CF (all are scsi that is use elsewhere).