PoE Ethernet GPIB Adapter – Open Source Project, now public

[Zucca]

I hope for you v1 is the perfect one with no bugs, if this will be confirmed you will sell trucks of these 

Meanwhile keep scanning aliexpress, alibaba, taobao and so on.
Some people in Asia loves to replicate the good projects and sell them at low prices in the aboves.... 

[H.O]

Question on usage, apologies if it's been covered. I'm not familiar with Prologix ethernet adapters, only the AR488.
Does it do DHCP or do you set the IP-adress over UART?
Once the IP is known, how do you actually "connect" to it using for example TeraTerm for testing or Python for automation.

Not looking for a tutorial, just basic pointers.

[Kofen]

Question on usage, apologies if it's been covered. I'm not familiar with Prologix ethernet adapters, only the AR488.
Does it do DHCP or do you set the IP-adress over UART?
Once the IP is known, how do you actually "connect" to it using for example TeraTerm for testing or Python for automation.

Not looking for a tutorial, just basic pointers.

I have not added much on usage on the git page, it is on my todo list, I have just been vague with "prologix syntax"

So out of the box it is configured for DHCP, right now fixed IP requires a recompile, but before the adapters ships I should be able to have a new push that lets you read and set IP address over serial so it will be easier.

Next step is quite easy, it is a TCP server/socket at port 1234, aka telnet port.

So simple example to connect and read would be:
via example netcat, telnet, TerraTerm etc, netcat used as example:
NC <IP> 1234

The way the adapter works then is the same as AR488.
e.g a command prefixed ++ and ends with LF/CR is config command for the adapter, while all others are sent straight for the bus.
So say you want to do a simple *IDN? of the instrument:

NC <IP> 1234
++addr <gpib_addr>
*IDN?
++read

Here we set the address, send command and query the bus.
This can also be more automated with the ++auto command, setting it to ++auto 1, then it does query automatically based in ? in command sent.
Then there is also ++EOI that is default 1, but then we are also getting a bit deeper into GPIB bus structure, let me know if you need any pointers there.

I will see if I can add quick guide on the github or maybe I can refer to a modified AR488 manual for now. Just let me know if you need more for now.
I will prioritize to get a config interface implemented over the usb-c serial when ethernet is used first, docs can always be updated when they are in transit

I also hope to check out the pyvisa fork that has preliminary support for Prologix as I think that is an easy way to get folks going, but need some time to look into, main priority is to get the adapters out first.
Luckily any FW changes is very easily programmed over the USB-C interface for all OSes so any FW update should be very easy for everyone.


@Zucca V1 is verified, I am not sure if you have seen the DT that gives a high level overview over testing? The prototypes that are the final design have been working excellent over many months of heavy use, but I am sure some bugs will surface when they get sent out, but I think those will be firmware more than anything. Link to DT: https://github.com/Kofen/PoE_Ethernet_GPIB_Adapter/blob/main/docs/dt.md

[H.O]

Thanks, that's more than enough for now, it was basically the Telnet port clue I was after at this point. Appreciated!

[Kofen]

Quick update,

Got a couple of pics of finished boards from mfg, soon on it's way here.
Thanks again for the patience!

[Zucca]

@Zucca V1 is verified, I am not sure if you have seen the DT that gives a high level overview over testing? The prototypes that are the final design have been working excellent over many months of heavy use, but I am sure some bugs will surface when they get sent out, but I think those will be firmware more than anything. Link to DT: https://github.com/Kofen/PoE_Ethernet_GPIB_Adapter/blob/main/docs/dt.md

It is just a matter of time I will give you my money. 

[Kofen]

Another quick update:

PCBs are incomming tomorrow.
All partskits + extra for tier 1 is prepared and ready, cases as well.

All on schedule to be shipped out this week.
I have prepared a pogo pin test jig so hopefully bring up will be quick and pain less. On the first few boards I will do some extra testing, just to make sure that everything is the same as on the prototypes.

I will ship out on first in - first out basis based on order date, but I think all will go out on the same day.

I have prepared an extra 5 kits for any late bloomers that can go out this week(Any tier). Any orders after that will go out next week. When in stock(as it should be from now on), shipping time is 2-3 days after order is placed and payed.

Thank you again for your patience and support.

I have a lot of shipping labels to order now...

[krish2487]

Thank you for the update @Kofen.. :-)
Out of curiosity.. did you manage to get your pnp and 3d printer fixed ?? :-)

[Kofen]

Thank you for the update @Kofen.. :-)
Out of curiosity.. did you manage to get your pnp and 3d printer fixed ?? :-)

PnP is fixed, but I have not bothered to look at the 3d printer yet, probably a minor issue, but got a bit fed up

[Kofen]

Boards are in, under bring up now!

The side view led is the only soldering issue, it has been mounted offset from it's pads. All with issues are reworked now. Boards otherwise tested and found to be 100% working.

Currently gluing ferrite cores for my life

Those of you who might read this and is waiting for reply on PMs or invoice, you are on the list and I will get back to you shortly, just want to get the bring up out of the way first.

[Kofen]

Another update!

All boards are brought up and ready for packaing.

Some "fun facts" from bring up.
50% needed rework of the RGB led due to mounting error from fab house.
2 boards needed the ch340x replaced as it was not working over uart.

That was all, everything else just came up as expected, which is nice. On the next run it will hopefully be zero faults, but I don't know why the two ch340x is wonky, I have saved them so I can look at them if I get bored one day.

I will order all the shipping labels during my lunch break and pack all the orders tonight, then hit the postoffice tomorrow.
Thanks again for the support and patience, much appriciated.

One thing about EU shipping tracking, it is being sent as traceable letter, based on experience when I sent the prototype to Ian, I learned that the tracking does not update until it reach the main shipping hub. That means that there will probably be a few days delay before the tracking starts working, but I will confirm in this thread tomorrow when the adapters have been sent out.

[Kofen]

All orders except for two that I am still waiting payment for shipped out today!

I think all of you either have been spammed by paypal with tracking or thru PM. If you are missing tracking number, let me know!

Thanks again for the patience!

Edit:
I have 12 boards that is not spoken for that is up for grabs that has ran thru FAT.
5 thru-hole parts kit, more incoming monday.
3 3d printed cases left.

So any one that wants one, feel free to order, I will print more cases this weekend as well.

[krish2487]

I received a tracking number thru paypal..

Thank you @Kofen 

[Hydron]

I received a tracking number thru paypal..

Thank you @Kofen 

+1 to above, got tracking a few days ago (no info yet from postal service though, as warned).

...and it just arrived (delayed a day by me because I wasn't in yesterday). Haven't had a chance to put it together and test (and might not for a while) but the boards look great, thanks!

[krish2487]

@Kofen.
received my package today..
The boards look good and ditto with the case!
Thank you very much for a fantastic product.

I do have one question though, did you manage to find a source and part number for the long screws that are used to fasten the gpib connector?

[Hydron]

You probably have some in your house wiring bit and bobs box. Turns out M3.5 is used for fixing switches/sockets to the wall (in the UK at least, I suspect in Europe too). Key will be getting nice ones of the right length.

Edit: the GPIB connector seems to take M3 though, which is an issue as you can't pass the M3.5 screws through it. Of course I just soldered one onto the board...

[Kofen]

Hi,

They are a bit hard to find in right length, let me see if I can find a link for the few I got, considering making a custom one via accu for further orders.
The GPIB connectors holes needs to be drilled up, there was a warning posted about this on github and somewhere in this thread I think, but I should have added a reminder. The good news is that it is very safe to do, even with then connector mounted(it clears all components.

Another thing to note that I ment to write days ago, the screws for fastening the connector to board/case are 4-40 unc and metric imperial conversion in my head did me dirty so they are about 1-2 mm shorter than ideal, it does fit, but you have to make sure that the spacer is flush with no edges and maybe counter-sink the holes in the case ever so slightly.
Longer screw are on the way so this does not apply to new orders placed after tomorrow. On all assembled adapter I added to thread lock to keep the screws in place.

Edit: Forgot add, plenty of 3d printed cases and thru-hole parts in stock now and more pcbs in progress. Consider the adapter in stock unless I say otherwise.

[voltsandjolts]

Hi Kofen

Received mine, well packed, looks great and I look forward to trying it out.
Thanks for your efforts both in the design and the (hectic) past few weeks of production!

[The Soulman]

Mine also arrived safely and is now fully assembled, thanks!

Is it possible to set static ip-address (yet)?

[Kofen]

Mine also arrived safely and is now fully assembled, thanks!

Is it possible to set static ip-address (yet)?

Excellent, glad they have started to arrive
Right now you need to hard code and compile, but you can set it, but you know what, lemme take a look this afternoon to implement a simple serial config interface and you can be my test subject
Or I will write a guide to set it and compile.

[faraday]

Mine arrived too. Must admit great mechanical and electrical design Thank you .

[The Soulman]

Mine also arrived safely and is now fully assembled, thanks!

Is it possible to set static ip-address (yet)?

Excellent, glad they have started to arrive
Right now you need to hard code and compile, but you can set it, but you know what, lemme take a look this afternoon to implement a simple serial config interface and you can be my test subject
Or I will write a guide to set it and compile.

A simple program over serial (usb) would be great, I'm not much of a programmer and don't have the tools to flash the chip.

Currently I have trouble connecting to the device, I have it on my home network that has dhcp enabled, but the (simple consumer) router does not seem to recognize it.
The adapters mac adres doesn't show on the connected devices list in the web gui of the router.
All led's are acting normal. Any Idea's?
I'd prefer fixed ip anyway because that is what I use on my, not connected to the internet, test equipment network.
Thanks.

[Kofen]

Mine also arrived safely and is now fully assembled, thanks!

Is it possible to set static ip-address (yet)?

Excellent, glad they have started to arrive
Right now you need to hard code and compile, but you can set it, but you know what, lemme take a look this afternoon to implement a simple serial config interface and you can be my test subject
Or I will write a guide to set it and compile.

A simple program over serial (usb) would be great, I'm not much of a programmer and don't have the tools to flash the chip.

Currently I have trouble connecting to the device, I have it on my home network that has dhcp enabled, but the (simple consumer) router does not seem to recognize it.
The adapters mac adres doesn't show on the connected devices list in the web gui of the router.
All led's are acting normal. Any Idea's?
I'd prefer fixed ip anyway because that is what I use on my, not connected to the internet, test equipment network.
Thanks.

Sorry to hear about the troubles!
One quick way to tell if the adapter as been given a IP ipaddress is that the rgb status led should start glowing withing a few seconds, if it takes like 20-30 seconds the ethernet interface has timed out.
What OS are you on? So I can taylor help to the particulare os.

Regardless, we need to do one flash, but it is very easy with Arduino GUI for a one off, I'll walk you thru it. I need to finish my work day, then look into ip setting.

[The Soulman]

I needed the manually enter the mac addres in my home router before gpib adapter would get an ip, strange, first time that has happened.
It now shows as: Hostname WIZnet1B264E

Edit: to answer your questions: I'm on W10 64bit

Ability to assign a static ip would be a "nice to have" at the moment, no hurry. 

[Kofen]

I needed the manually enter the mac addres in my home router before gpib adapter would get an ip, strange, first time that has happened.
It now shows as: Hostname WIZnet1B264E

Host name is right, good! And odd... But I sort of excepted that we will get some bugs when they left my place, the fact that they just work here, is not a garantuee elsewhere, feedback is important so we can make it as robust as possible!

Do send me the OS you use so I can help with the static IP thing.

Edit: If you don't mind, it would be very helpful to if we could do a couple of tries to see if we can figure what the issue is on your network, it _should_ be straight forward connection to the router, but maybe it is something we need to look into.