[Linux-gpib-general] Strange errors with NI GPIB-USB-HS

[Ladman J. <la...@vo...>]

Hello
I am new to this maling-list and with only limited experience with GPIB 
in general.
I have NI GPIB-USB-HS hardware, which I want to use with linux-gpib.
I have tried several versions of the linux-gpib (both kernel and user 
part) including 4.3.4 and 4.3.5. with my computer with kernel:

$ uname -r

5.15.0-43-generic (ubuntu 22.04)
Also my friends computer with kernel 3.16.0-4 (some old debian) and 
linux-gpib-3.2.21, which he is using regularly with another piece of 
GPIB-USB-HS interface.
The behavior was the same, with the exception that the error messages 
were slightly different.
The kernel module ni_gpib_b.ko is successfuly loaded, the rights are 
set, user is in the gpib group, the /dev/gpib0 is created among others.

findlisteners lists my two devices (HP 3478A multimeter and AMREL 
PPS-1002 power supply) at pads 22 and 12.
When trying to communicate with the devices from ibtest, ibterm or from 
python script I've got something similar to this:

ibterm>MODEL?
ibterm error: Unable to write to device at pad 12

or
:m
gpib status is:
ibsta = 0x8100 < ERR CMPL >
iberr= 0
EDVR 0: OS error

ibcnt = 5
But everytime I tried this, the controlled devices were signalizing 
"RMT" "TALK" or so on (from top of my head, because I am at different 
place now)

I was convinced, that the hardware is half dead until I checked it from 
windows with NI software.

I have installed whole bundle of software and then opened NI MAX.

 From there i was completely able to scan and detect the devices and to 
communicate with those in the first place without any configuration.

I have also tried the NI software for linux with ni488k.ko kernel 
module  (among others; instaled from official .deb package), but then 
the kernel module seems to completely ignore the hardware device. The 
userspace applications don't see any gpib interfaces.

I dont know whether my device is a fake one or not, I bought it with 
huge discount from china, but everyting seems legit.

The packaging was nice and clean, there was safety sticker on the bubble 
bag inside the box.

The case is made of quality plastics, the color is as usual, the sticker 
on it is looking ok, the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM included is looking good, the 
booklet is good. There is "Made in Hungary" noted on everything which is 
also legit because they have manufacturing plant in Hungary.

Both the windows software from the 2016 CD/DVD and the lastest form 
ni.com is functioning perfectly.

Only the linux versions, both opensource and the ni provided are non 
functional.

Is there a posibility to check the firmware version and compare it to a 
known to work interface piece?

Any other tip?

Thank you very much
Jakub Ladman