GPIB-to-USB connection of Keithley 2260B-800-1 via TEK-USB-488 GPIB to USB adapter

Hello all,
I am trying to connect our Keithley power supply 2260B-800-1 to a PC via GPIB using the TEK-USB-488 GPIB to USB adapter from Tektronix. Unfortunately, I have not managed to communicate with the power supply and it seems that there is some incompatibility since the adapter status LED is solid red (according to the colour code that would indicate that "the adapter sensed an attempted connection of a USB connection to a non USBTMC-USB488 device". I was wondering if there is any way to make this connection between the GPIB to USB Adapter and the Keithley 2260B.

Alternatively, I have tried to connect to the power supply via USB using a custom-built LabView application but I also struggle with this (I can write but I cannot read). I have some experience with LabView but mostly using GPIB (little with VISA).

I would thank you if you could give me some guide.

Many thanks for your kind help and time!

Best wishes,
Abel

Hello,
You will need the additional adaptor for the 2260B, called the 2260B-GPIB-USB adaptor. 
Also, make sure you have the unit configured to GPIB communicaiton protocol to establish your connection.

See the link below here for the instruction's manual for this adaptor:
2260B-GPIB-USB GPIB to USB Adapter Operation Instructions | Tektronix

See link below for instructions on how to make a connection using this adaptor from the 2260B user's manual on page 144 and on.
Series 2260B Multi-Range Programmable DC Power Supplies User Manual | Tektronix

Hope this helps!

Hello Ty,

First of all, thank you very much for your kind help and quick reply. It is fantastic to be in touch with a specialist!!

Actually, the problem is that the 2260B-GPIB-USB GPIB to USB adapter is not available any more (the one that appears in the instructions is discontinued in Keithley/Tektronix). As such, I decided to purchase the TEK-USB-488 GPIB to USB adapter from Tektronix as an alternative. I thought that this would be straightforward since the connection steps in the manuals that you have linked are very clear and the adaptor seems to be compatible. Regretfully, although I followed all steps, I was not able to establish GPIB connection.

My guess is that the problem is in the TEK-USB-488 GPIB to USB adapter from Tektronix, which might not be compatible with the Keithley 2260B. I tried to contact our local representative from Tektronix but, since I did not purchased the adaptor directly from then, they do not wish to provide any support.

I would truly appreciate if you could please give me some indication about how to proceed.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Many thanks again and best wishes,
Abel
 

I'm sorry about that. That product is no longer supported. The adaptors we can provide support with are our KUSB adaptors and a select few NI adaptors.
I would recommend using LAN or USB for your communication protocols. This will also negate any issues encountered while using adaptors of any kind.

Hi Ty,

Thank you very much again for your kind help and time, it is really appreciated!!

I understand now. I would like to establish a GPIB connection with the 2260B (if possible) because we have a system of eight power supplies in the laboratory and all of them are connected to a single PC via GPIB. This would make things simple in terms of software development and connectivity.

I was wondering if you could kindly give me some advice about available KUSB adaptors that I can purchase to control this power supply remotely. Unfortunately, the 2260B-GPIB-USB adaptor is discontinued and I have not been able to find a supplier for that (only on eBay but I cannot purchase equipment from there using my university corporate card).

Please, let me know at your earliest convenience.

Once again, thank you very much for your support and time.

Best wishes,
Abel

Hello Abel,

Use of the (now obsolete) 2260B-GPIB-USB was the only sanctioned way to accomplish a GPIB based connection to the 2260B power supply.

The USB on rear of 2260B has to be configured via the F-21 setup.  Set it to value 2 to enable the USB-CDC mode.
If you manage to obtain a 2260B-GPIB-USB, set it to 3 to interface with that adapter.

It seems your options are boiling down to use the USB-CDC based connection or use LAN.
When using the USB-CDC, the simple USB A-B cable can connect the power supply to the PC.
On the PC side, it will look like a COM port (RS-232).
You could use VISA with the ASRLx resource that the COM port will utilize.


NOTE:  the TEK-USB-488 GPIB to USB adapter is expecting to be connected to a USB-TMC compliant instrument.
 

Hello Ty,

Fair enough and thank you very much for the comprehensive information. It is crystal clear now that it was my wrong for acquiring the TEK-USB-488 GPIB adaptor without reading the right information (learning curve!).

I will try to use the VISA connection via USB and see how it goes.

Once again, thank you very much for all your kind help and time. The work that you guys do is excellent and very professional.

Best wishes,
Abel