A while ago I was looking for an inexpensive GPIB to USB controller and found LQ Electronics’ “[UGPlus USB to GPIB Controller”. I purchased it through [Amazon and had it up and running within an hour. It is not the most fancy device, but it certainly deserves a look. I don’t know if SFE has looked at it, but if they haven’t I think it would be great if they took it for a spin. I talk a little more about my experience with it [here. I decided to create this post about it to raise awareness that such a thing does exists at an affordable price.](Inexpensive GPIB | Electronics Forum (Circuits, Projects and Microcontrollers))](Amazon.com)](LQ Electronics Corp Website)
I am updating the link to my experience with the device to [this one as I learned that the previous link requires a login.](Low Cost Alternative USB-to-GPIB Controller | Electronics Forum (Circuits, Projects and Microcontrollers))
According to the results of the recent customer survey (https://www.sparkfun.com/news/2679), 70% of Saprkfun sales are for hobbyist use. Most new test gear uses USB and/or Ethernet interfaces. I don’t work for Sparkfun, but those two facts would be strong arguments against carrying anything GPIB related.
@darrellg ; You are probably right. Keep in mind though that SFE already carries a GPIB to USB controller. And also that most HAM and used equipment comes with GPIB interface. Two others facts. My main thing was to bring awareness; it took me a few days of searching to stumble into that controller.