I am trying to get a balance to interface with Excel using an SEE 488 to USE interface

[vtrobert]

I have just recently purchased an IEEE 488 to USB interface to use with an old Mettler AE 100 analytical balance.  My objective is to record the output from the balance in an active cell in EXCEL.  Th NI-488.2 software installed without event.  I have to admit I'm totally at a loss as to how to proceed from here.

[nyc_(is_out_of_here)]

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@vtrobert wrote:

I have just recently purchased an IEEE 488 to USB interface to use with an old Mettler AE 100 analytical balance.  My objective is to record the output from the balance in an active cell in EXCEL.  Th NI-488.2 software installed without event.  I have to admit I'm totally at a loss as to how to proceed from here.

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Knowing how to Google Excel NI-488.2 would be useful.

[Albert.Geven]

are you sure it has a gpib interface?

I only know of rs232 interfaces but I may be wrong.

[vtrobert]

You are correct, the interface is an RS232.  There is a device that fits to the back of the balance that interfaces to the computer thruough a 488.  I have made this work in the late 90s using Winwedge and a serial port.  This is the first time trying to make it work with USB.  The Ni software came with the hardware. 

[Dennis_Knutson]

Seems like you are over complicating things by using an RS232 to GPIB converter and making it much more expensive but I suppose you have some reason.

Are you planning on using VBA to program? The fact that you have a USB converter is irrelevant. I would suggest you use VISA as the api.

[vtrobert]

Given the feedback I have received to date; I went back and pulled the device from the balance so that I can help y'all to help me.    When I say this is an antique balance; it is an old Mettler AE 100.  It uses a device that fits to the back of the balance that Mettler refers to as a bidirectional data interface 013 option (IEEE 488/HP-1B).  Yes, it is expensive. I had a dickens of a time finding the 013 option device.  Yes, the 488 to USB was expensive too. That said, the time saved in not having to manually enter mg weights into EXCEL will make up for it in little time. It's a matter of spending a few hundred versus thousands for a current model analytical balance.

There are two lights on the 488 interface.  The ready light is amber and steady; so I'm guessing it's looking for my instruction.  I took the first piece of advice and searched for EXCEL and 488.  It gave me an example for which I get an error message reading "The VBA project in this file requires a component that is not currently installed" (working in EXCEL 2010). Something about VBA converters.

Just to be sure, I am completely out of my element here.  I am a microbiologist using as much IT with which I am comfortable to reduce tech time spent in repetitive tasks. My top loading balances are all PnP. At this point I'm beginning to believe it simpler to go back to WinWedge.  Like I said earlier, that worked well in 1998 going forward.  Thanks anyway.

[Dennis_Knutson]

If you had an RS232 interface, you already had an automatic method and the GPIB interface was just unnecessary.

There is no software that comes with the hardware so I don't know what you are referring to. There is a utility program call Measurement and Automation Explorer that allows you to test communication. What example are you referring to? Please provide the link. I'm not sure I can help with VBA. Search the forums for 'VISA VBA' and 'GPIB VBA'.

[nyc_(is_out_of_here)]

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@Dennis_Knutson wrote:

There is no software that comes with the hardware so I don't know what you are referring to.

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He is talking about WinWedge which he mentioned in his last post.

For a non-programmer, that looks to be his best bet.