by Garth » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:32 pm
Fortunately I already have the FSI164A HPIL-to-RS232 interface (almost exactly the same thing as the HP 82164A but with two RS232 channels and optionally up to eight), but I would hope that this new one can be used independently of a PC, and certainly of Windows (which I no longer use). I've used mine mostly for communicating with other things (not a PC) on the workbench. I'm reluctant to invest in any of this kind of product if it's strictly tied to a PC since the PC market moves so quickly and things are here today and gone tomorrow. I've been using my 41cx with HPIL, XIO, Advantage, ZENROM, and XMEM daily since 1986 though, and occasionally my 71 also.