[time-nuts] Programming of 5370B

[Dr. David Kirkby]

Poul-Henning Kamp wrote:

>>Given my SPARC processor is Big Endian, whereas the Intel format CPU in 
>>Poul Henning Kamp's PC is Little Endian, it is perhaps surprising the 
>>binary data could be read properly on my SPARC.
> 
> 
> No, it's defined as a byte-stream, and my code treats it as such,
> so it should be sound on any byte-order.

That's good to hear and you now have confirmation, it does indeed work on a machine with a different 
byte order. Much software reading binary data does not.

Perhaps I'll compile it in 64-bit mode and let you know if its OK there, just in case anyone asks 
about whether your HP5370B code works on 64-bit machines. I think there are Solaris 64-bit drivers, 
and I guess it is possible the program would work quicker that way, although there is generally 
nothing to be gained in compiling for 64-bit on my 64-bit processor. 32-bit programs often work faster 
- smaller pointers, less memory usage.

I can't check your Open (sorry Free) BSD driver for the HPIB, but I guess you know that would not work.

>>PS,
>>you may be aware I had some difficulty locating the Solaris drivers for 
>>the GPIB board (National Instruments want more for them than I paid for 
>>the GPIB board and the HP53270B put together!!) Converted to $US, the 
>>drivers are around $750 or so.
> 
> 
> I told you a FreeBSD PC would be cheaper :-)

Not true, as I got the drivers free (legally).  A PC would have cost me at least £0.00 (for an old 
one) and the electricity something, so given my SPARC runs 24/7, the PC route would have been more 
expensive.

-- 
Dr. David Kirkby PhD CEng MIEE,
Senior Research Fellow,
Department of Medical Physics,
Mallet Place Engineering Building,
Gower St,
University College London,
London WC1E 6BT.