GPIB/HPIB IEEE-488 Daisy Chain Cable 5m - Reliable Lab Connection

In this review of the 5 meter IEEE-488 cable from CableWholesale, the bottom line is simple: this cable is built for technicians and labs that need a dependable short-range parallel bus link. The reviewer found it most useful when connecting legacy test equipment and select medical devices where a solid, shielded 26 AWG connection matters. Its CN24 male and female ends make daisy chaining straightforward, and the foil plus braid shielding keeps interference down so signals remain clean across multiple devices.

Key Features

• CN24 Male and Female Ends: Allows easy daisy chaining so multiple devices can share a single GPIB/HPIB port without adapters.
• 5 Meter Length: Provides a practical reach for rack or bench setups while avoiding excess slack that creates clutter.
• 26 AWG Conductor: Delivers consistent short-range signal transfer appropriate for instrument control and data exchange.
• Aluminum Foil and Braid Shielding: Minimizes EMI and RFI so measurements and communications remain stable in noisy lab environments.
• Metal Hood with Thumb Screws: Ensures a secure mechanical connection so cables stay seated on ports during routine use.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at engineers, technicians, and lab managers who maintain legacy IEEE-488/GPIB test equipment or certain medical devices that accept CN24 connections. It is particularly useful where multiple instruments must be chained together and where shielding is needed to protect data integrity.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who need long-distance networking beyond the 20 m bus limit when daisy-chained, or anyone seeking modern USB or Ethernet-based instrument control; this product is a purpose-built parallel bus cable rather than a universal modern interface.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid shielding reduces interference for reliable signal transfers in lab and clinical settings.
• CN24 male and female connectors make daisy chaining up to multiple devices straightforward.
• Thumb-screw metal hoods give a secure connection that resists accidental loosening.
• Reasonable 5 m length balances reach and cable management for bench setups.

Cons

• Not suitable for long-distance runs beyond the combined bus length practical limit of around 20 m when daisy-chained.
• Designed for legacy IEEE-488 systems, so it will not replace modern USB or Ethernet instrument interfaces.

Specifications

Interface	IEEE-488 (GPIB/HPIB)
Connector Type	CN24 male and female on each end
Length	5 meter (16.5 ft)
Conductor Gauge	26 AWG
Shielding	Aluminum foil and braid
Housing	Metal hood with thumb screws
Typical Use	Daisy chain up to 15 devices; short-range data transfer

Our Verdict

For anyone maintaining legacy test or medical equipment that relies on IEEE-488, this 5 m GPIB/HPIB cable is a practical, well-built choice that balances shielding, secure connectors, and manageable length. It is good value for labs that need reliable short-range communications and straightforward daisy chaining, though users seeking modern interfaces should consider alternative cable types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can multiple cables be daisy chained from one port?
Yes, CN24 male and female ends allow daisy chaining; combined bus length can reach about 20 m while retaining full signal speed.

Is this cable shielded against interference?
Yes, it includes both aluminum foil and braid shielding to minimize EMI and RFI interference in lab environments.

What devices is this cable intended for?
It is intended for IEEE-488/GPIB-compatible equipment such as older test instruments and certain medical devices that use CN24 connectors.