Tektronix TM Series Test Equipment?

[FlyingHacker]

I do not have an extender so I use a TM501 or TM503 with the cover removed to access a plug-in module while it is operating.

Great tip, will have to try this. Have a TG501 that needs some work and didn't want to go the extender route while working on it.

This is how I do it, too, but I don't think you can access the bottom of plugins this way, or am I remembering wrong? Also, sometimes things right near the bottom of the unit cannot be easily reached due to the large lip on the TM501. The middle, or opposite side slot of a TM503/504 should mitigate that issue, though. But don't expect to get just a TM501 and be able to reach everywhere on a single width module.

[David Hess]

I do not have an extender so I use a TM501 or TM503 with the cover removed to access a plug-in module while it is operating.

Great tip, will have to try this. Have a TG501 that needs some work and didn't want to go the extender route while working on it.

This is how I do it, too, but I don't think you can access the bottom of plugins this way, or am I remembering wrong? Also, sometimes things right near the bottom of the unit cannot be easily reached due to the large lip on the TM501. The middle, or opposite side slot of a TM503/504 should mitigate that issue, though. But don't expect to get just a TM501 and be able to reach everywhere on a single width module.

That is definitely a problem with the TM501 when used this way which is why I mentioned the TM503.  Someone on the TekScopes@yahoogroups.com email list cut up their TM501 to get better access.

The TM500 connector and form factor is the same one used for the 5000 series mainframe oscilloscopes and the Jamma Fingerboard JB-3 is also identical so that is a source for parts to make extenders.

[bobaru]

If you are looking to pick up some of these modules and you are a little picky about cosmetic condition, keep an eye out for broken plastics.   The corners around the face of the module seem to be fragile and are sometimes missing, but they are not obvious unless you are looking for it.    Also the tabs that lock the modules into the cabinet are sometimes broken / missing.   I have seen some homemade replacements available on eBay, they are functional but they don't really look original.   And finally, the rotary plastic tabs that hold the metal side panels in place can be broken and wont hold the side panel in place as the manufacturer intended.

-bob

[texaspyro]

I replaced the fans in my TM5006's and TM5003's with some quiet DC fans.  Makes quite a bit of difference.  The main faults you encounter with the modules are bad dipped tantalum caps and bad 741 op-amps in the power supply circuitry.  Also bad incandescent indicator lamps (replace with LED+resistor).

I made some extender cables for the TM50x modules and also an assembled cable for the TM5000 GPIB connector.  At the time the cheapest TM5xx extender cables on Ebay were $150 to $300 each!  Jammaboards sold a reasonably priced kit, but that required soldering 56 individual wires.

My cables use two 40 pin ribbon cables (IDE disk drive) cables to connect between two circuit boards (power and ground signals use multiple conductors).   I still have some extender cable kits available.  They run $20 each plus shipping.   PM me if interested.

[onesixright]

How about US/EU voltage? I saw a few pictures (mainframe backside) with cables that had a US plug (cable seems to be fixed).

1. Anyway if you buy from US you can hook it up here in the EU?
2. Are the modules interchangeable (work on both 120/220) ?

Thanks!

[David Hess]

How about US/EU voltage? I saw a few pictures (mainframe backside) with cables that had a US plug (cable seems to be fixed).

1. Anyway if you buy from US you can hook it up here in the EU?

The older ones have fixed power cords so the end would need to be changed to use an EU power socket.  I think the newer ones have a standard IEC connector on the back.

2. Are the modules interchangeable (work on both 120/220) ?

Yes, the transformers have dual primaries and can be set for 120 or 240.  They also have a bunch of taps.  So the TM504 for instance supports 100/110/120/200/220/240 volts and 48 to 60 Hz.

[djnz]

How about US/EU voltage? I saw a few pictures (mainframe backside) with cables that had a US plug (cable seems to be fixed).

1. Anyway if you buy from US you can hook it up here in the EU?
2. Are the modules interchangeable (work on both 120/220) ?

Thanks!

Most are dual voltage, but not all. Some early serial numbers for some mainframes are not dual voltage. The user manuals for  have information about which serial numbers have a universal transformer, and how to switch voltages for such mainframes.

[EHT]

For interest of those owning/purchasing one of the TM500 frames, I replaced the 3 large power caps in my TM-503. I noticed they were all getting pretty hot especially the one in the clip.

I found a replacement for the one mounted in the clip which was the same diameter, so mounted back in the clip. The two PCB mounted ones have a few holes; i was able fit these replacements flush to the PCB without having to drill new holes. Pretty easy job.

Here are the caps i used:
Nichicon 4,700uF 50V, part no: LGY1H472MELA35
Nichicon 22,000uF 16V, part no: LGY1C223MELC30

£10 for all 3 from Digikey.

[Neomys Sapiens]

Here's my stock:
Mainframe, 4 slot   TM504
Mainframe, 4 slot   TM504
Mainframe, 3 slot   TM503
Mainframe, 1 slot   TM501
Extender for TM500-Series   097-0645-02
Power Supply, Precision   PS501-1
Power Supply, Dual   PS503A
Generator, Pulse, 50MHz; dual Output   PG507
Generator, Function, 40MHz   FG504
Generator, Leveled Sine; 0.05...250MHz   SG503
Counter/Timer, universal 125MHz 8Digit   DC503A
Delay, Digital   DD501
Latch, Digital   DL502
Multimeter, Digital; 4.5Digit RMS   DM501A
Amplifier, Operation   AM501
Amplifier, Differential   AM502
Amplifier, Current Probe   AM503

An important thing to know is that Tek series 5000 plugins are totally well usable instead of the empty TM500 plugins - they are available at very low prices and you only need the PCB and a new panel.

Besides hunting for more plugins, I am now looking at building some special devices using this system.
For example, a fast power buffer to raise FG/PG outputs. I think that this is one of the main advantages of this system.

[alm]

The only point of building a custom plugin would be to interconnect to multiple standard plugins. Apart from that ability, the mechanical design is mediocre, the electrical design is sub-standard (some of that was fixed in the TM-5000), and the parts are fragile and rare. Also all I/O must be on the usually very cramped front panel (unless you use the custom wiring on the back).

I am not saying the plugins are bad; I like and use some of them myself. But in the days of cheap power supplies and displays (the things they envisioned sharing), it seems very restrictive to design a new instrument in there.

If you are using the custom wiring, you should install keys that prevent you from e.g. connecting two pulse generators outputs together by fitting a generator where a counter plugin should be.

[xrunner]

Here's my stock:
Mainframe, 4 slot   TM504
Mainframe, 4 slot   TM504
...

Nice collection. I got into that series this year. I got two 4 bay TM500 chassis full of the usual suspects like the voltmeters and Freq. counters ... fixed several too. If you want to get into repairing them get a JAMA flexible extender off Ebay. It's meant for video game machine repair but works OK for these systems.

[texaspyro]

If you want to get into repairing them get a JAMA flexible extender off Ebay. It's meant for video game machine repair but works OK for these systems.

Alas, Jamma seems to be shut down.   Their web site has been offline or saying "check back soon" for over a year.   Too bad... I was getting my edge connectors from them. 

The problem with the Jamma kits was the need to solder 56 individual wires... which tended to break rather regularly with use.  At one time they were the only game in town except for $150-$300 ones on Ebay.   So, I built my own... 

I still have some of my TM500/5000 extender cable kits available.  They use two 40 pin ribbon cables to interconnect two PCBs (power connections use two wires).  I also have some TM5000 GPIB extender cables.  PM me if interested.  Costs run $20/kit plus shipping ($7 for any quantity in the US).  They come with a couple of IDE cables, but you can build your own cables for whatever length you want.

[xrunner]

Not to worry they are still on Ebay. Note that if you want the black / red wires at the bottom where the pin numbering starts they are bridged and you need to cut the traces but that is the only issue. 

JAMA extender

[texaspyro]

Here's the version that I built...

[WastelandTek]

outstanding thread

they sent men to the moon with lesser gear

[JPortici]

JAMA extender

33$ shipping + taxes? really? talk about greedy

http://www.ebay.com/itm/all-56-pins-Full-Jamma-Extender-Harness-for-your-current-JAMMA-boards-with-coin/401292561647?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D44770%26meid%3D1de53480b40845cf8e85d3672c7df213%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D231053334861

BTW i promised myself no new gear this month (i want my 30 days chip), it's getting somewhat difficult 

[Neomys Sapiens]

Errr....my extender is flexible, although not Jammaboard, but Tek.

[Dbldutch]

Guido,
I just saw your request for the dual potmeter.
If you still need one, I have two brand new ones I can sell.

Contact me if you're still interested.

[Neomys Sapiens]

Has anyone except me noted that the Tek document 'Physical Measurements Handbook', which is incidentally available on TekWiki lists a lot of third-party plugins that did not make their way into the TekWiki list?
It also lists Tek-issued build-it-yourself documents (AX-3xxx series on p.86) which should be interesting.

[worsthorse]

Has anyone except me noted that the Tek document 'Physical Measurements Handbook', which is incidentally available on TekWiki lists a lot of third-party plugins that did not make their way into the TekWiki list?
It also lists Tek-issued build-it-yourself documents (AX-3xxx series on p.86) which should be interesting.

I didn't realize that... now I know what I will be reading this evening. 

[Neomys Sapiens]

One info regarding the small auxiliary signal jacks (like shaped pulse and trigger level outputs on the DC503A):
if the unobtainium Tek cable is missing, MIL #22D crimp pins are a good fit.

[Neomys Sapiens]

Over here, one guy on Ebay sold TM500 proto boards for some time, which were even improved in some way.
They had a routing/interrupting/paralleling area like a VG extender board, generous ground planes and a large raster area. Also, they were very well made, with vias and pads withstanding multiple soldering cycles and the edge connector dimensions totally to spec. Unfortunately, his stock seems to be empty.
Maybe we can convince one of the TM500 aficionados who has a knack for PCBs to provide us with a similar, free layout sometimes?

[worsthorse]

Over here, one guy on Ebay sold TM500 proto boards for some time, which were even improved in some way.
They had a routing/interrupting/paralleling area like a VG extender board, generous ground planes and a large raster area. Also, they were very well made, with vias and pads withstanding multiple soldering cycles and the edge connector dimensions totally to spec. Unfortunately, his stock seems to be empty.
Maybe we can convince one of the TM500 aficionados who has a knack for PCBs to provide us with a similar, free layout sometimes?

What would the feature set include?

[Neomys Sapiens]

@WCH: that PM was referring to the post before that one.
As concerning the feature set: I do not know because I do not do layouts, so I cannot set tasks for someone who just wants to help us. I personally would be content to ensure the continued availability of the abovementioned proto-board.
The guy that sold them will not provide new ones, if I understood him correctly. I will try to photograph it.
To achieve the same degree of usability, anyone would have to spec the PCB accordingly along with the layout.

[worsthorse]

Got it... sorry for the confusion.  There's a guy on the TM500 groups.io list that has a pretty nice extender kit. Not terribly expensive. I don't know if he is still making them, though. Anyone want me to send him and email and find out?