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Reverse Engineering TDS2CM/TDS2MM

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SoloTek:
Would it be possible to upgrade the low-cost module later on by populating the missing componets? Perhaps I find an UART somwhere in my scrap bin  8)

Btw, how do you emulate a GPIB controller with less than 8 product terms? (if I read the ATF16LV8 correctly?)

Thanks!

sd_tony:
Mine is 1.04 for both as well.

sd_tony:

--- Quote from: SoloTek on August 27, 2022, 04:58:11 pm ---Would it be possible to upgrade the low-cost module later on by populating the missing componets? Perhaps I find an UART somwhere in my scrap bin  8)

Btw, how do you emulate a GPIB controller with less than 8 product terms? (if I read the ATF16LV8 correctly?)

Thanks!

--- End quote ---

That is possible, actually the PCB version of the "low-cost" module is V2.2, it can be a full functional module, or a math only module (without communication), depends on the firmware in PLD.

To emulate a GPIB, you don't have to create a full functional controller, instead, you just need to know which register the scope is looking at during boot, and send the valid data back when scope is reading that register, in this way, scope will believe GPIB does exist, and with no slave device connected. Same thing can be done for UART controller, that is why the UART controller can be omitted on the math only module (or "low-cost" module).

uski:

--- Quote from: sd_tony on March 02, 2022, 02:06:00 am ---TDS200 series could be one of the most popular scopes for beginners and hobbyists, there are still lots of used one available and are affordable for beginners, however, the monochrome display with 320x240 display is kind of outdated, an extension module (TDS2CM or TDS2MM) is needed to have RS232/Centronics/GPIB interfaces to send data to PC for better vision/processing
--- End quote ---

My first scope was a TDS210 with a TDS2MM. It was great, back in 2000.

But today, realistically ? They have abysmal sample memory size (2500 points per channel), lack many features such as protocol decoding, only have an 8 bit ADC, as you mention the LCD is pure crap, and even the FFT sucks. USB communication was slow as hell, I remember screenshots were taking a while and I had to simulate a printer. Their firmware cannot be updated (although I agree, there are little to no bugs - but there are also no features...), and they have their quirks (common issue is a hardware failure of the BNC ports).

I don't want to discourage the effort by any means as I love to read about my first scope and see creative projects, but I really wanted to warn beginners - the going price is around $150-200 these days, apparently.

Even at this price, there are better options like a Hantek DS2C10 ($189, yeah it has some bugs, but so many more features, can be modded, same bandwidth and higher if you mod it, integrated basic AWG for $20 more, USB host for screenshots, it's a new scope and not a 20 years old unit that can start to have its CCFL-backlit display failing ...), and with only a bit more you can get a Rigol DS1054Z or a Siglent which is even one step higher.

I would not advise a beginner to buy a TDS210/TDS220 these days... I would not call it the perfect beginner scope in 2022... Just wanted to share a contrasting opinion.

Now, let's go back to the TDS2CM/MM. ;D

TERRA Operative:
You certainly can upgrade the firmware.
Well, on the earlier models at least, all you need is a chip programmer and a replacement PROM chip.

I'm still figuring out how on the late model ones that use flash memory, but I need to get my hands on more of those to play with.

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