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| Sony-Tektronix 308 Data Analyzer |
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| jrharley:
Sony - Tektronix 308 update here - I think the test setup is ready for following the troubleshooting tree now and I'm working my way into it. It took climbing a little learning curve on connectors to get here, but I think we're good to go for now. The tree is pretty easy to follow but I'm starting to run up on stuff I don't understand. One possible path is telling me to "fix the kernel". Oh boy, I'm toast I think. What the heck does THAT mean? Anyway, a couple of attached photos show the setup. As always, any insights and comments are appreciated. Later, JRH |
| Tony_G:
Hey JR, Not sure if this applies here but typically in the software world, the kernel is the core part of the OS. Maybe they're suggesting either a firmware reflash or replacing any spinning media. TonyG |
| Tony_G:
I grabbed the manual and took a look at it - It appears that the reference to "kernel" refers to U400 - This is the MCU in the unit and is, as far as I can tell an Intel 8085. You're now in the realm of signature checking (I think you actually looked into this for the 8656A but I can't remember if you ever got a solution) - Anyway, they're referring to the operation of U400 and the components that feed it information. Sorry I can't help more. TonyG |
| TurboTom:
I'ld approach the problem differently: Since there still seems to be some structure on the messed-up screen that resembles the original display patterns, I'ld initially try to press the operation mode selection buttons "Parallel Timing", "Parallel State", "Serial State" and "Signature". If the instrument reacts to these inputs and the screen changes accordingly, I'ld expect the CPU, keyboard I/F and probably the analog / input circuitry to be working okay. In this case, I'ld look at the video ram and the circuitry mentioned in my post some places above. This may simplify fault finding somewhat. |
| jrharley:
Thanks Tony_G, appreciate the thoughts! I’ve since done a bit of research and that does appear to be the case with the “kernel”. Best I can tell so far, the operating system is not setting up the RAM chips to get things started on power up, as it’s supposed to do. After pecking through the troubleshooting tree I think I’ve come to a, let’s just say “pause point”. It’s telling me to “fix the kernel” via setup 2.1. (See attached pic) I also attached a pic of the screen after removing jumper P410. The whole screen then filled with little question mark symbols, which I took to be the “blanks” described in the tree. A number of questions to think about at this point, and I don’t have a functioning analyzer to test the over 30 pins that reveal the operation of the “kernel” per the prescribed procedure. I suppose this is why they refer to the error code “3,4” as a fatal error! Replacing the RAM in this guy must involve more than sticking new chips in. There’s no procedure for replacing the RAM outlined in the manual, only which pins to test on U400, so, I’m not sure how I’d “fix” it, even if I had another signature analyzer. Maybe someone like Ian Johnston or Kerry Wong or several others that we all know and love, could get this cutie up and running. Not this Bodger. Unless some logic Guru comes out of nowhere and says something like “Yeah, just hold down the #3 button while you power up”, I think I need to carefully re-assemble things and stage it for whatever comes next. I will research Tektronix support options like any forums and see what I can learn moving forward, but yeah, this one’s going to have to park for a while. As always, I really appreciate everyone’s comments! Later, JRH PS - I see others have weighed in so I'll absorb those comments and re-evaluate. |
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