TREND Data Tester 110 ...... anyone know about this data tester please ?

[Fraser]

I went on the hunt for another dedicated RS232 data tester this week. I come across RS232 a lot on expensive industrial equipment that still uses this resilient communications bearer. It may have slipped into obscurity on modern computers but it is still very much alive and kicking in industry. Many 'USB' equipments turn out to contain a USB-UART bridge in them so serial comms is still quite common. More recent microcontrollers do integrate the USB interface but thankfully not on the age of equipment I work on

OK, enough of my excuses for buying old test kit that dates back to the 1980's ...... I found what I was looking for from an Austrian seller. Great as that avoids VAT plus paperwork fees

The unit I found is not known to me but the brand certainly is. It is a TREND Data Tester 110 and is a 'typewriter' format test and monitoring equipment for various communications protocols. My unit is fitted with the RS232 communications module which is perfect for mr needs. It also has the additional RAM module fitted Most importantly, it comes with the user manuals The fact that one manual clearly the "Provisional" release suggests my unit was possibly one of the first produced.

I am used to working with Trend Data Testers but they were house brick shaped and sized nits like the venerable 105 and its later versions. No self respecting data centre would be without a decent Serial Data Tester in the days when RS232 was common. I used both Tektronix and TREND units in my career.  Was both maintaining and designing RS232 based communications equipment so such a unit was essential for creation of test message, communications link monitoring and BERT runs. I still have a 105 unit and one if the later versions. They are getting long in the tooth now though An older Laptop PC that is equipped with a real (hardware) RS232 port and Appropriate software can be used for many tasks these days but sometimes a dedicated Data Tester is more suited to the task.

My Data Tester 110 is currently on its way to me so it is very much an unknown at this time. TREND we're a very expensive and much respected equipment manufacturer so I know the unit will be decent quality but I have no recollection of this format of Data Tester during my 'RS232 years' . It looks like it means business with its larger LCD display and full size keyboard. I suspect it will have useful modes such as automatic serial format identification and a live terminal mode for sending control strings etc. At least with the manuals I will be able to get it up and running quickly. First check will be for an internal battery and, if fitted, changing them out for a new one. Hopefully there will not be any corrosion to deal with.

Does anyone recognise this unit, or better still, have hands on experience of it and its functionality ?

Many Thanks

Fraser

[woodchips]

Not certain, I had two that looked very similar to that, the plastic case, if it is then one is now used to store my chainsaw tools in the wood.....recycling! 

I didn't keep them because I had discovered the 108 tester, like the 105 but with a larger LCD that actually used 5% meaningful commands. I find the 108 to be just about the best BoB I have, not very intensively, used. Without the manual it is impossible, but everything is in there somewhere.

The 105 manual included circuits, but not the 108, and like all Trend stuff it seems to have dropped down a black hole. I had to get the manuals for the TTY testers from the US when Manuals Plus closed.

[Fraser]

Yes I have the 105 and 108 somewhere. I think my 108 has its manual in its case still

The 110 will be interesting to compare to the 108.

Thanks for the input

Fraser

[Astrodev]

Not sure if you need to look at dedicated RS232 testers as quite a few of the protocol testers do have very capable 232 testing facilities built in and although they would have been to expensive to justify using for this purpose when new, there are now so many on the used market at relatively low cost it makes them a good choice.

I picked up an Agilent WAN analyser last week that has a comprehensive 232 capability and runs on a Win 98 platform so has the benefits of a PC for testing as well.

So it looks like the Trend units I have will be relegated to backups as the Agilent is a lot easier to use.

[Kean]

I have got my old Trend Data Tester 105 up and running again.  The ancient battery even seems to hold a somewhat useful charge.

I have a pocket sized operating instructions booklet for it, which I've scanned and attached for reference in case anyone else needs it.

Does anyone happen to have a copy of the full manual.  I assume there was one, as the pocket guide is barely helpful.