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Tektronix VX1405 mainframe and its plugins (VXIbus, HP-IB)

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ik1zyw:
Hello.
I've come across an object marked Tektronix VX1405 Mainframe whose slots are filled in with what seems to be a complete test-set system: arbitrary function generator (HP E1445A), two channel oscilloscope (HP E1428A), waveform analyzer (Tek TVS625) and a command module (HP E1406A). See the attached picture.

After doing some research I understand that this is a VXIbus system that speaks HP-IB with the outer world. It should have its configuration onboard, unless that is stored in a battery-backed RAM that has certainly faded away (will need to check the battery too!). The more I read the command module E1406A manual, the more I understand how to proceed (and render this post unnecessary).

Let me see if I get it right. I can use the RS-232 interface with a dumb terminal to check the system status and configuration. If it looks in proper working order, to use its modules I need a computer with HP-IB interface and software. Right? So, unless I locate the computer that came with the mainframe, what does "software" translate to in this case? I think they are/were all proprietary to exploit all functions? It looks like there is free software that runs on modern hardware, right?

I come from an almost-all-analog home lab, certainly stand-alone instruments. Should I consider this collection of instruments still useful in a home/hobby lab?

There may be obvious answers to these questions, or the post just fall into oblivion until someone searches the same mainframe here on eevblog.

Thank you for reading this far.
Paolo

PS: looking at the picture I notice now some screws holding modules are not tightened. I'll play with it anyway.

coromonadalix:
since they claim  LXI  support,  you should be able to find bits  in Mathlab  or even Labview ??

BUT as you may gessed, normally you need the host computer somewhere in the rack,  or a sub rack with link cables / interfaces

good luck


Edit

the last module / bottom has, i think an gpib connector ....   i think it's the brain ?  or some sort of controlling card

you should try to find any spec sheet infos and try to decipher this mainframe to some extent

Roehrenonkel:
Hi ik1zyw,
 
a nice system you got there!
But in a kids mainframe. ;-)))

If the drivers are still present in the E1406 you should be able to control (at least) the basic functions of the plugins.
Get the manuals so you know what SCPI-commands to send.
Replace the leaking NiCad-Pack in the 1406-cover.
I use my VXI-system as a curve-tracer (for tubes/valves) with indeed very special software.
If you need further help, feel free to contact me.

@coromonadalix: WHO claimed LXI-support??

Good luck

gslick:

--- Quote from: ik1zyw on February 03, 2024, 04:10:51 pm ---Hello.
I've come across an object marked Tektronix VX1405 Mainframe whose slots are filled in with what seems to be a complete test-set system: arbitrary function generator (HP E1445A), two channel oscilloscope (HP E1428A), waveform analyzer (Tek TVS625) and a command module (HP E1406A). See the attached picture.

--- End quote ---

From a quick look online it appears that the HP E1445A and E1428A and the Tektronix TVS625 are all VXI message based instruments. That means that you should be able to send SCPI commands to those instruments as documented in the programming manuals for those instruments through the GPIB or RS-232 interfaces of the HP E1406A VXI controller, without needing to download any instrument specific drivers to the HP E1406A VXI controller.

When things get tricky is when the VXI instruments are register based. Then instead of sending plain text SCPI message based commands to control the instruments, the VXI controller needs to know the register layout and bit definitions of the instruments in the VXI address space. Sometimes VXI instrument vendors never provided the register programming information and only provided drivers to control the instruments through the register interface. For those types of instruments, if you can no longer find the drivers, the instruments are basically unusable. I have such an instrument, an Analogic DBS2050A 2.4 GS/s Dual-Channel Arbitrary Generator, which is unusable due to lack of drivers and no other way to program it.

In addition to being able to send SCPI messages to VXI instruments through the GPIB or RS-232 interfaces of the HP E1406A VXI controller, some versions of the E1406A can run Instrument BASIC directly on the E1406A, with a serial terminal as the user interface. Those versions of the E1406A do not seem to be too common. I managed to find a couple of those versions.

ik1zyw:
Thank you for your expert insights. It will take some days before I can put my hands on the baby rack :D again. I might even locate the documentation and software.

I will report on my findings.
Paolo

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