ABI Boardmaster 4000 and 8000 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2024, 12:18:30 pm
content: As a part of the clear out of equipment at work, we're getting rid of an ABI Boardmaster 8000. I'm not sure I really need this in my home lab. But should I resist TEA?They're also getting rid of a Tektronix TDS320, not sure I really want a large CRT scope these days, there's a TTI TA4000 logic analyser which I've brought home now.So, do I or don't I?(edited subject title)

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2024, 12:47:55 pm
content: you had someone who searched bits for them ABI .. 8000pls do a search ....sorry was for a 4000 model

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2024, 03:46:41 pm
content: Sorry I've no idea what any of that means.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2024, 03:49:06 pm
content: he was refering to this thread :https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/wanted-(ukeurope)-abi-boardmaster-4000/msg2016379/#msg2016379

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2024, 04:16:53 pm
content: Actually we've got one of those for disposal too. They're getting rid of anything 'old' (but still not sure what he meant, no offence).

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2024, 06:25:50 pm
content: i saw someone searching for a boardmaster but it was a 4000 model not a 8000but this 8000 does pick my curiosity

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2024, 08:23:38 pm
content: Here's the 4000

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2024, 09:16:50 pm
content: And the 8000

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2024, 12:33:21 am
content: Quote from: Squarewave on August 05, 2024, 08:23:38 pmI sent you a PM earlier. I'd be interested in that 4000.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 06, 2024, 12:56:30 am
content: The Boardmaster 8000 looks like a very versatile device for functional testing. I recall looking at it in the past and wondering the purchase cost, and how hard it would be to set up a new test sequence. The latter would be quite relevant to its ongoing "practical" value.

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2024, 09:35:34 am
content: Quote from: dorkshoei on August 06, 2024, 12:33:21 amYes I did reply, I don't think the company will get involved in shipping abroad. They've got rid of so much nice stuff, I'm going to do my best to at least save these if I can.

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2024, 09:43:26 am
content: Quote from: Kean on August 06, 2024, 12:56:30 amI'll do my best to save this, even if it goes into storage for the meanwhile, the last time it was used in anger was quite a few years ago now.

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2024, 08:47:04 pm
content: I've found a box of cables and some discsJust need to find a manual etc for the 4000

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2024, 06:48:31 am
content: when you see 3.5" disks you know this thing is OLD !

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2024, 02:20:51 pm
content: So the 4000 appears to power up fine and pass the self tests, I'm told this will be useful for us to back up the Marconi 2955 eproms etc.....The 4000 has a nice clunky Cherry external keyboard also. I'll just need to experiment on some non critical eproms.

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2024, 02:36:28 pm
content: The 8000 powers up fine and passes the self tests, though the IDE hard drive I will need to get an image made of it. Once the software is lost, all's lost and useless!