Advantest R3131 extension card - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Renaud F5ZR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2024, 06:40:56 am
content: I bought some month ago a faulty and cheap R3131.I read a lot here about them and realised that I would need an extension card to fix it.I choose to build one with Veroboard. The base plate I cut in 1.5 mm aluminium on which I bolted the 96 pins Eurocard connectors.Three Veroboard levels are needed to fill the 96 points.First level:To push the next Vero inside I had to remove the little brass posts on one side.The male wrapping connectors were available so I used them but they were less convenient to solder than the female ones I bought.Three populated levels:Of course a careful control is needed before placing the next level.I added another aluminium plate over the lot with a bending to help insertion. It also avoid to stress the connectors and the solderings.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2024, 07:48:59 am
content: That is quite a bit of work. But there is an alternative: I typically solve this issue by soldering wires to the board to connect to a scope or any other kind of test equipment. The wires extend beyond the casing. This way cooling of a module isn't impacted.

author: Renaud F5ZR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2024, 08:11:58 am
content: Thanks for replying.It is! But I have a fine mechanical workshop and I like this kind of work.As I read a lot here about the R3131 I knew that way of doing. As I don't know where this will drive me I made that one.It could be overkill of course yes! Then it took me only one morning work.I don't understand your remark about the cooling. I believe the card outside will be naturally cooled. And I could always add some ventilation.Renaud

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2024, 08:17:49 am
content: good work

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2024, 09:11:37 am
content: I've used PC IDE ribbon cable between plugs and sockets......Just be sure to double/treble up the power rails.....

author: Renaud F5ZR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2024, 09:14:26 am
content: Yes, I plan to use the free lateral tracks to do just that... once I determine which are the ground and power tracks!ThanksRenaud

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2024, 09:32:06 am
content: Quote from: Renaud F5ZR on July 21, 2024, 08:11:58 amIn this case cooling is likely not critical but there are other cases where cooling is critical. I just wanted to propose a different way to tackle the problem.

author: Renaud F5ZR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2024, 11:20:09 am
content: Ok, agreed.And thanks to Coromonadalix I missed before.

author: Renaud F5ZR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2024, 11:27:17 am
content: Oh, and I just bought a R3361 and wonder if my card will fit?

author: Renaud F5ZR
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2024, 07:42:01 am
content: It doesn't! The R3361 was conceived about 10 years above (1989 I believe) and it is very differently built.I will now try to fix the unlocked YTO LO status I discovered.https://groups.io/g/advantestinstrument/topic/108915748#msg2160Of course I would be very grateful if you have any knowledge of his design.BestRenaud