Tek TLA704 Logic analyzer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: spilihps
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2017, 06:03:52 pm
content: Hello!So, as a impulse i bought a TLA704. Still waiting for it to be delivered.The seller says it is in good working order, However no accessories are included, just the front cover.So i will need to track down some probes for it.However, i was wondering if there is a source to get the original install-media? If something breaks, or if the software needs to be re-installed later.Also any info of the latest software that can be run on it without any modifications. I plan on running it stock, even if it is "clunky"Any info is appreciated.

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2017, 06:13:35 pm
content: Does it come with any modules? Otherwise it is just an empty Windows PC with some VXIbus slots.I believe you can find the software for Windows '98 (including drivers) on the Tektronix site (e.g.here). I think that should be all you need, together with a Windows '98 CD, to install it from scratch.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2017, 07:29:06 pm
content: A plain Windows98 or Win2k will do. The driver come with the software you can download from Tektronix.

author: spilihps
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2017, 10:32:43 pm
content: Quote from: alm on August 01, 2017, 06:13:35 pmHello!Oh okey. I thought there maybe was some "special" version of windows.Yes, it comes with 2x TLA7M4Quote from: nctnico on August 01, 2017, 07:29:06 pmThank you!

author: spilihps
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2017, 10:15:52 pm
content: Just an update,Ive recieved the unit yesterday in excellent condition.Everything seem to work and passes all selftests. I did score three complete kits of probes that will arrive later. Until then i can not test the actual function.Also, i was thinking of do a full recap of the unit. Before it develops problems with them leaking. Any inputs on this?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2017, 10:57:55 pm
content: Just leave it as is. You might do more damage than good. These units aren't known for problems with leaking capacitors.

author: spilihps
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2017, 11:20:27 pm
content: Thanks for your input.out of curiosity i opened one of the modules up, and discovered that its built with nichicon PL(M) and out of memory i think i had major problem with a DRO board built with PF(M), they all had leaked and ruined some traces. Had to repair atleast three traces..You can see why i dont trust those

author: krulls
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 10:20:48 pm
content: I just resurrected a TLA704 that came to me at a good price. It wouldn't boot as the RTC internal battery had died. I carved through the side of the chip and soldered in a coin cell socket and after getting the BIOS to recognize the HDD it's up and running. I also upped the memory to the max of 128 MB. I had to reinstall the firmware on the 7N4 module to get it to be recognized by the system. It now passes all self tests and both the 7M4 and 7N4 modules passed self calibration. I have three P6417 probes with flying leads and micro probes. Now I need a method to back up or clone the HDD before it dies. It's 98SE and the 704 was not delivered with an install CD and it has no CD-ROM drive or the capability to add one very easily. It uses a 2.5" IDE laptop HDD and has a 3.5" IDE floppy, and no network capability. One poster mentioned Win2000 but Tektronix says it will not work on the Zeus mobo in the analyzer.My Christmas list - a clone program that works, and copies of the latest firmware for the 7M4 and 7N4.Tektronix mentions battery-backed NVRAM in the modules - anyone investigated that? I may open up a module this weekend and see if more surgery is necessary.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 10:26:39 pm
content: Attach a second hard drive and clone onto that. You can start the clone software from a 3.5" disk or if you attach a CDROM player you can run Clonezilla from there. An extra PC power supply and a 40 pin to 44 pin IDE converter is what you'll need.With some care you should be able to find an old 16 bit PCMCIA network card which works. Avoid the ones from Intel!The firmware for the modules always comes with the TLA software and AFAIK you have to use the version which comes with the software.

author: krulls
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2017, 02:40:59 pm
content: Thank you for the response! I have located a non-Intel PCMCIA network card and it appears to be working. Also found a working HD at a local computer recycler. Need to try to update IE I think as some web sites aren't reacting well to my current version. I'll give Clonezilla on a 3.5 a try, hopefully this weekend.

author: krulls
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2017, 10:36:40 pm
content: A further request - is there a repository somewhere of microprocessor support packages for the 704? I'm specifically interested in the Motorola 68000-series right now.