tds 744a second level testing shows fail++processor  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: durresaku13
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 12:38:13 pm
content: hello friends. i just got this tds744a that shows fail++processor test from the second level testing. the first level testing shows PASS when scope is turned on on self diagnostics, is there anyone can point me in the right direction on this issue? is there a firmware needed or anything at all i can do?also, can SR232 port be used to upgrade the firmware? or with floppy disk? Please help me. thank you.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 03:57:32 pm
content: Before attempting to mess with the firmware, get the oscilloscope fixed first.This PDF has information and schematics for a related oscilloscope:http://www.ko4bb.com/getsimple/index.php?id=download&file=Tektronix/Tektronix_-_TDS52x_Oscilloscope/TDS520B_Mod_CM_Digitizing_Oscilloscope_Component_Service_Manual_070-9710-03.pdf

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 04:07:06 pm
content: What do the error logs say? It's easiest via GPIB if you have the gear to do that?First clear the error log, send the command 'ERR CLEAR' via GPIB.Then reboot the scope and perform full self test to create a fresh set of errors.To read the first line of the error log via GPIB, send the command 'errlog:first?'To read out subsequent lines, send the command 'errlog:next?' per line in sequence.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 04:08:37 pm
content: AFAIK you can also get the error logs (and clear them) from the oscilloscope itself. It may need to be set to an extensive diagnostic mode through the dipswitches though.

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 04:44:59 pm
content: Yeah, there is an error log screen in the menu, but if the error is longer than the space on the display, it can lose that part of the error. It doesn't wrap around to the next line very well.Also, clearing errors can only be done via GPIB.

author: durresaku13
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 04:56:19 pm
content: unfortunately i dont have GPIB capabilitywhen i run the spc i get pass on signal, but i see voltage reference, frequency reference, and trigger reference all 3 show initiated. but those 3 dont change. is it bricked or just needs calibration with equipment that i dont have?thank you.

author: durresaku13
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 04:57:55 pm
content: unfortunately i don't have gpib capability, any other way of doing this?

author: durresaku13
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 05:01:23 pm
content: how to clear error log, or see them directly from the scope? please help me. thank you

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 06:18:31 pm
content: That is all in the service manual. Google for TDS744A service manual and download it, there is quite a lot of info in there on trouble shooting. Once you got a more clear idea on where the problem is, you can use the component service manual to figure what the exact problem may be.

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2024, 03:21:04 am
content: As I mentioned before, unfortunately there is no way to clear error logs without GPIB that I know of.You can view the errors though, it is in a menu selection near the SPC stuff.

author: durresaku13
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 17, 2024, 11:56:17 pm
content: i found a bpib to usb adapter. looks like home made.is it possible to use this device to interact with the tds 744a?any idea on how to go about it?thank you.

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2024, 09:21:22 am
content: If you can get the adapter to send and recieve commands and data, the scope doesn't care what adapter you use, as long as the GPIB data is good.

author: durresaku13
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 19, 2024, 02:22:16 pm
content: thank you.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2024, 04:43:22 pm
content: Maybe a stupid suggestion, but it might be worth to give Tek Secure erase a try to clear the log. As the log may indicate some use of the DSO I would classify it as sensitive information which should fall under a secure erase. It is a long shot though. Unfortunately I don't have an oscilloscope from this series around to try. Otherwise GPIB is the way to go I'm afraid.

author: Tantratron
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2025, 05:19:14 am
content: Quote from: durresaku13 on May 05, 2024, 12:38:13 pmWhat is the firmware version (1.x 4.x or 5.x) of your TDS744A ?