7 Nov
2024
7 Nov
'24
11:36 a.m.
Hi all,
I have a HP 1640B that I'm trying to get to work. However I can't find any
information about it, and while the machine itself it straightforward enough (and I
remember enough from when I was using it in my first dayjob) I can not find anything about
how to use the GPIB interface that it has.
The reason I'm interested is, we've finally managed to add GPIB support to the
PDP2011-MINC fpga implementation, and I'd like to test against a different target than
the relatively modern Philips/Fluke counter I'm now using. And the 1640B is the only
other GPIB instrument I have...
The HP doesn't seem to know the ID? command (that causes an error message on the
screen). It does respond to a newline (the standard is-this-listener-present test that the
MINC code implements), so at least something is working.
Does anyone here have any docs on the HP 1640B? It'd be very helpful at least to know
which GPIB commands are implemented.
thanks in advance!
Sytse
7 Nov
7 Nov
1:30 p.m.
There are some available on ebay. Just search “hp 2640b”
Sent from my Dec Alphastation 200.
On Nov 7, 2024, at 11:41, Sytse van Slooten via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Hi all,
I have a HP 1640B that I'm trying to get to work. However I can't find any
information about it, and while the machine itself it straightforward enough (and I
remember enough from when I was using it in my first dayjob) I can not find anything about
how to use the GPIB interface that it has.
The reason I'm interested is, we've finally managed to add GPIB support to the
PDP2011-MINC fpga implementation, and I'd like to test against a different target than
the relatively modern Philips/Fluke counter I'm now using. And the 1640B is the only
other GPIB instrument I have...
The HP doesn't seem to know the ID? command (that causes an error message on the
screen). It does respond to a newline (the standard is-this-listener-present test that the
MINC code implements), so at least something is working.
Does anyone here have any docs on the HP 1640B? It'd be very helpful at least to know
which GPIB commands are implemented.
thanks in advance!
Sytse
1:49 p.m.
Yeah I saw that, but I'm a bit reluctant to blindly pay USD 50 for something that
might not even have any detail on what I'm looking for. After all, I don't need a
full manual, and certainly not a collector-worthy copy. I just need this specific
information.
On 7 Nov 2024, at 22:30, Wayne S
<wayne.sudol(a)hotmail.com> wrote:
There are some available on ebay. Just search “hp 2640b”
Sent from my Dec Alphastation 200.
> On Nov 7, 2024, at 11:41, Sytse van Slooten via cctalk <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I have a HP 1640B that I'm trying to get to work. However I can't find any
information about it, and while the machine itself it straightforward enough (and I
remember enough from when I was using it in my first dayjob) I can not find anything about
how to use the GPIB interface that it has.
>
> The reason I'm interested is, we've finally managed to add GPIB support to
the PDP2011-MINC fpga implementation, and I'd like to test against a different target
than the relatively modern Philips/Fluke counter I'm now using. And the 1640B is the
only other GPIB instrument I have...
>
> The HP doesn't seem to know the ID? command (that causes an error message on the
screen). It does respond to a newline (the standard is-this-listener-present test that the
MINC code implements), so at least something is working.
>
> Does anyone here have any docs on the HP 1640B? It'd be very helpful at least to
know which GPIB commands are implemented.
>
> thanks in advance!
>
> Sytse
2:05 p.m.
Bitsavers has some manuals for 1630 and 1650. Maybe those will give you enough info to be
useful?
Sent from my Dec Alphastation 200
On Nov 7, 2024, at 13:49, Sytse van Slooten via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Yeah I saw that, but I'm a bit reluctant to blindly pay USD 50 for something that
might not even have any detail on what I'm looking for. After all, I don't need a
full manual, and certainly not a collector-worthy copy. I just need this specific
information.
On 7 Nov 2024, at 22:30, Wayne S
<wayne.sudol(a)hotmail.com> wrote:
There are some available on ebay. Just search “hp 2640b”
Sent from my Dec Alphastation 200.
>> On Nov 7, 2024, at 11:41, Sytse van Slooten via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I have a HP 1640B that I'm trying to get to work. However I can't find any
information about it, and while the machine itself it straightforward enough (and I
remember enough from when I was using it in my first dayjob) I can not find anything about
how to use the GPIB interface that it has.
>
> The reason I'm interested is, we've finally managed to add GPIB support to
the PDP2011-MINC fpga implementation, and I'd like to test against a different target
than the relatively modern Philips/Fluke counter I'm now using. And the 1640B is the
only other GPIB instrument I have...
>
> The HP doesn't seem to know the ID? command (that causes an error message on the
screen). It does respond to a newline (the standard is-this-listener-present test that the
MINC code implements), so at least something is working.
>
> Does anyone here have any docs on the HP 1640B? It'd be very helpful at least to
know which GPIB commands are implemented.
>
> thanks in advance!
>
> Sytse
3:24 p.m.
You could try
https://groups.io/g/VintHPcom/messages
https://groups.io/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment
https://groups.io/g/logicanalyzers/messages
I couldn't see it on BAMA of K04BB but there are others.
The other possibility is to pull and read the ROMs - sometimes HPIB
commands show up as literal text.
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 9:56 PM Sytse van Slooten via cctalk <
cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Yeah I saw that, but I'm a bit reluctant to
blindly pay USD 50 for
something that might not even have any detail on what I'm looking for.
After all, I don't need a full manual, and certainly not a collector-worthy
copy. I just need this specific information.
On 7 Nov 2024, at 22:30, Wayne S
<wayne.sudol(a)hotmail.com> wrote:
There are some available on ebay. Just search “hp 2640b”
Sent from my Dec Alphastation 200.
> On Nov 7, 2024, at 11:41, Sytse van Slooten via cctalk <
cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I have a HP 1640B that I'm trying to get to work. However I can't find
any information about it, and while the machine itself it straightforward
enough (and I remember enough from when I was using it in my first dayjob)
I can not find anything about how to use the GPIB interface that it has.
>
> The reason I'm interested is, we've finally managed to add GPIB support
to the PDP2011-MINC fpga implementation, and I'd like to test against a
different target than the relatively modern Philips/Fluke counter I'm now
using. And the 1640B is the only other GPIB instrument I have...
>
> The HP doesn't seem to know the ID? command (that causes an error
message on the screen). It does respond to a newline (the standard
is-this-listener-present test that the MINC code implements), so at least
something is working.
>
> Does anyone here have any docs on the HP 1640B? It'd be very helpful at
least to know which GPIB commands are implemented.
>
> thanks in advance!
>
> Sytse
3:38 p.m.
There's also this one. May be more or less likely to have HPIB commands
than the service manuals.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232562875321
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 11:24 PM Adrian Godwin <artgodwin(a)gmail.com> wrote:
You could try
https://groups.io/g/VintHPcom/messages
https://groups.io/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment
https://groups.io/g/logicanalyzers/messages
I couldn't see it on BAMA of K04BB but there are others.
The other possibility is to pull and read the ROMs - sometimes HPIB
commands show up as literal text.
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 9:56 PM Sytse van Slooten via cctalk <
cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
> Yeah I saw that, but I'm a bit reluctant to blindly pay USD 50 for
> something that might not even have any detail on what I'm looking for.
> After all, I don't need a full manual, and certainly not a collector-worthy
> copy. I just need this specific information.
>
> > On 7 Nov 2024, at 22:30, Wayne S <wayne.sudol(a)hotmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > There are some available on ebay. Just search “hp 2640b”
> >
> > Sent from my Dec Alphastation 200.
> >
> >> On Nov 7, 2024, at 11:41, Sytse van Slooten via cctalk <
> cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi all,
> >>
> >> I have a HP 1640B that I'm trying to get to work. However I can't
find
> any information about it, and while the machine itself it straightforward
> enough (and I remember enough from when I was using it in my first dayjob)
> I can not find anything about how to use the GPIB interface that it has.
> >>
> >> The reason I'm interested is, we've finally managed to add GPIB
> support to the PDP2011-MINC fpga implementation, and I'd like to test
> against a different target than the relatively modern Philips/Fluke counter
> I'm now using. And the 1640B is the only other GPIB instrument I have...
> >>
> >> The HP doesn't seem to know the ID? command (that causes an error
> message on the screen). It does respond to a newline (the standard
> is-this-listener-present test that the MINC code implements), so at least
> something is working.
> >>
> >> Does anyone here have any docs on the HP 1640B? It'd be very helpful
> at least to know which GPIB commands are implemented.
> >>
> >> thanks in advance!
> >>
> >> Sytse
>
>
1:32 p.m.
Sytse van Slooten via cctalk wrote:
Hi all,
I have a HP 1640B that I'm trying to get to work. However I can't find any
information about it, and while the machine itself it straightforward enough (and I
remember enough from when I was using it in my first dayjob) I can not find anything about
how to use the GPIB interface that it has.
The reason I'm interested is, we've finally managed to add GPIB support to the
PDP2011-MINC fpga implementation, and I'd like to test against a different target than
the relatively modern Philips/Fluke counter I'm now using. And the 1640B is the only
other GPIB instrument I have...
The HP doesn't seem to know the ID? command (that causes an error message on the
screen). It does respond to a newline (the standard is-this-listener-present test that the
MINC code implements), so at least something is working.
Does anyone here have any docs on the HP 1640B? It'd be very helpful at least to know
which GPIB commands are implemented.
thanks in advance!
Sytse
I have an HP1631D Logic Analyzer and it has an HPIB (GPIB) Port too, but
as far as I know it is only used to connect a special HP Floppy Disc Drive
with HPIB bus, the HP9122 for example, others exist, even a hard drive.
It is used to load and store measurements and loading disassemblers.
Maybe it can handle a printer too.
I've got such an HP9122 later and tested it with the Analyzer...works.
(BTW: does someone have Z80 an 6809 Disassemblers for the 1631D?)
Regards,
Holm
--
Technik Service u. Handel Tiffe, www.tsht.de, Holm Tiffe,
Goethestrasse 15, 09569 Oederan, USt-Id: DE253710583
info(a)tsht.de Tel +49 37292 709778 Mobil: 0172 8790 741
1:55 p.m.
1640B is a very different thing - I should've added that it's basically a
glorified RS232 breakout box, and nothing like a 'logic analyzer'.
It definitely won't connect to peripherals itself - there's a very obvious lack of
buttons and menus to configure something like that.
I suspect that the GPIB functionality will be about managing what is in the programmable
buffers that it can send out in response to some input on the serial link it is
monitoring. But how :-)
On 7 Nov 2024, at 22:32, Holm Tiffe via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Sytse van Slooten via cctalk wrote:
Hi all,
I have a HP 1640B that I'm trying to get to work. However I can't find any
information about it, and while the machine itself it straightforward enough (and I
remember enough from when I was using it in my first dayjob) I can not find anything about
how to use the GPIB interface that it has.
The reason I'm interested is, we've finally managed to add GPIB support to the
PDP2011-MINC fpga implementation, and I'd like to test against a different target than
the relatively modern Philips/Fluke counter I'm now using. And the 1640B is the only
other GPIB instrument I have...
The HP doesn't seem to know the ID? command (that causes an error message on the
screen). It does respond to a newline (the standard is-this-listener-present test that the
MINC code implements), so at least something is working.
Does anyone here have any docs on the HP 1640B? It'd be very helpful at least to know
which GPIB commands are implemented.
thanks in advance!
Sytse
I have an HP1631D Logic Analyzer and it has an HPIB (GPIB) Port too, but
as far as I know it is only used to connect a special HP Floppy Disc Drive
with HPIB bus, the HP9122 for example, others exist, even a hard drive.
It is used to load and store measurements and loading disassemblers.
Maybe it can handle a printer too.
I've got such an HP9122 later and tested it with the Analyzer...works.
(BTW: does someone have Z80 an 6809 Disassemblers for the 1631D?)
Regards,
Holm
--
Technik Service u. Handel Tiffe, www.tsht.de, Holm Tiffe,
Goethestrasse 15, 09569 Oederan, USt-Id: DE253710583
info(a)tsht.de Tel +49 37292 709778 Mobil: 0172 8790 741
9:24 p.m.
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:41 PM Holm Tiffe via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
I have an HP1631D Logic Analyzer and it has an HPIB (GPIB) Port too, but
as far as I know it is only used to connect a special HP Floppy Disc Drive
with HPIB bus, the HP9122 for example, others exist, even a hard drive.
It is used to load and store measurements and loading disassemblers.
Maybe it can handle a printer too.
The HP 163x logic analyzer GPIB interface can be used for remote
control of the analyzer.
See Appendix C, Using the HP-IB or HP-IL Interface
http://www.bitsavers.org/test_equipment/hp/163x/01630-90907_1630_Operating_…
See Chapter 10, Using HP-IB or HP-IL Interface:
http://www.bitsavers.org/test_equipment/hp/163x/01631-90904_1631oper_Aug85.…
(BTW: does someone have Z80 an 6809 Disassemblers for
the 1631D?)
Yes, those exist.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/searching-for-a-hp-1630-hp-1631-inve…
8 Nov
8 Nov
2:46 a.m.
Glen Slick via cctalk wrote:
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:41 PM Holm Tiffe via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Thanks Glen!
Regards,
Holm
--
Technik Service u. Handel Tiffe, www.tsht.de, Holm Tiffe,
Goethestrasse 15, 09569 Oederan, USt-Id: DE253710583
info(a)tsht.de Tel +49 37292 709778 Mobil: 0172 8790 741
I have an HP1631D Logic Analyzer and it has an HPIB (GPIB) Port too, but
as far as I know it is only used to connect a special HP Floppy Disc Drive
with HPIB bus, the HP9122 for example, others exist, even a hard drive.
It is used to load and store measurements and loading disassemblers.
Maybe it can handle a printer too.
The HP 163x logic analyzer GPIB interface can be used for remote
control of the analyzer.
See Appendix C, Using the HP-IB or HP-IL Interface
http://www.bitsavers.org/test_equipment/hp/163x/01630-90907_1630_Operating_…
See Chapter 10, Using HP-IB or HP-IL Interface:
http://www.bitsavers.org/test_equipment/hp/163x/01631-90904_1631oper_Aug85.…
(BTW: does someone have Z80 an 6809 Disassemblers
for the 1631D?)
Yes, those exist.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/searching-for-a-hp-1630-hp-1631-inve…
7 Nov
7 Nov
5:53 p.m.
How ironic. I have a 1640B _without_ the HPIB option board. I've been trying to find
that
board to buy, without any luck so far.
But I _did_ buy this: "HP 01281-90904 1640B OPTION 001 install & service manual
(10281A) (HP-IB)"
Now to try to find it, and see if it's short enough to be an easy scan.
Guy
At 08:36 PM 7/11/2024 +0100, you wrote:
Hi all,
I have a HP 1640B that I'm trying to get to work. However I can't find any
information about it, and while the machine itself it straightforward enough (and I
remember enough from when I was using it in my first dayjob) I can not find anything about
how to use the GPIB interface that it has.
The reason I'm interested is, we've finally managed to add GPIB support to the
PDP2011-MINC fpga implementation, and I'd like to test against a different target than
the relatively modern Philips/Fluke counter I'm now using. And the 1640B is the only
other GPIB instrument I have...
The HP doesn't seem to know the ID? command (that causes an error message on the
screen). It does respond to a newline (the standard is-this-listener-present test that the
MINC code implements), so at least something is working.
Does anyone here have any docs on the HP 1640B? It'd be very helpful at least to know
which GPIB commands are implemented.
thanks in advance!
Sytse
11:14 p.m.
For some reason my 2nd reply (via email) didn't appear. This:
Update: Found it! It's short, I can scan and upload tonight/tomorrow.
Manual PN 10281-90904 Jan 1983
Includes HP-IB commands, schematics, etc.
Incidentally, if anyone has the actual 10281A board they'd sell, I'm interested.
And/or a whole, reasonable condition 1640B. Mine is in very poor condition.
Which is not great, since it's mainly for 'vintage HP collection' reasons.
Guy
8 Nov
8 Nov
7:23 a.m.
Here's the manual for the 1640B HP-IB option board:
http://everist.org/archives/scans/HP_1640B_OPT_001/
And as a zip file:
http://everist.org/archives/scans/HP_1640B_OPT_001/HP_1640B_OPT_001.zip (4.4MB)
7:50 a.m.
Great, thank you so much!
There's a lot of very useful information there - including some commands that I can
use to test the interface, so I'm very very happy. It also sort-of confirms that the
ID? command isn't there, so more confidence that my unit is working correctly.
No complete list of the commands (maybe that's in the operator manual after all?),
although there's enough to have a solid base to start reverse engineering from - and
maybe make the testing a bit more interesting :-)
Again, thanks!
Sytse
On 8 Nov 2024, at 16:23, TerraHertz via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Here's the manual for the 1640B HP-IB option board:
http://everist.org/archives/scans/HP_1640B_OPT_001/
And as a zip file:
http://everist.org/archives/scans/HP_1640B_OPT_001/HP_1640B_OPT_001.zip (4.4MB)
6:36 p.m.
In actually reading that manual as I scanned it, I first noticed the mention of the
operator's manual. Should have realized before that there would be one. Searched this
morning.. and found this on ebay:
10281-90905 Operator's Guide Model 1640B/Opt 001 Programmable Serial Da
This listing was ended by the seller on Fri, Nov 8 at 6:49 AM because the item is no
longer available.
Ha ha ha rats. Maybe this thread prompted someone else to find and buy it.
Oh well that's life. Now for a presumably very long ebay search string wait.
6:41 p.m.
Btw, if you are looking for other relatively cheap early HP-IB peripherals, there are
these:
Early HP-IB peripherals
=======================
HP 59000 Series HP-IB Accessory Modules https://www.prc68.com/I/HP59000.shtml
When HP first came out with HP-IB they also offered a line of HP-IB "Glue"
accessory modules to help in constructing automated test systems. All these instruments
predated IEEE-488.1 and do not have any of the IEEE-488.2 capability. That's to say
they all use the "R2D2" type of commands. The example code is typically based
on something like a 9825 calculator. Most have their covers held on with Pozi Drive 2
screws.
eg HP Catatalogs 1978 pg 26, 1989 pg 562
HP 59301A ASCII to Parallel Converter
HP 59303A Digital-Analog-Converter
HP 59304A Numeric Display
HP 59306A HP-IB Relay Actuator
HP 59307A Dual VHF Switch
HP 59308A Timing Generator
HP 59309A HP-IB Digital Clock
HP 59313A 4 Chan A/D Converter
HP 59401A Bus System Analyzer
HP 59403A Common Carrier Interface
HP 59500A Multiprogrammer HP-IB Interface
HP 59501A Isolated DAC/Power Supply Programmer (Isolated DAC) cat 1979 pg 228
Prices vary; some can be very cheap. The 59309A HP-IB Digital Clock is rare and
expensive, and manuals are even rarer.
10:43 p.m.
Ha ha guess what! Turns out I HAVE the OPT 001 Operators manual as well.
Background: I bought a very beat-up 1640B (no HP-IB option) early last year. Started to
work on it while also hunting the manuals. Got stuck needing some parts I didn't have.
Put the unit aside, disassembled in a box, till those could be found. Then had major life
distractions, including a trip to the USA late last year, and some illness this year. This
thread reminded me, I should resume that restoration. Found the manuals, which I store in
big ziplock bags. One has the 'user manuals' which for the 1640B are small-format
black-covered booklets. Several copies, since they tend to get included with service
manauls and such.
I just now thought to check in that bag. And I do have the OPT 001 Operator's guide
after all.
Will try to scan it asap. A bit more difficult, as it's staple-bound, and uses color
screening.
8:04 a.m.
On Fri, Nov 8, 2024, 7:31 AM TerraHertz via cctalk <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org
wrote:
Here's the manual for the 1640B HP-IB option
board:
http://everist.org/archives/scans/HP_1640B_OPT_001/
And as a zip file:
http://everist.org/archives/scans/HP_1640B_OPT_001/HP_1640B_OPT_001.zip
(4.4MB)
The parts list shows an HP 1AA6-6004 HPIB PHI chip. If anyone is curious
about that chip, Ken Shirriff has a detailed post about it here:
https://www.righto.com/2023/12/HP-silicon-on-sapphire-phi-chip.html
356
days inactive
358
days old
17 comments
8 participants
participants (8)
-
Adrian Godwin -
Glen Slick -
Guy Dunphy -
guykd＠optusnet.com.au
-
Holm Tiffe -
Sytse van Slooten -
Sytse van Slooten -
Wayne S