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Finally I decided to take care of the baby, before is too late:
TEK2465B
S/N: B017389
Hours: 10045
Pwer On/Off: 1783
AFAIK never recalibrated, no sticker applied
Apparently I have at leasr OPTION 5 installed, I have the same panel:
I dumped the CAL values using a video (actually two, I discovered I made some errors, with light "0", "B" and "8" seems similar, so I took another one (still to be triple checked).
Now I would like to know which are my options:
1) could I apply the solution that writes the values after burning a special eprom/eeprom with cal data in it? Keep the same/replace SRAM after replacing the battery? I see there is a utility (24xxAB-writecal-1.1) that would allow me to put CAL data and have it be written in the SRAM. Is this one fit for the purpose:
GQ PRG113 GQ4X4 + ADP054 + EPROM ERASER
2) would it be possible to use the FRAM+DIP adapter solution and get rid of the battery altogether? It is not clear to me if this could be used on the low serial scopes also. Same goes for the programmer mentioned before.
In addition:
3) is there any way to know for sure which are the options installed? I see these options (BU EXER F1, CT EXER 01, TV EXER something, maybe CCT/WR OPTION 9?), but is there an official method to confirm?
this is the back panel:
Is that the connector for the P6407?
4) Is there any way to retrofit a 2465B with a GPIB board? Is it worth it?
Thanks in advance.
--
Giuseppe Marullo
IW2JWW - JN45RQ
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On Sun, Mar 16, 2025 at 11:39?AM Giuseppe Marullo[iw2jww] via groups.io <giuseppe@...> wrote: 2) would it be possible to use the FRAM+DIP adapter solution and get rid
of the battery altogether?
I have not done this, but IMHO if any of the 24X5|7A|B scopes allow this, all of them do, as they all have the same processor and the same bus timings. IIRC the one concern is what happens when the power is dying, which is where the original NVRAM module has well defined behavior. I've never heard of NVRAM corruption with the FRAM conversion, though that doesn't mean a lot :). 3) is there any way to know for sure which are the options installed? I see these options (BU EXER F1, CT EXER 01, TV EXER something, maybe
CCT/WR OPTION 9?), but is there an official method to confirm?
this is the back panel:
Is that the connector for the P6407?
From the back panel it looks like you have option 09 (CTT) at least. I know there is an options service manual, maybe it has the details? You could pull the case and have a look-see, though it's a bit of a pickle to pull out the options (I only have the CTT in my 2467). 4) Is there any way to retrofit a 2465B with a GPIB board? Is it worth it?
I have a 2467, where in my opinion this isn't worth it because it only really gives you the ability to set up and read back measurement settings. I guess with the -Bs you also have auto measurements, and so the ability to read back measurement. Unless you have a whole lot of batch measurements to do, that's not going to be worth it either.
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Thanks Sigur?ur, I have not done this, but IMHO if any of the 24X5|7A|B scopes allow this,
all of them do, as they all have the same processor and the same bus
timings. I could just try to program a fram, if it won't work I could simply use the eeprom trick and keep the battery(sigh). OTOH, I could just try to replace the battery and if everything goes well, maybe return on the matter in the next ten years... From the back panel it looks like you have option 09 (CTT) at least. It seems so. No probe and really I don't know how to use it, which could it be the advantage over a logic analyzer? there is an options service manual, maybe it has the details? I was not able to locate many explicit information, I was expecting for example indication of a different face plate for options that would add specific functions, like OPTION 5. You could pull the case and have a look-see, though it's a bit of a pickle to pull out the options (I only have the CTT in my 2467). I already pulled the case to check the P501 jumper's position, not keen to rip open the patient just to see if I have options I think I will never need. Option 5 is for analog TV, right? Not needed by me. Option 9 is for word recognition and logic trigger, no use for these either (I don't have the probe, and I have cheap logic analyzers for this up to 400MHz). Maybe I am missing something here. I may have Option 6 but front plate should have different layout, mine seems just about OPTION 5 and maybe OPTION 9. Nevertheless, this one: Is listed as having option 6...but it has A/B TRIG instead of A/B Menu At least this is what is shown in the OPTION 6/9 Operator's manual. Looking for the manual to see which function I should check to confirm/dismiss. I have a 2467, where in my opinion this isn't worth it because it only
really gives you the ability to set up and read back measurement Ouch, I was expecting it to have the ability to send a "screenshot" of the waveforms too. Giuseppe Marullo IW2JWW - JN45RQ
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On Sun, Mar 16, 2025 at 6:35?PM Giuseppe Marullo[iw2jww] via groups.io <giuseppe@...> wrote:
> From the back panel it looks like you have option 09 (CTT) at least.
It seems so. No probe and really I don't know how to use it, which could
it be the advantage over a logic analyzer?
Option 09 includes the 06 CTT option, plus it allows for using the word recognizer probe. The CTT option gives you a counter/timer integrated to the scope. It allows counting frequency and measuring time intervals, as well as extending the trigger capabilities a little bit. This might be useful depending on what you're going to do with this scope. My 2467 has the 09 option, and I have used its basic functions on occasion. I may have Option 6 but front plate should have different layout, mine
seems just about OPTION 5 and maybe OPTION 9.
Option 9 includes option 6. IIRC you bring up the CTT menu with the A/B TRIG/MENU button. > I have a 2467, where in my opinion this isn't worth it because it only
> really gives you the ability to set up and read back measurement
Ouch, I was expecting it to have the ability to send a "screenshot" of
the waveforms too.
This is a purely analog scope, the only place the trace exists is on the CRT.
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On Sun, Mar 16, 2025 at 08:39 AM, Giuseppe Marullo[iw2jww] wrote: GQ PRG113 GQ4X4 + ADP054 + EPROM ERASER 2) would it be possible to use the FRAM+DIP adapter solution and get rid
of the battery altogether? It is not clear to me if this could be used
on the low serial scopes also. Same goes for the programmer mentioned
before.
I do have a 2465B with a FM16W08 FRAM and so far it has worked perfectly for several years. Plug-n-Play without any special mods or anything else but to mount the FRAM on an SOIC to DIP28 adapter, and copy the NVRAM data into it. I used the GQ4X4 programmer, that is compatible with both the FRAM and the original DS1225 NVRAM. I ordered the FRAM, NVRAM (150nS version), the low profile DIP28 socket and the Aries adapter all from Mouser back then. Last time I checked some months ago those Aries brand adapters (very good quality) where getting low in stock and prices had skyrocketed to something over $63 (!) for one piece, which is about triple what I paid back almost 3 years ago.
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Thanks Alex, 1) could you please confirm that your 2465B has a low serial? If so you should have performed the battery mod, else it should fail the battery voltage check, right? I saw that the original creator of the read utility had a 2465B low serial, so hopefully the FRAM mod is doable also on that model. 2) Could you be so kind and send me *exact* Mouse BOM for it? and prices had skyrocketed to something over $63 (!) I saw the FRAM adapter and yes, probably ARIES got acquired by Cartier. I could buy the GQ4X4 + eraser, I don't have much use of it but it is something I always wanted to buy, you never know. It seems pretty decent for the price, don't see many alternatives in that price range with the confirmed ability to deal with FRAMs. Thanks a lot. -- Giuseppe Marullo IW2JWW - JN45RQ
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Hi Sigur?ur, Option 9 includes option 6. IIRC you bring up the CTT menu with the A/B
TRIG/MENU button. Yes, but according to the manual,should have a different designation, not "A/B TRIG" but "A/B MENU", also B TRIG options seems different. It is almost impossible to tell if there is a different designation but the description say it should be different. Seems not. Do you have a A/B TRIG MENU label near the button or simply A/B TRIG? Looking on the net never saw an image with A/B TRIG MENU label. This is an image(awful) of the manual: This is the closeup of that part of my front panel: Anyway, I will try to activate the function to see if it works, simply pressing the A/B Trig won't work, probably I need something connected. This is a purely analog scope, the only place the trace exists is on the
CRT. I know, but having a HP-1500L ESA Spectrun analyzer that was able to send you the screen...I was hoping that. Not worth the hassle then, I agree. -- Giuseppe Marullo IW2JWW - JN45RQ
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On Mon, Mar 17, 2025 at 06:17 PM, Giuseppe Marullo[iw2jww] wrote: Yes, but according to the manual,should have a different designation,
not "A/B TRIG" but "A/B MENU", also B TRIG options seems different. Options manual at and my 2465B with option 9 (CTT/WR) shows "A/B TRIG" ...
This is an image(awful) of the manual:
That picture doesn't look like a 2465B. Timebase knob and trigger area looks different.
Anyway, I will try to activate the function to see if it works, simply
pressing the A/B Trig won't work, probably I need something connected.
You can check if you have CTT and WR by pressing "MEASURE". If you have "COUNTER" menu at top right you have CTT. In addition if you press <MORE> and see "WR-RADIX" menu you have CTT+word recognizer. If you have any errors during boot up you can clear most of them temporarily by pressing A/B TRIG button. There is a test mode (Buffer exercise F1) that shows list of options but it doesn't distinguish between CTT vs CTT+WR. Another indicator is the 6 pin LEMO connector at the back for WR probe, assuming someone didn't swap the boards inside. Regarding Dallas NVRAM replacement: I recently removed a 34 year old Dallas NVRAM from a 2465B, it still showed 3.1V battery voltage. They last quite a bit longer than 10 years. I recommend a low profile precision socket and another Dallas part from a reliable source like Digikey/Mouser. I also did the FRAM change for a scope few years back, it doesn't have low voltage detection so it may get corrupted one day. Recently I added a coincell battery holder to another Dallas chip and I like it better than the FRAM solution. Ozan
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On Mon, Mar 17, 2025 at 10:45 AM, Giuseppe Marullo[iw2jww] wrote: Thanks Alex,
1) could you please confirm that your 2465B has a low serial? Forgot to mention my scope is above 50K SN. 2) Could you be so kind and send me *exact* Mouse BOM for it?
Here are the links I have on file: Hope they still work, Mouser's AI is once again blocking me on this browser for being "outdated" and probably not being able to fully track my steps, so could not check them. Aries 28-650000-10 adapter DS1225AD-150 NVRAM FM16W08 FRAM DIP28 LOW PROFILE SOCKET
I could buy the GQ4X4 + eraser,
You don't need to buy any separate eraser, the programmer can clear the chips when necessary.
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Thanks Ozan, That picture doesn't look like a 2465B. Timebase knob and trigger area looks different. So it was indeed a 2465 manual, just not the "B variant". That explains why I was never able to find such a panel on a 2465B on the internet. You can check if you have CTT and WR by pressing "MEASURE". If you Yes I have: have "COUNTER" menu at top right you have CTT. In addition if you press ><MORE> Yes I have but you also need to click on CONFIGURE before having it display WR-RADIX: There is a test mode (Buffer exercise F1) that shows list of options but it doesn't distinguish between CTT vs CTT+WR. Another indicator is Didn't try that, I am scared I would initiate some CAL routine, even if I double checked that P501 is in NO CAL position. At this point, it seems I do have: OPTION 5 OPTION 6 + 9 So I won't check further. the 6 pin LEMO connector at the back for WR probe, assuming someone didn't swap the boards inside. I have the connector(not the probe), just I don't know how useful the probe it could be in today's world. I have a separate DSLogic LA for digital debugging. Regarding Dallas NVRAM replacement: I recently removed a 34 year old My scope is low serial one, there is no Dallas. What is not clear to me is if the FRAM mod is suitable for a low serial, and if eventually I could use the DALLAS on a low serial model. I have dumped the EXT 2 values and I would like to get rid of any battery if possible but I am open to all the available options, possibly validated by someone else. I don't have a eeprom programmer but I will buy one if needed. Thanks for the help! Giueppe Marullo IW2JWW - JN45RQ
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Hi Giueppe, My comments are below. On Tue, Mar 18, 2025 at 07:00 AM, Giuseppe Marullo[iw2jww] wrote: >the 6 pin LEMO connector at the back for WR probe, assuming someone
>didn't swap the boards inside.
I have the connector(not the probe), just I don't know how useful the
probe it could be in today's world. I have a separate DSLogic LA for
digital debugging. I agree, WR probe may not be useful especially if you have a LA. With WR option back case have a BNC for trigger output. It is possible to re-wire it for 10MHz input for better CTT time resolution. Even it may not be that useful if you already have a frequency counter. My scope is low serial one, there is no Dallas.
What is not clear to me is if the FRAM mod is suitable for a low serial,
and if eventually I could use the DALLAS on a low serial model. In that case Dallas -> FRAM change is not applicable, at least it is not a drop in replacement. Your board has an accessible battery, if you are careful and supply a secondary power source you can change the battery without losing contents. You could even decide to put a battery holder for future replacement.
I have dumped the EXT 2 values and I would like to get rid of any
battery if possible but I am open to all the available options, possibly
validated by someone else.
I don't have a eeprom programmer but I will buy one if needed.
Thanks for the help!
With Dallas chip carefully desoldering it keeps the contents and you can read back the data. With your board you can't read the SRAM once it is removed. I don't have any experience with low serial A5 boards and I don't know if others have modifications for battery backed SRAM. I recommend supplying a secondary power source, then carefully removing old battery without shorting supplies and replacing with a new one. Then repeat in another 10-20 years :) I don't think EEPROM programmer will be of much use. Ozan
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On Tue, Mar 18, 2025 at 07:00 AM, Giuseppe Marullo[iw2jww] wrote:
I don't have a eeprom programmer but I will buy one if needed.
I'd like to see more discussion about using a Pi, to program the FRAM. The logic levels... AFAIK.. are compatible. Could do it in Python. Why not? -- Roy Thistle
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I agree, WR probe may not be useful especially if you have a LA. With WR option back case have a BNC for trigger output. It is possible to re-wire it for 10MHz input for better CTT time resolution. Even it may not be that useful if you already have a frequency counter. Yes, I have a Racal Dana 1998 with higher resolution, high stability option and GPSDO. I would not bother with messing with option 1E (even if it seems easy to do) if it was just for 8 digit precision/resolution. If it were for the scope timebase it would be another story, but it seems apparently impossible. In that case Dallas -> FRAM change is not applicable, at least it is not a drop in replacement. Your board has an accessible battery, if you are careful and supply a secondary power source you can change the battery without losing contents. You could even decide to put a battery holder for future replacement. Yes, but having a battery it's really pissing me off, provided all the mess it causes. It reminds me about Icom IC-751A transceiver (and family), it has the MCU program loaded in SRAM(!), if you lose the battery charge, the radio becomes a paperweight. Anyway I would like to go from SRAM to FRAM. If this would not be possible eventually I could change the battery. Having an EPROM burned would allow me to regenerate values in SRAM if something goes bad during the battery surgery operation. Temporarily substituting the firmware eprom with this one that has a program and my cal data in it to populate again the SRAM. I have the BOM, once it will be clear to me that/if my 2465B can support a FRAM I will decide how to proceed. Giuseppe Marullo IW2JWW - JN45RQ
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