834
The Tektronix 834 is a portable "programmable data communications tester" (serial protocol analyzer) for RS-232 (V.24) circuits, introduced in 1980.
The 835 and 836 are sister models with extra features, introduced in 1986.
It can be used as a serial transmission monitor, modem or terminal simulator, or as a bit and block error rate tester (BERT). It supports ASCII, EBCDIC and hexadecimal displays on its 12-character alphanumeric display, for data formats with 5 to 9 bits/ character (including parity), asynchronous or synchronous (including HDLC), from 50 to 19200 bits/s.
ROM packs were available to extend the 834's functions for specific protocols.
In simulation mode, operation is user-programmable with up to 99 program steps that can reference up to 50 "parameter buffers" (registers). Some standard tests like all-character tests or "quick brown fox" tests are predefined.
John Light was the software lead on the 834 and wrote some of the key parts of the software. Other software team members included Jeff McMeekin, Randy Deitrich and Bill Randle. On the hardware side was Pete Janowitz, and Lynn Saunders. Wendell Damm was the engineering project manager.
Links
Documents Referencing 834
| Document | Class | Title | Authors | Year | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tekscope 1980 V12 N4.pdf | Article | A Programmable Data Communications Tester for First-Line Technicians | Pete Janowitz • John Light | 1980 | 834 |
Accessories
- Option 02 - Current Loop (20/60 mA) Interface (015-0361-00 adapter)
- Option 03 - RS-449 (RS-422/RS-423) Interface (A6741 adapter)
- Option 04 - MIL-STD-188C Interface
- Option 05 - Two Wire Direct Interface (A6742 adapter)
- Option 06 - V.35 Interface (A6744 adapter)
- A6741 − RS-232 / V.24 Tri-state break-out box
- 834R01 - Asynchronous ROM Pack
- 834R02 - Bisync ROM Pack
- 834R02A - Bisynchronous (EBCDIC) ROM Pack
- 834R03A - Link Test ROM Pack
- 834R04 - HDLC/X.25 ROM Pack
- 834R05 - Extended Instruction ROM Pack
- 834R06 - Bisynchronous (ASCII) ROM Pack
- 834R07 - PARS/IPARS ROM Pack
- 834R10 - SDLC/SNA (RD2) ROM Pack
- 834R11 - Extended Monitor ROM Pack
- 834R13 - SDLC/SNA (RD3) ROM Pack
- 830R13 - SDLC/SNA (RD3) ROM Pack
Internals
The 834 is built around a Zilog Z-80 CPU, helped by a 6802 handling the display/keyboard processing.
Pictures
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Shell closed, front
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Rear view
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Shell closed, side
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Bottom view
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Bottom view with cover open, ROM slot visible
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834R05 Extended Instruction Set ROM
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834R06 Extended Instruction Set ROM
Components
Some Parts Used in the 834
| Part | Part Number(s) | Class | Description | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola 6800 | 156-0426-00 • 156-2413-00 • 156-5472-01 | Monolithic integrated circuit | 8-bit microprocessor | 021-0206-00 • 021-0374-00 • 067-0902-00 • 067-1137-99 • 222 • 222A • 222PS • 2424L • 2445 • 2465 • 2467 • 4051 • 7250 • 7912 • 7912AD • 7A16P • 7A29P • 7B81P • 7B90P • 833 • 834 • 835 • 836 • CG5001 • CG551AP • CG5010 • CG5011 • DF1 • DF2 • DM5010 • FG5010 • MI5010 • SI5010 • PS5004 • PS5010 • SG5010 • Keithley 181 • Keithley 182 • Keithley 175 • Keithley 175A • Keithley 191 • Keithley 192 • Keithley 195 • Keithley 195A • Keithley 197 • Keithley 220 • Keithley 224 • Keithley 230 • Keithley 263 • Keithley 485 • Keithley 580 • Keithley 617 |
| Zilog Z-80 | 156-0983-03 • 156-0983-04 • 156-0963-02 • 156-2280-00 | Monolithic integrated circuit | 8-bit microprocessor | 318 • 338 • 1503B • 1503C • 5223 • 834 • 835 • 836 • DAS9100 • SPG-271 • TSG-170 |