RE: Signature Analyzers

On the subject of KK units.... I have a KK ROM tester, no documentation, it
just has 2 rows of machine pin sockets on the top and inputs for the sig
analysis connections. I always assumed is just calculates sigs on the ROMs,
but I never really knew, or used it for that matter. Anyone know about
this one?

I also picked up a Bugtrap DRAM tester on Fleabay for $10, works great.
Does everything down to 4116s... It is configurable for the timing and
everything. Works great for me, as my current eprom burner/chip tester
doesn't handle triple power supply parts. If you get a chance to grab one,
I would definitely go for it. I think it's the Bugtrap model 8000.

                                James
-----Original Message-----
From: Kev [mailto:KKlopp@EROLS.COM]
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2000 3:20 PM
To: TechToolsList@flippers.com
Subject: Re: Signature Analyzers

> For some dumb reason I have several of them, I have the HP 5004 and 5006,
a
> bug trap sig analyzer and a Kurz Kasch model. All are basically about the
> same, at least as much as I use them. Honestly, I find I seldom use
> signature analysis. About the only time it really comes in handy is
working
> on vector mathboxes. But it's nice to have it for well documented
projects,
> like the cinematronics boards.
>
> James

Gosh I thought I was the only "dummy" with 3 sig analyzers in the house.

I've got the Bugtrap (My personal favorite)
Kurz Kash
and the Cat Box.

If anyone is interested in the KK box I'll sell it or trade it. I've also
go the KK eprom copier & several modules if anyone has any need for that
(read vintage equipment).

My use of a SA?

Well I was fighting enough with Bally pinball boards MPU 17 & 35 that I went
thru & did some SA.

I started to do Pac-Man but the buffering circuits complicates SA
implimentation. I have used the SA on Pac-Man to catch funky 74ls161's in
the timing section. This is a rare case where a using an O-scope the way I
do (probe, see if the signal is full range & looks "normal") would not have
found the faulty 74ls161, since the outputs were toggling & appeared to
work, they just were not correct.

I have unsuccefully SA a Battlezone Math box before.

The SA is an okay tool, it will be more powerful the more people document &
share Signatures. I'd take an O-scope of a SA any day but the SA is cheaper
and depending on your focus not a bad tool.

Kev
mowerman@erols.com
http://www.erols.com/mowerman
Received on Fri Jan 14 12:59:21 2000