TK, so to be clear, the logic analyzer is 100% functional other than the storage subsystem (no HDD and FDD not working). I only get the software error when I connect an IDE HDD drive. I have found that trying to format a floppy results in a CRC error (both FAT and LIF). Any attempt to connect a HDD (2GB IDE Master) results in the software boot error.
Given the lack of a storage subsystem (I suspect disk controller failure on the processor board), I have used python/PyVisa to program the unit via the RS232 port and also pull list data back (pulling list data back is a bit slow but it works). That seems to work just fine. So I do have a very usable system.
Given the disfucntional FDD, I really have no way to reload OS. And given the system is usable (I actually like Python/PyVisa for configuring the unit as easier than the front panel) I'm tempted to just leave it as is.
The motivation for purchasing the LA was to repair an HP 5342A microwave frequency counter. I have 3 of them, one dysfunctional and through module swap, found the issue to be in the microprocessor board (Motorola 6800, one RAM chip, three 2K x 8 ROMs and some address decode). I was able to determine one of the three ROMs was bad (luckily the 5342A has DIP switches that allow it to sweep the address space). Using the bad and good unit, I was able to pull the ROM contents from all 3 ROMs, confirm the bad ROM, program a 2716 EEPROM with good data and "substitute" it for the failed ROM. Some jury rigging required as pinouts were different, the original ROM has 3 chip enables and the 2716 only has one. So the 2716 and a 7410 on a prototype board worked. The LA interface (configuration and pulling results back) was all done with Python. The good and bad ROM contents were sucked into Excel, compared, good contents converted to Intel HEX format and then written to the 2716. Great and fun exercise.
Ron
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