Questions about HP 1670e analyzer

[Dan Moos]

I just picked up an HP 1670e logic analyzer from eBay. Good price, and has all the probe leads for every pod (that was the main draw).

I don't have it in hand yet, but it is the first piece if older equipment I've gotten that contains a hard drive. It was advertised as working, but I'm gonna assume that drive is gonna fail eventually.

My main question is, is the firmware in ROM, or is having that drive drive fail the kiss of death? I also wonder how reliable the floppy drive on it is. I ordered a GPIB to USB adapter, but would prefer to use the floppy for things like firmware upgrades, and loading inverse assemblers.

Thoughts?

[BloodyCactus]

I have a 1670G. The firmware is in rom. The disk is just for saving junk/data. it can operate with out it.

[gslick]

I believe Ethernet is standard on the 1670E. The easiest way to transfer files to and from the analyzer and to capture screen images is through FTP on the network.

You can also configure the analyzer through FTP. For example:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hp-logic-analyzer-inverse-assemblers/msg2209902/#msg2209902

[TK]

The floppy is a standard PC 1.44MB HD 3.5inch drive and uses MS-DOS format, slim type.  Easy to get a replacement on eBay.

[BloodyCactus]

The floppy is a standard PC 1.44MB HD 3.5inch drive and uses MS-DOS format, slim type.  Easy to get a replacement on eBay.

they use LIF format mostly but can use msdos format.
just something to be aware of.