DIY HP Logic Analyzer cables

channelmanic

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Picked up the HP 1630A Logic Analyzer off of CL for a song, but typical to these old units, the cables did not come with it and are VERY hard to find on CL.

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I went to a local electronics parts store to find some 11 pin Molex connectors and the owner had some pre-assembled ones in a stash in the back storeroom. SCORE! This was a huge shortcut to building these, but here's what you need to do this...

  • 11 pin female Molex connector
  • 11 pins
  • 11 lengths of wire, preferably of different colors
  • Cable labels (optional... I didn't use them as I had multiple wire colors instead)

Take the 11 pin connector and if it's the type with the lip to keep you from plugging it in backwards then trim the lip off with a razor knife.

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Add in the wires...

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Then solder on the mini-clips. Use as small of clips as you can afford or find. The micro clips are EXPENSIVE so I went with the mini clips. One problem was that the wire I used was thick and didn't fit in the wire slot for the mini-clips. I took my trusty drill and added holes to the caps to allow for easier attachment of the wires to the clips. This actually makes the clips easier to use. :)

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And you have a completed harness!

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The next step is to build 3 more. :)

The store only had red, yellow, green, white, and black clips and only a limited number of some colors. I had to mix and match tops with clips to make a different array of clip colors but it wasn't a big deal.
 

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  • 1630A Boot Screen.JPG
    1630A Boot Screen.JPG
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  • 11 pin Molex.JPG
    11 pin Molex.JPG
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  • Populated Molex.JPG
    Populated Molex.JPG
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  • Mini Clips Modified.JPG
    Mini Clips Modified.JPG
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  • Completed Harness.JPG
    Completed Harness.JPG
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And once you have them all done, you're ready to start experimenting with the analyzer!

Chip clips DO come in very handy when working with a logic analyzer. I've been collecting those now. :)

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Enjoy!

Oh, and I have 6 or 7 more of the Molex connectors with wires attached if anyone wants 'em for a cheap price.
 

Attachments

  • Plugged into Analyzer.JPG
    Plugged into Analyzer.JPG
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