/HP4952A

Project notes, tools and utilities for the HP4952A protocol analyzer

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HP4952A Protocol Analyzer

HP4952A

The HP 4951C (19.2 kbps) and HP 4952A (64 kbps synchronous, 19.2 kbps asynchronous) are portable protocol analyzers used for troubleshooting during installation, maintenance and design of data communications networks and equipment.

The HP 4951C and HP 4952A allow you to monitor and decode data transmission, test remote facilities from your location, simulate network components, and perform bit error rate tests. They can also be used as asynchronous terminals. Protocols that can be tested include Async, BSC, SDLC (NRZI), HDLC, X.25, SNA, DDCMP and user-defined protocols. The HP4952A also tests X.21.

(from the datasheet)

My goal is to use this cute portable machine as a small RS-232 terminal for a Raspberry Pi (video), and for a SWTPC 6800 microcomputer. Along the way, I've started to get interested in writing Z80 applications to run on the analyzer too.

This repo includes:

  • Disk images and copies of applications and menus extracted from them,
  • Some documentation of the "remote control" protocol, and some Python code that can send commands and upload and download applications and data,
  • A new game, "snek"

Other things found elsewhere:

Hardware

Software Sources Online

All at the HP Computer Museum:

Documentation Online

Useful Links