[time-nuts] Tektronix TM500 extender cable kit

[Mark Sims]

I just finished laying out a small circuit board for building an extender cable for the Tek TM500 series mainfames / modules.  Prototypes are off being fab'd at OSHPARK.  Should be here in a couple of weeks.  It uses two 39/40 pin ribbon cables (all the power pins use two wires)... e.g.  IDE/PATA disk drive cables.
I know LOTs of us have and use these venerable old workhorse machines.  They are well documented and easily maintained (particularly if you have extender cables).  Is there any interest in purchasing a kit of all parts to build an extender cable.   With a moderate amount of interest the price  looks like it would be around $20 per kit plus shipping (probably around $6 for shipping in the US for as many that can be stuffed in a small priority mail flat rate box... most serious TM500 users will want 2 cables for the wide modules).  Kit cables would be 18-19" long.   TM500 extender cables have been selling on Ebay for $150-$350!