OK ... sad I know (and yes, I am aware that "things have moved on since then", and all the rest), but I still remain an
aficionado of the good old Timeter RT-200 (which, by the way, uses the Oki
MC80C85AH processor).
If ever there was a piece of kit that was never fully developed, then surely this is it. As many will know, the standard arrangement is the RT-201 Control Module sitting on top of the RT-202 Pressure Module and RT-203 Flow Module. But the User Manual makes interesting mention that "The system can be expanded to include other modules as they become available"!
Further clues that expansion may have been on the cards is that the keypad allows selection of functions 01-99, but only 11-48 are available in the standard setup.
Looking at the one I have here (without the RS-232 interface, unfortunately) there is also a "spare" (third) connector on the ribbon cable that leads out to the modules. Not only that, but there are two unused 26-way IDC ribbon cable connectors marked "Expansion" (No.1 and No.2) and two straight 20-pin connectors marked "Interface" and "Aux Interface" (I'm guessing that the first of these goes to the RS-232 board when fitted). Plus a handful of other interesting connectors and jumpers worthy of exploration!
On the other hand, there are only six EPROM slots, and all are filled. At least two of these are for the Modules.
In fact (to my mind) the whole thing is very reminiscent of that Golden Age of the early 1980's (that is, the BBC Micro
et al).
OK ... does anyone have any detailed information about the RT-200? A circuit diagram, maybe? And how about the mysterious "extra modules" ... were any ever made available (or has anyone had a go at making their own)? Has anyone ever come across an RT-200 with full options (that is, all the option label slots filled in both Modules)? And, lastly, does anyone have an RT-200 that they want shot of (tins of biscuits await, as usual)?
By the way, I have always assumed that the "RT" stood for Respirator Tester. Does anyone know any different?
