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Pattern Generator Upgrade Kits
D.W.Mann/GCA manufactured a number of pattern generators (1600A, 2600, 3000, 3600 and 4600) with accuracy and speed increasing from
the earliest 1600 to the later 3600/4600. A table comparing the resolutions of these machines is shown below. The older pattern
generators (1600A,2600,3000) were built around the DEC PDP-8 minicomputer. The more recent PGs were built around the DEC
PDP-11 minicomputer, using the 9280 interface chassis (3600/3600F) and the 9289 interface chassis (4600/4600F).
Upgrade Kit Features
- software runs on an IBM-compatible PC under MS-DOS, typically V7.1 (Windows 9x/Me), or an equivalent (PC-DOS,DR-DOS,ROMDOS etc.). The
PC currently requires at least one (1) full-size 16-bit ISA slot but this requirement may be changed as we replace the ISA
bus designs.
- for older PDP-8 based PGs, the software was completely rewritten and ported to the PC to provide a cleaner and simpler user interface.
- for the GCA 3600/3600F, the software operates in Configuration mode to setup options and devices, then in Control mode for
real time control of
the pattern generator. Configuration settings are saved so that the setup process really only needs to be done once. Once in Control mode,
the software will 'look and feel' exactly the same as the original PG so no additional training is required.
The original mag tape storage device is replaced by a DOS file for easy backup to any local or networked drive.
- the original VT100 user console is replaced by the display and keyboard of the PC.
- job files can be created off-line and transferred to the PG control PC at a later date.
Upgrade Kit Selection Guide
| Pattern Generator | Upgrade Kit |
| Mann 1600A (standard or special) |
UPG1600 |
| Mann 2600 (standard or special) |
UPG2600 |
| Mann/GCA 3000 |
UPG3000 |
| GCA 3600/3600F |
UPG3600 |
| GCA 4600/4600F |
UPG4600 |
Mann/GCA Pattern Generator Specifications
| Machine | Units | Stage Position (X,Y) | Aperture Height,Width (H,W) | Aperture Angle (degrees) |
| Max | Min | ΔX,Y | Max | Min | ΔH,W | Max | Min | ΔA |
| Metric 1600A/2600 | mm | 100.000 | 0.000 | 0.005 | 3.000 | 0.005 | 0.005 | 89 | 0 | 1 |
| steps | 20,000 | 0 | 1 | 600 | 1 | 1 | 89 | 0 | 1 |
| English 1600A/2600 | inches | 4.00000 | 0.00000 | 0.00025 | 0.1200 | 0.00025 | 0.00025 | 89 | 0 | 1 |
| steps | 16,000 | 0 | 1 | 480 | 1 | 1 | 89 | 0 | 1 |
| Metric 3000 | mm | 100.000 | 0.000 | 0.001 | 3.000 | 0.004 | 0.001 | 89.9 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
| steps | 100,000 | 0 | 1 | 3,000 | 4 | 1 | 899 | 0 | 1 |
| English 3000 | inches | 4.00000 | 0.00000 | 0.00005 | 0.12000 | 0.004 | 0.00005 | 89.9 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
| steps | 80,000 | 0 | 1 | 2,400 | 4 | 1 | 899 | 0 | 1 |
| Metric 3600/4600 | mm | +75.000 | -75.000 | 0.00025 | 1.5000 | 0.002 | 0.0005 | 89.9 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
| steps | +300,000 | -300,000 | 1 | 3,000 | 4 | 1 | 899 | 0 | 1 |
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