V-tek TM-50 Manual Taping Machine Controller Teardown Inspection

This Teardown of the V-tek TM-50 Manual Taping Machine Controller is a Work In Progress And a Live Blog Things Change So Keep Checking Back.

My ultimate goal is to get this to interface with my BPM Microsystems 3800 MK2 APS programmer and integrate it with a more compact custom tape-out system.

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Uboxing and Mini Teardown Video. Tear-down Inspection to Find Rattle at 8:30 if ya want to jump to it. Be sure to like and subscribe.

Download  Manual Taping Machine Manual

V-tek TM-50 Buyers Beware: V-tek the OEM made some of these units with custom firmware, I called V-tek 10/18 to see about firmware they require the purchase of a new $12 PIC18F6585 preloaded with firmware at the cost of $85.00 but there min order is $150.00 so it looks like it is $150 for the firmware update for a $100 device? I am not ready to spend more on this unit then I paid for the entire controller. So before buying check the controllers firmware if other then standard avoid it.

Since V-tek is based in Minnesota, a #RightToRepair state, there may be a pathway to push for fair and reasonable access to the necessary documents, tools, and embedded software aka firmware. Are there any repair shops in Minnesota interested in submitting a request for service information for all TM-50 models manufactured from July 1, 2021, onward? This request may need to be followed up with a report to the Minnesota Attorney General Anti Trust Report if V-tek resists. I have made my official request for Oregon July 01 2015 to Present and California. (12/29/2024) Partial Compliance to Document/Firmware Request.

How to Locate the Firmware Version on a TM-50 Tape Controller.
Firmware is on the Count Screen.
Press Esc, then Left Arrow and then Hit 1 Will Show Lower Right This One is “Project 617144”

The units that have custom firmware are useless, unless restored back to OEM configuration this can only be done with a Firmware update via a replaceable microcontroller that costs more then the unit is worth. Wiring seems to be slightly different also.

V-tek TM-50 OEM Units Will have a Firmware Version REV X.XX. V-Tek does not list any firmware revision history in the manual or on their website.

The V-Tek TM-50 Teardown.

Display Optrex 20-20373-2 or DMC2048 “Very nice choice if a display that is commonly available”

TM-50 Boards

TM-50 Main Board Part Number 105980E

As Removed Sticker Said Static (I had a brief conversation with V-tek this is a special version of firmware) Project # 617144 and most likely will need a new micro with different firmware.

Remove Revealing MCU 18F6585 PLCC68 There is also a 2416 at U10 Eprom on the board also that most likely stores user settings.
Regulator is a PT5101A
U4 is a MAX707
Q1-5 are NDS9956A Dual Mosfets.

I have requested the Pinouts this is a Static Control Unit so some things are a bit different from a standard OEM Unit.
(10/25/2025) I Received a Partial Pinout for Just the “I/O Port” form V-Tek.
(12/29/2024) I  Received Wiring Diagrams (No Schematics / BOM Yet)

Back of the Unit For I/O Connections to MainBaord.

J10 Power, J5 Footswitch
J12 is Vision, J7 Unknown, J6 Serial Comm, J2 Sensor Thru, J13 & J4 Peripheral, J3 Unknown, J1 I/O

J10 Pinout: Pin 1 +24V Pin 2 Gnd
J5 Foot Switch  (Assume this is Normally Open Switch)
J12 Vision Pinout (Notice the Difference in the connections)

J7 Unknown Pinout:
J6 Serial/Comport Pinout.

Close Up Of MCU 18F6585 PLCC68 Sticker Removed. I will Attempt to read this MCU most likely it is read protected. but been meaning to assemble the PLCC68 adapter for the Xeltek not had a call to read a PLCC 68 chip in a long time

Back

I have requested the schematics form V-Tek (12/29/2024) Still  No Schematics.
Video

Although I attempted to back up the Microcontroller, it was unfortunately read-protected, so no backup could be made. Nonetheless, I’ve gone ahead and requested the firmware directly from V-Tek, and I’m hopeful they’ll provide what I need to move forward!


Various Other Microcontroller Configurations settings.(Click Image to Enlarge)
   

I found a manual online, and it appears they sell the main microcontroller part number 102357. I’ll need to inquire about how to check the firmware version and find out the cost of a microcontroller that’s already programmed with the current firmware, in case a firmware update isn’t available.

(12/29/2024) I have received a  the TM-50 Firmware V2.16 to Restore this unit to the OEM Configuration from the Custom Static Firmware Build. I will  order a MCU PIC18F6585-I/L when I make my  next  order form Microchip or other Supplier that stock it. I really do not want to erase the Static Programed MCU until I confirm this is firmware valid but form the hex code it looks valid. No configuration bit settings were provided in the documentation. I may  take the gamble and do it not not sure.
 

U10 (No Backup Attempt) this prob just stores user settings.

Switch Board 105966

Solenoid Board 105982

Take Up Board (Will take Another Photo)

But Here is a Video

I attempted a firmware backup of the take up board PIC12C671 it was also read protected


(12-29-2024) I have been provided the firmware form V-Tek

(01-02-2025) I have been provided Schematics form V-Tek

Updated: 01/02/2025
Repairability Score (Undermined) So Far a “A“
Right to Repair Score (Undermined) So Far a “A” (Wiring Diagrams, Firmware, Schematics, By Request and Ships a USB Drive)
Wiring Diagrams and Pinouts (Yes)
Firmware (Yes) (Current OEM Only No Revisions)

Last Updated on February 21, 2025 by Steven Rhine