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 V-tek TM-50 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 and California. 

How to Locate the Firmware Version on a TM-50 Tape Controller.
Firmware is on the Count Screen.
Press Esc, then Left Arrow adn 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 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.

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.

J2 Pinout:
J13 Pinout:
J4 Pinout:
J3 Pinout:

(10/25) I Received a Partial Pinout for Just the “I/O Port” form V-Tek.

Close Up Of MCU 18F6585 PLCC68 Sticker Removed.

Back

I have requested the schematics form V-Tek
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.

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

I will Attempt to read this 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

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 it was also read protected

Repairability Score (Undermined) So Far a “D” Due to (Locked Firmware)
Right to Repair Score (Undermined) So Far a “F” No wiring diagrams and pinouts (V-tek is working on it), no schematics, no firmware, and Held over a barrel with an unreasonable min order that exceeds the value of the device for a replacement part.

Last Updated on October 26, 2024 by Steven Rhine