The Heathkit Model ID-4001 Digital Weather Computer is a microprocessor-based meteorological unit which measures and displays several weather variables.  It was designed by Heathkit in the mid 70’s using a then “state of the art” MK3870 single chip microprocessor from Mostek.  Unfortunately this part is no longer supported by Mostek, and since the demise of Heathkit as a “kit” manufacturer, the original program code has also been lost. 

Microprocessors have come a long way since the mid 1970’s.  It is now possible to get a single chip microprocessor that is “field” programmable using modern “flash” memory.  This memory can be written to, as well as re-written.  Since semiconductor geometry’s have become smaller and smaller, it is also possible to get a CPU with 8k of ROM space and 512 bytes of EEPROM for the same price as the old Mostek part that only contained 2k of ROM space and no non-volatile RAM.  Because the new part contains 512 bytes of non-volatile RAM, it is no longer necessary to save data in the CMOS RAM chip.  The extra program space has been utilized to add some additional features to the microprocessor that were not available in the original part.  Although the original ID-4001 had a parallel type of interface for downloading data, this data was often corrupted because there was no way to stop it from changing while you were trying to read it.  We have designed the new chip to save a snapshot of information, before being sent out a serial port so this kind of problem does not occur.  In addition, a fading in and out of the clock and date, as well as the indoor and outdoor temperature has been added to make a more pleasing display.

We hope that you like the new features of the adapter board and are already planning new products to add to our product line in support of Heathkit products.  We are always open to suggestions and welcome your comments.
 

Top View of IDA-4001-5 Adapter Board

Order Part IDA-4001-5 

$ 50.00  Plus $ 5.00 Priority Mail Shipping

California Residents please add 8.75% Sales Tax

To install the ID-4001 CPU replacement board (model IDA-4001-5), it will be necessary to remove the existing static RAM chip, one diode, and the existing crystal.  These components will not be needed as the RAM function has been moved into the new CPU chip's "flash" memory.  "Flash" memory does not require a battery backup.  A 4.0 MHz crystal on the new board has replaced the existing crystal so that the frequency of the serial interface will be correct.  The diode D205 was originally designed into the circuit because the outputs of the Mostek MK3870 did not output a logic "1" close to 5 volts.  The new Atmel part, being a CMOS processor, outputs a logic "1" at nearly 5 volts so D205 is not needed and the ID-4001 will not work if it is left in place.  All of these components should be carefully removed and set aside, should you wish to restore your Heathkit ID-4001 back to its original state. Step by step instructions are included to remove the un-needed components and install the new CPU board.
 

Installed IDA-4001-5 Adapter Board

* Display will fade in and out between date and time making it easier to read

* Data and time are stored in Non-Volatile memory requiring no battery back-up

* Year can be saved using serial port and is Y2k compliant

* Serial access to data saved in Non-Volatile memory

* Control of the ID-4001 via the serial port

* Special "Calibration" mode eliminates the 17 second "wait" when adjusting the sensor calibration pots. This alone is worth having the upgrade!

* Utilizes the latest weather service calculation of "Wind-Chill".  It does not use an approximation "look-up" table as did the original.

* Adapter plugs into the existing Mostek CPU socket. 

* Crystal only operation for running the ID-4001 without availability of the 50/60 Hz line frequency (Now you can put a Heathkit ID-4001 on your Boat or RV!)
 

Bottom View of IDA-4001-5 Adapter Board

We believe that all of the features of the original Mostek CPU have been incorporated into the current version of our software.  We will always try to include any features that may be discovered by our users that we may have missed.
 

The current feature set of the adapter board for the ID-4001 should emulate all of the features of the original Mostek CPU. 

If you would like to upgrade your processor in the future, there are two possible methods. 

1) You may return your processor (Board or CPU IC only) with a handling fee of $15.00 to receive a new processor with the latest version of software; or 

2) You may purchase an upgrade kit with the latest processor.  The purchase price will be the same $15.00 handling fee, however a "core" charge of an additional $15.00 will be added.  This additional $15.00 will be refunded when you return your original processor.  This allows you to continue using your current ID-4001 with minimal "down" time, until you receive your upgraded processor in the mail.  When it arrives, you may return the old processor for a $15.00 refund of the "core" charge.

All processors are serialized and will not be replaced (or refunded) unless the original serial numbered part is returned, and the serial number matches the name and address of the purchaser.
 

 We are happy to announce that our CPU adapter board IDA-4001-5 for the Heathkit ID-4001 is now supported by WxSolution available from Thunderhead Technologies.  

Please visit thier web site at the following link:

WxSolution

or

http://www.thunderheadtech.com/WxSolution/

The purchaser of this upgrade board is granted a "lifetime" license to use the software contained in the processor as a replacement CPU for the Heathkit ID-4001 Weather Station.  The software however, remains the intellectual property of "Data Professionals" and "Transition Engineering Inc.".  This license may be passed to another individual or successor only when transferred in association with the original Heathkit ID-4001 Weather Station.  This adapter cannot be resold "stand-alone" to any individual with out the express permission of Data Professionals and/or Transition Engineering, Inc.  Any processor returned for upgrade may be denied if the serial number has been tampered with, or our records indicate the part may not be original.

Data Professionals or Transition Engineering, Inc. are not responsible for any direct or consequential damages or any damages of any kind arising out of the use of the chip.  This includes any damages associated with "fitness for use" or any other damages not specified.

Data Professionals will at our option repair or replace any defective or damaged adapter board that does not meet the advertised feature set at the time of purchase for a period of 90 days.
 

Data Professionals
1989A Santa Rita Road
PMB 277
Pleasanton, CA  94566

Sales@D8aPro.com

     PayPal ID:  Don@D8aPro.com