---
title: Hewlett Packard HP-5036A
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Professional Computer
origins:
- U.S.A.
years:
- '1979'
cpus:
- Intel 8085A
params:
  name: HP-5036A
  image: /media/museum/photos/hp_5036_system_s1.jpg
  company: /companies/hewlett-packard
  company_name: Hewlett Packard
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: HP-5036A
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: Hewlett Packard
  - label: TYPE
    value: Professional Computer
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: U.S.A.
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1979'
  - label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
    value: Hexadecimal monitor
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: 26 keys with hexa keypad and 10 function keys
  - label: CPU
    value: Intel 8085A
  - label: SPEED
    value: 2 MHz
  - label: RAM
    value: 1 KB
  - label: ROM
    value: 2 KB
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: 6 x 7-segment LED displays
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: CPU addresses and data connectors
  - label: BUILT IN MEDIA
    value: Unknown
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: Built-in suit case PSU
  - label: PERIPHERALS
    value: Various accessories for troubleshooting experiments
  - label: PRICE
    value: $1250 ($900 in 1982)
  tabs:
  - photos
  - links
  photos:
  - title: LARGE VIEW
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/hp_5036_system_s2.jpg
  - title: CLOSE-UP
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/hp_5036_close-up_s1.jpg
  - title: 'IN ITS SUIT CASE #1'
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/hp_5036_incase_s1.jpg
  - title: 'IN ITS SUIT CASE #2'
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/hp_5036_incase_s2.jpg
  - title: CLOSED SUIT CASE
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/hp_5036_caseclosed_s1.jpg
  - title: KEYBOARD CLOSE-UP
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/hp_5036_keyboard_s1.jpg
  - title: HP PLATE
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/hp_5036_plate_s1.jpg
  - title: HP MANUAL
    subtitle: ''
    text: '"Practical Microprocessors" is a 450+ page book that thoroughly explains the HP 5036A and has many lab experiments for the user or student to perform. It also contains the assembly language listings of the ROM on the 5036A and schematics.'
    image: /media/museum/photos/hp_5036_manual_s1.jpg
  links:
  - title: Joe's HP-5036 detailed page
    url: http://www.classiccmp.org/hp/hp5036.htm
    text: ''
  oc_id: 1067
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230210082458/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=1067
    date: '2023-02-10'
---

The HP 5036A Microprocessor Lab was designed by Hewlett Packard to be a learning tool for acquiring the basics of microprocessor operations. It was also used to help students, technicians and engineers understand how to repair faulty microprocessor-based systems.

Mounted in a brief case, the HP 5036A provided both the hardware and software basics and vital troubleshooting information needed to solve hardware problems. The board held a 8085A CPU, 2 KB ROM and 1 KB RAM. Displays for the Address/Register/Data were 6 digit, 7-segment LED displays. Output port had 8 LED's, one for each line. Address bus had 16 LED's, one per line. Status lines had 6 LED's; one per line. I/O's 8-bit latched output port with LED indicators, and 8-bit input port with DIP switch. Several DIP switch were used to disconnect MPU data lines from data bus, select test loop program or run a program in test mode. Twelve user-programmable fault jumpers on circuit board simulated various hardware faults.

The HP 5036A shipped with a very complete 450+ page course book, which covered both hardware and software in detail in separate chapters containing summaries, hands-on experiments and quizzes. Once these chapters were completed, the course built up to a series of troubleshooting experiments employing recommended troubleshooting instruments (HP 5024A Logic Troubleshooting Kit, HP 5006A Signature Analyzer...) that challenge the user and reinforce microprocessor operating concepts. The book also contained information on the use of oscilloscopes, signature analyzers, logic analyzers, and logic probes for troubleshooting microprocessor-based products.