Tektronix

4014

Research Quality: 30% complete

The Tektronix 4014 is a 19-inch storage-tube graphics terminal from the Tektronix 4010 series. The Tektronix 4014 uses a direct-view bistable storage tube to display images without requiring a framebuffer. The Tektronix 4014 was especially common in computer-aided design applications.^[1]

Fig. — Manufacturer logo, not a photo of this toolWikimedia Commons (see file page for license)

Plate 01Tektronix 4014 running DISSPLA demo @ VCF Zürich 2021
peterderhalbemeterWatch on YouTube
Plate 02Demonstration of Tektronix 4010/4014 terminal emulator
Rene RicharzWatch on YouTube

What is it?

The Tektronix 4014 is a member of the 4010 series of storage-tube computer terminals introduced during the 1970s. It features a 19-inch screen and an ergonomic layout, and was widely used in computer-aided design. The terminal connects via RS-232 and uses a storage tube to display images that remain until deliberately erased.

What can it run?

Process applications and technology nodes documented for this tool.

Computer-aided design (CAD)

Why won't it start?

Documented failure modes, common issues, and field considerations.

Vulnerable to screen burn-in due to continuous flood gun illumination.
Images gradually become diffused and blurry over time, requiring erasure and redraw.
Requires a brief storage interval when drawing, limiting drawing speed.
Cannot selectively erase parts of an image; the entire screen must be erased and redrawn.

What do the numbers mean?

Control & software1

Type: Text-and-graphics computer terminal^[1]

Configuration & options3

Screen size: 19 inches^[1]
Display technology: Direct-view bistable storage tube^[1]
Connectivity: RS-232 (standard), 20-mA current loop (optional)^[1]

Vintage & configurations

Documented models & variants

Designation	Generation	Vintage	Changes	Source
Tektronix 4015	—	—	A 4014 with the APL character set card from the 4013.	en.wikipedia.org^[1]

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What replaced it?

siblingTektronix 4010— Earlier 11-inch model in the same 4010 series.source^[1]
siblingTektronix 4013— Model with 19-inch screensource^[1]
siblingTektronix 4015— The 4015 is a 4014 with the APL character set card.source^[1]
siblingTektronix 4662 Interactive Digital Plotter— A properly equipped Tektronix 4014 terminal can drive the 4662 plotter through an expansion card.source^[1]
siblingTektronix 4051— The 4054 uses the Tektronix 4014 display.source^[1]

Where are the manuals?

Generated from public-source data on file. Enter your email to access — nothing is published; details are routed privately.

Not publicly documented

Field notes

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Not publicly documented

The following facts about the 4014 are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

No publicly documented production dates or lifecycle milestones (introduction, end of production, EOL) for the 4014 are on record.
Answerable by: OEM historical records or a trade-press announcement
The control-system platform and OS era of the 4014 are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
The process node or technology generation of the 4014 is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report
No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the 4014 are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer
No publicly hosted manuals, SOPs, or datasheets for the 4014 are on record.
Answerable by: university cleanroom staff or an OEM application specialist