Tektronix
4010
The Tektronix 4010 is a text-and-graphics computer terminal based on storage-tube technology. The Tektronix 4010 was introduced in 1972 and could display 35 lines of 74 characters in alpha mode. The Tektronix 4010 connects to a host computer via RS-232 or current-loop interfaces.[1]
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Plate 014010 Demonstration
VintageTEK MuseumWatch on YouTube
How it works
The Tektronix 4010 communicates with a host computer using RS-232, current loop, or other proprietary protocols. The terminal receives instructions from the host and decodes them to control the screen display.[1]
Where it fits in the process flow
The Tektronix 4010 was widely used in the computer-aided design (CAD) market during the 1970s and early 1980s. A variety of peripherals were available, including the 4610 Hard Copy Unit for producing paper copies of the display.[1]
Applications
The Tektronix 4010 series was used primarily for computer-aided design (CAD) applications. The terminals were also employed in scientific and engineering fields for plotting data and displaying graphical output. Software such as PLOT10 provided graphics routines that ran on the host computer and produced displays on the terminal.[1]
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Text and graphics display
Why won't it start?
Documented failure modes, common issues, and field considerations.
- Vulnerable to screen burn-in from the stored image.
- Gradual blurring of complex images due to charge migration; required erasing and redrawing the entire screen.
- Unsuitable for scrolling text, animation, or any display requiring partial updates.
- Wrote beam required a brief storage interval, limiting drawing speed.
What do the numbers mean?
Control & software2
Configuration & options6
Vintage & configurations
- 1972Production start[1]
Tektronix 4010 first released in 1972.
Documented models & variants
| Designation | Generation | Vintage | Changes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4012 | — | — | Added lower case characters | en.wikipedia.org[1] |
| 4013 | — | — | Added APL character set | en.wikipedia.org[1] |
| 4014 | — | — | Larger 19-inch screen, more ergonomic layout, new features widely used in CAD | en.wikipedia.org[1] |
| 4015 | — | — | 4014 with APL character set | en.wikipedia.org[1] |
| 4016 | — | 1979 | 25-inch screen, different mechanical layout | en.wikipedia.org[1] |
| 4006 | — | — | Built-in RS-232 port, smaller desktop form factor | en.wikipedia.org[1] |
What replaced it?
Related models
- siblingTektronix 4014— Earlier 11-inch model in the same 4010 series.source[1]
- predecessorTektronix 4002— Supplanted and replaced the 4002 starting in 1972source[1]
- siblingTektronix 4013— Base model in the 4010 seriessource[1]
- siblingTektronix 4012— The 4012 is a variant of the 4010 that added lower case characters.source[1]
- siblingTektronix 4610 Hard Copy Unit— The 4610 Hard Copy Unit was introduced with the 4010 and could have its adaptor pre-installed in the 4010 (making it 4010-1).source[1]
- successorTektronix 4051— The 4051 is based on the Tektronix 4010 terminal.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 4010 are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.
The control-system platform and OS era of the 4010 are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
The process node or technology generation of the 4010 is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report
No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the 4010 are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer
No publicly hosted manuals, SOPs, or datasheets for the 4010 are on record.
Answerable by: university cleanroom staff or an OEM application specialist
Sources & citations
Sources (1)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
- [1]en.wikipedia.org — en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org
Last updated Sep 21, 2026.