In function, the 1711A/AA is very similar to the 17S2A. Most of the same internal optional assemblies can be used, and most programming commands and responses are die same. Unlike die 1752A, die 1711A/AA is not equipped with its own display, keyboard, or floppy drive. This configuration allows the user added flexibility in using any of a variety of terminals, located at any desired location relative to the mainframe (or no terminal at all.) Compatible terminals include die Fluke 10XX series and 1780A, or VT-100/ANSI equivalents. An external floppy drive unit (Model 1760A/AA) is available if desired. The 1711A/AA has five more option slots than the 17S2A (total of 10), offering more memory and I/O option space. The User Defined output, which does not occupy an option slot, offers eight general-purpose output bits. The 1711A/AA uses the 1752A SBC (Single Board Computer) along with specialized BOOT chips that recognize die special nature of the 1711 A/AA and its configuration file, CONFIG.SYS. In theory, a 17S2A can become functionally similar to a 1711 A/AA by simply operating without the VGK board, in which case the serial port automatically becomes the console. However, without the 1711 A/AA BOOT chips, operational abilities would be limited, and die touch screen and display would be unusable.