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tf_hh

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Posts posted by tf_hh

  1. Posted

    Two users report problems with their Sys-Check. They work for some time (less than one hour), after they fail. In both cases Sys-Check starts, works up to 1 minute and then the screen gets garbled, computer hangs. Because until now I don´t have these both devices back, I can´t examine what´s wrong with them.

     

    Last week I got both defect Sys-Checks back. Both really have an issue, one part has a defective SRAM, the other a bad 74HCT74 chip. Both failures doesn´t appear in my initial first test after assembling, but I´ve learned to test every Sys-Check now for 6 hours at minimum.

     

    Other negative feedbacks doesn´t reach me, so I think, these both experiences regards only to bad parts - something can happen when handling with +20 years old components.

     

    If anyone have an issue with one of my solutions, please contact me.

     

    Jurgen

     

    • Like 4

  3. Posted

    I tested my Sys-Check II last night and today in a stock 130XE.

    Last night it ran for 40 minutes and the RAM Test started showing false Bad Ram checks and then the screen got really garbled even after a Reset or Power cycle.

     

    So I left it cool off for 10 minutes as the Main GAL was getting warmer than normal.

    Turned it back on and the tests ran ok with slight screen noise (stray pixels) after 20 minutes...

     

    Today it ran for 1 hour and the display started getting wonky (text colors were changing and again more screen noise, never the less it kept chugging away with the tests returning ok. I turned off the power, then back on after 2 minutes and it's been running fine for the last 2 hours without any glitches and the Main GAL is now running cooler :)

     

    Maybe it just needed a Burn-In? No need to send this one back...

     

    Thanks for sharing this. I´ve tested the rest of my stock, each device is in a endless loop using MEMDRV.COM memory test. Until now they are o.k.

     

    So I hope this might be not a mass problem. But I´m wondering,. sounds very special :)

  4. Posted

    I have tested my Sys-Check and there is a 10 to 20 second delay at the end of test. And some of the time I will have to press the RESET key to get another cycle.

     

    Thanks for report. Please check always 2 or 3 machines, if availible. In some cases also bad contacts (PBI or ECI) are the source of trouble. But when different computers shows the same issue, then I think there´s a problem on the Sys-Check side.

     

    Jurgen

  5. Posted

    Hi folks,

     

    maybe it´s nothing, only bad luck with two units. But in my opinion it´s better to publish this fact then being silent.

     

    Two users report problems with their Sys-Check. They work for some time (less than one hour), after they fail. In both cases Sys-Check starts, works up to 1 minute and then the screen gets garbled, computer hangs. Because until now I don´t have these both devices back, I can´t examine what´s wrong with them.

     

    Maybe one of the parts I purchased has an issue. I´ve tested every Sys-Check before shipping out of course the following way:

     

    - One pass with Sys-Check firmware (memory test, O.S. test)

    - One pass with activated extended memory expansion using XRAM.COM (Satantronic)

    - One pass with MEMDRV.COM (tool for myDOS with excellent memory test)

     

    All Sys-Checks shipped out passed these tests. Perhaps one of the chips gets defect after one hour of usage or so. Don´t know the exact reason until now.

     

    So PLEASE all purchasers... test your Sys-Check. Let it work on any Atari computer for 2 hours. If nothing unsual happens (screen gets garbled, computer hangs), then all is fine. Otherwise please contact me. Of course I will exchange bad units.

     

    Jurgen

     

     

    • Like 1

  6. Posted

    Hi all,

     

    thanks for feedback :thumbsup:

     

    I start coding some more and better RAM checks in the Sys-Check firmware. Some points...

     

    1.) The new firmware will check first the whole base memory (64 KB) and shows then all defective bits. Actual testing stops after first error, but maybe another bit in another chip is defect also

    2.) Standard (fast) and intensive test can be choosen after startup (only function keys for navigating needed)

    3.) Extended memory using PORTB ($D301) will be also tested - of course the exact source of trouble can´t be displayed, because there are millions of ways how to add extended memory to an Atari...

     

    Please don´t ask when I´m ready... coding takes more time for me than soldering :D

     

    "It´s done, when it´s done"

     

    BR Jurgen

     

    • Like 5

  7. Posted

    ProWizard, thanks for the offer, but I have to decline. And perhaps I have not expressed it well enough, but it is not a question of money. As everyone, I have things to do for living. In the remaining time there is some window for hobbies, and inside it - for the Atari. In my Atari time I have many (already too many, I admit) projects going (and a program, once you start writing and maintaining it, usually needs maintaining and development usque ad infinitum: e.g. SysInfo, which is 24 years old already etc.). So it is really hard to keep up sometimes and this and that has to wait.

     

    Fully agree with that. And, some people forgets the most important thing: make a circuit and make new hardware is one thing - with some experience and some good tools it´s not the hardest part. But writing software (or firmware) and make it USABLE for ALL kind of users (knowledge of them) - that´s the challenge.

     

    Without knowing it really (and it´s not mean as a vilification), I think, Jon has spent more hours of development in the U1MB new bios than Sebastian in the whole development of the board. Or - where I know it, because I was beta-tester of the team - the Turbo Freezer 2011, Hias rewrites the code completely, the TF2011 is a complete new thing. The hardware (PCB and so on) was made in a few days (1st prototype).

     

    So I can please everyone to be patient with all developers. It´s hobby, the most of us have a family and a real life ;-)

     

    Just my 2 cents... Jurgen

     

     

     

    • Like 6

  10. Posted

    Hi,

     

    as promised in the old thread, I´ve make 20 pieces of Sys-Check V2.2 ready. The board is a ready-to-use external device, no need to solder.

     

    Sys-Check V2.2 can be used with every XL (with PBI, so all models except the 1200 XL) and XE (which have an ECI). The XEGS and same rare 65XE/800XE models without ECI can´t used with Sys-Check.

     

    The external solution Sys-Check V2.2 enables the following features:

    • Diagnostic for dead (not starting) computers. In a lot of cases the computer will start which Sys-Check attached and will check the memory. If any bad RAM chip is detected, Sys-Check will show it - using a simple, but easy to follow graphical expression.
    • Also bad OS-ROMs will be detected
    • Sys-Check use a flash-ROM for it´s contents. This flash can be changed using your Atari XL/XE computer, no special hardware needed. I will work on more functions for diagnostics this year.
    • Up to four different operating systems or Sys-Check firmwares can be hold by the flash-ROM
    • For testing purposes, any standard ROM or EPROM with a XL/XE operating system can also be placed in the flash´s socket
    • Sys-Check can also be used as an external operating-system switcher / enabler. You can easily enable the Old-OS (from 400/800) for old games or so - without changing anything inside your computer
    • 512 KByte external, RAMBO-compatible memory expansion. This memory expansion is 100% compatible to the classic RAMBO standard and can be used with any software which uses extended memory
    • External operating-system switcher and external 512 KByte memory expansion can be used together - so Sys-Check V2.2 can lift up any stock XL/XE to an actual machine for modern games and demos - without soldering

     

    Of course a complete manual is offered for Sys-Check explaining the technical hints and how to use it (in english and german)

     

    Scope of delivery:

    • Soldered and tested Sys-Check V2.2 PCB for all Atari XL (except 1200 XL) and all XE (except XEGS and XE without ECI)
    • Manual and technical documentation (sent by email)

     

    Important note - please read carefully!

     

    As written above, I´ve make 20 pieces ready. These 20 units will be shipped out to the purchasers in 2-3 days after received payment! The rule is simple: First come, first serve. The "ranking" is done by timestamp of the paypal payment notication email. So the "early birds" are getting their Sys-Check within 2-3 weeks (typical delivery time to the USA for example, within europe 3-4 days). All other have to wait until I assemble the next batch, which may take until the beginning of May 2016 (so delivery at your home make take until the end of May 2016).

     

     

    How to order:

    • 1 (one) Sys-Check V2.2 external PCB costs 45 Euros.
    • Shipping for one or two pieces worldwide is 7 Euros (Registered Letter "Recommandé", refund in case of lost or damage max. 37 Euros!) or 9 Euros (Insured & Registered Letter, refund in case of lost or damage up to 100 Euros)
    • If you want to order more than 2, please contact me before sending money (email: [email protected])

     

     

    Please multiply the quantity of Sys-Check V2.2 you want with 45, add the shipping costs and sent the money via Paypal. Please have attention to the following hints to make it easier for me and you!

     

    - Sent the money in the currency EURO to the Paypal-Account [email protected]

    - Please add your AtariAge nick name to the comment field in the Paypal transaction to know who you are ;)

    - Be sure that the delivery address is complete and fully written in the Paypal transaction

    - I will respond to the email address sent by Paypal. If you want me to use an other email address, write it down in the comment field ("informations for seller")

    - DO NOT SENT THE MONEY AS A GIFT

    - DO NOT SENT THE MONEY FOR A FRIEND

    - Use "Pay for goods and services"

     

    I know it´s friendly to do that, but Paypal will close my account when I got to much transfers "as a gift". In the calculation of Sys-Check´s price of 45 Euros the Paypal fee for receiving money and currency conversion is already included. So don´t worry about it!

     

    Every payment is confirmed by email within 24 hours. I will add your email-address to my mailing list and will keep you up-to-date on every step I do until items are shipped.

     

    Payments will collected until April, the 17th (then I order PCBs and parts, if more than 20 units are sold).

     

    Any questions? Don´t hesitate to contact me!

     

    Regards, Jurgen

    • Like 3
    • Thanks 1

  11. Posted

    Hi,

     

    maybe it sounds crazy, but I suggest to try repair it. A few years ago I buy a ebay lot containing over 10 XE mainboards and 800 XL Mainboards plus a few case (parts). Also three power supplies... for C64 :D

     

    You can imagine, I know really good when opening the box what happens to the boards... nothing of them runs. ALL boards has defective RAMs, and most of the DRAMs are getting hot as hell in seconds. The typical problem when an Atari XL/XE was "commodorized" by a C64 power supply. I change all 16 DRAMs of a 130 XE mainboard and... all fine, this computer works without any issue in a 12 hour loop test using the CPS SALT test fixture.

     

    Because I´ve a lot of boards working after changing DRAMs, I do some strange tests.

     

    So I connect an old C64 power supply (the first model looking like a door stopper) with Ampmeter and Voltmeter and measure voltage at some points. Of course the boards was flooded with 9V AC, but for example at ANTIC and PIA only 1,7 Volt AC appears. The big amount of power was consumed by the DRAMs. This is logical, because the DRAMs power rail is directly after the power switch. Current drops down to approx 500 mA, because the 9V AC part of the C64 power supply isn´t very strong. In the longest test I connect it for 10 minutes... DRAMs began to smoke, but all Atari custom chips survived. Only two TTL ICs was burned, too. But 10 minutes... :-D

     

    All of these boards were repaired successful. Only two customs chips were killed also, one Freddie and one CPU. But issues with CPUs are not so rare, so it maybe random.

     

    Try it! Change all DRAMs... the chance to win is 50:50 I would say.

     

    Jurgen

     

    • Like 5

  12. Posted

    Are we able to order a sys-check now Jurgen?

     

    I´ve 20 pieces of PCBs here. Try to assemble them in the next 1-2 weeks. The last 2 weeks I´ve had holiday, so there was a lot of spare time to assemble over 65 PCBs with BitWriter and Sys-Check. Now I´m back at work and spare time isn´t so much.

     

    I will offer it in the Sys-Check thread when I´m ready...

     

    Jurgen

  13. Posted

    Hi all,

     

    I forget one thing :( ...

     

    The flasher tool in the Sys-Check V2.2 package (for those who ordered the BitWriter Replica with a Sys-Check V2.2) isn´t adapted for the Sys-Check V2.2 dip-switches. It works physically, but the explanation is wrong. I will program asap a new version with takes care of the newer settings (but will also work with Sys-Check V2.1).

     

    BR, Jurgen

    • Like 1

  14. Posted

    Hi all,

     

    the job is done... All BitWriter Replica orders are assembled, finished, tested and packed. Also all additional Sys-Check orders are built, tested and packed. Some orders are already shipped out on wednesday this week, the rest will be shipped out on monday (2016/4/4).

     

    Each purchaser get a personal email with tracking code.

     

    Thanks for all for making this project possible. Special thanks to Michael Alers and Guus Assmann for help und support.

     

    Best regards, Jurgen

    • Like 5

  15. Posted

    Hi,

     

    yesterday I finished assembling all BitWriter Replica 1050 PCBs.

     

    All parcels for those who ordered the BitWriter Replica w/o additional Sys-Check V2.2 are ready:

     

    post-15670-0-53045700-1459153982_thumb.jpg

    Because today (monday) is a public holiday in germany, parcels will drop off tomorrow morning. All purchasers then get their personal email with tracking code and -instructions.

     

    Now I start assembling the Sys-Checks...

     

    Best regards, Jurgen

     

    • Like 6

  16. Posted

    Make sure the $D6/D7xx signal is connected properly to VBXE as per the installation instructions: this is the usual cause of such problems.

     

    Yes, but if so, there could happen another problem... Lotharek´s installation instructions were a long, long time faulty on page 8. I take a look NOW and NOW it´s nearly correct (on page 8 is named "LS38", but in real it´s "LS138").

     

    Old versions of this documents shows to use pin 8 for $D6xx - and that´s GND (ground). I don´t know when Lotharek corrected it, but maybe Tigerduck has an older version on his harddisk...

     

    Jurgen

  18. Posted

    This might have been answered, but cut the megaspeedy use the bit writer /super archiver software to perform the same function? And/or can the MegaSpeedy be the src/target to a device with a bit writer in it?

     

    Any more of these boards available? :)

     

    Sorry, this is not possible. The MegaSpeedy can emulate the SuperArchiver, but not the BitWriter. I talk to this two years ago with Hias, but the used CPLD on the MegaSpeedy board is full. Second, the BitWriter needs exact timing.

     

    When I made the first prototype after re-engineering, I use some GALs to replace the bunch of TTL chips. But it doesn´t work correct. The written copies aren´t exact, the copy protection detection of some tested games fails. So I decide to use the classic TTL chips as used in the original board.

     

    Jurgen

     

    P.S.: Yes, there are a few boards left :)

    • Like 4

  21. Posted

    Just out of curiosity: Two Bit-Writer equipped 1050's can't exchange data in some "Bit-Writer-Only" mode, I guess?

     

    With the software provided by Bob Puff there´s no real difference, even copying is much easier. The Bitwriter software reads 8 tracks into memory and then write it back to destination disk(s). So if you have one drive equipped with the Bitwriter, you´ve to flip the source and destination disks five times. When using two drives with Bitwriter, you can copy from one to the other without flipping the disks, but also 8 tracks at once are taken.

     

    Jurgen

  22. Posted

    Hi all,

     

    thanks very much for all orders. I´ve closed the order list now. Nearly all payments are received. If the two people, which haven´t sent money until now, didn´t do that until sunday, I release the reserved pieces for other interests, if their are any.

     

    In the next 2 days more info to the buyers will sent by email. Please hold on...

     

    BR, Jurgen

    • Like 1

  23. Posted

    Hi,

     

    just a quick status about the project:

     

    - Order phase closes in about 48 hours

    - PCBs already ordered, should be arrive in one week

    - Components and parts completely ordered and delivered

     

    Next steps:

     

    - Every buyer get an private email with additional informations and to check the delivery address I´ve saved for each order

    - I start assembling as soon as possible :)

     

    Jurgen

    • Like 1

  25. Posted

    Hi Jurgen, can I pay you now for this? I see it is 45 euros but dont see a shipping cost.

     

    Thanks for interest. Actual I see the risk of being overloaded. Tomorrow ends the order phase for the BitWriter Replica project and then I´ve to start making the PCBs ready. All parts (electronic components) are already at my home, I´m still waiting for PCBs. Should be arrived in the end of next week. Then the real work begins and I´ve to assemble all. This could only be made in my spare time, so I will take 2-3 weeks. I promised to ship out early April, so I´ve much to do.

     

    When I now (at this time) collect the money for Sys-Check V2.2, it may take until the end of May to finish all. I think, this is too long and I´m not feeling good with myself to let the buyer wait such a long time.

     

    So I first will ask the buyer of a BitWriter, if they want a Sys-Check also (and shipping costs will saved). These guys got their Sys-Check first. After that, I will call for a next batch for all to order Sys-Check. I think, this way is more polite and guarantees an acceptable delivery time.

     

    Jurgen

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