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Hi, now it´s ready... here is the flash utility for Sys-Check II and SST39SF010A flash chip. It´s self-explanatory, just follow the infos on the screen. Regards, Juergen Flashtool.zip

Hi, sounds like a good idea - But I´m afraid a lot of rework must be done for Uflash. Uflash uses (and requires?) SDX to run and use bank switching in blocks of 8 KB. Sys-Check is designed to work with 16 KB blocks in different adress range - and SDX can´t be active (like any other cartridge based solution), so it´s kind different. Jon, if you´re interested and have the time , please contact me by email ([email protected]). BR, Juergen

Hi, No, I forget to mention it in the manual. First plan was to have the flash software ready when I shipped out Sys-Check, but in case of delivery the kits 2 weeks earlier than expected I´m not ready with the software. Offset (EPROM, Flash): $00000-$03FFF: Sys-Check "Extended" (used per bankswitching) $04000-$07FFF: Sys-Check Firmware V1.3 $08000-$0BFFF: unused $0C000-$0FFFF: Operating System/Firmware 2 $10000-$13FFF: unused $14000-$17FFF: Operating System/Firmware 3 $18000-$1BFFF: unused $1C000-$1FFFF: Operating System/Firmware 4 When you burn any operating system into one slot, it´s a good idea to copy it into the unused area also. Best regards, Juergen

Hi Bob, What is this for a PCB in your 1200XL? Can I get more infos about that, please? BR, Juergen

Hi all, here are the docs and specs incl. manual for Sys-Check 2.1 with firmware V1.3. This is the newest release of 2015-01-25 and it´s the shipped version. All purchasers got there last info email today from me. Some providers (specially COMCAST.NET) rejected my emails, I sent from another account. If anybody who purchased the kit doesn´t get any email the last two days, please contact me. Best regards, Juergen Sys-Check_20150125_Release.zip

Hi all, I´m already finished with getting all components, the PCBs and so on, so my family helps me to make all shipments ready... now it´s done! Today all parcels are dropped at our local post office. In the evening (local time) all purchasers get another information email with each purchasers shipment notification and shipment number. Thanks! Best regards, Juergen

Hi all, after order timeline is closed, only three orders are unpaid at this time - thank you! I will order the PCBs tomorrow already to speed up the delivery time. All parts needed for the kits are ordered and will be delievered in time. Because the pricing of the PCB house is based on ten pieces, I have four kits left. If somebody was in doubt and want one, just drop me an email. All purchasers will be informed by email about the upcoming process. Best regards, Juergen

Hi Marco, simple way to test... Just start your 600XL without any SIO devices attached or function keys hold down while powering on. Then the Atari starts with some noise and after a few seconds "READY" appears. Just enter the following commands: PRINT PEEK(49152) <press enter> Computer should display: 17 2nd: PRINT PEEK(49153) <press enter> Computer should display: 146 If you got these both values, then the demo should run. If not, there´s an older version of the operating system or any patched one built in. Best regards, Juergen

Hi Marco, this demo searches for the checksums of the XL operating system version 2 (the ROM including this have the partno. CO61598B). This is the most used operating system version in all 600 and 800 XL computers. But some 600XL have an earlier version of the operating system with no PBI support built in. Maybe your 600XL has such a version... then change to C061598B ROM type. BR, Juergen

Hi Mathy, all fine. As long I can recognize every single post, it´s ok. EMail sent. BR, Juergen

Hi Bill, Of course they will delivered with the extra row of pins to use a PBI ribbon cable OR the edge connector (in scope of delivery). BR, Juergen

Hi, The "hard" limit is January 19th. So a few hours or 1 day for compensating time zone differences are not a problem :-) BR, Juergen

Hi all, after full testing, I can offer an unnamed feature (until now) of the newer Sys-Check V2.1 version, which will be delivered to all people who orders the D.I.Y. assembly kit. The newer Sys-Check V2.1 version will be delivered with a SST39SF010A flash rom instead of an EPROM. So everybody - even if there´s no EPROM burner at home - is able to update newer Sys-Check firmware versions or also able to flash any operating system when using Sys-Check as an external OS switcher. Programming a new operating system or Sys-Check firmware is easy with self-explaining software. I will have the software ready when all kits are delivered. The flash tool will be availible in english and german language. With this new feature, Sys-Check is not only a diagnostic tool, also a very easy to use external OS selector without the need to open the case and change anything on the computer. Orders still welcome until January, 14th (end of day). Best regards, Juergen

Hi, Yes, all kits are equipped with an 128 KByte EPROM, so three operating systems (plus Sys-Check firmware) can be used. When order and payment timeline is closed, I will ask all buyers via email, which OS they want and program them. If no answer is given, then a standard choice will be used Best regards, Juergen

Hi Larry, Maybe possible, but flash-roms with 128 KB max. (only this one have smaller pages sizes than 64 KByte) in DIP package are extremly rare and mostly out of stock. If I change to greater flash-types, then a lot of more logic is needed, new latches and so on. This require a third GAL or completely change to CPLDs - but then SMD parts are needed and the D.I.Y. thing is lost (for a lot of people). I will keep this in my mind. Thanks! Best regards, Juergen

Hi Bill, A good idea - thank you. I will change the PCB with this new row, no problem. Best regards, Juergen

Hi Larry, The logic terms ("sourcecode") for the GALs are freely distributed, so everyone can change functions of it, if he want. Also the schematics are published. The V2.1 schematics and files I will publish when all is done. What I mean... when you don´t program Sys-Checks diagnostic firmware into an EPROM, then of course you can´t use the diagnostic functions. But in every case you can use standard operating systems. Every slot for one Sys-Check diagnostic firmware OR any operating system takes 32 KByte. This is to keep future expansions to Sys-Check firmware possible and more functionality is not realized due the limited amount of terms usable by two GALs. So this is the complete list of devices: EPROM 27128 (16 KByte) - One Sys-Check Firmware OR one operating system. Sys-Check firmware only until it fits in 16 KByte EPROM 27256 (32 KByte) - One Sys-Check Firmware OR one operating system. Sys-Check firmware can be extended to 32 KByte for future features EPROM 27512 (64 KByte) - Two Sys-Check Firmware OR two operating system OR one of each. EPROM 27010/271001 (128 KByte) - Four Sys-Check Firmware OR four operating system OR every other combination of them Hope all is clear now :-) Best regards, Juergen

Hi, Not easy, because there´s not enough space for it. Today the PCB has 10cm height and ~9cm width, to include ECI and cartridge port pass-through AND some space for holding a cartridge I´ve to add approx. 5 cm. This will raise the price for PCB more then three times up, and the PCB is already the most significant part in calculation. The ENIG (gold finishing) of the PCB is the main reason for the higher price, but I´m not willing to use the simple HASL method, because you will be have problems with the XE contacts within a couple of weeks. Best regards, Juergen

Hi Steve, EMails sent :-) BR, Juergen

Hi again, another information, because I receive a question about it and want to clarify... Of course both logic chips (GAL 22V10) and the EPROM is programmed with the needed content. So you must not be able to burn GALs or EPROMs. Best regards, Juergen

Hi, Yes, this is the second goal for Sys-Check. To enable a diagnostic software even if the computer doesn´t start in case of bad memory or a bad operating system ROM, I must enable the possibility to get control about the complete address range of the Atari. This is realized by draining the refresh line down (low), the Atari MMU is deactivated during this time and Sys-Check mirrors the operating system you want to the address bus. Without this, Sys-Check can´t more than any diagnostic cartridge like SALT, but this is not enough, as everybody knows who is doing repairs. So you can use ANY operating system or firmware that works in the address range from $C000-$FFFF. You can also use an OLD-OS from the 400/800 series (using only $D800-$FFFF), a XL OS patched with Hias´ High-Speed SIO or QMEG or whatever you want. Some OS like SPOS (a german patched one) doesn´t support correct checksums, so the checksum test of Sys-Check will always fail - but this has no effect of using such an operating system. The V2.1 can hold four different operating systems, if you want to use Sys-Check diagnostic features, you´ve three operating systems for general use free. Best regards, Juergen

Hi all, I forget something to mention... All purchasers of the Sys-Check assembly kit will receive the newer version 2.1 - the difference to V2.0 (which is the one sent to the ABBUC hardware-contest) is the ability to use up to 128 KByte EPROMs (27128 / 27256 / 27512 and 27010/271001) holding up to four different Sys-Check firmware versions or XL/XE operating systems. This feature enables Sys-Check also to be a kind of external OS switcher. Two additional DIP switches allows manually selection of one of the four operating systems. This new usage is an idea from two guests at the ABBUC general annual meeting hold at the end of october 2014. Thanks, folks. Best regards, Juergen

Hi Marius, Yes, Sys-Check II is freely published. In the attachment of this post you will find all files needed. Of course I publish also newer versions to the community. Regards, Juergen Sys-Check II english.zip

Hi there, announced for the ABBUC hardware contest, my project "Sys-Check" takes 3rd place - thanks to all voters. Now I´m ready to ship out the solution to all who are interested in. Sys-Check will be only offered as D.I.Y. assembly kit. You will get: - one high quality, gold finished PCB with markings and explanations on it - all parts including sockets, chips, resistors, cables and so on to finalize it Each assembly kit costs 25 euros (approx. 31 US dollar at today) plus shipping (from 5.60 euros to 27 euros depending on the destination and amount of orders). I only sell complete kits, no single PCBs or less parts. Timeline: - Orders accepted until January the 14th 2015 - Payment via bank transfer or paypal must be done until January the 19th 2015 - All orders after 14th January will be canceled, all payments after 19th January will be refunded - PCB order will be placed on January 20th - Delivery of each kit to buyer approx. at the end of February (depending on international shipping times) This will be the first and last batch. If you´re interested, please place order by EMAIL. I will not accept orders here in the forum or by personal message (PN). Please email your order to [email protected] You will get an answer within 48 hours. Please sent my the name of your country to calculate shipping costs before I answer you. In the attachment of this post you will find the english translation of Sys-Check manual. Best regards, Juergen Manual Sys-Check II english.pdf

Hi, It depends on the type of DRAM, not on the amount of memory. The most 32 KBit (i.e. 41256) DRAMs and above need a minimum 8-bit refresh, but not all. On the other hand, also some 4164 DRAMs (64 KBit, Standard in XL/XE) needs the new ANTIC. For example, the Micron (MT...) DRAMs doesn´t work with old ANTIC, but the Hitachi 4864 and other do. The biggest issue in this area is, that the normal user couldn´t realize instantly, that he _might_ be have a RAM failure. The ANTIC reduces refresh cycles when running without screen DMA or less display lines. That´s the reason why some demos, games and other programs, which switches screen DMA off during intialization or so on, doesn´t work with some DRAM and the old ANTIC. Also some sector copier programs writes garbage to disks, because they have to small screens and refresh isn´t enough for some DRAMs. If somebody has an old ANTIC, it´s not a "no-go". Only use working DRAMs and test it with MEMDRV.COM or other RAM testers, which tests refresh. Regards, Juergen