Jump to content
Have You Played Atari Today?
2600|5200|7800|Lynx|Jaguar|Forums|Store  

tf_hh

+AtariAge Subscriber
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Content Count

    1,041

  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by tf_hh

  1. Posted

    Hi,

     

    Absolutely: thanks Marius. I'll be happy to add support if given the necessary technical info. :)

     

    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 :cool:, please contact me by email ([email protected]).

     

    BR, Juergen

  2. Posted

    Hi,

     

    My next step is getting MyBIOS into the FLASHROM chip.

    I really think Mr. Atari would love this too.

    You wrote in your manual which 4 OS-es are in the FlashRom.

    Perhaps you could write that in your documentation (or did I overlook it?)

     

    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

     

  4. Posted

    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

  5. Posted

    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

    • Like 1

  6. Posted

    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

  7. Posted

    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

  8. Posted

    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

    • Like 1

  12. Posted

    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

    • Like 3

  13. Posted

    Hi,

     

     

    Do all orders come with the EPROM 27010/271001 (128 KByte)?

    With Sys-Check Firmware and three operating systems?

    What 3 OS's are you pre-programming?

     

    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

     

    • Like 1

  14. Posted

    Hi Larry,

     

    I see that your unit in the picture uses a AT 29C256 flash rom. Any possibility that this could be re-programmed in place (assuming that the computer rom is working OK)? Or with a 28c256 eeprom? Perhaps if not possible now, that it could be done in the future?

     

    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

     

  15. Posted

    Hi Bill,

     

    I know the design is completed, but would it be possible to add a third row of holes between those for the PBI card edge connector, duplicating 1 of the existing rows? This would allow use of a 50-pin header for use with a ribbon cable(the header row spacing is 2.54mm/0.1" instead of the 5.08mm/0.2" spacing for the edge-card connector), this would allow either connector to be used as desired. The use of ribbon cable means the device doesn't have to stick up vertically on the back of an XL computer.

     

    A good idea - thank you. I will change the PCB with this new row, no problem.

     

    Best regards, Juergen

    • Like 1

  16. Posted · Edited by tf_hh

    Hi Larry,

     

    I'm sorry, but I don't understand this. I guess that I would interpret this to mean that "if the user changes these" then Sys-Chek II will not function as it is intended." (?) But if we use a larger eprom, then so long as the original firmware (eprom) is in one of the 16K banks, then we can put other OS in the other 3 banks. (?) Is that correct?

     

    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

  17. Posted

    Hi,

     

    Before you send the order for the final PCBs can you add the holes for pass through of cartridge and ECI ports so we can add the edge connectors if we want them?

     

    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

  20. Posted

    Hi,

     

    Wow man! I did not understand this, but what do you say? Can an Atari 8bit have an EXTERNAL OS?

     

    This is extremely interesting! So your SysCheck + a MyIDE interface could give a stock atari XL/XE a fabulous compatible combination with the MyBIOS in ROM? In this SysCheck device??

     

    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

     

    • Like 1

  21. Posted

    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

    • Like 2

  22. Posted

    Hi Marius,

     

    I will place my order through e-mail!

     

    One more question though:

     

    Are the JEDEC files freeware, so in the (far) future I could fix the device if one of the gals or microcontrolers might get broken?

     

    Thanks a lot!

    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

    • Like 1

  23. Posted

    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.

     

    post-15670-0-62009200-1419796170_thumb.jpg

     

    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

    • Like 2

  24. Posted

    Hi,

     

    IIRC only 128K and larger require the newer Antic - with any modern day upgrade that uses SRam it shouldn't matter.

     

    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

    • Like 2

  25. Posted

    Hi,

     

    Should I buy the same chip ratings (64k) ?

    or can I replace them with compatible 256K for example?

    Is it possible to mount the new ram chips on top of original ones (piggybacked) to be safer?

    What are the recommended RAM brand(s)

     

    As already told, the Micron (MT) DRAMs are often faulty. But it could be happen, that only one item is really damaged. If no one of the DRAMs gets very hot, it seems to be a "normal" failure - Some times some silly people plug in a Commodore C64 power supply into an Atari XL/XE, this kills mostly instantly all DRAMs first (because the C64 uses 9 volts AC and 5 volts DC, Atari XL/XE only 5 volts DC),

     

    You can try to swap the banks, this is an easy test. In the attached picture I mark two resistors - the CAS_MAIN and CAS_BANK signals are there. Just swap the ends of both resistors (just choose one end, it´s not important which one) to each other, so that the resistors are not in parallel like in your picture, they have to be crossed like an X.

     

    If the second bank is okay, then your 130 XE will start. Of course the extended memory is faulty now, but you can live without it - or better insert an U1MB :-)

     

    Regards, Jurgen

     

    post-15670-0-20820800-1383116768_thumb.jpg

    • Like 3
AtariAge
Forums
Store
General
Follow AtariAge

Copyright ©1998-2021 AtariAge

×
×
  • Create New...