Test cartridge recommendations

[+x=usr(1536)]

I have a 2-port 5200 in unknown shape that I'm planning on tearing into in the next couple of weeks.

 

With the A8, Star Raiders is recommended as a quick go/no-go test cartridge as it doesn't call the OS.  Is there an equivalent for the 5200?  Despite having an A8 background, this is my first-ever 5200, so would appreciate any insight.

[0078265317]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224233313753

[+x=usr(1536)]

18 minutes ago, 0078265317 said:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224233313753

 

Cool.  Why should I buy this?

[0078265317]

1 minute ago, x=usr(1536) said:

 

Cool.  Why should I buy this?

To test your system.

[+x=usr(1536)]

1 minute ago, 0078265317 said:

To test your system.

Thank you, Captain Obvious.

 

Does anyone who has practical experience with 5200 testing have a better reply?

[+DrVenkman]

Pete’s Test Cartridge is primarily intended for testing controllers and/or calibrating the POKEY resistor on the console with known-good controllers.

 

A better option for general system checks is probably the PAM SALT cart, which is the 5200 equivalent of the A8 SALT cartridges. It requires a test harness for full functionality but the basic tests will run without it. It will check the CPU, ANTIC, GTIA, etc. 

 

Of course, if you have an AtariMax cart for your 5200, rom images for both of these are readily available. 

[+x=usr(1536)]

24 minutes ago, DrVenkman said:

Pete’s Test Cartridge is primarily intended for testing controllers and/or calibrating the POKEY resistor on the console with known-good controllers.

 

A better option for general system checks is probably the PAM SALT cart, which is the 5200 equivalent of the A8 SALT cartridges. It requires a test harness for full functionality but the basic tests will run without it. It will check the CPU, ANTIC, GTIA, etc. 

 

Of course, if you have an AtariMax cart for your 5200, rom images for both of these are readily available. 

 

Appreciate the recommendations; I'll definitely check into them!