The Retro Chip Tester Pro does it all (Review)

Adrian's Digital Basement・2 minutes read

Adrian builds the Retro Chip Tester Pro, testing ICs in a TRS-80 Model 2 using carefully labeled parts and clear assembly instructions. The device successfully tests various ICs, but manual software limitations slow down testing for larger modules, with suggestions for interface improvements for quicker navigation.

Insights

  • The Retro Chip Tester Pro, built by Adrian, is meticulously assembled with organized components, clear instructions, and logical PCB layout, ensuring efficient testing of various ICs with detailed troubleshooting processes.
  • The device exhibits a wide range of capabilities, from testing ROM chips to PLAs, with the ability to save data onto an SD card, showcasing its versatility and utility in electronics testing while also highlighting potential areas for user interface enhancements to streamline operations.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of the Retro Chip Tester Pro?

    To test ICs in a TRS-80 Model 2.

  • How does Adrian organize components during assembly?

    In batches, marking off on build sheet and bags.

  • What modifications did Adrian make during assembly?

    Modified bulk capacitor hitting LCD screen.

  • What is the testing capacity of the Retro Chip Tester Pro?

    Supports up to one megabyte modules.

  • What additional features does the Retro Chip Tester Pro offer?

    Offline access to IC information, ROM chip testing.

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Summary

00:00

"Adrian builds Retro Chip Tester Pro PCB"

  • Adrian is building a PCB project called the Retro Chip Tester Pro to test ICs in a TRS-80 Model 2.
  • He has all the necessary parts for the project, which were individually bagged and labeled by a viewer who sent them in.
  • Adrian sets up his workbench with a soldering iron, solder, wick, and a PCB holder with tape to prevent parts from falling out.
  • He follows the build instructions on his computer, organizing and counting components before installation.
  • Adrian installs components in batches, marking off on the build sheet and bags to keep track of what's been used.
  • The PCB is logically laid out with component values or part numbers marked, making it easy to locate and install them.
  • Magnetic trays are used to hold components and offcuts, ensuring nothing is lost during assembly.
  • Adrian faces a minor issue with a bulk capacitor hitting the LCD screen, requiring a modification for proper fit.
  • The assembly instructions are clear and detailed, with helpful photographs pointing out potential issues.
  • After completing the build, Adrian powers up the board, troubleshoots a low voltage issue, and successfully tests various ICs using the Retro Chip Tester Pro.

15:00

"Testing Manual for Memory Modules and ICs"

  • The manual supports up to one megabyte modules for testing, not four or 16 megabyte modules due to software limitations.
  • Testing for even one megabyte module is slow, indicating that larger modules would be even slower.
  • In the main menu, scrolling to DRAM uncommon reveals options for 30-pin SIMMs with or without parity, supporting the 256k version.
  • Choosing parity for a module with nine chips initiates a slow test process.
  • A database included in the documentation allows offline access to information on ICs for testing, with details on supported versions and alternative part numbers.
  • Firmware updates require an external Atmel programmer due to issues with a USB ASP device.
  • The documentation, spanning 170 pages, includes instructions on using an Arduino as an ISP for programming.
  • Testing a SIP module involves a slow process, with the option to disable certain tests for quicker results.
  • Navigation through the menu for logic chips can be tedious due to the extensive list, but the scrolling speed can be controlled.
  • The absence of a back button is compensated by a combination of pressing the up and down buttons simultaneously to exit a menu.

28:39

"Retro Chip Tester Pro: Extensive Testing Capabilities"

  • The socket operates at 5.0 volts, requiring an SD card to be inserted into a computer to examine the EPROM data, which is known to be faulty.
  • Custom SRAM chips are utilized, with a 512k chip being defined for testing, using all 32 pins of the socket and various signals.
  • The device is configured to read custom mask ROMs, like those used on Commodores, distinct from EEPROMs, necessitating specific configurations due to signaling differences.
  • A ROM chip, the Moss 325 503-01 from 1983, is tested using appropriate profiles and logic selections for successful reading and checksum calculation.
  • The device can read and identify ROM chips using a checksum database, such as the Commodore 1540 disk drive ROM 325 503-01.
  • The device can save ROM chip data onto an SD card, generating bin and text files for easy reference and storage.
  • The device can test PLAs, like the Commodore PLA 906 114, ensuring functionality before installation in a computer.
  • Various resistors and zener diodes safeguard the microcontroller from shorts when testing faulty chips.
  • The device successfully reads and saves data from Intel 1702A EPROMs, requiring a specialized adapter for the necessary bias voltages.
  • The Retro Chip Tester Pro is praised for its extensive testing capabilities, with minor user interface improvements suggested for enhanced efficiency, including serial control for quicker navigation through tests.
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