John Robertson wrote:
Mark Hooks wrote:
I'm trying to learn more about how to interpret RAM read/write test results on Atari 6502 based games. Can someone recommend a good text book where I can learn more about how to sort out high from low bits ? The Atari Cat Box manual assumes you have this basic knowledge.... which I don't. I've searched the archives and the FTP site to no avail.
Mark Hooks
High RAM is data bits 4 - 7, Low RAM is data bits 0 - 3.
Try this with the CAT box when it says there is a RAM error - write a memory location with "AA" then read it. Should be "AA" of course. then try writing "55" and reading that back.
OK, so, lets say AA worked fine(10101010) but 55 (01010101)gave back 45 (01000101). This would mean that the Low RAM has a stuck bit (Low at that memory location) on data line 3. This is a VERY basic RAM test, but gives you the idea of how RAM tests.
There are many web pages on RAM testing and the algorithms used, fascinating reading!
John :-#)#
Ah, right, can't count...the error is on data bit 4, not 3...you count from the right to left from least to most significant digit. John :-#(# -- John's Jukes Ltd. 2343 Main St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V5T 3C9 Call (604)872-5757 or Fax 872-2010 (Pinballs, Jukes, VideoGames) www.flippers.com "Old pinballers never die, they just flip out"