I have a DIAG-CART 2021 Rev 9C cartridge that doesn't work. I've used it before, so I know how to set the jumpers to adapt it to various Atari models. What I get is a black screen or it is bypassed by the system, that is, I get the desktop as if it were not inserted.
No writing or menu not even via serial. Yet it is very simple. Could that EEPROM have been erased? In the photo I set it for MEGA STE. I'm trying to fix up my Atari Mega STE and I could use that cartridge right now.
Clean the contacts with IPA. Insert into Atari several times. Clean contacts again. Repeat process several times until the contacts are no longer dirty or it starts working.
I'd agree with @exxos, the contacts look quite dirty on the edge connector there, cleaning those and the connector in the machine is a good place to start.
I think it's unlikely the ROM has been erased. A picture of the back would also be useful.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
A pencil eraser (rubber) is a good cleaning tool for edge connectors, but give it a once-over with IPA afterwards as you don't want to be jimmying eraser grounds into your cart port!
The other thing to check is the jumpers. I've had many problems with flakey jumper connections over the years.
A can of contact cleaner may be a useful investment.
BW
DFB1 Open source 50MHz 030 and TT-RAM accelerator for the Falcon Smalliermouse ST-optimised USB mouse adapter based on SmallyMouse2 FrontBench The Frontier: Elite 2 intro as a benchmark
Badwolf wrote: Fri Oct 06, 2023 7:40 pm
A pencil eraser (rubber) is a good cleaning tool for edge connectors, but give it a once-over with IPA afterwards as you don't want to be jimmying eraser grounds into your cart port!
The other thing to check is the jumpers. I've had many problems with flakey jumper connections over the years.
A can of contact cleaner may be a useful investment.
BW
Definitely with you on the contact cleaner.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
Yes, contact cleaner sprayed into the port itself but I've also found some of the spring contacts to be tired and not make contact until they have been readjusted.
Hi guys, today I had time to dedicate myself to my diagnostic cartridge.
Finally, by going over the pins of the Atari type selection bridges with the soldering iron, it worked. They seemed firm and right, but instead some of them didn't make contact correctly. Thanks for the suggestions.
Roberto wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 9:42 pm
Hi guys, today I had time to dedicate myself to my diagnostic cartridge.
Finally, by going over the pins of the Atari type selection bridges with the soldering iron, it worked. They seemed firm and right, but instead some of them didn't make contact correctly. Thanks for the suggestions.
Given your other post, I would suggest checking out the diag cart on another machine if you can.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
rubber_jonnie wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 11:12 pm
Given your other post, I would suggest checking out the diag cart on another machine if you can.
I checked on two other machines: an Atari ST and a Stacy. the diag card works regularly and has no problems. Instead in my Mega STE I get a "Checking Bus error handling" when turned on.
I'm also having problems with my once working Diagnostic Cart, Rev 9B. It was last used successfully on my Falcon 030 a few years ago. I went to use it on my STacy 4, set it for ST, and the STacy booted right past it. I set it back to the 030 settings, and had the same problem on my Falcon.
I've cleaned the contacts with an eraser and IPA, I am inserting the cartridge chip-side up and I've tested the cartridge slots with a Cubase cartridge. I checked it running with a thermal cam, and chip is getting warm (28c) but not hot.
Thanks -
Paul
