520 STFM C070523-001 Rev D RAM Upgrade

Upgrade your RAM from ST to Falcon.
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ChrisA
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520 STFM C070523-001 Rev D RAM Upgrade

Post by ChrisA »

Hi

I'm looking to upgrade the RAM from 512 to 1MB. On the main pcb I see what I think are 16 RAM slots free (from U46 - U61) arranged horizontally above the existing RAM chips.

You also offer a 16 chip upgrade but for main pcbs later than mine as seen here:
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/last/ram/index.htm

I don't want to modify the ST much as is required by some of the other RAM upgrades and so was wondering if I could get the RAM chips I need for here? If not does anyone know where I could get them?

Thanks.

Here's a picture of my PCB for reference.
IMG_9254.jpg
IMG_9254.jpg (846.01 KiB) Viewed 1032 times

No there isn't - apparently you can't upload images - Ohhh yes there is - when you do it properly (thanks)
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olivier.jan
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Re: 520 STFM C070523-001 Rev D RAM Upgrade

Post by olivier.jan »

Hi,
Yes the RAM chips are the same, just placed in a different location on the motherboard.
So as long as you get 16 x 41256 chips and capacitors (original were 0.22uF) it should be fine. You will also need to add the missing resistors.
Retro stuff
520 STF/ 1040 STE / Mega ST / 2 Mega STE / 2 H5
2 x 600XL with U1MB /SOFIA 2/ AVG CART / and a few 1050
Apple //c, Commodore 128, Mac Classic, SE/30, LC, IIvi and PB G3 (Clamshell)
Amiga 600 and a few 486 and 386.
Many Nintendo G&W and other electronic games from the late 70s/early 80s.
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: 520 STFM C070523-001 Rev D RAM Upgrade

Post by rubber_jonnie »

ChrisA wrote: Sat May 02, 2026 11:27 pm
Here's a picture of my PCB for reference.


No there isn't - apparently you can't upload images
Add your image in the attachments tab and the place it inline.
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...
ChrisA
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Re: 520 STFM C070523-001 Rev D RAM Upgrade

Post by ChrisA »

rubber_jonnie wrote: Sun May 03, 2026 7:20 am
ChrisA wrote: Sat May 02, 2026 11:27 pm
Here's a picture of my PCB for reference.


No there isn't - apparently you can't upload images
Add your image in the attachments tab and the place it inline.
Thanks - I added a photo of the PCB.
ChrisA
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Re: 520 STFM C070523-001 Rev D RAM Upgrade

Post by ChrisA »

olivier.jan wrote: Sun May 03, 2026 5:51 am Hi,
Yes the RAM chips are the same, just placed in a different location on the motherboard.
So as long as you get 16 x 41256 chips and capacitors (original were 0.22uF) it should be fine. You will also need to add the missing resistors.
Thanks, that's great news. I assume the "missing resistors" is detailed on the upgrade page.
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olivier.jan
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Re: 520 STFM C070523-001 Rev D RAM Upgrade

Post by olivier.jan »

Actually from the picture you posted the resistors seems to be already installed on this motherboard.
Retro stuff
520 STF/ 1040 STE / Mega ST / 2 Mega STE / 2 H5
2 x 600XL with U1MB /SOFIA 2/ AVG CART / and a few 1050
Apple //c, Commodore 128, Mac Classic, SE/30, LC, IIvi and PB G3 (Clamshell)
Amiga 600 and a few 486 and 386.
Many Nintendo G&W and other electronic games from the late 70s/early 80s.
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Icky
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Re: 520 STFM C070523-001 Rev D RAM Upgrade

Post by Icky »

Looks like the empty chip holes have solder in them, that's going to be a pain to desolder. I recommend getting a desoldering gun. It takes away a lot of the pain of desoldering.
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: 520 STFM C070523-001 Rev D RAM Upgrade

Post by rubber_jonnie »

olivier.jan wrote: Mon May 04, 2026 12:21 am Actually from the picture you posted the resistors seems to be already installed on this motherboard.
Yeah, I thought the same.
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...
ChrisA
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Re: 520 STFM C070523-001 Rev D RAM Upgrade

Post by ChrisA »

Icky wrote: Mon May 04, 2026 8:41 am Looks like the empty chip holes have solder in them, that's going to be a pain to desolder. I recommend getting a desoldering gun. It takes away a lot of the pain of desoldering.
Thanks I already have one. It will be handy here for sure. :-)
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