exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

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.

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

Badwolf wrote: 06 Oct 2023 19:40 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.

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: 11 Oct 2023 21:42 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.

rubber_jonnie wrote: 11 Oct 2023 23:12 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