I have an Atari 1040 STE that only shows me a white screen. According to the schematics, pin 3 of the GSTMCU generates the 8Mhz clock signal (CLK8) for the CPU (pin 15). I don't believe there's anything else on this wire.
When I check this frequency on my oscilloscope, it looks like jumping noise/garbage. To make sure there's nothin wrong with my oscilloscope, I checked pin 4 (CLK4) and I get a solid 4Mhz. Does that mean my CPU is potentially dead or bad? Anything else might be causing this behaviour?
Can all registered uses please login, even just for a few minutes..
It helps build a picture where our "good traffic" is coming from..
Thanks :)
It helps build a picture where our "good traffic" is coming from..
Thanks :)
1040 STE with bad clock?
Re: 1040 STE with bad clock?
I lifted pin 3 of the GSTMCU - it shows the same junk on that lifted pin. The other output clocks, and even the input clock on pin 2 are all good. I think it's a dead GSTMCU. 
- rubber_jonnie
- Site Admin

- Posts: 15148
- Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2017 7:40 pm
- Location: Essex
- Contact:
Re: 1040 STE with bad clock?
What clock do you see at the CPU?
Are any of your ICs socketed as I'd suggest a clean/tweak of the socket pins and IC pins if they are.
Are any of your ICs socketed as I'd suggest a clean/tweak of the socket pins and IC pins if they are.
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...
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...
Re: 1040 STE with bad clock?
The clock at the CPU is identical to that at the MCU (there's a direct wire connecting them) Both the MCU and the CPU are soldered to the board / not in socket.
I also verified the clock to the MCU (pin 2) is good.
I also verified the clock to the MCU (pin 2) is good.
- rubber_jonnie
- Site Admin

- Posts: 15148
- Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2017 7:40 pm
- Location: Essex
- Contact:
Re: 1040 STE with bad clock?
Hmm, I think your diagnosis may be correct...leonk wrote: Fri May 31, 2024 1:02 pm The clock at the CPU is identical to that at the MCU (there's a direct wire connecting them) Both the MCU and the CPU are soldered to the board / not in socket.
I also verified the clock to the MCU (pin 2) is good.
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...
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...
Re: 1040 STE with bad clock?
UPDATE: NOS MCU received from eBay and installed into the 1040STE. It fired right up and works great. Check your clocks using an oscilloscope if you got one. 