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EPROM Selection - STF

Upgrade or replace the ROM.
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Lamaman1971
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Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2021 1:21 am
Location: Katy

EPROM Selection - STF

Post by Lamaman1971 »

Hi Folks - I’m upgrading my TOS to 1.04 and am modifying from a 2 to a 6 ROM setup. As such, I need 6 ROMs and wanted to ask if the ST27C256B would be useable? Or is the ‘B’ version going to be an issue?

Cheers
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DoG
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Re: EPROM Selection - STF

Post by DoG »

'B' is just the revision of the chip. They did some changes to the die in the chip. I think they changed the programming voltage needed a bit as well. But if you choose the right chip in your programmer it shouldn't make any difference. ST/M is the same company (STMicroelectronics). Use 120ns or faster. I think 150ns is fine as well.

What motherboard and revision do you have? Do you have the three solder blobs on the board?
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: EPROM Selection - STF

Post by rubber_jonnie »

What @DoG says goes, but it would be useful if you could add a photo of the board.

ST's generally have 3 jumpers to select between 1MB and 256KB ROM sizes and they are solder pads near the ROMs.

You'll need to remove the solder from the 1MB pads and replace with solder on the 256K side.

You may also need to install decoupling capacitors for the currently unpopulated ROM slots you're going to fill. Be very careful to ensure orientation is correct as I've seen somebody plug in ROMs 180 degrees out recently and that can kill the ROMs, which also need to be in the correct Lo/Hi slots.

Make sure you fit sockets as it will make for an easier time later.
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...
Lamaman1971
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2021 1:21 am
Location: Katy

Re: EPROM Selection - STF

Post by Lamaman1971 »

Hi Folks - gave it a go with my EPROMS and Im now running TOS 1.04 - Result! Thanks everyone for all the great tips and advice!
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: EPROM Selection - STF

Post by rubber_jonnie »

Lamaman1971 wrote: Tue Jun 30, 2026 1:53 am Hi Folks - gave it a go with my EPROMS and Im now running TOS 1.04 - Result! Thanks everyone for all the great tips and advice!
Good stuff :)
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...
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