To: Pat Brosnan, Atari Games Ireland
Fr: Jed Margolin, Atari Games USA
Dt: November 23, 1989
Re: A Stun Runner Problem


This is a strange problem. Does it happen alot? Does it happen on Hard Drivin'
or Compact Hard Drivin' ? 

This is what I would do if I thought it was a hardware problem:

  1. Check that the +5V is +5.00V. Use an accurate meter (not a 'scope)
     and measure it on the MultiSync board.

     Just for grins, you might also try it at 4.80V and 5.20V (but return it 
     to 5.00V when you are done).

  2. Try the VRAM Verify Test in the GSP Test Screen. 

     You can also try the VRAM Verify Diagnostic Test. This will continuously 
     perform the VRAM Verify test and log any errors. Run it for an hour or two.

     To run it:

	1. Jumper the DIAGN test point to GND;
	2. Set the DIP Switch to  0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 ;
	3. Momentarily jumper the RESET Test Point to GND.

     To get out of Diagnostics:

	1. Remove the jumper from the DIAGN test point;
	2. Momentarily jumper the RESET Test Point to GND;
	3. It is probably a good idea to return the DIP Switch to 
	   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .

     You might also try the Program ROM Diagnostic Test Loop 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
     and the Program RAM Diagnostic Test Loop X X 1 0 0 0 1 1 . (The RAM Test 
     Loop bashes part of zeropower RAM.) To run these test follow the 
     instructions for the VRAM Verify Diagnostic Test but use the above DIP 
     Switch settings.

     Since the Program RAM Diagnostic Test bashes part of the ZeroPower RAM it
     might confuse the Game Stats and High Score program and you may need to 
     take decisive action to restore its normal function. This is acomplished 
     by resetting the board DURING the ZeroPower RAM test. (This totally bashes
     the ZeroPower RAM contents and the program knows how to deal with it.)


  3. Run the new ADSP II memory tests:

     Go to the SPECIAL FUNCTIONS screen and select ADSP BOARD TESTS.

     Run:

	ADSP RAM .TESTED BY 68010.
	ADSP PROGRAM MEMORY TEST .2100
	ADSP DATA MEMORY TEST .2100
	2100 TEST
	IRQ TEST
	ROM CHECKSUMS (verify that the checksums are correct)

     Select the ADSP SPECIAL FUNCTIONS screen

     Run:

	SEQ OUTPUT BUFFER CONTROL CHECK (It should put up some numbers and say 
					 BUFFER CONTROL .BCON. OK )

	Select SEQ OUTPUT BUFFER 1 TESTS and run 
	TEST BUFFER. DATA = ADDRESS .68010 (It should run continuously without
	reporting any errors. If it reports any error the 8Kx8 RAMs on the ADSP
	board are bad.)

	Press start to return to SEQ OUTPUT BUFFER 1 TESTS and Select EXIT.
  	This will return you to the ADSP SPECIAL FUNCTIONS screen. 

	Select	SEQ OUTPUT BUFFER 2 TESTS and run
	TEST BUFFER. DATA = ADDRESS .68010 (It should run continuously without
	reporting any errors. If it reports any error the 8Kx8 RAMs on the ADSP
	board are bad.)

	You can run the other tests, too, if you want.

  4. Even if the ADSP II passes these tests you might try substituting a known
     good ADSP II board. If that fixes the problem you have a bad ADSP II board.

    If you do, look at the 8Kx8 RAMs at 1 A/B, 3 A/B, 1H, and 3H. If you have
    Hyundai HY6264P-__ RAMs remove them, install sockets, and install Hyudai
    HY6264LP-__. These are low power parts that are supposed to work. You
    can also use 8Kx8 RAMs from another manufacturer.

  5. Let me know what you find.

Atari Games USA is closed until Monday November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday.


 Regards,

    Jed

Thanks for being prompt and complete on this Jed.

	- Ed -

I have run out of things for him to try. I suggest he send the board back
here so we can put it on an emulator.

Have you already suggested this to him?

Would you like to suggest it to him?

Would you like me to suggest it to him?


Jed

Jed,

I'm going to ask Lois to FAX him that suggestion this morning.  See you later.

	- Ed -