Audio tests, with the ability to control different filters and channels.Video tests, with a colour palette and different cross-hatch patterns.Internal and external FDD read and write tests, including a thorough test which reads all tracks on both sides of the disk, and writes a track on each side of the disk.Onboard and expansion RAM testing, including a thorough soak test with programmable delay and different test patterns, which writes to every location.You can check that the RTC (if fitted) works OK by setting the system clock, power cycling the computer, and checking that the date/time value is maintained correctly.Īutomated testing can be performed using Keir Fraser's excellent Amiga Test Kit software, which is available to download or to buy on disk :.You can check that the external PCMCIA port (if fitted) works OK by trying to use some kind of PCMCIA peripheral, such as a CF card and PCMCIA adaptor.You can check that the internal IDE interface (if fitted) works OK if the system can load or boot from an appropriately formatted internal IDE hard drive a href="" target="_blank">CF card.You can check that the RAM seems to work if the system boots up, shows RAM in Workbench, and runs software OK, though you probably won't be testing the RAM fully.You can check that the FDD seems to write disks OK if you have a blank disk, though you probably won't be reading or writing every track or both sides of the disk.You can check that the FDD seems to read disks OK if you have a working software disk, though you probably won't be reading every track or both sides of the disk.You can test the joystick port in a game using a compatible joystick, though the machine will need to be able to boot up and load software to do so, and you'll need a joystick game.You can test the mouse port in the Workbench screen using a compatible mouse, however the computer will need to be able to boot up and load Workbench to do so.You can see whether the power, FDD, HDD, and Caps-Lock LEDs work properly.RGB, composite, and RF video outputs can be tested manually using an appropriate display and video cable, likewise with the audio output(s).Most of the keys on the keyboard can be tested manually in the Workbench shell, however the computer will need to be able to boot up and load Workbench to do so.Manual testing can be performed with basic peripherals: You can do a lot of manual testing on Amigas using basic peripherals - however, specialist hardware and software can be extremely useful for thorough testing. This was the case for my Commodore Amiga computers (i.e. For a lot of mainstream kit (such as the Commodore 64), diagnostic hardware and software is quite readily available to buy - however, this is not the case for all machines, so often it's necessary to make your own. ![]() However, this can often be both difficult to do (due to requiring proprietary or obsolete hardware or software) and difficult to document/prove for posterity or to a potential buyer (usually through pictures and videos).Īs such, I'm always on the lookout for methods of making this process easier and more effective, for all of the systems that I work on. ![]() ![]() it boots), that doesn't necessarily mean that it works properly. I like to test all of the vintage computers that I restore as thoroughly as possible, because thorough testing is necessary to verify correct operation - electronic devices are complex systems with lots of functionality and components, so just because something looks like it works (i.e.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |