terryfi wrote on 2022-06-23, 15:24:
Is there anyway to test iw rom functionality, e.g. play midi with rom patch, without dumping?
To make trouble-shooting easier, this assumes that you are in a pure DOS environment.
We will be able to get a better idea of what is going on if you post your IW.INI and the full output from IWINIT (type IWINIT -v9 > iwinit.txt, then post the files; it is important that 'v' in "v9" be lowercase). It would also be helpful, if you want us to be able to help, if you would post a clear, well-lit picture of the ROM area, including the configuration resistors and latches (naturally, without the SIMM in the way).
The most telling indicator of whether the ROM will be usable is the presence of a line beginning with "Found ROM chip:" in the output from IWINIT. If you don't see such a line, then nothing you try will get it to use that instrument bank, and it's back to the soldering iron. If you're using the dumping tool as per shock__'s instructions, and that is the result that you're getting, then the most likely culprits are that the ROM IC itself is not soldered down correctly/firmly, or the same is true of the latches. If you're getting that repeating pattern, the data and control lines would appear to be functional, and a problem with the connection to the address bus seems the likely problem.
Make sure you have the right parts for the latches, and start by re-flowing just those (non-conductive flux is your friend), then try again. If you're still not having any luck, try the ROM chip, while also making a particular effort not to over-heat anything.
If, by some chance, you do see a "Found ROM chip:" line, and it is correct, then you can try using PLAY.EXE to play any MIDI file. There, too, consider posting a sample of the audio output and any messages it displays.
Trying to validate ROM functionality by playing a file is not exhaustive proof that the ROM is fully accessible and valid. The method shock__ described is a good way to know for sure. Once you get the answer you are looking for the first time, try it a few more times to ensure that it is repeatable.