VOGONS


First post, by Gojira

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Hello everyone

I bought a device for checking RAM on eBay (SimCheck II) and after starting it up I get the message "Eprom crash....waiiting for PC" as in the attached photo. I don't know it's some kind of issue that can be resolved relatively easily. Unfortunately I don't have the instructions or any cable to connect it to the computer. The seller claimed that the device is functional and works.

I don't know what to do now, whether to return it or maybe someone has/had access to this device and knows what can be done. "Eprom crash" sounds quite pessimistic.

I apologize if I'm posting in the wrong section, I'm new here and the forum structure is still confusing me a bit.

Best wishes and

Reply 1 of 9, by rasz_pl

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it doesnt look like you tried googling? https://www.memorytesters.com/sim2/sim2com.htm
yes it does look broken at this moment, did seller post picture of device running ram test? most likely not

https://github.com/raszpl/FIC-486-GAC-2-Cache-Module for AT&T Globalyst
https://github.com/raszpl/386RC-16 memory board
https://github.com/raszpl/440BX Reference Design adapted to Kicad
https://github.com/raszpl/Zenith_ZBIOS MFM-300 Monitor

Reply 2 of 9, by Gojira

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rasz_pl wrote on 2024-08-05, 22:10:

it doesnt look like you tried googling? https://www.memorytesters.com/sim2/sim2com.htm
yes it does look broken at this moment, did seller post picture of device running ram test? most likely not

I tried searching on google but apparently I'm not good at it. Thank you for the link.

Yes, the seller didn't post any pictures, I only had assurances that the equipment works and is functional.

Reply 3 of 9, by rasz_pl

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>assurances

What else does he sell? might be classic case of "found this garbage in abandoned storage room, lets throw it on ebay/allegro as working tested".
Try manufacturers service software, maybe it can restore firmware.
I would return it if you paid real money.

https://github.com/raszpl/FIC-486-GAC-2-Cache-Module for AT&T Globalyst
https://github.com/raszpl/386RC-16 memory board
https://github.com/raszpl/440BX Reference Design adapted to Kicad
https://github.com/raszpl/Zenith_ZBIOS MFM-300 Monitor

Reply 4 of 9, by Gojira

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rasz_pl wrote on 2024-08-05, 23:49:
>assurances […]
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>assurances

What else does he sell? might be classic case of "found this garbage in abandoned storage room, lets throw it on ebay/allegro as working tested".
Try manufacturers service software, maybe it can restore firmware.
I would return it if you paid real money.

He has some old stuff (but not computers) to sell at the time. I think i will return it 😒

Reply 5 of 9, by rasz_pl

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Gojira wrote on 2024-08-06, 21:57:

He has some old stuff (but not computers) to sell at the time

does sound like found in storage/garbage type of stuff passed as working 🙁

Gojira wrote on 2024-08-06, 21:57:

I think i will return it

At least try the software, might be something stupid like expired battery backed config. How much was it? Those usually go for hundreds of dollars in working order despite being obsolete for 25 years.

https://github.com/raszpl/FIC-486-GAC-2-Cache-Module for AT&T Globalyst
https://github.com/raszpl/386RC-16 memory board
https://github.com/raszpl/440BX Reference Design adapted to Kicad
https://github.com/raszpl/Zenith_ZBIOS MFM-300 Monitor

Reply 6 of 9, by Gojira

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rasz_pl wrote on 2024-08-06, 23:36:
does sound like found in storage/garbage type of stuff passed as working :( […]
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Gojira wrote on 2024-08-06, 21:57:

He has some old stuff (but not computers) to sell at the time

does sound like found in storage/garbage type of stuff passed as working 🙁

Gojira wrote on 2024-08-06, 21:57:

I think i will return it

At least try the software, might be something stupid like expired battery backed config. How much was it? Those usually go for hundreds of dollars in working order despite being obsolete for 25 years.

I got it for 650$ + SD Ram adapter.

Reply 7 of 9, by rasz_pl

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Oh yeah thats fully tested and working price for sure, and even then I would be wondering if I really need this versus old computer booking into memtest.

https://github.com/raszpl/FIC-486-GAC-2-Cache-Module for AT&T Globalyst
https://github.com/raszpl/386RC-16 memory board
https://github.com/raszpl/440BX Reference Design adapted to Kicad
https://github.com/raszpl/Zenith_ZBIOS MFM-300 Monitor

Reply 8 of 9, by Gojira

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rasz_pl wrote on 2024-08-07, 22:22:

Oh yeah thats fully tested and working price for sure, and even then I would be wondering if I really need this versus old computer booking into memtest.

But memtest is soooooo slooooooooow and i got like 15kg of RAMs to check.

Reply 9 of 9, by rasz_pl

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Its slow because its thorough, you cant compare it to Basic (actual name) SimCheck scan.
You dont have to wait for all memtest tests to finish. SimCheck has comprehensive list of tests from Basic few seconds one to very advanced multi hour modes, not to mention continuous loop.

https://github.com/raszpl/FIC-486-GAC-2-Cache-Module for AT&T Globalyst
https://github.com/raszpl/386RC-16 memory board
https://github.com/raszpl/440BX Reference Design adapted to Kicad
https://github.com/raszpl/Zenith_ZBIOS MFM-300 Monitor