VOGONS


First post, by ynk1121

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I know this is a long shot, but does anyone here own a Genoa Systems 7900 and can dump the EPROMs for me?

Long version: I bought a Packard Bell PB400 last year because it was my 1st PC. I didn't realize there were two different revisions and I accidentally bought the 2mb ram version. Had a saved search on eBay for the 4mb version, finally found one, ordered it, and of course it has video ram issues. It's a shitty Oak chip anyway, so I figured it's an excuse to upgrade to a et4000ax card. Ordered the 7900, seems to work fine, I go to look for drivers, and realize every pic of these cards has chips in all 3 sockets. Mine is missing the top "397900-13" in the attached pic. I can't imagine it does nothing. I'm guessing there will be a game or something that will need it? Before I try to hunt down another card that will inevitably be defective in some way because that is my luck, I figured I'd ask if anyone could help.

Reply 1 of 4, by Grzyb

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That third EPROM is Translation ROM - provides register-level CGA and Hercules modes at normal VGA frequencies.

I don't have such a ROM from Genoa, but these are from other cards based on ET4000AX:
- Orchid: https://minuszerodegrees.net/rom/bin/Orchid/O … _nmc27c256b.BIN
- Targa: Re: Trident SVM hercules on VLB TVGA9200CXr

In 2003, I voted in favour of joining the European Union. However, due to later developments - especially the restrictions on cash usage - I have withdrawn my support. DOWN WITH THE EU!

Reply 2 of 4, by ynk1121

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I haven't tried to run anything CGA or hercules. That explains why it seems to work without the chip. What would you say the odds are on either of those roms working without issues? I'm trying to determine if I roll the dice ordering a different video card or spend money on an EPROM programmer.

Reply 3 of 4, by Grzyb

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Translation ROM is described in the Data Book from Tseng Labs - so I don't think it's specific to a particular card model.
Also, an EPROM programmer may come in handy for other things as well...

In 2003, I voted in favour of joining the European Union. However, due to later developments - especially the restrictions on cash usage - I have withdrawn my support. DOWN WITH THE EU!

Reply 4 of 4, by Grzyb

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BTW: see also https://theretroweb.com/expansioncards/s/tseng-labs-tli-9112 -> BIOS
That XL ROM is identical with the one from Orchid.

In 2003, I voted in favour of joining the European Union. However, due to later developments - especially the restrictions on cash usage - I have withdrawn my support. DOWN WITH THE EU!