stamasd wrote on 2024-10-05, 16:48:

PcBytes wrote on 2024-10-05, 16:45:

Or he could force a checksum error and flash the BIOS via floppy. IIRC he has to short data lines to force a BIOS checksum error, then have a floppy drive with an autoexec.bat file that flashes the BIOS automatically.

Assuming that the custom code in the chip still retains that functionality.

IIRC as long as it's Award, the method I listed forces the bootblock to activate, which I'm fairly sure nobody ever deactivated.

Alright, I'll see what I can figure out. The seller says that it's just a splash screen and I should still be able to get into the BIOS, but I'm not seeing the keyboard getting power/initializing like it does on my 486. Even though it's a PS2 keyboard with a PS/AT converter plug, on the 486 I see the lights flash on the KB almost as soon as I boot.

But you're right, I'm not sure I'm going to be able to find the original BIOS. I did dig around for the BIOS online and haven't found it yet, and looked at the AIRBUS stuff as away, which almost sounds like the current BIOS flashback setup, but the chance of me finding that is probably slim to none. I also contacted Azza to see if they had anything related to this board in their archives/systems somewhere, which of course, they don't.

There is a BIOS for the DTC version of the board on Retroweb, so maybe I can try that if I really can't find the DTA BIOS. Might bork up the onboard audio since they're different codecs, but even if it does, I wasn't planning on using it.

https://www.cqpub.co.jp/julius/1999a/iwamura19990913a.htm

Looks like just a bios on a stick.
Meaning it's likely all the pins needed for a bios programmer are right there

Try usb kb. Usual story, mash del and hope

Yeah, mashing DEL doesn't really do anything. I don't think the KB is being recognized. There is a USB port, but the the header actually has all 10 pins and all the usb plates I have only have 9 with the 10th blanked out.

Also, maybe I don't have enough caffeine in me yet, but which chip is the BIOS? I don't see anything stamped with Award on it, and all the chip numbers I am seeing/digging into seem to be for other components like the COM ports/audio chip, etc. I may try that process to force the bootblock and load that 810DTC BIOS.

Square thing under the... Not floppy plug... Not sure what it is. Parallel maybe?

MeatballB wrote on 2024-10-05, 18:04:

Also, maybe I don't have enough caffeine in me yet, but which chip is the BIOS? I don't see anything stamped with Award on it, and all the chip numbers I am seeing/digging into seem to be for other components like the COM ports/audio chip, etc.

It's likely the intel chip on the bottom right of the board (to the right of the battery holder).

Well...crap on a cracker...I drilled out the blocked hole on one of the USB adapters/header plugs I had and was able to get into the BIOS with a USB keyboard. The beep code is still hammering away like mad, but I'm in to.....this.

MeatballB wrote on 2024-10-05, 18:04:

Also, maybe I don't have enough caffeine in me yet, but which chip is the BIOS? I don't see anything stamped with Award on it, and all the chip numbers I am seeing/digging into seem to be for other components like the COM ports/audio chip, etc. I may try that process to force the bootblock and load that 810DTC BIOS.

Likely the one I circled in red

"Advanced bye-bye warranty" 🤣 😁

Still doesn't seem to have a way to update the BIOS, or to even attach a floppy

BTW that is a very interesting BIOS, worth saving if you can swing it

"Advanced Bye-Bye Warranty"

That's... a new one. 😅

stamasd wrote on 2024-10-05, 18:22:

Still doesn't seem to have a way to update the BIOS

One option would be to desolder the chip and replace it with a socket. Then at least the chip could be swapped / reflashed externally.

Shponglefan wrote on 2024-10-05, 18:25:

stamasd wrote on 2024-10-05, 18:22:

Still doesn't seem to have a way to update the BIOS

One option would be to desolder the chip and replace it with a socket.

Which is what I've said several times in the thread, but it seems like the OP's comfort level is not there for that.

MeatballB wrote on 2024-10-05, 18:17:

Well...crap on a cracker...I drilled out the blocked hole on one of the USB adapters/header plugs I had and was able to get into the BIOS with a USB keyboard. The beep code is still hammering away like mad, but I'm in to.....this.

Next step: see if you can configure a floppy drive in that BIOS, attach a FDD and try to boot from a DOS boot disk

Also: what are the markings on that chip I circled above? I can't distinguish in that pic (too low resolution)

stamasd wrote on 2024-10-05, 18:26:

Which is what I've said several times in the thread, but it seems like the OP's comfort level is not there for that.

Ah, I hadn't read the whole thread, and I now see that was previously pointed out. 😀

If you manage to boot from a DOS floppy that also has the debug utility on it, you can dump the current contents of the BIOS chip using this quick tutorial: http://mess.redump.net/dumping/dump_bios_using_debug
That won't help with writing a new BIOS, but would preserve the current BIOS as a curiosity for the future to behold. 😀
But then also from DOS you might be able to use awdflash to write a new BIOS file.

Alright, we're cooking with gas now. That BIOS chip is stamped Intel N82802AB8 / A0230103 / '96'98

The BIOS is definitely wonked and it seems like a lot of stuff has been stripped out, but I was able to 'boot' to a floppy, sorta. What I thought was artifacts at the top of the screen is actually the screen, just shrunk down to a small size and duplicated across the top. You can see a bunch of mini Win98 Boot Disk images up top here.

I _might_ be able to boot into a floppy and put the commands in to flash the BIOS, even without seeing it. Before I try, if you all want me to try to save that BIOS, I can try, if someone can walk me through the process.

I'll also note, the beep code just continues to beep constantly, so I pulled the speaker for my sanity. 😀

stamasd wrote on 2024-10-05, 18:42:

If you manage to boot from a DOS floppy that also has the debug utility on it, you can dump the current contents of the BIOS chip using this quick tutorial: http://mess.redump.net/dumping/dump_bios_using_debug
That won't help with writing a new BIOS, but would preserve the current BIOS as a curiosity for the future to behold. 😀
But then also from DOS you might be able to use awdflash to write a new BIOS file.

Ah, sorry, posted while I was in midpost. Not sure I can do all that from mini screen.

MeatballB wrote on 2024-10-05, 18:42:

Before I try, if you all want me to try to save that BIOS, I can try, if someone can walk me through the process.

See the link to the tutorial I posted in the post just above yours.

MeatballB wrote on 2024-10-05, 18:44:

Ah, sorry, posted while I was in midpost. Not sure I can do all that from mini screen.

Yeah that's a problem. I don't recall if awdflash can save current BIOS contents, though it probably can and that may be easier. Or you could blind-type 😀

Hit enter a few times
See if the prompt emerges

Though actually it looks like a mode the lcd can't display. Many struggle with 720x480x70hz

Awdflash can save
Iirc it's something like Awdflash -s newfile.rom