Diagnostic Test Suite
by Paul Farrows
2009



Test the Sinclair Spectrum 16K/48K/+/128K/+2, ZX Interface 1, ZX Interface 2 and ZX Printer using this ROM cartridge.

 

This ZX Interface 2 ROM cartridge contains three test programs within one ROM cartridge to provide a comprehensive means for checking the functioning of your Spectrum system. It contains the following test programs:

 

    * Spectrum 48/128 RAM Tester
    * Spectrum System Test
    * Spectrum +2 Test Program

 

A menu system is used to select which program to run, and also contains an option to disable the ROM cartridge thereby allowing the Spectrum to be used without the need to unplug the cartridge first. The RAM Tester program can be run automatically at power on by holding down the SYMBOL SHIFT key, thereby allowing the display file RAM to be tested before any attempt to use it for the menu system is made.

 

The Spectrum 48/128 RAM Tester performs a thorough test of the Spectrum’s RAM, whether a 16K, 48K or 128K model. It can detect more types of errors than the built-in RAM check routines within the Spectrum ROM and those performed by the other two test programs on the cartridge. If a fault is detected then the program will attempt to identify the cause of the error, and even faults within the display file RAM can be reported by using the border area.

 

The ROM cartridge reproduces the functionality of the System Test cartridge produced by Sinclair Research and originally used by authorised service centres. It offers a range of tests to verify correct operation of the ZX Spectrum, ZX Interface 1, ZX Interface 2 and ZX Printer. It performs the following tests:

 

    * Keyboard test
    * Border test
    * Sound test
    * Colour test
    * Flash test
    * RAM test
    * Soak test
    * Cassette test
    * ZX Printer test
    * RS232 test
    * Network test
    * Joystick test

 

The cartridge also reproduces the functionality of the Spectrum +2 Test Program produced by Amstrad for the Spectrum +2 for use by test centres. It offers a range of tests to verify correct operation of the ZX Spectrum +2 (or Spectrum 128). It performs the following tests:

 

    * Colour test
    * RAM test
    * AY-8912 sound test
    * ULA sound test
    * Keyboard test
    * Cassette test
    * Joystick test
    * RS232 test

 

The facilities provided by both the System Test cartridge and the Spectrum +2 Test Program are invaluable in diagnosing faults and keeping aging Spectrum systems running, yet original cartridges are rare to find. Combined with the RAM Tester program, this diagnostic test suite ROM cartridge aims to help Sinclair users to repair and keep their Spectrum systems in working order.

 

The emulator is constructed on a professionally manufactured double-sided PCB and features a gold plated edge connector for improved electrical contact. The auction is for the cartridge hardware only, and no charge is being made for the software. Since not everyone has access to an EPROM programmer, the EPROM will be supplied pre-programmed. However, the EPROM is fitted in an IC socket and so can be removed for reprogramming with another application or replaced with another EPROM. Details on the PCB and free download of the diagnostic test programs are available from www.fruitcake.plus.com.