The optional BANK ADAPTER enables SIMCHECK to simultaneously test up to a full bank of nine DRAM chips, with size ranging from 4Mx1, 1Mx1, 256Kx1 to 64Kx1. This ability to test a complete bank of DRAM chips, in virtually the same configuration as the chips are used inside the computer, is extremely useful for service operation. This adapter is up to 9 times faster than our SINGLE CHIP ADAPTER when testing a large batch of DRAM chips, since up to 9 chips can be tested at the same time.
Connect the adapter to the SIMCHECK SIP ZIF (green) socket when SIMCHECK is either ON or OFF. Once installed, SIMCHECK automatically detects the presence of the BANK ADAPTER. The display will read "PUT 1-9 CHIPS" along with an arrow prompting the user to begin the test.
The adapter uses nine 20 pin Zero-Insertion-Force (ZIF) sockets for easy handling of the memory chips. Each of these sockets can accept a memory chip when the lever is in the up position. The lever is then lowered to secure the chip in place.
Up to nine memory chips can be tested simultaneously. ONLY MEMORY CHIPS OF THE SAME CAPACITY CAN BE TESTED TOGETHER. When testing less than nine chips, you must use the sockets from left (BIT 1) to right, without skipping any socket.
The 64K/256K DRAM chips are packaged in a 16 pin DIP package, while the 1M/4M are packaged in an 18 pin package. The 64K/256K chips should be inserted with pin 1 at the top left corner of the ZIF socket. The 1M/4M chips should be inserted with pin 1 in the SECOND hole from the top left corner of the socket. In a proper insertion, the 64K/256K chips should be aligned with the top of the socket, while the 1M/4M chips should be aligned with the bottom of the socket. Please review the outline drawing on the adapter which summarizes the difference between the 1M/4M chips and the 256K/64K chips.
Once the memory chips are inserted in the sockets with levers locked down, press F1 to start the test. The test procedure is exactly the same as our regular module test procedure: the BASIC test is followed by the EXTENSIVE test, the AUTO-LOOP test, and optionally the SINGLE BIT test.
During the test, the display will indicate the number of chips as well as their size. For example, the display will read 1Mx5 when testing five 1Mx1 memory chips. Similarly, it will read 256Kx7 when testing seven 256Kx1 memory chips. Detected errors will halt the test with the familiar display of check marks and 'F's. The number of bit characters (both check marks and 'F's) will correspond to the number of tested memory chips. The left character corresponds to the furthest left socket (marked "BIT 1"), the second character corresponds to the next socket (marked "BIT 2"), and so on.
Required EPROM Version: 1.38 or above.
