SidecarTridge Multi-device Test ROM

v2.0.5alpha

This is a microfirmware application for the SidecarTridge Multi-device, that contains a test program designed to validate the functionality and performance of the Sidecartridge Multidevice.

Table of contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Getting Started
    1. Atari ST / MegaST / STE / MegaSTE / TT / Falcon
    2. SidecarTridge Multidevice Setup with a functional computer
    3. SidecarTridge Multidevice Setup with a failed computer <-> device connection
  3. Output of the test program
  4. đź“„ License
  5. 🤝 Contributing

Introduction

The SidecarTridge Multidevice emulates the behavior of Atari ST cartridges and the ROM memory contained. To ensure its flawless operation and accurate timing, this test suite offers several read tests, presenting the results visually on-screen.

For those new to the Sidecart ROM Emulator, we recommend visiting the official SidecarTridge Multidevice website for a comprehensive overview.

Getting Started

Atari ST / MegaST / STE / MegaSTE / TT / Falcon

To get started with the testing process, you’ll need two main files, both of which can be located in the Release page of this repository:

  • TESTSCRT.TOS: The primary test program, which should be transferred to your Atari ST machine.

  • TESTROM.BIN: A binary file containing randomized data across two ROM banks. This file needs to be copied to your Atari ST computer and should be placed in the same directory as TESTSCRT.TOS. It is essential for the test program to function correctly.

SidecarTridge Multidevice Setup with a functional computer

This version of the test suite is designed to run on the SidecarTridge Multidevice with the new firmware v2.0 or later. Once you are in the management web interface of the SidecarTridge Multidevice also called the Booster Configurator, you have to find the Multidevice Test microfirmware, download it, and launch it. This microfirmware is designed to work with the programs located in the Atari computer.

SidecarTridge Multidevice Test

After launching the Multidevice Test, your computer should start as if nothing happened. You can now run the TESTSCRT.TOS program from your Atari ST computer.

SidecarTridge Multidevice Setup with a failed computer <-> device connection

One of the reasons for running this test suite is to verify the connection between the SidecarTridge Multidevice and your Atari ST computer. So, if your computer is not running correctly with the device connected, you can still run the test suite.

The SidecarTridge Multidevice with the new firmware v2.0 can start and can be configured without the Atari ST computer. In ths blind mode, the user must follow these steps:

  1. Power on the SidecarTridge Multidevice with a USB cable connected to a power source or a computer.
  2. If your device did work and you were able to access the management web interface, you can jump to step 8.
  3. If you are not able to access the management web interface, you can reset the device by pressing the SELECT button for MORE than 10 seconds. Then, the device will reset to factory settings.
  4. Power off and power on the SidecarTridge Multidevice again. Now, it should start in the factory or FABRIC mode.
  5. Connect to the SIDECART Wi-Fi network using your computer or smartphone. Use the password sidecart.
  6. Open a web browser and go to the address http://192.168.4.1. This will take you to the management web interface of the SidecarTridge Multidevice. Select the WiFi network you want to connect to and enter the password for that network. The device will reboot and connect to the selected WiFi network.
  7. The device will now be accessible via the WiFi network you selected as http://sidecart.local or http://<IP_ADDRESS_OF_THE_DEVICE>. If the DNS of your network cannot be configured to resolve sidecart.local, you should find the IP address of the device in your router’s DHCP client list.
  8. Once you have access to the management web interface, you have to download the Multidevice Test microfirmware and launch it. This microfirmware is designed to work with the programs located in the Atari computer.
  9. Power off the SidecarTridge Multidevice and connect it to your Atari ST computer. Remove the USB cable to guarantee that the device is powered by the Atari ST computer.
  10. Power on the Atari ST computer. The SidecarTridge Multidevice should start automatically, and you can run the TESTSCRT.TOS program from your Atari ST computer.

Output of the test program

The test program will output the results of the various tests it performs on the SidecarTridge Multidevice.

SidecarTridge Multidevice Test Output

The program will perform the following tests. It will take several minutes:

  1. Test version string: Displays the version of the test program and in the ROM image. It must match the version of the test program.
  2. Test sequential read in ROM 3 and ROM 4: Reads the ROM 3 and ROM 4 banks sequentially and displays the results. The expected result is that all bytes read match the expected value.
  3. Test sequential read of bytes in ROM 3 and ROM 4: Reads the ROM 3 and ROM 4 banks sequentially, byte by byte, and displays the results. The expected result is that all bytes read match the expected value.
  4. Test random read in ROM 3 and ROM 4: Reads the one million times random words from the ROM 3 and ROM 4 banks and displays the results. The expected result is that all bytes read match the expected value.
  5. Test random read of bytes in ROM 3 and ROM 4: Reads the one million times random bytes from the ROM 3 and ROM 4 banks and displays the results. The expected result is that all bytes read match the expected value.
  6. Test sequential read in ROM 3 and ROM 4 incrementing the address by address lines: Reads the ROM 3 and ROM 4 banks sequentially, incrementing the address by address lines, and displays the results. The expected result is that all bytes read match the expected value. This test is designed to figure out if some of the address lines are not working correctly and expose the problem.

A healthy SidecarTridge Multidevice should pass all tests without any errors. If any test fails, it indicates a potential issue with the device, its connection, or the computer itself.

## Return to the Booster Configurator

To return to the Booster Configurator, press the SELECT button on your SidecarTridge Multi-device. This will exit the test program and bring you back to the main menu of the Booster Configurator.

đź“„ License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0.
See the LICENSE file for full terms.

🤝 Contributing

Made with ❤️ by SidecarTridge

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