Retro Chip Tester

RCT Pro – New firmware v.26 released

We are proud to present a new firmware release (v.26) after two beta versions.

„Joystick test“ (logic menu). Requires a simple adapter with DSUB-9 socket.

New Adapters
Joystick Adapter (a small adapter that allows to check the functionality of a standard joystick).
Intel 1101 (SRAM, 256 x 1)
The Gerber data for the current version of the adapter has already been published. The schematics of all adapters are available in the BOM.pdf now.

New Memory ICs supported
Intel 1101 and compatible (adapter required with custom definition, 256 x 1, SRAM)
DM85S86 (256 x 1, SRAM)
New Logic ICs supported

The full change log can be found here:

https://8bit-museum.de/rct-firmware-v-26-english

New firmware release v.25

It is the forth(!) year now that the RCT is available, and still there were new features in 2023, such as:

  * a simple Clock Generator supports up to 2 MHz, with adapter up to 32 MHz
  * a simple Frequency Counter
  * the detection of unknown logic ICs
  * support for additional logic ICs and memory components
  * many new adapters for special ICs
    – Frequency Counter Adapter (for frequencies up to 32 MHz)
    – MSX Cartridge Adapter
    – Clock Generator Adapter (for a non-overlapping or quadrature clock)
  * and of course there were many small improvements.

Firmware v.25 is available for download now. Some of the above-mentioned
features that could already be tested in advance in the beta versions
are now officially available in v.25.

The full change log can be found here:

https://8bit-museum.de/rct-firmware-v-25-english/

New beta firmware v.25b2 released

This update may reset the configuration to the default setting. After
the update, the SD card and other settings have to be made again.

There are many minor and major improvements, such as
– Simple Frequency Counter added (2+ MHz, with adapter up to 32 MHz)
– Identification of unknown logic ICs has been improved
– Support for some exotic ICs: TMM2332, EMM4804, Intel D27513, Intel
D27011, LH532200, LN5322

The manuals have been updated and can be downloaded from my website. The
manual has been splitted into three parts now:
– EN-1 Assembly, Programming and Troubleshooting Manual
– EN-2 User Manual
– EN-3 Bill of materials (BOM)

The interactive IC comparison list has also been updated, as have the
PDFs with the supported ICs. There is also an online version available
on my website now.

New links are available to reach the firmware pages more easily (the old
links remain valid for the time being):

Firmware & Gerbers: https://8bit-museum.de/firmware
Dropbox main site: https://8bit-museum.de/dropbox

New firmware release (v.24) after six beta versions!

There are many minor and major improvements, such as
– a simple clock generator (300 Hz to 8 MHz in 46 steps)
– the identification of unknown logic ICs
– improved support for exotic SRAMs, such as the EMM4200
– a lot of “new” logic ICs have been added

There is also a new adapter for the rather exotic DRAMs Motorola MCM6605
and Intersil IM7505A (the Gerber files have already been released).

The full change log can be found here:
https://8bit-museum.de/rct-firmware-v-24-english/

Adapter PCBs are available now.

You can chose from 4 different sets.

Set 1 – “I want them all!” (26 adapters)

Set 2 – “Common ICs” (7 adapters)

Set 3 – “Uncommon ICs” (5 adapters)

Set 4 – “Programming” (5 adapters)

We have exciting news to share: ENIG surface finish is coming soon as a standard for RTC Pro PCB

ENIG is quickly becoming the most popular surface finish in the industry. It’s a double layer metallic coating, with nickel acting as both a barrier to the copper and a surface to which components are soldered. A layer of gold protects the nickel during storage. ENIG is an answer to major industry trends such as lead-free requirements and rise of complex surface components (especially BGAs and flip chips), which require flat surfaces. But ENIG can be expensive, and at times can result in what is commonly known as “black pad syndrome,” a buildup of phosphorous between the gold and nickel layers that can result in fractured surfaces and faulty connections.

New beta firmware v.24b4 released

The firmware “v.24 beta 4” for the RCT has been available for a few days now.

There are many minor and major improvements, such as
– a simple clock generator (300 Hz to 8 MHz in 46 steps)
– the identification of unknown logic ICs
– improved support for exotic SRAMs, such as the EMM4200

There is also a new adapter for the rather exotic DRAMs Motorola MCM6605 and Intersil IM7505A (the Gerber files will be released soon).

Retro Chip Tester Professional Complete Parts Set

This item include – Complete Parts Set for Retro Chip Tester Professional. This version does not include Retro Chip Tester motherboards (Main board & PSU), power supply & SD card adapter. 

Retro Chip Tester Professional Motherboard PCB

Motherboard & PSU board (power board) for Retro Chip Tester available in our store – Rev.1.2k Firmware v.23

New firmware v.23 released

There are many minor and major improvements.

A feature that has been often requested is the loop mode for logic tests. This must be configured before use (see manual). I have not yet been able to test it with all 1200(!) supported logic ICs, so it cannot be ruled out that one or the other IC may have problems with the loop mode.

There are five new adapters available (the Gerbers have already been published), e,g. you can test the Intel 8155/8156 or the Mostek MK28000.

Some “new” memory ICs are supported (MM5298A/B DRAM and 720x FIFO RAM), and also several logic ICs have been added.