Friday, May 29, 2020

Sega X-Board Memory Test Software

A set of ROM images to test the RAM ICs and custom chips on Sega X-Board hardware (AfterBurner, Thunderblade etc.). It is more robust than the on-board tests and stands a better chance of running on a dead boardset.

  • It does not require working main RAM to actually run the main RAM test.
  • Remove all sub CPU EPROMs when installing (IC 20, IC 29 etc), as these interfere with the results.
  • It requires a vanilla 68K CPU to be installed, not the FD1094 security processor present on some X-Board games.
  • The palette will be incorrect when used on games other than AfterBurner. But it should still operate correctly. 

This was not previously released, because I hadn't verified the IC labeling on hardware. However, a number of people have already used this software to successfully fix PCBs. Therefore, I figured I should get this out there and address problems as they are reported.

This is based on the OutRun Memory Test. The modified (and messy) source code is available here

The compiled ROM images can be downloaded here

5 comments:

XaX said...

Thanks! I will test it on my Super Monaco GP board and comment back.

Arcade-Gamer said...

I got a very rodden A.B. Cop Board.. but i would try if there any sign of live in this board. It seems to booting.. sub cpu 68k had some actions.. but nothing on screen. Ic40 has always action and ic152-154 too. Fd1094 has a new battery and is reprogrammed with the right security key. I tried the test software with plan 68k in both slots. The ram bank is also toggeling. Any hints to start repairing?

yt said...

Can you post a screenshot of the test roms running? Or is nothing displayed?

Arcade-Gamer said...

do you have a Facebook account? Writing via Messenger? Nothing is displayed. Reset circuit looks strange. Starts with HIGh at power on and goes low after few seconds. No activity on IC118 tried different 68k

yt said...

Don't really use Facebook these days. I'd check the data / address lines between the main CPU and EPROMs. TBH - these boards are hard to diagnose, and I don't think I could do it remotely!