sIDE BIOS ROM
sIDE BIOS ROM
Hi Gang !
Finally got the 'ol WhiZZbanG XT out of deep deep storage. The last time this thing saw light, it performed flawlessly. It had been sitting since sometime last century, and hadn't seen the light of day for at least 6 or 7 years.
Naturally, this time I had some problems. First off was operator error. I plugged in an AT keyboard.
Sat and stared at the "keyboard error" for a couple of seconds, then figured it out. Shut down. Went searching for an XT keyboard ( I know, but I rarely keep one handy ), and plugged that in. :mrgreen:
( how aggravating to use an old IBM XT keyboard. Nothing is in the "right place". :sly
Noted that the boot up time was pretty extended, but finally it mentioned that it was going to go ahead and start DOS 6.22. Fine. What the heck, it's only 10MHz, and it's probably not happy about being disturbed.
Went back to WhiZZbanG One, got the PCJRCART.EXE file, and inserted the floppy. ( remember, I have a hi-density controller in this World Class XT, and it supports a 1.44 drive, as well as a 360K ).
Since I had the computer sitting sideways to me, I didn't notice that any floppy drive lights were lit. The floppy drive didn't work. Dammit.
Fine. Shut down, take apart, and become PC Tech. Simple things first. Remove card, stare at it, and threaten it. ( no cuss words yet.... ) Clean contacts, and re-insert.
Reboot computer, starts a LOT faster,( obviously, it was looking for flop drives earlier ) floppy drive lights, and now a message is on boot up concerning the floppy controller, as well as the sIDE controller, and BOCA memory card. ( and the VGA card ). Now we're cooking!
Ran the PCJRCART.EXE program, dumped the ROM, and sent the files to PER. As soon as he "approves" of them, I'll pull the sIDE card, and get some better pictures, or scans, whatever it takes. I have a really good camera, and it might do the job, but if not, I can scan the thing.
At this point, if ANYONE wants to see something, let me know, 'cause when I get done with this little project, this computer goes back into long term storage. It's very aggravating to dig it out, and unwrap it. :twisted:
Great project, and put me in line for a controller card if it works out !
bobwatts
EartH