TI-74 Dummy 8K cartridge?

[mutantcamel]

Hi does a empty cartridge exists which says Texas Instruments Ram/Rom Cartridge written on it which is just like a dust cover for when no real cartridge is being used?

With a regular 8k cartidge can you see the contacts or are they hidden? What command could be used to proof the cartridge was real and not just a block of plastic!?

Thanks

 

[curtis]

Yes, the 74 shipped with a "dummy" in the cartridge slot to keep dust out.

As far as determining if a cartridge is a dummy or not, assuming the label has been removed, the Mark I eyeball is the easiest. Just take the cartridge out and look at the end where the contacts are supposed to be. If you see contacts, it's not a dummy. If there are no contacts, it's a dummy.

Curtis

p.s. I'll get back to you this weekend on the PCIF question.