SLICE - A logic probe on steroids!

[GadgetFreak]

1) Will it support anything bigger than 24 Pins?

It can with an extra cable that will expand the pin count to 32, this enables larger ram/rom to be tested.

2) Will it support something like 4116 RAM that has multiple voltages?

No, the high voltages will blow the channels on the unit. It should not be used with any pin above 5.5v.

3) How does it test something like a PROM and ROM?  Do you need the images for those devices and it compares to that image?

You can load binary files for comparison or if Cycling is used it will continuously add new data which can then be saved as a binary file.

4) Does it keep track of how much of a chip has been tested?  i.e. if I'm watching a RAM chip, does it know if the whole RAM chip has been exercised or just say a few bytes of it?

There is a Memory window which can be displayed which shows the locations being accessed and the data. Though with ram chips it can only show the locations/data for any single 300ms grab. If you catch the ram test this is usually enough time to catch write/reads to all locations in a chip.

 

[Arcadenut]

There is a Memory window which can be displayed which shows the locations being accessed and the data. Though with ram chips it can only show the locations/data for any single 300ms grab. If you catch the ram test this is usually enough time to catch write/reads to all locations in a chip.

Ok, basically I'm wondering if we can calculate the coverage of a device to make sure it's fully exercised before calling it Good or not without having a test ROM on the board, etc...

I'm thinking this device might work well with Fluke like type devices (ICT, FPGA Cat Box, etc...) where we could have those devices exercise specific areas of the board and use this device to validate the TTL chips.

 

[Nes4life]

I'm thinking this device might work well with Fluke like type devices (ICT, FPGA Cat Box, etc...) where we could have those devices exercise specific areas of the board and use this device to validate the TTL chips.

Yes. I use SLICE with the Arduino ICT all the time. Also, as SLICE can read signatures like the CAT box, I've used it with a plain NOP and Atari NOP in the cpu socket of Asteroids & Centipede. It's awesome.

 

[Blero]

Hello,

Can anyone inform me where can i buy slice logic probe please?

Thanks in advance

 

[Nes4life]

Can anyone inform me where can i buy slice logic probe please?

PM GadgetFreak and he'll sort you out.

Nes4life2021-02-25 07:07:41

 

[Blero]

Hi l Nes4life, I Pm him before 4-5 days, but no answer!
Hope to get replay from him

Thanks

Blero2021-02-26 11:56:46

 

[ocb]

Hi Blero - I’ve been waiting on a reply for a few days as well.

I’m accustomed to delays in receiving (and replying) here - most VACers I know (me included) aren’t always the best at keeping on top of mails and messages etc

 

[Blero]

Hi Ocb,

Thank for replay and also for this information

I think i need to adapt my self here ??, and hope to both get replay regarding Slice

 

[Monstermug]

I'm sure his inbox is just full. I've sent him a text to let him know.

 

[braedel]

I want one! Sent a message a few days ago!

Thanks,

Brad

 

[Blero]

Hi there,

Did anyone got replay from GadgetFreak ?

 

[Arcadenut]

I don't remember if I asked this, but I'll go ahead and ask it again

Does the SLICE tool know the voltage level of the pins and can it detect voltages that are out of the norm....

The reason I ask is that I ran into an issue with a Missile Command board where the Logic Probe showed a Pin pulsing, but when I looked at it on the Scope, the "High" voltage was at like 3+V which wasn't high enough for the chip downstream, but the Logic Probe still considered it "High".

It would be nice if it showed maybe Min/Max/Average voltages on pins if that's possible.

 

[GadgetFreak]

Does the SLICE tool know the voltage level of the pins and can it detect voltages that are out of the norm....

The quick answer is NO, Slice uses a logic analyser which is purely digital.
I am not aware of a 32 channel analogue unit that is 200Mhz capable with enough memory for 300ms of data at a realistic price point.

Slice's bias voltage setting can help identify low drive. With it set to 2.48v you can sometimes find the low drive IC will start working when clipped. But when set to 0v it will stop working. Ultimately though, a scope is the best way to check for signal levels.

The forum seems to have stopped sending emails about PM's at the moment. I have seen my PM's and have noted who is interested in Slice. I have an ordered list and when ready to sell I will be in touch.
I have numerous ongoing projects and have been busy dealing with some of these as well as life which is ongoing

I have just updated Slice with a couple of improvements as well as using it to repair a Circus Charlie. It was an interesting repair as Slice higlighted a 74ls273 and a PAL as being faulty but the real fault was one of the DRAMS which was on the other side of one of the Konami customs instead.
As I've said before, Slice does not always give you a black / white answer about an IC, sometimes it's grey!

 

[ocb]

Hi @GadgetFreak - any idea when SLICE will be available again?

I have about 3 banana boxes of boards to do triage on - and I *really* fancied using SLICE to help out on that!

Also, I have a couple of my own cabs that need a little TLC, nothing major and could do it without SLICE - but I am a very curious old kitty, and always a bit of a nerd when it comes to trying out new toys

I'll PM you as well, not sure if you get those notifications though!

Take care sir.

 

[ShootTheCore]

PM sent about purchasing a SLICE.

 

[Howie2673]

Pm sent. I would like to purchase one also

 

[GadgetFreak]

Am finally getting back to making some cable sets

Have been too busy with my other projects such as the Atari System 1 cart amoungst lots of others

Going back through my PM's I have come up with an interest list:
xga
ocb
Dave2084
Regulus
Handbakedarcade
armi0024
Blero
Braedel
DaveR
Buenrip
VectorGlow
Karlcdoe
Mhcapps
ShootTheCore
Agent4125
Howie2673
iamjimmi

To the best of my knowledge this list is in date order of interest shown.
If you are in the list and are no longer interested then please let me know by PM, otherwise I should hopefully be intouch soon with payment info and to get shipping details.GadgetFreak2021-06-09 11:34:21

 

[Howie2673]

Appreciate it. Just let me know. I'm very interested

 

[ocb]

Woohoo!!

Yep, very interested as well - and since there are a few of us, we can hopefully learn from each other and not annoy GadgetFreak too much

 

[TheDaddy]

Quick question (Excuse my stupidity) if the supplied dip clip is only 20 pin how do we test 6116 thats in the list ?? I have been saving for one of these for ages, Every time I get close something happens and I have to keep spending the money on something else.

Just like the movie "Up" lol.

Dave.