Watford Electronics

Following the launch of our ROM/RAM Board, we have noticed that some users are encountering problems with the fitting and use of this superb board. In order to provide further backup, in addition to the notes file already supplied on the utility disc, we have compiled specially a list of the difficulties most commonly encountered, along with their remedies.

Sometimes, when first fitting the ROM/RAM board, problems can be encountered with the board not fitting snugly into its socket. If this does happen, then it is simply solved by applying more pressure when inserting the board. Do not worry if the computer PCB seems to flex slighlty; it would take a considerable amount of pressure to damage the board. When the ROM/RAM board locates correctly you will feel it 'click' into place.

This is the most common point for problems to be encountered, and is generally due to a few simple errors. If you encounter a problem at this stage, follow the suggestions below.

1. Check that all the pins of the 6502 are inserted correctly; it is not uncommon for a pin or two to accidentally get bent inwards and go un-noticed until later. Remove the 6502 and check that all the pins are aligned correctly.

2. One common mistake is to connect the S21 lead (the two wires that end joined to connect to a link on the BBC circuit board) the wrong way round. These two leads are colour coded and need to connect the right way. See the Manual supplied for further details. Note that S21 is a group of 4 links; only the two links closest to the keyboard should be used for connecting the S21 wires from the ROM/RAM board; not the rear most two as this will cause the BBC to not power up correctly.

3. The last common problem at this stage is due to the two power leads not be connected the right way round. It is essential that you follow the instructions given in the Manaul detailing which way round these two leads go. Connection the wrong way could lead to serious damage to your machine.

Once the board has been fitted, and everything powers up correctly, catalogue the software disc supplied. Note that this disc is in DFS format, and hence ADFS and Econet users should enter *DISC prior to examaning this disc. The disc is supplied in 40 track format, but can also be read with a Watford DFS, an Acorn 1770 DFS, or 40/8O switchable drives. If you have the earlier Acorn DFS and only 80 track drives, enter */CONVERT to change the disc to 80 track format.

Take a copy of all the files from the disc and keep them safely. Shift-Boot the working disc you have just created (enter *OPT4,3 if necessary first) and press the Space Bar to select the main screen. Press T to select the Test option, and follow through the prompts given. The test program can be called up directly by entering CHAIN "TEST" from within Basic. Note that you should never save back to the original disc supplied; always save to a copy that you have taken.

If this test fails then check the installation of the hoard carefully. If 'this seems to be correct then check the 6502 in your computer to determine who manufactured it. If it is labelled 'SY6502A' then it may be necessary to change it for a different make; we suggest that a Rockwell manufactured one be used. These are labelled 'R6502A'. The reason behind this suggested change is that some of the SY6502A chips have been found to have variable tolerances, and do not quite match up to those required from a BBC with a board such as the ROM/RAM board fitted.

If none of these points seem to help, then ensure you have read the relevant section of the manual. If you have tried everything then please take details of your system, including the issue of the BBC circuit board, ROMs and their priorities, and any other hardware that your system consists of. Armed with this information, contact our technical department (0923 37774 X 216 or X 217).

If the software that you are using looks different from a that of a friend, do not worry: it is our policy to continually upgrade software to provide new features where ever possible. The utility software is entirely menu driven, with the various options being selected by pressing the bracketed letter alongside the full option name on the screen.

A special NOTES file is provided on the software disc. If you select the Notes option from the main utility, then some further hints and tips will be displayed. Read through these thoroughly. When using the SFS you will notice that the current version is not the 1.00 mentioned in the manual. Please don't worry about this: you have been supplied with the latest version.