Vintage DRAM Tester

Fast – Precise – Open for many 8-/16-bit systems like C64, C128, Amigas, Atari 800XL, 1040ST and others, Apple IIe, Spektrum and many more. For a more complete list, check the compatibility List on Github compatiblity.md

Order with or without OLED Display. Without further remarks if you choose without display then I'll program the Firmware without OLED which makes testing around 2.5secs faster and provides clearer feedback with the BiColor-LED. Comment if you like the OLED firmware for boards without display.

Why this tester?

Most Arduino-based DRAM testers need up to 2 mins or even more for a single 41256 RAM and check only basic functions.
This project completes a full memory, address, data-line and retention time test in 15 s or less. (or even 2.5sec faster without the Display). It is probably the fastest Arduino solution which also covers static-column DRAMs, cell retention time and 20-pin ZIP packages.

Key features

Supported DRAM types

Note: Above test times include the OLED Display. Without Display, the test durations are approx 1.7 sec shorter.

Test procedure

1. Insert the device (16, 18 or 20 pins, DIP or ZIP).
2. Connect USB power supply.
3. Read the result
4. OLED version: plain-text report on the display
5. LED-only version: green = pass, red = fail

There is a short YouTube video demonstrating the tester in action. (Note: the video shows a prototype, the current SMD Design can be seen above. Handling without Display remains identical):