Ram Tester V3

Name: Ram Tester V3
SKU: 38927
Price: 31.60 USD
Availability: InStock

Vintage RAM Tester - Compact Design, fast checking, Open-Source HW & SW

Designed by ReUseCircuit in Switzerland

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Vintage RAM Tester - Compact Design, fast checking, Open-Source HW & SW

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 com…

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

You can add the 4116 Adapter Board, which enables you to test 4027/4116 RAMs as well with this tester. As this RAM also requires -5V and +12V there is additional Hardware required.

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.

New PCBs fancy a nice mate finish ;-)

Key features

Feature	Benefit
Most Tests are <= 15 s	Rapid diagnosis on the workbench or at retro repair events
Retention-time measurement	Detects weak chips by checking it meets the min retention times
Static-column support	Reliable testing of 44258, 514402 static column functions
20-pin ZIP socket	Direct test of 20-pin ZIP DRAMs without an adapter
Optional OLED display or LED blink codes	Full text feedback or minimal hardware setup
Open hardware and firmware	KiCad, Gerber files and Arduino source under an open licence
Supported HW	Check the compatiblity List on GitHub

Supported DRAM types

Capacity	DIP	20-pin ZIP	Static column	Retention Time	Test Time
4 K x 1	4027 1)	-	-	2ms	2.9sec
16 K x 1	4816	-	-	2ms	2.9sec
16 K x 1	4116 1)	-	-	2ms	2.9sec
16 K × 4	4416	–	–	4ms	3.9sec
64 K × 1	4164	-	–	2ms	4.6 sec
64 K × 4	4464	–	–	4ms	6.6 sec
256 K × 1	41256	-	–	4ms	12 sec
256 K × 4	44256	both	44258	4ms	6 sec
1 M x 1	411000	!NO!	-	8ms	37 sec
1 M × 4	514400	both	514402	16ms	16 sec

1)4116 requires the adapter board.

Test procedure

Insert the device (16, 18 or 20 pins, DIP or ZIP).
Connect USB power supply.
Read the result

There is a short YouTube video demonstrating the tester in action, see below.

Laboratory / Maker Kit – Not a consumer product - This RAM Tester is designed and provided as an open-source development and testing tool. - It is not intended for household or consumer use. - By purchasing and assembling this kit, you accept responsibility for its proper laboratory or development use.

Whats in the box:

Preassembled V3 PCB (as seen on the 1st Product Image) with all SMD Parts soldered
Programmed and tested Microcontroller
All needed Parts to complete the Tester (ZIF Socket, Display, Dip Switch, ZIP Sockets)
Leaflet with instructions and a self-adhesive foam rubber for the PCB once your done with the soldering

What you need:

A soldering iron to complete the ram Tester. 50 solderpoints in total. (+36 for the 4116 Adapter)
A USB power supply capable of delivering 5V 1A and a matching cable with USB-C Plug.

US-CUSTOMERS I can't currently ship with SwissPost as they have ceased all shipment to the US due to the unclear Tariff situation. I could use FedEx or UPS but their rates are > 100U$, so that does not make any sense. Sorry.