Diagnostic tool for vintage computer DRAM repair.
Faulty DRAM is one of the most common faults in 8-bit and 16-bit systems. This DRAM Test Shield is designed to quickly verify the health of individual memory chips used in iconic machines that rely on 4164 (64kbit) or 41256 (256kbit) RAM.
Personal Note:
I use this exact shield on my own workbench to verify "New Old Stock" chips and salvaged RAM. It is an absolute lifesaver for troubleshooting. I’ve manufactured a small batch of these to help the community keep these vintage machines alive at a low, accessible cost.
What's Included:
- Fully Assembled Shield: Professionally soldered and ready for the bench.
- Pre-Programmed Arduino Nano: Included and already flashed with the testing firmware. This is a complete, ready-to-go solution.
Key Features:
- Universal Testing: Designed to test standard 4164 (64kbit) and 41256 (256kbit) DRAM chips and their compatible variants.
- Standalone Plug & Play: No PC or Serial Monitor required for basic testing. The unit uses onboard LEDs to give you an instant visual result.
- Durable Build: High-quality FR-4 PCB with clean solder joints and precision headers.
How to Use Your DRAM Test Shield:
Power Up: Connect a standard 5V USB power source (such as a phone charger or power bank) to the included Arduino Nano.
Insert Chip: Place your DRAM chip into the socket. Ensure orientation is correct (Pin 1/notch toward the LED's).
Instant Results: The tester will stress-test the memory cells and provide a clear visual indicator:
🟢 GREEN LED: The chip has passed all tests and is ready for use.
🔴 RED LED: A fault has been detected in the memory bank—the chip is defective.
⚠️ Critical Safety Warning ⚠️
Correct Orientation: Inserting a chip backwards can cause it to overheat and fail instantly.
Static Sensitive: Always handle RAM chips and this board in a static-safe manner (ESD-safe).
Credits & Licensing
- This hardware is an implementation of the DRAM Test Shield for Arduino designed by secco41.
- Original Designer: secco41 (via PCBWay Community).
- License: Produced under the project’s open-source sharing license.
- Manufacturer: Built and programmed with care by myself.
Quality Guarantee
Fully Tested: I personally bench-test every single shield with a known-good & a known-bad 4164 chip before dispatch to ensure 100% functionality. (See Video)
Secure Shipping: Your unit will be shipped in an ESD-safe (anti-static) shielding bag to ensure the electronics remain protected during transit.