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Diagnostics II - Introduction
How to Use Diagnostics II
The Disk Log Option
The Memory Test
How to Run the Memory Test
Memory Test Command Line Parameters
The CPU Test
How to Run the CPU Test
The Disk Drive Test
How to Run the Disk Drive Test
Disk Drive Test Command Line Parameters
The CRT Terminal Test
How to Run the CRT Terminal Test
CRT Terminal Test Command Line Parameters
The Printer Test
How to Run the Printer Test
Printer Test Command Line Parameters
The Quick Test
: Diagnostics II - Introduction
Diagnostics II is a set of programs, running under
CP/M, designed to test each major component of a CP/M-based,
8080/8085/Z80 microcomputer system: memory, CPU, disk
drives, CRT terminal, and printer. It also contains a
program to aid you in aligning disk drives. All the tests
prompt you to enter any necessary information and require no
special knowledge to use. Obviously, the more you do know
about microcomputer systems, the more useful the error
reports will be to you.
You can also use Diagnostics II to verify that your
computer system is in good working order.
: How to Use Diagnostics II
Sequence of Tests
The recommended test sequence is:
1. Memory Test ......... (MTEST.COM, MTEST2.COM)
2. CPU Test ............ (CPU.COM)
3. Disk Drive Test ..... (DISK.COM)
4. CRT Terminal Test ... (TERM.COM)
5. Printer Test ........ (PRINTER.COM)
Invoking a Test
Each of the tests provided is in the form of an
executable command file (CP/M ".COM" file). Hence, you can
invoke, or begin to run, any one of the tests simply by
entering its filename (without the extension ".COM") from
the command or system level.
▶04◀
Using Command Line Parameters
Rather than providing the information required to run a
test in response to a series of program prompts, you may
instead supply all the required information to each program
(except the Disk Drive Alignment Program, ALIGN.COM) in the
form of a list of parameters following the program name on
the command line. The format for entering these command
line parameters varies depending on the test and will be
described under each test.
: The Disk Log Option
The Memory Test (MTEST.COM and MTEST2.COM), the CPU
Test (CPU.COM), and the Disk Drive Test (DISK.COM) all
provide a disk log option which allows you to store the test
output in a disk file named DIAG.LOG. Test output still
appears on your screen.
In the case of the Memory Test and the CPU Test, if you
select the disk log option, test output will be logged only
to the disk in your system's drive A. In the case of the
Disk Drive Test, however, you can choose to log the test
output to a disk in any one of the drives attached to your
system.
: The Memory Test
Two versions of the Memory Test are provided in
Diagnostics II. They are identical in all respects, except
that the first version, MTEST.COM, can be used to test any
region in RAM other than the one it itself occupies, while
the second version, MTEST2.COM, can only be used to test the
region MTEST.COM occupied.
For a detailed description of each of these tests,
consult your Diagnostics II User's Manual.
: How to Run the Memory Test
1. To invoke the Memory Test, enter "MTEST" or "MTEST2"
immediately after (i.e., with no intervening spaces)
the CP/M system prompt (">").
2. After entering either of the above, you should see the
appropriate program sign-on message followed by the
prompt line shown below:
TYPE L TO LOG OUTPUT TO DISK IN DRIVE A:
3. Type an "L" immediately following this prompt if you
want the test output to be placed in a file on the disk
in your system's drive A, as well as to be displayed on
your terminal's screen. If you want the output only to
appear on your screen, hit the Return or Enter key. In
either case, you should then see the next program
prompt:
TYPE START ADDRESS (HEX):
▶04◀
4. In response to this prompt, type, immediately following
it on the same line, the four hexadecimal digits you
wish the program to use as the start address for the
region to be tested. Hitting the space bar or the
Return or Enter key will cause the start address to
default to a pre-determined value.
As soon as you have indicated your choice, you
will see the following prompt:
TYPE END ADDRESS (HEX):
▶04◀
5. As above, type the four hexadecimal digits you want the
program to use as the end address of the region to be
tested. As soon as you have indicated your choice,
you will see the following menu on your screen:
PLEASE SELECT TEST:
Q - QUICK TEST
W - WALKING BIT TEST
B - BURN-IN TEST
S - SPEED TEST
6. From this menu you should choose which test you wish to
perform on your memory. To select a test, type the
first letter of its name. Once you have done so, you
will see the next program prompt:
TYPE B TO TEST SELECTABLE
MEMORY BANK:
▶04◀
7. If your system's memory has the bank select feature,
you may type the letter "B" immediately after this
prompt to test any one of those banks. If you do so,
you will be prompted for additional information. (Refer
to the Diagnostics II User's Manual for a more complete
discussion of this option.) Otherwise, hit Return. You
will then see the program's final prompt:
TYPE NUMBER OF ITERATIONS (DEFAULT = 1):
If you want the test you selected to be executed only
once, hit the Return or Enter key. The program will
then begin to execute the test you specified.
: Memory Test Command Line Parameters
All the available options may be specified on the
command line. Parameters must appear on the command line in
exactly the order shown.
A>MTEST L S E T B P V R
Where:
L: Disk log option, an "L" here specifies
that the output be directed to disk.
A "N" suppresses the disk log option.
S: The start address for the test in hexadecimal.
Type "0" to select default.
E: The end address for the test in hexadecimal.
Type "0" to select default.
T: Type the first letter of the desired test here.
Type "Q" for quick, "W" for walking bit,
"B" for burn-in, and "S" for speed.
▶04◀
B: Type "B" to test alternate memory banks. Type
"N" if your system has no alternate memory banks
or you do not want to test them. If you type "N",
omit the next two parameters.
P: Type hex value corresponding to port or memory
location controlling your system's bank select
feature.
V: Type hex value to be placed in the above port
or memory location to select the desired memory
bank.
R: Type the hex value for the desired number of
iterations of the test specified.
Examples:
A>MTEST L 2000 3000 Q B 23 55 1
A>MTEST N 3000 30FF W N 3
: The CPU Test
The CPU Test, CPU.COM, interprets a program that is
designed to execute all single instruction sequences and
many multiple instruction sequences. After each instruction
sequence, the program tests all of the CPU registers to see
that the proper registers changed correctly, and only those
registers changed.
Test features:
. Determines whether your CPU is a Z80 or an 8080/8085.
. Checks the speed at which your CPU runs.
. Tests each of the instructions that your CPU is able to
execute, checks all results, and reports any errors.
: How to Run the CPU Test
1. In response to the system prompt, enter "CPU". To log
test output to a file on the disk in your system's
drive A, enter "LOG" on the command line. Test output
will still appear on your console. You will then see
the program sign-on message followed by the line shown
below:
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
If this sequence is not printed as shown, your CPU is
faulty, perhaps too faulty to give reliable results on
the rest of the test.
2. The first message displayed indicates the CPU type of
your computer. The message will be either "CPU IS Z80"
or "CPU IS 8080/8085". It this message is wrong, then
your CPU is faulty.
▶04◀
3. Next, a timing test is performed to determine whether
or not your CPU is running at its rated speed. You
should time the interval between rings. The significance
of the interval between rings is explained in your
user's manual.
4. Next, each instruction will be tested. At the
completion of a successful pass you will see:
CPU TESTS OK
The program will then terminate, returning to the CP/M
system level.
5. If errors are reported, refer to your user's manual for
their interpretation.
: The Disk Drive Test
The Disk Drive Test, DISK.COM, may be used to detect
any malfunctions in the disk drives attached to your system.
It may also be used to verify that a drive is functioning
properly.
Test features:
. Tests read/write functions.
. Tests seek accuracy.
. Tests data integrity after transmission.
. Allows user defined or random seek patterns.
. Allows memory locations or port contents to be dumped on
error.
. Allows user defined fill patterns.
. Allows user defined test sectors.
: How to Run the Disk Drive Test
1. ABOVE ALL REMEMBER: you must use a BLANK FORMATTED
DISKETTE for this test. If you use one which has
anything important on it, that information will be
totally destroyed.
2. Enter "DISK" while at system level. You will see the
program's sign-on message followed by its first prompt:
Enter drive name for disk log (CR=disk log off):
If you wish to have the disk test log its output to a
disk file then you should respond with a drive name,
"A" thru "P". If you want the output to appear only on
the console, then simply hit Return. The log file
cannot be on the disk being tested!
3. Next you will see:
Select drive to be tested:
Respond with a drive name, "A" thru "P". Remember that
you must insert a BLANK FORMATTED DISK in the drive to
be tested.
4. Next, you will be prompted for the range of tracks that
you wish to test:
Enter Min and Max track to be tested:
Here, you should enter two decimal numbers from 1 to
32,767, separated by a colon. The default 1:10 is
entered if you hit Return.
5. Next:
Enter min and max sector to be tested:
As before, enter two decimal numbers from 1 to 32,767,
separated by a colon. The default 1:26 is entered if
you hit Return.
▶04◀
6. You will then be prompted for the seek pattern:
Enter seek pattern:
In response to this prompt, you should specify the
sequence in which sectors are to be tested. The
information is entered as a string of decimal number
pairs separated by commas. No spaces should appear in
this string. Numbers within pairs are separated by
colons. The first number in the pair is the track; the
second is the sector. The maximum number of
track/sector combinations is 128. Hit Return to
default to a random seek pattern.
▶04◀
7. Next:
Enter memory locations and I/O ports to dump
on error:
If you want to examine the contents of specific memory
locations or ports on error, you should enter a list of
the hex values used to reference them, separated by
commas, in response to this prompt. This list should
entered without any spaces. Values less than 0100H
(256) are assumed to specify ports; those greater are
assumed to specify memory locations. The maximum
number of memory locations and ports combined is 128.
Hit Return to omit this option altogether.
▶04◀
8. Then, you will be prompted for the sector fill pattern:
Enter sector fill pattern:
The sector fill pattern is the exact byte or byte
sequence which will be written into each sector. This
pattern should be entered in hexadecimal notation with
no spaces. The maximum number of bytes you may enter
is 126, since the first two bytes in each sector are
used by the Disk Drive Test program. If you enter less
than 126 bytes, the pattern will be repeated to fill
the sector. Hit Return to default to a random fill
pattern.
9. The last prompt is for the number of times you wish the
test to be performed.
Enter the number of iterations (default = 1):
As soon as you have entered this number, the test will
begin. If you hit Return, the test will be performed
only once.
: Disk Drive Test Command Line Parameters
All parameters for the Disk Drive Test may be specified
on the command line. They may be listed in the free format
described below.
A>DISK L=x M=x,y S=x,y T=x P=x D=x F=x N=x
Where
L: Specifies the disk drive for disk log output.
Enter a drive name, "A" thru "P".
If no log is desired, omit this parameter
altogether.
M: Sets minimum and maximum tracks to be tested
(x = minimum, y = maximum).
S: Sets minimum and maximum sectors to be tested
(x = minimum, y = maximum).
T: Specifies the disk drive to be tested. Enter a
drive name, "A" thru "P".
P: Sets the seek pattern. Enter seek pattern as
described above. Omit this parameter to default
to a random seek pattern.
▶04◀
D: Sets the memory locations or ports to be displayed
on error. Enter hex values separated by commas.
F: Sets the sector fill pattern. Enter as
described earlier.
N: Sets the number of iterations.
Examples:
A>DISK L=A M=1,6 S=1,4 T=B P=1:2,1:3 D=4404 F=FF00FF N=1
A>DISK M=1,10 T=B N=1
: The CRT Terminal Test
The CRT Terminal Test requires extensive operator
interaction and attention. Various functions will be
tested. While the tests are taking place, you must watch
your screen closely to note any errors that occur.
Test Features:
. Tests all printing ASCII characters in all fields.
. Tests clear screen terminal command.
. Tests cursor addressing terminal commands.
. Tests foreground and background mode.
. Tests clear foreground terminal commands.
. Tests clear to end of line terminal command.
: How to Run the CRT Terminal Test
1. The CRT Terminal Test program requires certain
information about your terminal to execute properly.
It obtains that information from the TERM.DEF file.
If you do not have a terminal for which we have
supplied a predefined TERM.DEF file, you must create a
TERM.DEF file for your terminal. You can do so in the
course of running the CRT Terminal Test program.
Refer to your user's manual for further information.
2. From the system level, enter "TERM" immediately after
the system prompt. You will see the program's sign-on
message followed by its first prompt:
Enter N to create new terminal definition,
or any other character for standard file:
▶04◀
If you have one of the terminals for which we supplied
a predefined version of TERM.DEF and you have already
"PIPed" that version into TERM.DEF, then hit Return (or
any other key but "N"). Otherwise, type an "N".
Typing an "N" will allow you to create a TERM.DEF file
for your terminal. You should then respond to each of
the series of prompts the program presents you.
Otherwise, you should continue as described below.
3. You will then be prompted for the number of times you
wish the test to be performed:
Enter the number of iterations (default = 1):
As soon as you have entered this number, the test will
begin. If you just hit Return, the test will be
performed only once.
: CRT Terminal Test Command Line Parameters
The terminal test supports the following command line
convention:
A>TERM N
Where
N: Sets the number of repetitions
Using this command line parameter defaults the terminal test
file to the current TERM.DEF file. If one does not exist,
an error will occur and the test will abort.
: The Printer Test
The Printer Test, PRINTER.COM, exercises all the
features of your printer that can be exercised under CP/M.
It requires that you closely observe the operation of your
printer while it is being put through its paces and note any
inadequacies in its performance.
Test features:
. Tests each printing ASCII character in each carriage
position.
. Tests both UPPER and lower case.
. Tests every head and carriage motion for Spinwriters,
Qumes, and Diablos (Serial interface only).
: How to Run the Printer Test
1. Enter "PRINTER" from the system level. You will see
the program's sign-on message followed by its first
prompt:
Enter number of iterations (default = 1):
Enter the number of times you want the test to run.
2. Then:
Enter 0 for output to printer, 1 for output
to punch:
Most users actually have the printer connected to the
CP/M logical device PRN (for printer). However, some
users may have the printer connected to the logical
device PUN (for punch). If you are not sure, then try
printer first. If that does not work then try punch.
▶04◀
3. Next:
Enter width of line in columns:
This refers to number of characters across that your
printer will accomodate. That is, if you have an 80
column printer then enter 80.
4. Next:
Select test pattern:
1. 96 character ASCII
2. 64 character ASCII
3. user defined test pattern
Select one:
▶04◀
Usually, you will type "1" in response to this. If you
type "3", you will be prompted to input a test pattern
with a maximum length of 132 characters. You may only
enter a sequence with a number of characters less than
or equal to the number you entered for the columns.
5. Next you will be prompted with the following:
Select printer type:
(S)pinwriter, (D)iablo, (Q)ume, (O)ther:
If you have one of the specified daisy wheel printers,
then select the appropriate letter, either "S","D",or
"Q", otherwise type "O".
▶04◀
6. Next, you will need to enter the number of nulls after
each carriage motion:
Enter number of nulls after carriage motion:
Two are sufficient for most printers.
7. If you have selected one of the daisy wheel printers
listed above, you should then respond to each prompt
requesting whether or not to run various tests of their
head and carriage motions. Otherwise, skip ahead to the
program's final prompt:
Barber pole test?
This test will print the test pattern in a barber pole
fashion. That is, each line will be moved one
character over from the preceeding, with the first
character wrapped around the edge. Type "Y" (yes) or
"N" (no). Once you have responded to this last prompt,
the test will begin.
: Printer Test Command Line Parameters
All of the information necessary to run the printer
test may be entered on the command line. The following
convention holds:
A>PRINTER P=x L=n T=n,n... C=n P=n N=n O=n
Where
P: Specifies printer type. Enter "S" for
Spinwriter, "D" for Diablo, "Q" for Qume,
"O" for everything else.
L: Sets the line length of the printer.
▶04◀
T: Sets the tests performed, used only if
P is not set to "O".
The tests are entered by their number:
1: normal forward and backward
2: interleaved overprinting
3: same line forward & backward
4: horizontal tabbing
5: bold face
6: superscript & subscript
7: scale horizontal
8: scale vertical
9: barber pole
Test numbers are entered in sequence
separated by commas (see example below).
C: Selects the character set. "1" if 96 character
ASCII, "2" for 64 character. If you wish to
enter your own, then enter it between quotes
(see example below).
R: Sets the number of iterations.
N: Sets the number of nulls after carriage motion.
▶04◀
O: Determines whether output is directed to
printer or to punch. "1" for Punch, "0" for
printer.
Examples:
A>PRINTER P=S L=80 T=1,2,3 C=1 R=2 N=1 O=0
A>PRINTER P=O L=64 C="THIS IS A TEST" R=1 N=0 O=1
: The Quick Test
If QRUN.COM, QDISK.COM, and CPU.COM are all on the same
disk, you can run the Quick Test by entering "QRUN" from the
system level. Consult your user's manual for interpretation
of test output.
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