🚀 go-pugleaf

[ Article crossposted from tw.bbs.forsale.computer ]
[ Author was Ulf Boehlau ]
[ Posted on Fri, 12 Jun 1998 16:04:44 GMT ]

P O S T m o r t e m ,  use it to resurrect those  D E A D  Computers
====================
 
P.O.S.T. (Power On Self Test) Diagnostics Card,
--------     Latest version with manual ..  US$65.00
 
             NEW product with manual and warranty (Price is firm).
             Compare at $99, that is what a similar POST code card
             with less features and a smaller manual cost someone.
 
    IF INTERESTED:
    a)  E-MAIL at:                  ulf@problem.tantech.com
                           or at:   cm855@torfree.net
    b)  if very interested phone:   416-410-3883
 
Most computer enthusiasts know all about Diagnostics Software, but
what does a POST card/board or POST code analyzer do?
 
Do You have a 286, 386, 486 or Pentium Motherboard that
does not boot and displays no video. A system that is DEAD DEAD
in other words, and there is no way running software diagnostics
on it until it is booting up.
 
This Diagnostic board plugs into an ISA slot and displays the
manufacturing self-test diagnostic codes in the PC before the
Video card is even initialized.  POST boards are described
and recommended in "Upgrading and Repairing PCs" by Que.
 
So, here is the ideal Item for people repairing motherboards and
building their own systems. The POST board plugs into any slot
and displays diagnostics codes on its own alpha-numeric display
when the motherboard is powered up. If a fatal error in the
motherboard's Power On Self Test is detected, the motherboard
will hang at that point until hell freezes over. The last POST
code displayed before the system board hangs points to the part
of the circuit that is bad. So look up the code in the 68 page
manual that comes with this POST board and bingo there is your
answer why the system does not boot. All you have to do is
correct the jumper setting, replace the bad memory chip etc.
Let's face it, you use this POST board to fix one Mother of a
Board that otherwise would have gone up to the local Dump and
the POST board paid for itself.
 
In addition to displaying POST codes this board also shows the
status of all 4 power supply voltages on the motherboard and
allows you to test the power supply.
 
Lots of system builders use POST boards during the assembly
process to save time. According to the post board manufacturer
literature, "...many system builders report that providing
a POST code on the RMA tag of a defective motherboard speeds up
the replacement process. Provide a professional error analysis
like:
     'New motherboard failed at POST code 04 Hex with 4 meg
      of 60ns memory, 101 keyboard and SVGA card installed'
rather than
     'Dead motherboard'
Now it is more unlikely that the distributor's technicians will
question your return. Think of the cost of having your driver
wait for at least 1/2 hour while they test the bad motherboard
with a POST card on the bench."
 
To answer the question, why do I need a POST board when my system
gives these BEEP error codes:
 
What the BEEP codes tell you is rather limited.  Most BIOSes give you
about 5 to 10 different BEEP sequences for items easily corrected by
someone who knows how to hold a screwdriver.  A POST diagnostic card
can display up to 256 different error codes.  How good are you at
morse code... and what was that I just heard???  one long BEEP and 6
short ones or was it two long ones and 5 short BEEPs.  How good do you
think the speaker port is if the machine hangs before the speaker gets
even initialized.  Lots of common errors, like an memory error in the
bottom 64K for example never will give you a BEEP code.  You get the
Idea why most manufacturers and technicians use POST diagnostic cards.
 
Here are some specifications lifted from the POSTmortem manual:
 
POST diagnostic card is a XeTAL POSTmortem.  Standard POST board with:
    - Two alphanumeric/hex type displays for POST error codes
    - Four powersupply status indicators (+5V, +12V, -12V, -5V)
    - Supports four post addresses (80h, 84h, 284h and 280h)
    - Test and load points for all 4 DC power supply lines.
    - Fused against faulty insertion into a motherboard without
       having to return POST board for repair; ie. protected
       against reversal in an ISA bus slot and fused against
       defective motherboards that could damage the POST board.
    - All protruding component pins are cut flush with the board
       to avoid those nasty cuts on one's fingers.
    - Meets the IEEE P996 specification for the ISA bus loading
       and capacitive loads.  POSTmortem has _all_ the required
       decoupling and bypass capacitors to stop the propagation
       of digital noise to/from the system tested.  Designed
       to withstand reasonable electrostatic abuse.
    - Comes with warranty and a 79 page manual supporting all
       major BIOSes.
 
P.S. Will ship UPS Cash COD from Niagara Falls NY, cost about $8.50
     or so, depending where you are.  Provide the first 3 digits of
     your ZIP code and I can provide exact shipping cost.  COD fee
     not included in the above $65 price.