This is widely considered the gold standard for hardware diagnostics. Because it is an alternative ROM, it does not require working system RAM to boot. If your Spectrum has a completely black screen, you can burn this software to an EEPROM or use a ROM cartridge interface (like the Dandanator or a DivMMC) to force it to run.
Originally used by Sinclair engineers and authorized repair centers in the 1980s.
Pinpoint exactly which Lower RAM (4116) or Upper RAM (4532/4164) chip has failed. zx spectrum test program link
A Spanish-developed suite with an excellent visual interface (using hi-res graphics). It checks the lower 16K RAM (critical for boot) first.
Paul Farrow provides several essential tools, including the official Sinclair Test ROM and a 128K-specific RAM/ROM tester. This is widely considered the gold standard for
Do you have an available?
is a versatile utility that can operate as a 16kB ROM file. Its key feature is the ability to work on a ZX Spectrum without functioning ROM and RAM, using only a DIVIDE interface's ROM. It includes tests for 128kB memory, video RAM, fast RAM, and a tape signal tester . Originally used by Sinclair engineers and authorized repair
This is the gold standard. While originally a ROM replacement, a TAP version exists that loads into high RAM (if your lower RAM is functional).
Found on various retro archives, this utility offers an extensive set of checks, including specific tests for the cassette interface and sound functionality.
Various versions exist in the community, often found on archival sites like World of Spectrum.
Burn the downloaded diagnostic .rom file onto a 27C256 EPROM chip using a modern programmer (like the TL866II Plus).
This is widely considered the gold standard for hardware diagnostics. Because it is an alternative ROM, it does not require working system RAM to boot. If your Spectrum has a completely black screen, you can burn this software to an EEPROM or use a ROM cartridge interface (like the Dandanator or a DivMMC) to force it to run.
Originally used by Sinclair engineers and authorized repair centers in the 1980s.
Pinpoint exactly which Lower RAM (4116) or Upper RAM (4532/4164) chip has failed.
A Spanish-developed suite with an excellent visual interface (using hi-res graphics). It checks the lower 16K RAM (critical for boot) first.
Paul Farrow provides several essential tools, including the official Sinclair Test ROM and a 128K-specific RAM/ROM tester.
Do you have an available?
is a versatile utility that can operate as a 16kB ROM file. Its key feature is the ability to work on a ZX Spectrum without functioning ROM and RAM, using only a DIVIDE interface's ROM. It includes tests for 128kB memory, video RAM, fast RAM, and a tape signal tester .
This is the gold standard. While originally a ROM replacement, a TAP version exists that loads into high RAM (if your lower RAM is functional).
Found on various retro archives, this utility offers an extensive set of checks, including specific tests for the cassette interface and sound functionality.
Various versions exist in the community, often found on archival sites like World of Spectrum.
Burn the downloaded diagnostic .rom file onto a 27C256 EPROM chip using a modern programmer (like the TL866II Plus).
Copyright © 2025 | MH Magazine WordPress Theme by MH Themes