[TenTec] Paragon II model 586 questions

[Carl Moreschi]

I wrote the firmware for the Paragon II.  The firmware resides on the 
Microprocessor chip not the RAM/ROM/RTC chip.  That chip contains all 
the non-volatile memory.  The memory persists because of the built in 
lithium battery.  Buying a new chip presents the problem of how long the 
new chip has been sitting on the shelf.  The lifespan of the battery is 
strictly by time and not by usage. A new chip that was made in 1993 is 
just as likely to be bad as the one in the Paragon II.

On 10/5/2012 1:57 PM, Mike Bryce wrote:
> Well now, I'm not too sure about that.
>
> without looking at the schematic, but I'd guess that this RAM/ROM/RTC has some sort of firmware installed at the Ten Tec factory.
>
> It's this firmware that gives the Paragon II its personally.
>
> Installed a new "empty" RAM/ROM/RTC to me just wouldn't work.
>
> It's the same reason why you can't put in a new uprocessor in a Corsair II when the display goes wacky. A new chip, but without the firmware, it won't work.
>
> mike, wb8vge
>
>
>
> On Oct 5, 2012, at 1:31 PM, GARY HUBER wrote:
>
>> Looks like Mike nailed it. $20 in parts to fix the problem. See the data sheet at http://www.alliedelec.com/images/products/datasheets/bm/DALLAS_SEMICONDUCTOR/70127784.pdf
>>
>>
>> 73 ES DX,
>> Gary -- AB9M
>>
>> -----Original Message----- From: Mike
>> Sent: Friday, October 05, 2012 8:34 AM
>> To: tentec at contesting.com
>> Subject: [TenTec] Paragon II model 586 questions
>>
>> Hello Pete,
>> Ref the Paragon II
>> The Dallas DS1220y-200  mem chip on the RAM/ROM/RTC board
>> at U2 needs to be replaced....
>> 73 Mike
>
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-- 
Carl Moreschi N4PY
121 Little Bell Dr.
Hays, NC 28635
www.n4py.com