Can't get into ROM monitor?

NeXT Computer, Inc. -> NeXT Black Hardware

Title: Can't get into ROM monitor?
Post by: vought on January 24, 2021, 03:41:13 PM
Well, this is frustrating. I've got two keyboards; a NeXT model with two command keys and an Apple ADB keyboard; I've got a Drakware nextbox, and a Turbo Color slab that's been sitting too long. My NeXT sound box is somewhere in between houses - we're moving.

I'm finally ready to get this machine rehabbed a bit - it used to be one of the Lighthouse machines - and with a fresh battery, I can't seem to invoke the ROM monitor after Testing System completes. My only guess is that it's possible the keyboard is bad, but I've tried the ADB keyboard (command-shift-~) as well, and no dice.

Any ideas to try?
Title: Re: Can't get into ROM monitor?
Post by: capmilk on January 24, 2021, 04:38:15 PM
Have you tried command-~ without the Shift key?
Title: Re: Can't get into ROM monitor?
Post by: vought on January 24, 2021, 05:00:38 PM
Quote from: capmilk on January 24, 2021, 04:38:15 PMHave you tried command-~ without the Shift key?

I have. I've tried Command-Alternate-~ on the NeXT keyboard as well. Command-Shift-~ on the Mac keyboard is supposed to be the right combo though.

Wondering what I'm missing, or if perhaps other Drakware NeXTbox users might see the same thing.
Title: Re: Can't get into ROM monitor?
Post by: vought on January 25, 2021, 12:12:22 PM
Looks like there's some disconnect between the NextBox and the CPU. If I press Return, I get "@". Somehow, I finally got into ROM monitor, but I think once I can get my Sound Box back onto the system, I should be all good.

Suggestions for an all-in-one solution for net booting from a Linux machine are appreciated. :-)
Title: Re: Can't get into ROM monitor?
Post by: Rob Blessin Black Hole on January 26, 2021, 06:22:54 PM
Hello : Do you have a V74 Rom chip , it is the last version, only works on NeXT Turbo Hardware and the only version that supports ADB peripherals , the Monitor Cable needs to be a 4534 or 4536 part number is embossed on the connector. It'll power on but you can't type :)
 
Title: Re: Can't get into ROM monitor?
Post by: vought on January 27, 2021, 08:53:51 AM
Quote from: Rob Blessin Black Hole on January 26, 2021, 06:22:54 PMHello : Do you have a V74 Rom chip , it is the last version, only works on NeXT Turbo Hardware and the only version that supports ADB peripherals , the Monitor Cable needs to be a 4534 or 4536 part number is embossed on the connector. It'll power on but you can't type :)
 

I have the 3.3. v74 ROM.

I have the older Y-cable and discovered that it doesn't have the ADB lines, but I'm not able to type in the ROM Monitor once it comes up, even with the NeXT keyboard; I ordered a Y-Cable from you a couple of days ago (here's hoping it gets here soon) so I can try it with ADB.

The NeXT keyboard works great when connected to a Mac via my Drakware NeXT2USB, so I know the keyboard is OK. 

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