Atari XEGS memory problem

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

I bought an Atari XEGS with box. It looks to be in fantastic condition. However, when I turn it on it does a memory test on the ROM and RAM and shows a screen full of squares. It keeps lighting up each square one by one, but it never stops. It does this both with and without a cartridge inserted. Pressing any combination of buttons does not take me out of the screen.

I took a look on the inside and I don't see anything unusual. The manual says if this test happens I should take it to an Atari dealer for repair. I was hoping someone out there may know something about how it. Just FYI, I am just starting to learn how to solder. I have also purchased a multimeter, but have not used it yet.

[jahvybe]

You should try posting this question on atariage in the 8-bit section of the forum. I'm sure there is someone there that would know about this.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Here's a photo. There is some red. I have checked the buttons and they don't appear to be stuck. Despite what the screen says, pressing Reset or Help will only reboot the test.

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3977/nov20082020zh4.th.jpg

[channelmaniac]

So the red is on one part of the ROM test?

Reseat the ROM. If that's not it then replace the bad ROM.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

So the red is on one part of the ROM test?

Reseat the ROM. If that's not it then replace the bad ROM.

Thanks, I'll try that. Hopefully I can figure out what chip the ROM is.

[ApolloBoy]

Being a Tramiel product, the XEGS likely doesn't have any socketed chips.

You'd be right.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

As far as I know there is only one ROM chip. I was able to locate the ROM chip using this link:
http://www.magrundke.de/hypertxt/welcome.html?./additional/xegsaddition.html

The chip is an exact match as the one in the picture. Someone on the boards suggested that I take it out and reinsert it, which I started to do before realizing I was not skilled enough with the soldering iron to remove the chip, so for now I am putting work on the XE aside. When I become more skilled, I'll give it another try, but for now I don't want to risk damaging the unit.