SLICE - A logic probe on steroids!

[GadgetFreak]

I have version 1.2.5 of the manual.
Is there a more current manual?

The majority of the updates are to do with additional devices and equivalents, there are a few feature updates and I will find the time soon to update the manual. But the manual is still relevant and should get you upto speed with Slice.

The manual does not mention how/where to download the required SLICE S/W.
The manual mentions that SLICE is compiled for 32bit systems. I would like a 64bit version. Where can I obtain a 64bit version of the S/W?

The download link will be provided to you in a PM or email once the licence is sorted out. In my previous PM to you I requested your Digilent serial number.
It doesn't really make any difference to the software as you can run the 32bit software happily on a 64 bit system with no issues. I did this to make the package work on any windows from XP up.

The manual references (page 3) an optional Expansion Cable. How does one obtain an Expansion Cable and what is the cost?

Most people do not really need to work on 28/32 pin devices and when Slice was first developed I didn't think it would be possible. It's only current use is for the larger ram/rom chips. I have been charging £50 including UK postage for it, which includes a contribution towards development of any 28/32 pin devices.

 

[kold666]

I have been using Slice for some weeks and totally satisfied.
Troubleshooting is much faster and there are some useful options Like the possibility to test proms ( and eproms) and many rams in circuit.
Float check is extremely useful if you want to make sure the clip is connecting correctly on rusty ics.

Also you can see directly clocks on IC pins meaning in many cases you can leave your oscilloscope in the drawer.

With Slice you can also measure an IC with different propagation delays and see how a it behaves so you can catch eventually subtle issues due to age.

Starting projects and log all the measurements is really a great idea not to mention the possibility to make measurements of good known pcb and compare the measurements with Your faulty one.
All of this can be shared among users!

Finally i suggest to Read the manual which is very well done and with some Great tips

 

[atariscott]

Are these still being sold? I have tried in vain to message GadgetFreak. Does anyone have any insight on the current status?

 

[Dave2084]

Yes it is still an active project!

 

[Tandgnissle]

Hello there, I would also be quite interested in one of these devices. I do have a lot of clips here at home though if you don't have any in stock so one without the actual 20-pin dip clip would not be a deal breaker for me.

 

[BarrySlisk]

I am interested also. I have no experience in fixing boards yet but have watched many videos and this looks like a cool tool !

 

[Monstermug]

Are these still being sold? I have tried in vain to message GadgetFreak. Does anyone have any insight on the current status?

He updates the software on the fly, and it seems like weekly if not daily updates. I can't keep up with the updates

I am probably still using software several revisions behind the current one atm.

 

[Monstermug]

I am interested also. I have no experience in fixing boards yet but have watched many videos and this looks like a cool tool !

I suppose you can use it even with limited electronic experience, but you would need to be quite lucky to fix anything entirely using the slice. Firstly, you need to fist be able to establish the area of the circuit that needs probing. Then be able to correctly interpretate the results slice provides. Then have the skills to remove and replace the failed component without damaging the board. To fully utilise the full potential of the SLICE requires knowledge which seems directly proportionate. I reckon maybe 10% of pcbs can be fixed using just the slice and ability to replace components correctly (randomly testing ttls and replacing reported bad components) I've not yet fixed any game this way, although I have to admit i have tried to save time. Always had to get my thinking cap on.

 

[karlcdoe]

He updates the software on the fly, and it seems like weekly if not daily updates. I can't keep up with the updates

I am probably still using software several revisions behind the current one atm.

I'm on ver 1.4.22 that I got from the share some weeks back. Is that up to date or do I finally need to cave in and use whatsApp? -preferably on a virtualised pc and giving it a 'burn' phone number...

 

[Monstermug]

He updates the software on the fly, and it seems like weekly if not daily updates.  I can't keep up with the updates 

 I am probably still using software several revisions behind the current one atm.

I'm on ver 1.4.22 that I got from the share some weeks back. Is that up to date or do I finally need to cave in and use whatsApp? -preferably on a virtualised pc and giving it a 'burn' phone number...

If you have read the manual you might be alienated in the whatsapp group.

i have no idea what version is the latest. Aaron usually spams updates in the whatsapp group or if someone request for something to be added to slice. Also great for sharing tech questions so highly recommended. Its not really much different to sms messaging tbh. Facebook on the other hand i dont know how to use. Theres also a few easter eggs to be found in slice too. A bit of fun.

 

[GadgetFreak]

I have just sent out a bunch of messages to catch up.
I have been sidetracked with a new multi project for Sega System 1 boards the last few weeks. It is now almost complete so can come back out of the rabbit hole

The current version of Slice is V1.4.22, updates have slowed as I pretty much have all the devices in there these days. Perhaps just missing a good few equivalents which will get sorted. Also no one is finding bugs which either means I am an expert programmer or they are still in hiding

 

[GadgetFreak]

I do have a few cable sets made up and ready to ship if anyone is interested.

A few more version updates have been done since October, here's the change log:
Version 1.4.23
Added 74LS266.

Version 1.5.0
Added 74LS183.
Modified Float check to also show common pins (possible shorts).

Version 1.5.1
Added 25S10.

Version 1.5.2
Increased number of displayed characters for Project Name.
Added Project Notes window to allow entering and editing of text notes for the currently selected Project.

Version 1.5.3
Corrected a bug with the Project Notes closing when changing Location.
Enchanced Project Notes with Maximise mode and Font size selection.

Version 1.5.4
Corrected a bug that crept into Signatures due to other code changes.

Version 1.5.5
Added equivalent DM9310.

Version 1.5.6
Added 74LS242 & 74LS243.

 

[backflipper]

I need the bigger DIP probe

 

[GadgetFreak]

I need the bigger DIP probe

Sorted

 

[backflipper]

Legend!

 

[Lurch666]

So I've been considering maybe getting a logic analyzer for boards like the bootleg wonderboy so I can see if the processor is running code correctly.
Now I'm thinking if I got clips for the slice could it be used for that purpose?
Is there any software I can get?

 

[GadgetFreak]

You already have the software. It's the Waveforms software that you installed to get the device driver setup.
But you can use Slice to trace code execution! Though you would need the extra cable to do 28 pin eproms. You can set address triggers in Slice based on the eprom memory range and then in the Memory window you can switch to the Trace list which will show memory access in execution order.
When I was developing my Sega System 1 multi I used this extensively to trace the issues I was having with resetting the sound cpu via software commands. Using the Trace option I was able to see exactly where my code would get stuck when I still had issues.

 

[Lurch666]

I know I can trace the instruction from eproms but with the wonderboy there's a prom between the CPU address lines and the eprom address lines so wanted to see what addresses and instructions are being seen by the CPU.
I didn't know about the trace list when checking eproms though so that might be handy knowing what order the eprom is accessed.

Thanks for the info about waveform. I'll see about making/buying a set of clips and see how it goes once I've caught up with all the other stuff I'm doing for other people.

 

[GadgetFreak]

I have seen lots of WB boots but none of them had any proms on the address lines. Can you PM me some pics of the board I would be interested to compare it against the ones I have seen.

 

[obitus1990]

I'd like to purchase one, @GadgetFreak . Sent a PM.