Re: Detecting ROM

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Mike K writes ...
> 
> I know there was a message with a solution posted a few weeks back as to how
> to check which ROM version you have for the IIgs.  My news client must have
> deleted it since it was an old post.  I need to know what ROM version I
> have.

     Roy's suggestion-- look at the start screen-- is a good way. It may help
to turn ON your monitor first and give it a few seconds to warm up before
turning ON the computer (so that you do not miss the start screen).



> I just bought another "Thrift Store" special IIgs, but when I try to
> boot up system 6 I get an error that says I need to have a ROM 01 or higher.

     That is a pretty decent indicator that you have a ROM-00 machine.



> The GS came with the game Marble Madness GS and it runs that just fine.
> Does not specify which rom it is when booting that up either.
> 
> Any info would be great!
 ....

     There is some info in the FAQs. See ...

http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs5MAINHALL.html#013 .


     Having a ROM-00 is not such a bad deal. A ROM-00 can run some very early
IIgs software which ROM-01 and ROM 3 machines can not run.

     Since Marble Madness/gs, evidently, looks okay, you probably do not need
to be concerned about getting a new Video Graphics Controller (VGC) IC. The VGC
swap was supposed to fix a relatively minor display problem which did not
always exist. When ROM-00 users got the "ROM-01 Upgrade" at a local Apple
dealer, the VGC swap was done, too, whether or not it was especially needed.

     The main drawback with ROM-00 is that you can not run a lot of later IIgs
software, including the current versions of GS System. A solution is to get the
01 ROM-- Alltech may still sell them (see
http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs3VENDORS.html )-- and swap it in. (Be
sure to keep your old ROM.)  A better way may be to get a ROM-01 GS and
maintain your ROM-00 machine as-is.


Rubywand