Label the 6502 CPU, ANTIC, GTIA, POKEY, and PIA Chips for Easier Troubleshooting Using a Multimeter or Oscilloscope (10-15 mins)

Task: Label the 6502 CPU, ANTIC, GTIA, POKEY, and PIA Chips for Easier Troubleshooting Using a Multimeter or Oscilloscope

Needed: Printed Pinouts and Double-Sided Tape

Time: 10-15 mins

Disclosure: Note that as an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Introduction

I have previously posted about using a multimeter and oscilloscope for testing and troubleshooting failed chips such as the 6502 CPU and ANTIC. This usually requires referencing an online pinout of the chips to be tested. Constantly referencing the pinout and counting pins on the chip can get a little tedious with repeated testing. Fortunately, Peter Kaczorowski has created a GitHub repo with a PDF of the pinouts and labels for each of the main ICs. These can be printed out and placed on the chips for easy referencing.

Instructions

First, download and printout the PDF from the GitHub repo. Note that the PDF is in 11.7×8.3 format. Be sure and print the actual size if using 8.5×11 paper.

Second, cut out each label and adhere double-sided tape to the back. You will likely need to trim the tape to size. Alternatively, you could print directly to label paper.

Third, affix the sticky labels to the chips! Make sure and line up the notches.

Pinout Labels for the Main ICs of an Atari 800XL
Pinout Labels for the Main ICs of an Atari 800XL

Comments

Thanks to Peter for these labels! This is very helpful for a VCF display I am working on. Very timely.

Note that the Freddie chip is also included for later XE models.