STE TOS 1.06/1.62 to TOS 2.06 EPROM UPGRADE

Upgrade or replace the ROM.
Post Reply
User avatar
exxos
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 23437
Joined: Wed Aug 16, 2017 11:19 pm
Location: UK
Contact:

STE TOS 1.06/1.62 to TOS 2.06 EPROM UPGRADE

Post by exxos »

One of the easier and semi-popular STE upgrades is upgrading the TOS to 2.06. TOS2.06 is the last TOS version for ST/STE computers which include various bug fixes, 1.44 MB disk support (you still need a floppy upgrade kit to use 1.44 floppy's) , memory test. Adds GTP program support (GEM-Takes-Parameters). Greatly enhanced GEM GUI. IDE hard disk booting. Atari logo display at boot-up. Automatic cold boot memory test. Supports higher resolutions.

(Note you cannot upgrade STFM TOS this way, it requires a lot of hacks to get TOS206 working on the STFM)

So far I have seen 2 types of jumper links. First one is where there are 3 resistor looking links, and another type where there are 2 resistor looking links. These are printed as W102, W103, W104, where W103 may be a resistor looking like, or linked on the PCB itself as shown on the image on the right. Depending what TOS you have installed, the links may also be in different combinations or different sized ROM IC.

TOS106.jpg
TOS106.jpg (128.71 KiB) Viewed 8269 times

To fit TOS206 you simply remove the old ROM's IC's then change the jumper links as shown below.

Note that W103 is wired on the PCB itself on my motherboard, so there is no need for a wire link for me. If your PCB is not linked, then you need to link them, a small link of wire is perfectly acceptable, you do not have to use the resistor looking links.

TOS206.jpg
TOS206.jpg (141.79 KiB) Viewed 8269 times

That's it done! Now if all goes well , you should see the Atari logo come up :) TOS2.06 is a lot "nicer" to use on the STE. Though please note upgrading TOS can break some software, but fixes are being done for popular games to be compatible.


There is also my DUAL TOS kit as shown here which gives TOS1.62 & TOS2.06.
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... f=16&t=275

TOS206 ROMS can be found below in my store.
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/#0012

Or if you want to burn your own ...
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... f=25&t=116
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/ All my hardware guides - mods - games - STOS
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/ - All my hardware mods for sale - Please help support by making a purchase.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
Just because a lot of people agree on something, doesn't make it a fact. ~exxos ~
People should find solutions to problems, not find problems with solutions.
User avatar
stephen_usher
Posts: 5533
Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 7:19 pm
Location: Oxford, UK.
Contact:

Re: STE TOS 1.06/1.62 to TOS 2.06 EPROM UPGRADE

Post by stephen_usher »

I replaced the "resistors" with sets of three posts so that I could use jumpers. This allows an easy swap back to the original configuration without de-soldering/soldering.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
Methanoid
Posts: 29
Joined: Wed Dec 20, 2017 11:53 am

Re: STE TOS 1.06/1.62 to TOS 2.06 EPROM UPGRADE

Post by Methanoid »

Can someone confirm if these are suitable for me to burn TOS onto (2 chip) please?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183580563620
User avatar
PhilC
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 5984
Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2018 8:22 pm

Re: STE TOS 1.06/1.62 to TOS 2.06 EPROM UPGRADE

Post by PhilC »

They look ok to me. I've been using Winbond W27C010 for mine lately, as they are electrically erasable, not UV.
If it ain't broke, test it to Destruction.
vertical
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Jun 04, 2021 12:50 pm

Re: STE TOS 1.06/1.62 to TOS 2.06 EPROM UPGRADE

Post by vertical »

I got a set of 2.06 UK roms from exxos store a while ago. I was now able to install them due to work commitments and replace my current 1.06 roms but eventually found the time to open my STE. Seems like I am good to go without any changes in all W102, W103 and W104?

Seems that W102 and W104 have pin 2 and 3 isolated for good.

IMG_20210930_160227.jpg
IMG_20210930_160227.jpg (234.09 KiB) Viewed 3104 times
User avatar
exxos
Site Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 23437
Joined: Wed Aug 16, 2017 11:19 pm
Location: UK
Contact:

Re: STE TOS 1.06/1.62 to TOS 2.06 EPROM UPGRADE

Post by exxos »

Looks fine. You have the same sized chips in already.
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/ All my hardware guides - mods - games - STOS
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/ - All my hardware mods for sale - Please help support by making a purchase.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
Just because a lot of people agree on something, doesn't make it a fact. ~exxos ~
People should find solutions to problems, not find problems with solutions.
Post Reply

Return to “ROM UPGRADES”