This is my attempt to re-initialize a corrupted W&W 32K RAMBOX. If you are not familiar with this device, this project is most probably not for you. If you are looking for re-initializing a W&W HP-41CY, please have a look at my related project HP-41CY Initialization ROM
Please note:
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, FOR EDUCATIONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY. USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Furthermore, I can only provide limited support as I have a life besides HP calculators :-)
If you want to build the ROM image by yourself, please note that the build process is based on my MCODE project setup for macOS. I don't want to repeat the details here.
Unless you don't intend to change the sources, you can just use the ROM images
in subfolder ./rom.
For the re-initialization process you'll need a CLONIX module and an appropriate programmer.
Program a CLONIX module using the following configuration:
| Page | Content |
|---|---|
| #4 | rbini.rom |
| #8 | Any 4K ROM, e.g., Math |
| #9 | 32K RAMBOX O/S |
Prepare your RAMBOX for re-initialization:
- Configure the default mapping for the first two 5E34 RAM pages on your 32K RAMBOX: Set DIP switches A1-A4 to ON/OFF/OFF/OFF (maps first RAM page to page 8) and A5-A8 to ON/OFF/OFF/ON (maps second RAM page to page 9).
- Disable write protection for all RAM pages: Set DIP switches B1-B8 to ON.
Prepare your HP-41 calculator for re-initialization:
- Turn it off.
- Remove all modules.
- Insert the CLONIX module into any port (except port 4 of course).
- Connect your 32K RAMBOX.
Before continuing please note that the whole RAMBOX will be cleared! However, this shouldn't be a problem if your RAMBOX is really corrupted.
Now it's time to turn on your HP-41 calculator. The re-initialization program starts automatically and shows the following progress:
웃9ABCDEF✱8
If not, then:
- your 32K RAMBOX might be in a state which is not properly handled by this re-initialization module (sorry), or
- there is a hardware problem (ouch).
At the end of a successful re-initialization process, the calculator powers off automatically. Remove the CLONIX module and write protect RAM page 8, i.e., set DIP switch B1 to OFF. This page contains the RAMBOX O/S and you most probably do not want to overwrite it.
If you encounter any issues please drop me a note. Maybe it helps to improve this module. Of course, any comments or suggestions are welcome.
The re-initialization of a 32K RAMBOX is straight forward because no bank switching is involved as with the RAMBOX2/41CY. We just need to clear all the RAM pages and copy the 32K RAMBOX O/S to page 8.
I guess you already know the following web sites:
- The HP-41 Archive web site contains a lot of interesting information about the HP-41 calculator.
- If you have any questions about HP calculators have a look at the forum on The Museum of HP Calculators. There are many friendly HP calculator enthusiasts that are willing to share their knowledge and experience.
- The CLONIX module is one of the best add-ons you can buy for your Series 41 calculator and worth every penny.