Hammerfall DSP Test Software: Hardware Check

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Testing such a versatile hardware as the RME Hammerfall DSP requires several expensive test and measurement systems. But there's an inexpensive and simple to use alternative: Hammerfall DSP Test performs a fast and complete selftest of all Hammerfall DSPs and their I/O-box Digiface found in the system. And it can be used without special knowledge or specialized hardware.

Here's how it works:

  • The card(s) must be installed under Windows 98/SE/ME using the latest drivers
  • Make a loop connection amongst all I/O ports: ADAT1 in to ADAT1 out, ADAT2 in to ADAT2 out etc, SPDIF in to SPDIF out, word clock in to word clock out, MIDI In 1 to MIDI Out 1 etc
  • Start the program

The program runs in a DOS window and displays several messages. These are:

  • Number of found cards
     
  • Test start, card number
     
  • Type of card
     
  • PLL Status: A1 = ADAT1, N = No Lock, L = Lock etc. The picture to the right shows ADAT3 not locked, as no cable was connected.
     
  • Access and memory test: Sends a 24bit test signal to ADAT Out and analyzes it at ADAT In. With this all possible error sources, from PC to the I/O-box, are tested. All channels of each port are tested on their own. Thus the display will show 8 P (Pass) or F (Failed) for ADAT1 to 3. The screenshot shows ADAT3 failed, as the cable wasn't connected.

    The same is true for the MIDI ports. Here too test-data will be sent and analyzed. In the picture to the right MIDI2 has failed, as no cable was connected.
     
  • Summary: Pass (no error) or Failed (error.)

Copyright © Matthias Carstens, 2001.

All entries in this Tech Infopaper have been thoroughly checked, however no guarantee for correctness can be given. RME cannot be held responsible for any misleading or incorrect information provided throughout this manual. Lending or copying any part or the complete document or its contents is only possible with the written permission from RME.

 

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