Ok, it is working in MESS. The keypad row pins are the same internal output bits as the O-pins. 1 small emulation problem though, probably due to another unknown difference in the MCU: the equals sign (aka O-pin 7) is always on.
The 1976 TMS0970 version would still be interesting to acquire, to see the differences in the code.
I'll try to clean it off without damaging the bits below. I transcribed as much as I could. I see lots of similarities, but lots of differences.
The die from Entex Space Invaders also stuck to the plastic, and it took a lot of heat to get it free. The passivation layer crackled and obscured the die, which I've seen before. But previously I could still remove the metal layer with Whink and transcribe the bits. This time, Whink isn't working. So I guess the heat cooked the passivation layer enough that mild HF isn't able to dissolve it. I'll try some other acid.
Kevin- Are you putting VDD on the Rockwell MM78 test pin, or a different voltage? I got an MM75 as well as the MM76EL, and I'm not getting anything from either of them. I've tried several different voltages on VDD and the test pin.
I've heard it both ways. I think dice is preferred.
I got Super Simon (MP3476NLL 4050 WE 8022 PHILIPPINES) and Entex Baseball 2 (MP0923 G70019 MS ^ 7923). Both 28-pin SDIPs. Probably 1100 for the Simon and 1000 for BB2?
I don't understand the die marking on the Astro, but I just double-checked the die shot and it's definitely a TMS1400 labeled MP1133.
Let me check my notes and pictures on the package labeling. I might have confused the 2 chips.
Edit: That's what I get for scribbling notes on slips of paper. The Astro chip package is labeled TMS1470NLHL MP1133 ML 7936 SINGAPORE
But the die says TMS1400. I haven't assembled a full die shot from the tiles yet, but it looks like a TMS1400. And the PCB has a bunch of transistors, so maybe they used a 1400 instead of a 1470?
I expected that the outputs would look different if it were a TMS1470 with VFD outputs, but it looks the same as the LED version. But the code number at the bottom of the die starts out 28H, whereas the other 4 TMS1400s start out 28L. I assume that means 28 pins, high or low voltage.
Last edited by seanriddle; 03/17/1512:27 AM. Reason: astro die shot