VERA Test Console

The VERA Test Console is a Windows desktop application for testing a module through the Arduino Mega bridge. It exercises real hardware through the same 32 register offsets described in this manual.

Install and connect

  1. Download the Windows installer artifact produced by the GUI installer workflow.

  2. Run vera-test-console-<version>-windows-x86_64-setup.exe.

  3. Connect the Arduino Mega bridge to the module and the computer.

  4. Start VERA Test Console and select the bridge’s serial port.

  5. Choose Connect and confirm that the firmware identifier appears.

The installer contains the required Qt runtime. The target computer does not need Qt, CMake, or a development environment.

Test progression

Begin with VGA signal only. This verifies configuration and output timing without depending on a VRAM test pattern. Then work through the bitmap modes, tile rendering, sprites, audio, interrupts, and SD-card diagnostic. The audio section includes a left/right stereo test and looping Game Boy-style Tetris and NES-style Super Mario Bros. Ground Level PSG themes. Running the tests in this order makes a wiring or bus problem easier to isolate.

Large assets are converted on the computer and transferred in bounded VRAM blocks. The console reports progress rather than appearing unresponsive during an upload. Its storage diagnostic is read-only: it initializes the card over SPI and inspects its partition and filesystem metadata without modifying it.

Troubleshooting

No serial ports shown

Confirm that the operating system recognizes the Mega and that no other application has its port open.

Handshake fails

Check that the bridge firmware is installed, the selected port is correct, and the bridge and module share ground. Verify the address, data, and three bus-control connections against Connecting a Host.

Identifier is empty or corrupted

Check D0-D7 for swapped lines and A0-A4 for incorrect ordering. A stable but wrong value often indicates an address-selection problem.

VGA test works but graphics do not

The configuration and display clock are alive. Concentrate on write cycles, VRAM pointer setup, and data-bus ordering.

SD-card test fails

Reseat the card, start at the slow SPI clock, and check the appropriate card socket for the selected board configuration.

Bridge wiring

The supplied firmware uses Mega pins 22-29 for D0-D7, 30-34 for A0-A4, 35 for /CS, 36 for /RD, 37 for /WR, and 38 for /RESET. Use the driver PCB or suitable level shifting; do not connect voltage domains based on pin numbers alone.