[SPARCbook] Tadpole Viper IDProm

[Gary Borgen Old]

I recently repaired a non-posting Tadpole Viper by  resoldering several 
dozen connections on the memory sockets.  During the repair I was forced to 
remove the NVRam/IDProm battery to get to some of the connections.  As a 
result, the Viper now posts to an IDProm error, "The IDPROM contents are 
invalid", with an invalid MAC address and serial number/Host ID all zeroed 
out.

The Openboot PROM version is 4.9.

Apparently, Sun removed all IDProm access commands from OBP versions 4.X, so 
none of the faq's available on the Web work to set the contents of the 
IDProm.  With a Sun system you now have to purchase a new IDProm Chip, for 
about $50, if it goes bad or the battery dies.  The Chip on the Viper is a 
surface mount device, so it is not replaceable without removing the battery 
first.

I contacted Tadpole for help and here was their response:
"In order to enter/correct the serial number of your Viper, you would need 
to the be provided with a key code. This is confidential and we are not 
permitted to provide this externally. IF you wish to return your unit to the 
US office. Provided this is all that is required this service will be 
carried out at a reduced fee of 165 USD."

Anyone have any ideas before I bite the bullet and send it to Tadpole for 
reprogramming?