What is a post-card?

Post-card is a diagnostic board with a digital panel. The indicators display the error codes of the motherboard, due to which the specialist can determine in which node of the personal computer the malfunction is. Depending on the type of BIOS chip, the codes may vary. If no faults are detected during the diagnostics process, the Post-card displays the message "FF" on the indicator (it may differ, depending on the BIOS type). This value remains unchanged during further work of the personal computer.

Post-cards have many varieties. For example, the Post CodeDual card has a two-sided display, which greatly enhances the convenience of reading information. All types of devices have LED indication, which shows the presence of the computer voltage +3.3, +5, -12, +12 volts, as well as the LED signal Reset. Post-card for connection has different connectors - PCI, ISA, LPT, miniPC and others.

Let's figure out whether these devices are really needed, in what specific cases they can be of use. Very often, when building a new computer, freelance situations arise. So, for example, having included it in a network, you find out the black screen without signs of life. In such cases, you have to pull all the connectors, rearrange the jumper on the motherboard and so on and so forth. It is also difficult for engineers of service centers in the case of operational trips, when it is necessary to find out and eliminate the cause of the malfunction in a short time. Very often the latter have to take away the system unit with them for troubleshooting in the workshop. So anyone who is engaged in repair or assembly of computer equipment, Post-card will be an indispensable assistant, the more the price of this device is low. Ordinary users of personal computers can also purchase such a device, because our people always try to eliminate any malfunction on their own and only in extreme cases resort to the help of specialists. Thanks to the "poke" method, most of the computer malfunctions are eliminated. But this method is good if you have several similar system blocks at your fingertips. In this case, you can take the boards from the working unit and replace one by one at the faulty one until the last one is working. but If you do not have spare parts, then the search for friends begins, or on the advice of familiar "experts" have to buy those or other blocks. Thus, a post-card would help to avoid unnecessary waste, because computer components cost quite a lot of money, and the search and purchase of the latter takes a lot of time.

Post-cards are easy to use, anyone can choose to use them for their own use. These devices do not require a monitor for their work, they allow testing the personal computer at an early stage when sound diagnostics are not available, and visual indication is much more convenient than the need to count the number and duration of the computer's beeps. Post-card also allows you to carry out diagnostics and peripheral systems.