schenkzoola

When working on an SLT/286, I found that an import CF adapter would prevent it from booting, to the point it wouldn't even start the memory test.

Troubleshooting steps included removing the CF card, unplugging power from the adapter, and finally unplugging the adapter from the ribbon cable.

I took the adapter to the bench and started probing it and comparing against the IDE pinout. I found that pin 28, SPSYNC:CSEL was permanently connected to ground in the adapter. Since CSEL wasn't really a thing when this machine was made, I decided to disconnect it.
Removing pin 28 fixed the issue completely. The CF adapter now works perfectly, the machine boots, and all is good.

Below is the modified adapter: