I have a 180 that can spend some time testing kernels.  Unfortuneately,
I don't think i'd be much help with the code.

Anyway, it has no hard drive, but does have an external zip, 14M, and an
17"external monitor (the internal works, too).

Also, I still have my old tandy 102 around that can sit on the serial
line. 

I also have a 9600 isn line that it can connect through.

I'm still not clear, though, on what to do to download/create a boot
disk.

Also, if i'm reading things correctly, the adb will start up partway.
If it reaches a measurable point (this was part of the problem before),
we could connect the reset switch to the relay in the 102, insert
checkpoints in the adb code, and try sequential parameters to see how
far they get.

But first i need to figure out which pieces to use to boot . . .

rick