That's because INITRAM is a command provided by TDS (so presumably Ron has another card in slot 1 that is enabling the use of this command).
Normally, a brand new RAM card needs to be initialized. Every bank has a certain CRC value that ensures the data stored in each bank (port) has not been corrupted. A brand new card would not likely have the correct CRC. This is where the built-in command PINIT comes in. If your card is in READ/WRITE mode (i.e. WRITE PROTECT switch is turned off), then this will take care of the invalid card data problem.
Other causes for invalid card data errors is low RAM card battery. If there is not enough power to the chips, the CRC data may be lost/corrupted. Or perhaps actual data is corrupted, so that the calculated CRC is different from the stored CRC. This will also cause invalid card data. You will not notice the effects when the HP is turned on since the RAM cards pull power from the main batteries when the HP is on. However, after if the HP has been off for some time and the RAM card battery is low, you may see data corruption.
If you can eliminate these possibilities, then it is possible your card is defective. Can you tell us who made the card?
Edited: 7 Feb 2007, 2:55 p.m.