Daystar P33 Cache Card Question

[Instow]

I posted this at the end of another thread ... which maybe wasn't quite the right place, so apologies but I'd be interested to know any info on this.

A recapped board for my IIci rebuild project should be back in a few days from Uniserver. The final working computer will be the end result of taking parts from two IIci's and making one good machine.

The donor Iici had a Daystar cache card inside it ... marked P33 which I think might be a 50Mhz version?

Most of the info and images I have found show two processors/chips onboard, but as the red circle shows ... this one is missing, I found pictures that showed 'P33' etched onto the board ... this one has a paper label (Nothing too dramatic I'm sure).

I can't test it until the recapped board comes back, but I'm just wondering the difference between a Daystar cache card 'with' or 'without' that extra component.

Also seen screenshots of a Daystar control panel accessory to configure it ... Anyone know (assuming it works) if this is 'plug and play' or will I need the CP file to make the system see it?

Thanks,

 

[Unknown_K]

You have a 68030 card missing the FPU chip. Works fine without it unless you need it for math/scientific work.

 

[Elfen]

Unknown_K is correct. That is a DayStar Accelerator for the IIci where the missing chip is the math co-processor (a 68881 or 68882 at 50MHz). If it goes into the PDS Slot (looks like it does), it should be able to run on its own without software, though software to turn it on and off would be preferable. Should be a simple google search to find it on some archive.

 

 

[Instow]

Thanks guys, now I know ... yes it's a PDS slot fitting. Maths was never my strong point, so I should be OK without the extra processor 

I'll have a search for some software, will be interesting to see if it shows up in the system without any.

 

[olePigeon]

You have a 68030 card missing the FPU chip. Works fine without it unless you need it for math/scientific work.

Or you play Warlords II.  I just found out that it'll use an FPU to speed up random map generation.

 

[Elfen]

I'll have a search for some software, will be interesting to see if it shows up in the system without any.

It should start up without software. On my DayStar 040 50MHz in my IIci accelerator starts up without software on my Mac with a faster RAM Test (10 seconds instead of 1 minute) and has a Happy Mac with the words "Turbo 040" on its 'chest' when the system loads up.

You have a 68030 card missing the FPU chip. Works fine without it unless you need it for math/scientific work.

Or you play Warlords II.  I just found out that it'll use an FPU to speed up random map generation.

The FPU is great for a lot of things, including games. I would advice finding one on ebay while you run without it.

Red Baron and several tank runs great with it! Photoshop, Illustrator, Freehand and many CD programs will benefit from an FPU as well.

Just be sure that you put it correctly or else you might fry it.

 

[Elfen]

Looks like the LowEnd Mac website has the driver for your card! YAY!!!

Check out: http://lowendmac.com/daystar/download/software/upgrades_68030/

And a manual too!

Check out: http://lowendmac.com/daystar/download/documents/68030_68040/

 

[Instow]

Got the board back (thanks Uniserver) and works a treat ... shame it's highlighted a PSU problem, also needs a recap ± fluctuating voltage supply.

Anyway, 5 out of 10 boots gives me a working machine for a while, and yes it recognises the Daystar card without any software (don't see any "Turbo 040"), the card gets quite warm after a while.

Lowend quotes MacII, Iix, Iicx, SE/30 only, and 148k ... but not the Iici, could give it a go though 

 

[olePigeon]

I believe the software handles how the cache is used.

Daystar Turbo 040 should work in a IIci, I have one.

 

[Elfen]

 (don't see any "Turbo 040")

Not with that card! "Turbo 040" is only shown if you have the DayStar 040 card inside your IIci. You have the 030 version of that card, if it is on, then it should say something else, like Turbo 030 or Cache 030 or "Power Cache". If it does not say anything, then it must be turned off by software, which the links above will help you turn it on. If the software does not see the card, then there is something wrong with the card or the IIci. Test the card on another IIci.

First thing's first - get that PSU recapped and working again. Maybe the PSU is only barely strong enough to support the logic board and nothing more. This would also give you Boot Errors as well...

 

[Elfen]

Daystar Turbo 040 should work in a IIci, I have one.

I have one too, it is a great card! It beats the pants off my IIfx and ranks it up there to my Q950!

 

[Instow]

First thing's first - get that PSU recapped and working again. Maybe the PSU is only barely strong enough to support the logic board and nothing more. This would also give you Boot Errors as well...

True Elfen, the floppy drive has been stop/start and having swapped known drives over its obvious the PSU output is not good.