IIfx SCSI

[Strimkind]

Having never owned one (until now) I am not sure exactly how the SCSI on the IIFX is different other than the black SCSI terminator. The unit I got (free) has the IIFX, 3 video cards (have not opened to look at what they are), unknown RAM, and no HD. However, there is a box with 2 HDs, cables, CDs, floppies, and 2 passthrough black SCSI terminators.

Now if I were to get this working how can I use these black passthrough connectors to connect a CD ROM or external HD or anything like that? Can I just connect the drive to the passthrough and then not worry about termination at the end or how does that work? Its been a while so I need a refresh.

 

[Unknown_K]

I think that terminator was to fix noise problems, terminate the SCSI chain like you normally would for any other mac.

 

[Charlieman]

From my notes:

The IIfx introduced a new implementation of Mac SCSI that was faster than previous versions. Unfortunately, IIfx SCSI introduced a set of quirks that are unique to this model. A full description of IIfx SCSI can be found in Apple's Technical Note DV15, wittily named "Why Is The Terminator After Sarah Connor?".

To achieve faster performance, the IIfx requires that special terminators are attached at each end of the SCSI chain. Each IIfx was shipped with the required terminators although these may have been separated from the Mac by now. Externally, you need to disable SCSI termination on all devices and use Apple's Black Terminator II on the final device. A blue filter device was supplied for the internal SCSI bus. If a hard drive is fitted, termination should be set on the drive using resistor packs or jumpers in the normal way. Additionally, the filter is installed between the ribbon cable and the disk drive. If no hard disk is installed, fit the blue filter on the logic board in place of a ribbon cable and insert an inline terminator.

When using modern disks with built-in active termination, you can usually ignore Apple's termination advice for the IIfx. Active termination provides similar functionality to Apple's special filter and terminator. For reliable operation with disks of the same age as the IIfx, you must observe Apple's termination rules.

 

[beachycove]

That last paragraph is key, and very good news for me, who has a IIfx to get up and running soon.

 

[Osgeld]

grats! Id love to find one myself one day

 

[Strimkind]

grats! Id love to find one myself one day

It is surprising what you can find by posting an ad for 'unwanted macs, will pickup'

Over the past year I have found:

Duo 230

SE

IIFX

100

170

Beige G3s

SE/30

4x LC 475s

There is a lot out there but alas many are recycling and/or trashing them due to 'sensitive information'. A lot is lost that way.

As for the IIfx. It dings when powered up but at the time no monitor was connected. Good sign though. Now to figure out which video card to connect the monitor to...

 

[Strimkind]

On a side note. Did they ever make a compatible PPC upgrade for the IIfx? Or is expansion seriously limited due to the unique architecture of the motherboard?

 

[Bunsen]

LEM says not

 

[Unknown_K]

There are a couple 68040 accelerators for the IIfx, along with the Radius Rocket, thats it.

 

[Strimkind]

So I booted it up today. No problems booting.

So far as I can tell it has:

32MB RAM

230MB HD

SuperMac Thunder II

Radius Precision 8

Asante Ethernet Card

Functional Floppy

Box has a few other odds and ends to add to the machine including a 2GB HD and what looks like a bag of RAM.

 

[JRL]

That's a really nice setup! Congrats!

The SuperMac Thunder series are really nice cards.

 

[Bunsen]

When using modern disks with built-in active termination, you can usually ignore Apple's termination advice for the IIfx. Active termination provides similar functionality to Apple's special filter and terminator.

That is extremely good to know. Thanks!