MacEffects Performer PDS 68030 - I can't get it going

[andrewgurn]

I decided to purchase a MacEffects Performer PDS 68030, the 33MHz version specifically, for my SE. Unfortunately, I am having a lot of trouble with it.

My SE has 6.0.8 installed on the internal SCSI HDD, and I have a 7.1 disk image on an external BlueSCSI.

Before installing the hardware, I downloaded the "Performer 2.1.1" SIT file and extracted the contents on the SE. For 6.0.8, I placed both the control panel file and extension file into the System folder. For 7.1, I placed the control panel file into the Control Panel folder and extension file into the Extension folder.

I successfully booted into 6.0.8 twice, but subsequent boots, on the "Welcome to Macintosh" screen, error out with a system exception of type 11, or it'll just freeze without loading any extensions.

I have never successfully booted 7.1. When trying to boot, I get a system exception with the message being "System 7 Tuner". I thought maybe I should move the previously mentioned control panel file to the System folder, but the result is the same.

I cannot boot either with the accelerator installed and the control panel and extension not installed.

The SE runs fine w/o the accelerator and software installed.

Could this be faulty hardware, or am I doing something stupid on the installation somehow? If anyone has any ideas, I'd be happy to hear them.

 

[andrewgurn]

More odd behavior: I was able to boot to the desktop of 6.0.8 again, but the mouse cursor doesn't move. I can click (the cursor was over the trash and I can double click to open it), and the keyboard works, but the pointer remains stationary. I can move it freely on the pre-happy mac blank screen, also

 

[andrewgurn]

Final update and resolution-- I gave up and figured perhaps the hardware was defective, so I contacted MacEffects for a replacement. They responded with this:

"We recently discovered that some people with earlier SE machines the 33mhz variant (same actual clock speed) are giving the same errors. The card is not defective just incompatible with certain early ROMs. I am sending you the other variant that we determined the issue is no present on. I'm refunding the $30 difference and also $10 extra for return postage to the address below."

So there you go: if you have an SE with an older ROM and would like to add in a MacEffects Performer accelerator, you'll need to stick with the 25MHz CPU option. The 33MHz is not going to work.

Also thanks to MacEffects for the speedy reply and for making it right.

 

[shirsch]

Why not burn a new EPROM?

 

[Garrett B]

The CPU runs at 16MHz on these cards regardless of what processor is installed on the Performer board. Having a 40MHz marked CPU is nice but it’s still only going to run at 16MHz…

 

[andrewgurn]

Why not burn a new EPROM?

I lack the tools, and also the know-how at present. I did actually get a crash course on this from the electrician at one of my first jobs. He also taught me to make network patch cables... and he taught me wrong, as I later learned, haha

The CPU runs at 16MHz on these cards regardless of what processor is installed on the Performer board. Having a 40MHz marked CPU is nice but it’s still only going to run at 16MHz…

Is that so?

 

[s_pupp]

I lack the tools, and also the know-how at present. I did actually get a crash course on this from the electrician at one of my first jobs. He also taught me to make network patch cables... and he taught me wrong, as I later learned, haha


Is that so?

Both '030 chips are clocked at 16MHz (see picture of drop-down menu on ordering page)..

 

[andrewgurn]

Both '030 chips are clocked at 16MHz (see picture of drop-down menu on ordering page).View attachment 84878.

When I decided to try one of these out, no one told me that I would have to read beyond the first four or five words in the product description. This stuff is just beyond me, I suppose