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ProtoCache1 - IIsi/SE/30 PowerCache Adapter Prototype Development

Hi,

I read all the thread.

Very interesting and useful project. Congratulation!!

As owner of a SE/30 with an Asante NIC who would like to add an accelerator too, I really hope this project can be completed successfully.
All the best,

Luca

 

Trash80toHP_Mini

NIGHT STALKER
I've still gotta do a Reader's Digest version of the PM thread, but here's a quick update:

After much hard work, Bolle has ordered a set of prototype boards for testing two different GAL implementations developed in joethezombie's tireless efforts! :D

MUCH appreciated, guys!

 
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Bolle

Well-known member
PCBs are nearly here. I have the testbed SE/30 set up already and all parts for assembling an adapter once the boards arrive are already on the bench.

The test candidates are ready to serve their duty:

IMG_3497.JPG

As always with those things, once I had a deal on a PowerCache a second one popped up and I could not resist even though the first one was already on the way.

The boards may already be here tomorrow and I should have an adapter put together by the end of the week ready to be tested in its basic configuration which technically resembles the Daystar IIsi adapter.

There will be the possibility to reconfigure it to work like the DiiMo adapters (the same as the Artmix card is based on) if I got everything right from the notes Joe took. The GAL equations for that one are not yet finished.

I plan to do some experiments that might not even need a GAL to work the way we want it (with a basic set of PDS cards - say bus master cards might not work that way)

Haven't been this keen for a shipment to show up at my doorstep for quite some time now :p  Can't wait to see if this works out. It's going to be a game changer if it does.

*teaser*

yyRRXWZ.png.e034df41c21ed65621e61e8f33bf1206.png


 
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Bolle

Well-known member
Not easily, as the Nubus adapter interferes with the SE/30s internal video at pseudoslot address $E.

This is basically a Daystar adapter with a form factor that nicely fits a SE/30. If things do not work in the Daystar adapter they won't work in here. Nubus won't work without further modification to the Nubus adapter.

 

omidimo

Well-known member
As always with those things, once I had a deal on a PowerCache a second one popped up and I could not resist even though the first one was already on the way.


Two is always better than one! Nice work, can't wait to see where this goes. Does the Turbo 040 have the 4.11 firmware?

 

TPope

Active member
Hey Bolle,

Would it it be possible to tell me what modifications need to be made to the   IIsi PDS to NuBus adapter board to make it work on this board?  Has anyone written down all the improvements that must be made? Thanks for your time.

TPope

 

Trash80toHP_Mini

NIGHT STALKER
There's nothing to be done yet. NuBus in SE/30 is an entirely different project. Bus Mastering and the way it is handled is a major difference between the IIsi and SE/30. The differences between them are listed in Apple's docs.

Bus mastering is a major, but not insurmountable issue (Xpanse card/cable/external NuBus expansion box setup exists) for NuBus in SE/30.

I need major assistance in tilting at that windmill. I'm as far over my head there as I was in here until the dynamic duo joined the fray. :ph34r:

edit: boards have landed on Bolle's workbench.
default_icon_smile_big.gif


 
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trag

Well-known member
I have a couple hundred of the AMP 5650874-5 in the attic.   When/if you get to that point, email me if you're interested.  Although, if Bolle is doing the assembly, it might not make much sense.  Shipping to Europe has gotten silly expensive.

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/5650874-5/A32307-ND/811097

Unfortunately, I do not have any of the straight variety:  535098-5

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/535098-5/A1289-ND/146336

Nor the right angle plugs, 650906-5

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/650906-5/A1277-ND/146300

The GAL16V8 I have on hand are GAL16V8D-15LJ     Might be too slow for your application.  Also, I think they're PLCC, which is less convenient than DIP.

 

Trash80toHP_Mini

NIGHT STALKER
Cool, I need some 96-pin connectors. What I REALLY need to find would be a handful of straight up female wire wrap sockets in 96 a/o 120 pin versions for several projects. So far I've only found two rows implemented on 96 position wire wrap parts.

 

trag

Well-known member
Wire wrap sockets would have extra long pins, right?    I don't have any of the wire wrap sockets.   

I have male, straight, and female right angle, which is exactly the opposite of what one wants.  I kept getting confused when I bid on the Ebay lots back when.

But the whole connector is confusing.   The connector on the logic board, the NuBus slot connector, is female, even though the housing appears male, because the **pins** are female.     The connector on NuBus cards, is Male, even though the housing appears female, again, because the pins are maie.

If you used female backwards to the above description, the I do have the 96 pin straight connector you want.   It just doesn't have the long pins of a wire wrap connector -- just the "-5" PCB pins.

I think Digi-Key still has the actual wire wrap part you need listed, though they're out of stock.  Unfortunately, the minimum order is 5100 units...  1-1393642-6-ND

http://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=srchrtrv&DocNm=CVM_1-1393642-6&DocType=Customer+View+Model&DocLang=3D

 
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Trash80toHP_Mini

NIGHT STALKER
Yep, the pins protrude about 10mm from the bottom of a PCB for multiple wire wrap levels on the square pins. Some I'd use for actual wrapping, but mostly I see them as handy  interboard connections. First up would be the twin slot NuBus hack of the IIsi adapter. If that doesn't work out, I'm back to the original plan for using a pair of NuBus connectors as a stairway to the basement for installing a pair of PDS cards underneath the IIsi board with NuBus Adapter/Rocket above board.

 

Trash80toHP_Mini

NIGHT STALKER
Sorry, missed your question, B. Video ROM pulled, Se/30 boots to desktop from RCPII/IIsi in the PDS. TattleTech/SlotInfo report nothing present in Slot $E. That's the configuration in which I'll be testing for function of an LC NIC wired up to the PDS passthru of a Pivot card in the SE/30  .  .  .  AFTER I've tested it successfully in a IIsi or at least haven't been driven from the bench by magic smoke billowing out of a spare IIsi board.

 
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