. . . the IIci looks better than the IIsi in every way. Would basing this project off of the similar IIci architecture simplify some of the problems you are looking at? Is the IIci like a IIsi, but with less cost-cutting tradeoffs, or is that machine architecturally less useful?
Thanks for joggin' my noggin' with that last along with your question about the ROM issue. Was sleepy so it kinda blew by me while I was thinking about the comments
@dougg3 made about the IIci ROM and my recollections of the wreckage when I tried the older IIci ROM in the IIsi.
Dropping the
Audio In subsystem removes what's pretty much the only overall system level change between the two. Their components and I/O are arranged very differently, but they share the same RBV, MDU architecture so they're pretty much the same machine.
The only "cheapening" tricks were:
1) smaller, lower, unique form factor case
2) lower connector count
3) less slots required less power from the low. sleek design PSU
4) Combo ASIC developed for both the IIsi and LC condensed Serial Port and SCSI controllers.
Couldn't locate my SuperIIsi
™ project box, but I'll take a pic later if & when . . .
| NuBus Adapter/FPU
| TwinSlot PDS Adapter
| Isi Logic Board
|
NuBus Slot $9/FPU
-> top PDS Slot
-> Bottom PDS = Improved/Rearranged IIci Application Specific Cache Slot
-> IIsi Logic Board
NuBus Adapter in Top Slot is connected to Bottom Slot on TwinSlot adapter PCB used in blockish TXT diagram for "clarity" LOL!
IIci down two NuBus Slots and IIsi down Audio IN subsystem, but machine state = IIci ROM boot? =
IIxi
@dougg3 cc
@Bolle what does that machine state abomination look like to you? If Audio In subsystem disabled, I could test that exact configuration. Might not even need to go that far as the IIci ROM won't notice or test for Audio In function at boot? *IIci Machine ID Required however.
edit: for bonus points we could install an adapter/P33 combo in the bottom PDS slot!