Weird problem with PowerCache and SE/30

[pfuentes69]

I got a PowerCache 50MHz (P33) and the adapter made by @Bolle

I tried it with the logic board outside the case, using a cable extender and all works fine. I tried to do benchmarks and I got quite nice improvements.

But... now comes the weird thing... When I try it inside the case, the Mac doesn't boot at all... dead. In a few occasions it boots and resets in cycle, but normally it won't do anything at all.

This happens when I try the PowerCache. Only the accelerator works fine.

I tried to press the card or move it to see if it's a bad contact, but this doesn't seem to be the cause. I also tried to disconnect the Floppy... nothing helps.

Any hint?

Txs!

 

[Bolle]

Is something touching that shouldn’t touch?
How is the adapter sitting in the chassis mounting tabs? One at the front of the card and the other one resting at the back?
Is there enough clearance between PowerCache and the drive carrier/hard drive? Standard Apple SE/30 drive carriers and normal half height drives should be no problem.

 

[pfuentes69]

Is something touching that shouldn’t touch?
How is the adapter sitting in the chassis mounting tabs? One at the front of the card and the other one resting at the back?
Is there enough clearance between PowerCache and the drive carrier/hard drive? Standard Apple SE/30 drive carriers and normal half height drives should be no problem.

Thanks @Bolle. I didn't want to annoy you by PM because I think your part works as it should... it seems something related to my setup, which I'm not able to identify.

Nothing is making contact as far I could see... and the adapter is mounted as you say. I tried to put screws too, but nothing changes.
I have now a BlueSCSI and there's plenty of space underneath the PowerCache...

I left it aside for today... as I was just afraid of making things worse. In the next days I'll try again. I wonder if it could be something related to the chassis ground...

 

[pfuentes69]

Sorry, just in case...

When I said above "This happens when I try the PowerCache. Only the accelerator works fine."

I meant "This happens when I try the PowerCache. If using only the adapter it works fine."

The PowerCache was also tested in a Iici and it works fine. It's only failing when inside the SE/30.

 

[pfuentes69]

Some more tests...
In fact I got unstable behaviour with only the adapter too. It's less sensible and happens less, but definitely not rock solid when it's plugged.

 

[pfuentes69]

And tested again out of the case... al working fine...


I don't see anything touching the cards... I connected the chassis with the metal plates of the board, just to see if was something related to ground... no changes, all good when outside.

Quite puzzles about the issue.

 

[pfuentes69]

So today it decided to work…

I have two theories:
1. Gremlins
2. Poltergeist

 

[s_pupp]

So today it decided to work…
View attachment 62705
I have two theories:
1. Gremlins
2. Poltergeist

It’s gremlins. Poltergeists do not exist.