32 bit Clean roms for SE/30 and Tantalum capacitors.

[wildstar1063]

I've been looking online at the different versions of 32 bit clean Rom Simm's, so far I have found
the Purple Rom the MACSIMM and the ROM-inator II. are there any major differences in these
ROM's, or any other versions I should consider?

The one I'm currently considering is the Purple Rom, as the same vendor on Tindie also sells the
MACBATT, cr2032 adapter and I can order them together.

Also does any one have Jameco or Mouser Part numbers for tantalum capacitors
people are using to replace the old electrolytics in the SE/30. Hopefully ones with at least 3x
the voltage rating of the working voltage across the caps.

Thanks

Chuck E.

 

[finkmac]

any programmable ROM SIMM can be made 32bit clean fwiw.

from the ones you listed the MACSIMM and PurpleROM are essentially the same thing, with a bit of a different layout. Coke vs Pepsi if you will.
basic ROM SIMM with PLCC sockets. if you want to reprogram it, you need something that can program plcc32 flashroms

the rominator II is much fancier, and uses a special external programmer thing.

all of these should have 32bit clean ROMs pre-programmed, but I think the rominator II has more stuff by default, like a fancy ROM disk that can boot the machine.

as for capacitors, i prefer aluminum polymer capacitors myself.

https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/Wurth-Elektronik/875105344006?qs=0KOYDY2FL29piTbBKO%2B6mw==
I always have a supply of these on hand.

as for the single 1uF 50v capacitor, there's no aluminum polymer available at that rating, so go with polymer tantalum:

https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/KEMET/T521B105M050ATE200/?qs=AQlKX63v8RsV9oAZX%2FN9fA%3D%3D

the axials are easy enough, just pick something with the same capacitance and voltage (and lead spacing/thickness)

 

[wildstar1063]

@finkmac Thanks for the Info. I'll consider the Aluminum Polymer caps,​

I just noticed from reading different forums that a lot of people were using Tantalums, and I use the when re-capping
some old game consoles. I usually use at least 3x the original voltage rating with tant's, It helps reduce holes blown in
main boards.

Chuck E.

 

[Nixontheknight]

any programmable ROM SIMM can be made 32bit clean fwiw.

from the ones you listed the MACSIMM and PurpleROM are essentially the same thing, with a bit of a different layout. Coke vs Pepsi if you will.
basic ROM SIMM with PLCC sockets. if you want to reprogram it, you need something that can program plcc32 flashroms

the rominator II is much fancier, and uses a special external programmer thing.

all of these should have 32bit clean ROMs pre-programmed, but I think the rominator II has more stuff by default, like a fancy ROM disk that can boot the machine.

as for capacitors, i prefer aluminum polymer capacitors myself.

https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/Wurth-Elektronik/875105344006?qs=0KOYDY2FL29piTbBKO%2B6mw==
I always have a supply of these on hand.

as for the single 1uF 50v capacitor, there's no aluminum polymer available at that rating, so go with polymer tantalum:

https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/KEMET/T521B105M050ATE200/?qs=AQlKX63v8RsV9oAZX%2FN9fA%3D%3D

the axials are easy enough, just pick something with the same capacitance and voltage (and lead spacing/thickness)

I agree, the Rominator II is the best of the options, because you have a ROM disk in case something goes awry with your main disk

 

[aeberbach]

There is GGlabs also: https://gglabs.us/node/1147

 

[GondolinOnMyMind]

One thing to keep in mind is the thickness of the new SIMM boards. The original board is quite remarkably thicker than newer boards, so those might not sit well without either rubberband or similar fastening the SIMM in position, or 3d-printed clips (https://www.printables.com/model/35592-macintosh-se30-rom-clips). Also it seems possible that the SIMM socket itself gets loose, and the new SIMM just won't work in it.
The new boards vary in thickness so best option is to choose the thickest one and hope it works out.
Somewhere here or in tinkerdifferent there is a thread where thickness of the various new boards are mentioned, but I seem to be unable to find it now.

 

[cheesestraws]

It's imperial vs. metric board thicknesses, IIRC.

 

[croissantking]

I agree, the Rominator II is the best of the options, because you have a ROM disk in case something goes awry with your main disk

I think the other ROM options for sale have the ROM disk too, but use bbraun’s firmware rather than Steve Chamberlain’s - so don’t have the compression and extra goodies like ResEdit on there. I think, anyway.

 

[Muirium]

Something I’d prefer is the original boot logo. Rominator II looks a good option except for the altered logo and the slot fit issue.

(To be fair, my SE/30 needs recapped so I’ve not seen the original logo there. But my Mac Plus certainly doesn’t wear a pirate’s eye patch!)

This is the ROM I’m considering, plus Downtown Doug Brown’s programmer:

https://ko-fi.com/s/2bee7a6f82

It comes with the appropriate 3D printed clips for a snug fit, and has Big Mess o’ Wires compression for the ROM image too. Don’t know what graphic it boots with though. I’d like to change that and the system beep, as well as configure my own ROM boot system image.

Has anyone tried these caps?

Macintosh SE/30 SMD Tantalum / Polymer / Axial Capacitor Main PCB Cap Kit SE30

<p>High temp, surface mount tantalum caps, polymer caps, and axial electrolytic capacitors for the Macintosh SE/30 main PCB.</p> <p>Please note that the marking bar on tantalum caps indicates the <strong>positive</strong> side</p> <p><strong>2023-2-23 U

console5.com

 

[AndyMc1280]

Something I’d prefer is the original boot logo. Rominator II looks a good option except for the altered logo and the slot fit issue.

(To be fair, my SE/30 needs recapped so I’ve not seen the original logo there. But my Mac Plus certainly doesn’t wear a pirate’s eye patch!)

This is the ROM I’m considering, plus Downtown Doug Brown’s programmer:

https://ko-fi.com/s/2bee7a6f82

It comes with the appropriate 3D printed clips for a snug fit, and has Big Mess o’ Wires compression for the ROM image too. Don’t know what graphic it boots with though. I’d like to change that and the system beep, as well as configure my own ROM boot system image.

Ah a fellow Scot with an SE30 - your selection is exactly what I bought for my brother's machine, programmer included from CayMac.

Have it running 7.55 in rom and patched 8.1 on a bluescsi v2. I don't know about the rom image splash - I only ever saw the BMOW screen. Will tinker when I get it back. I have a thread on here. My brother's machine had the metal clips on the rom socket so didn't need the socket clips. I've just today sent it away for recapping.

 

[aeberbach]

Has anyone tried these caps?

Macintosh SE/30 SMD Tantalum / Polymer / Axial Capacitor Main PCB Cap Kit SE30

<p>High temp, surface mount tantalum caps, polymer caps, and axial electrolytic capacitors for the Macintosh SE/30 main PCB.</p> <p>Please note that the marking bar on tantalum caps indicates the <strong>positive</strong> side</p> <p><strong>2023-2-23 U

console5.com

I have not bought from that exact store and that's the only way you would be able to say anything about them, I see no specs only that they are out of stock - you are probably better off going to a real electronics distributor like Digikey or Mouser. No markup and you will know exactly what you are getting. You can also be sure you are derating as much as possible. If your capacitors are required to run at 5V and you see that a 35V or even 50V capacitor will fit in that space you may as well use it. Generally the more you exceed the voltage capacity the longer the caps will last.

I recapped my SE/30 with solid electrolytic caps (aluminium can). I have only seen original capacitors in the aluminium can but Apple used both kinds, you may as well use whichever looks like the original.

 

[Muirium]

Ah a fellow Scot with an SE30 - your selection is exactly what I bought for my brother's machine, programmer included from CayMac.

Very nice! How costly was shipping in the end from CayMac? It’s hit and miss now with brexit. Some things get held up forever. Others just sail on through.

Technically, I have two (non working) SE/30s right now, as a local museum let me see if I can restore theirs along with mine or at least debug them. So far, both analog boards and power supplies are fine, both screens too, but the logic boards are acting iffy. Theirs gives a single horizontal line (Dead Mac Scrolls points to one IC needing replaced) while mine is almost always zebra stripes Simasima. Recapping awaits for sure. In the meantime, I’ve a desktop BlueSCSI on the way to image their hard drives.

At least I harvested 4× 1 megabyte SIMMs for my recently acquired and working Mac Plus. It even needed its “256kbit” resistor snipped to see it! That one’s running nicely from a BlueSCSI now and can take a looksie at the hard drive images once I’ve cloned them.

I’m ordering that Noctua fan from the video you linked on another thread. What a relief in the noise department! And I’m keeping an eye on @Bolle for the graphics upgrade of every SE/30’s dreams.

 

[AndyMc1280]

Very nice! How costly was shipping in the end from CayMac? It’s hit and miss now with brexit. Some things get held up forever. Others just sail on through.

Technically, I have two (non working) SE/30s right now, as a local museum let me see if I can restore theirs along with mine or at least debug them. So far, both analog boards and power supplies are fine, both screens too, but the logic boards are acting iffy. Theirs gives a single horizontal line (Dead Mac Scrolls points to one IC needing replaced) while mine is almost always zebra stripes Simasima. Recapping awaits for sure. In the meantime, I’ve a bluescsi on the way to image their hard drives.

I’m ordering that Noctua fan from the video you linked on another thread. What a relief in the noise department! And I’m keeping an eye on @Bolle for the graphics upgrade of every SE/30’s dreams.

Yes the image-ability of Blue SCSI is fantastic. How big are the drives? My brothers machine had a 420MB from I assume a later mac.

Shipping from CayMac was pretty good and got here in a week or so. I actually had to have the programmer they sent me replaced at no cost (manufacture fault - fixable but I can't solder due to disability) $100us shipped for the programmer which is about £80 all in. Not bad pricing and very good service.
Aye thought I'd change the fan so that it is easier later - noise/efficiency and if it is on molex then it is much more flexible from my point of view.

Yes I too am stalking @Bolle although I suspect further toys for it will have to wait till my wallet recovers from the recapping / etc.

 

[danny.gonzalez.0861@gmai]

Something I’d prefer is the original boot logo. Rominator II looks a good option except for the altered logo and the slot fit issue.

(To be fair, my SE/30 needs recapped so I’ve not seen the original logo there. But my Mac Plus certainly doesn’t wear a pirate’s eye patch!)

This is the ROM I’m considering, plus Downtown Doug Brown’s programmer:

https://ko-fi.com/s/2bee7a6f82

It comes with the appropriate 3D printed clips for a snug fit, and has Big Mess o’ Wires compression for the ROM image too. Don’t know what graphic it boots with though. I’d like to change that and the system beep, as well as configure my own ROM boot system image.

Has anyone tried these caps?

Macintosh SE/30 SMD Tantalum / Polymer / Axial Capacitor Main PCB Cap Kit SE30

<p>High temp, surface mount tantalum caps, polymer caps, and axial electrolytic capacitors for the Macintosh SE/30 main PCB.</p> <p>Please note that the marking bar on tantalum caps indicates the <strong>positive</strong> side</p> <p><strong>2023-2-23 U

console5.com

Hello Muirium,

I have ordered a few cap kits from console5, never had any issues at all. I recently purchased the SE/30 kit, the same one you posted and it came with 4 SMD caps that were not tantalum capacitors. One or two for the audio circuit and another two by the power connector on the logic board. Not exactly sure why they did it but I didn't think twice and just did the job as the bag the caps came in explained. First time I've ever gotten that in over ten orders from them so I assumed it was on purpose. My other purchases from them include game consoles, a 630, 6200, IIci and regular SE.

When I got my Mac is was simasimac or however you spell it. I thought the recap would help but it didn't. After watching a MAC84 video and seeing him replace the stock ROM which fixed the issue, I took out my IIci with a ROM-inator II and it not only fixed the issue but in my opinion, it fit perfectly. I've heard it's on the thinner side but that didn't cause issues for me.

I would buy the items as I did since they worked perfectly for me and I've burned in the Mac for over two days without any issues. Even opened the 80MB drive to fix the head sticking to the park rubber with some Kapton and even that is working flawlessly now.

Let me know if you want some photos or something, I can pop it open if need be.

Good luck!

 

[trag]

One thing to keep in mind is the thickness of the new SIMM boards. The original board is quite remarkably thicker than newer boards, so those might not sit well without either rubberband or similar fastening the SIMM in position, or 3d-printed clips (https://www.printables.com/model/35592-macintosh-se30-rom-clips). Also it seems possible that the SIMM socket itself gets loose, and the new SIMM just won't work in it.
The new boards vary in thickness so best option is to choose the thickest one and hope it works out.
Somewhere here or in tinkerdifferent there is a thread where thickness of the various new boards are mentioned, but I seem to be unable to find it now.

The socket is spec'd for a board that is .047 - .050", IIRC. Which is about 1.27 mm. These days, board fabricators seem to want to use thicknesses that are even multiples of tenths of a mm. Which gives you 1.20 mm thick boards or 1.30 mm boards.

Twenty years ago you could still get 1.27 mm from 4PCB.com but that was before cheap boards. Back then you started with a $500 tooling fee and then paid for your boards on top of that.

The .063" thick boards that are common now days work out to 1.60 mm, so they're no problem.

 

[AndyMc1280]

I think the other ROM options for sale have the ROM disk too, but use bbraun’s firmware rather than Steve Chamberlain’s - so don’t have the compression and extra goodies like ResEdit on there. I think, anyway.

Steve has kindly made his compression algo available. Not the actual disk image though. Yes that is a 13mb ROM image on an 8mb ROM, I have most of the "goodies" like ResEdit etc.

 

[Muirium]

Yes, Steve's compression is very nice work. I just don't like to lose the original start-up image. I’m a bit of a purist, that way, though certainly not others.

As fortune would have it, a Macintosh IIfx ROM happened to fall into my hands, so I can try that time-honoured trick instead! I’m sure the memory-check will get to be annoying when I upgrade my SE/30's 8 megs, so I’m still interested in a modern ROM. I do look forward to trying the vintage version first, though.

 

[AndyMc1280]

The BMOW splash gives way to "Welcome to Macintosh" - I have a spare IIfx rom as well haha. It is what my brother used before to enable 128MB ram. (with Mode 32) You don't have to flash the BMOW ROM, there's other standard means of using a custom ROM without the compression, but still giving you the rom disk and memory count removal.

 

[Muirium]

Ah! So when in the boot process is the BMOW logo shown, and for how long? I remember seeing a happy Mac with a pirate eye-patch on a video, for what I took to be the whole sequence, which strikes me as too cheesy for a classy little Mac like the 30.

What I’m really looking for is the memory check skip. How long do you think a IIfx ROM would make me wait for 64 megs or even just 20? It scales linearly with memory, I presume? I don't know if I'll go full 128.

 

[AndyMc1280]

Well I don't have the mac at the moment as it is away in ireland getting recapped.

Ah! So when in the boot process is the BMOW logo shown, and for how long? I remember seeing a happy Mac with a pirate eye-patch on a video, for what I took to be the whole sequence, which strikes me as too cheesy for a classy little Mac like the 30.

Well it (the BMOW screen) prompts you to choose ROM or ram disk, then regardless of what you do, within seconds the machine gets on with it and the normal boot proceeds.

TBH first thing I did was buy a purple ROM (only 2mb) and BlueSCSI, as even with the IIFX ROM and old spinning 400mb SCSI drive booting was SLOW. Yes the pirate patch mac is a bit cheesy but there's standard patched roms you can use as well. Benefits far outweigh drawbacks imo.

- shows boot from switch on is about 15 seconds, the BMOW/ rom stuff is about 5-6 seconds max if you dont do anything.