SE accelerator - what's going on with this board?

[JC8080]

I'm looking at this old 16mhz 68000 accelerator for an SE, and I can't quite figure out what's going on with the PDS connector. I know this style of male PDS connector with just exposed pins and no plastic surround was seen on other boards as well. What I can't figure out is why it appears the pins aren't soldered to the board. In the photo of the full back of the board, you can see many of the pins are bent, it looks like someone removed the card at an angle by pulling up on the far edge. I asked the seller about the bent pins, and they attempted to straighten them, which is why they look different in the close-up photos. I asked if the connector was loose, thinking maybe someone had removed the PDS connector at some point and just set it back in, and they said nothing is loose. I also can't tell if the pins are rusty, or if they just appear that way in the photo. No other part of the board looks corroded to me.

Does anyone have any thoughts about the seemingly un-soldered pins, or the condition of the connector?

 

[mdeverhart]

I’m not sure, but I think it’s likely that’s a press-fit connector. Press-fit connectors use plated PCB holes that are close in diameter to the pins, and the pins have spring “wings” on their sides. During assembly the connectors a literally pressed into the PCB holes, and you can get a strong mechanical and electrical connection without soldering.

 

[Phipli]

Interesting card - it is a video card as well as an accelerator. It uses an ST branded 68000 too.

 

[JC8080]

I’m not sure, but I think it’s likely that’s a press-fit connector. Press-fit connectors use plated PCB holes that are close in diameter to the pins, and the pins have spring “wings” on their sides. During assembly the connectors a literally pressed into the PCB holes, and you can get a strong mechanical and electrical connection without soldering.

Cool thanks for the info, I hadn't heard of that.

 

[Vincent77]

Hi to all,
i found this board too on my mac se did you try it?

 

[JC8080]

Hi to all,
i found this board too on my mac se did you try it?

No I ended up not buying it, I think it's still listed on eBay. Does yours work?

 

[Vincent77]

No, i had to find the right init or cdev but nothing about the software on internet the only software that give me some information is ramdoubler he refuse to start cause there is an accelerator board

 

[JC8080]

I recommend looking at this link, it lists quite a few 68000 accelerators for the SE and Plus. See if you can find drivers for any of those, they might work. Check Macintosh Garden.

68k Accelerators, FPUs and other CPUs – Steve's Blog

I am certain the drivers for the SuperMac Technology SpeedCard are available, and I think I've heard people say the Brainstorm Accelerator Plus drivers are available.