From: johnston@me.udel.edu (William Johnston)
Subject: 2-Slot Upgrade Options for the SE/30 (Summary)
Summary: DayStar SE/30 PowerCache Leaves PDS Slot Open
Organization: University of Delaware
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1992 10:12:51 GMT

Summary:  DayStar Digital has announced the development of an
SE/30-specific version of their PowerCache accelerator that 
plugs directly into the SE/30 motherboard, leaving the PDS
slot free for video boards, ethernet cards, etc.

This article compares the features of the DayStar SE/30 PowerCache 
with two other multi-card upgrade options for the Macintosh SE/30. 
It's long;  save a copy and pass it along to other SE/30 users.

Background:  

In February Jon Temple and I began collecting names of people 
interested in 2-slot upgrade options for the Mac SE/30, hoping 
to convince developers that a market existed for such a product.
The only existing option at that time, a NuBUS expansion box, 
did not support NuBUS accelerator cards (Radius Rocket) for 
use with the SE/30.

One vendor expressed an interest:  TSI Systems, who sell an '040 card
based on Fusion Data Systems' TokaMac accelerator.  They developed a 
prototype, but the project was abruptly cancelled in May '92.

Meanwhile, there were rumors that DayStar Digital had done some
custom installations of its Universal PowerCache in SE/30s, 
mounting the board in a socket on the SE/30 motherboard 
(as had been done for IIcx Macs with socketed CPUs).  This 
rumor was confirmed by Leo Breebaart (thanks!) in mid-June,
and a call to DayStar's product manager provided the details,
accompanied by a request to keep quiet until an official 
product announcement could be prepared for MacWEEK, et al.
(Six weeks lead time for a weekly trade magazine ... sheesh!  
Whatever happened to investigative journalism?)

But enough background info ... here is the latest on the DayStar
SE/30 PowerCache, followed by a discussion of the features of two 
other SE/30 expansion options, with some answers to questions 
originally posed by netters who wrote to request further info.


*********** DayStar SE/30 PowerCache Leaves PDS Slot Open ************

The following is an excerpt of a product announcement from DayStar Digital,
containing technical informational, pricing, and expected release date
for a new line of accelerator cards for the Macintosh SE/30.  The excerpt
was transcribed from a news release fax (typographical errors are mine) 
and is posted on July 21, 1992 in accordance with the "Please hold until
week of July 20th" instructions given by DayStar.

Text in brackets "<>" has been added or edited.

-- Bill (johnston@me.udel.edu) 

Thanks to Leo Breebaart and Jon Temple for investigative reporting and 
efforts to promote 2-slot upgrade options for the Macintosh SE/30!

==========================================================================

DayStar Announces SE/30 PowerCache
New Version Leaves PDS Slot Open

July 21, 1992 - Flowery Branch, Georgia
---------------------------------------
DayStar Digital, a leading provider of high-performance hardware products
for the Apple Macintosh, today announced the SE/30-specific version of the
PowerCache accelerator.  The new SE/30 PowerCache (33, 40 or 50 MHz 
speeds) provides the same performance and compatibility as our award-winning 
Universal PowerCache.  Unlike the Universal model, however, the SE/30 
PowerCache leaves the PDS slot open for video or Ethernet boards.  The new
SE/30 PowerCache can only be used in the SE/30, but under DayStar's unique
Swap-Up Program, users can swap the card for the same speed Universal 
PowerCache at no charge.

How It Installs
---------------
The SE/30 PowerCache attaches to the SE/30's motherboard, leaving the PDS
slot free for video or Ethernet expansion cards.  To connect to the mother-
board, DayStar relies on a processor socket instead of the often-troublesome
clip-on type of connector.  For SE/30's with soldered processors, DayStar
provides free socket and PowerCache installation with a number of return
options designed to meet the users' needs.

Availability and Pricing
------------------------
The SE/30 PowerCache will be available <in August 1992>, exclusively 
through dealers and distributors worldwide.  SE/30 owners with the 
Universal PowerCache can swap their accelerator for the new SE/30 
PowerCache at no charge.

     Suggested Retail Prices:
     -----------------------
     33 MHz SE/30 PowerCache                        $ 699
     33 MHz SE/30 PowerCache with 68882 math chip   $ 899
     40 MHz SE/30 PowerCache                        $ 899
     40 MHz SE/30 PowerCache with 68882 math chip   $1099
     50 MHz SE/30 PowerCache                        $1399
     50 MHz SE/30 PowerCache with 68882 math chip   $1699

About PowerCache
----------------
PowerCache is a second-generation CPU accelerator that comes in 33, 40 
and 50 MHz speeds.  It combines the power and reliability of a 68030 
processor and a superfast 32K static RAM cache to offer performance gains 
of up to 300% -- that's Quadra-level speed.  An optional math chip speeds 
up math/science applications and spreadsheet recalcs 500% or more.  All
models of PowerCache are 100% compatible with all hardware and software
while running at full speed.  The Universal PowerCache, with its unique
PDS design, supports eight different Macs, including the LC, LC II, SE/30,
II, IIx, IIcx, IIsi and IIci (simple adaptor is required for all non-IIci
installations).  All PowerCache models are upgradable to DayStar's 
next-generation, 68040-based accelerator.

Other DayStar Products Include:  <descriptions omitted>
------------------------------

     FastCache
     FastCache O40
     ComboCache IIsi
     DualPort IIsi
     Equalizer LC
     PowerMath LC
     RAM PowerCard
     SCSI PowerCard
     LT200 Connection

About DayStar Digital
---------------------
DayStar is a leading provider of high-performance hardware products for
the Macintosh.  DayStar's goal is to rapidly integrate new technologies
into useful products that enhance Macintosh system performance.  The 
company is dedicated to meeting customer needs through rapid development
of proprietary technology, top quality design and manufacture of products,
with accessible and knowledgeable customer support.  DayStar Digital, Inc.,
is headquartered in Flowery Branch, Georgia, 40 minutes north of Atlanta.

=============== End of excerpt from DayStar news release =================

For further information
-----------------------
Address:  DayStar Digital, Inc.      Phone:  800-962-2077 (US only) 
          5556 Atlanta Hwy.                  404-967-2077 (voice)
          Flowery Branch, GA  30542          404-967-3018 (FAX)

***************************************************************************

The following discussion of SE/30 upgrade options is based on vendor's 
product info and phone interviews with marketing and tech support types.
Standard disclaimer applies;  I've tried to be accurate, but I recommend 
that you check the facts -- particularly with respect to compatibility 
with other hardware and device drivers -- before you buy one of these
products. 
            
Upgrade Options for the Mac SE/30 
---------------------------------

SE/30 owners now have three distinct hardware upgrade paths:  

*  Second Wave Expanse NB4 and NB8 (4 or 8-slot NuBUS expansion chassis)
*  Aztech Galexa SE30 Slot Extender (modular Mac kit with 2 PDS slots)  
*  DayStar Digital SE/30 PowerCache (accelerator card leaves PDS free)

With the introduction of the SE/30 PowerCache, DayStar Digital has
provided an inexpensive upgrade option that meets the needs of the
great majority of users who want to add both video and accelerator 
cards to their SE/30s.  Second Wave and Aztech offer a few unique 
features of interest to users with specialized needs.

Form Factor and Features
------------------------
The DayStar SE/30 PowerCache adds no external hardware to your
SE/30;  it is a very small PC board (maybe 8 x 15 cm) that is 
socket-installed by DayStar (yes, you'll have to ship your Mac
to Georgia) onto the SE/30 motherboard.  Given DayStar's pricing 
and liberal trade-up policy, the 'second slot' is essentially free
for SE/30 users who have already decided to add an accelerator card.  

The Aztech 'Galexa SE/30' is comes in form of a kit that lets you 
(or Aztech, of course) build a modular Mac using your existing SE/30
motherboard, floppy drive, and hard disk.  The kit includes a new case 
with room for 2 HDs, 65 watt power supply, FDHD drive, and two PDS slots.  
Because the original case and internal monitor are unused, this option 
requires that one of the PDS slots be used for a video card.  The resulting
modular Mac looks much like a IIcx or IIci.  The Aztech option is probably
of greatest interest for SE/30 users who need an extra PDS slot, but don't
need an accelerator  card -- color monitor plus ethernet, for example.  

The Second Wave Expanse NB4 (or NB8) have 3 hardware components:
an external box (25 x 55 x 10 cm) with 50 W power supply, PDS
interface card, and special (read expensive) interface cable.
One of the 4 (or 8) added 10 MHz NuBUS slots can be used for NuBUS 
video (for example, a MaxAppleZoom-compatible Toby frame buffer).
The others can be used for any number of NuBUS cards, with the 
unfortunate exception of the only currently available NuBUS 
accelerator card, the Radius Rocket (all versions).  The Second Wave 
option is probably of greatest interest to two kinds of Mac users: 
first, institutional users whose budget policies make upgrades 
easier to obtain and/or justify than selling an old computer 
to buy a new model, and second, users who need specialized boards 
for data aquisition and control (or extra serial ports) that
are much easier to find (and pay for) in NuBUS form.

Cost
----
Cost is the bottom line when considering an upgrade.  I happen to 
like the 'classic' compact Mac form factor, and the second screen
of an SE/30 with an external monitor can be useful, but I wouldn't
pay more than the price of a comparable modular Mac to upgrade.  

To calculate a reasonable upgrade price, I've used Spring '92 prices
from Maya Computer, a company that sells (or used to sell) used Macs.

    Resale price of used IIfx   4/80       $ 4069
    Resale price of used SE/30  4/80     - $ 1549
                                         --------
                                           $ 2520 

The IIfx provides a good basis for comparison;  DayStar's suggested
retail price for a 40 MHz CPU/FPU version of the SE/30 PowerCache 
(to match the 40 MHz CPU and FPU in the IIfx) is given above as $1099.  
The current MacWareHouse price for the Universal PowerCache plus 
SE/30 adaptor is similar, so the same accelerator cost is applicable
for users who prefer the modular Aztech Galexa SE/30 option.

The prices above exclude keyboard, video cards and monitors;  note also 
that the IIfx has faster SCSI and 6 NuBUS slots, while the SE/30 has the  
option of built-in video and monitor and one (precious) PDS slot.  Users
will have to decide if the difference is worth $2520 - $1099 = $1421,
but I think it's clear from this example that the SE/30 with DayStar
PowerCache is worth considering.

The other SE/30 upgrade offers are significantly more expensive.

The Aztech Galexa SE/30 kit costs $695, and requires the user to 
provide a PDS video card and monitor (another $650, at least). 
The total cost with a 40 MHz '030 accelerator plus FPU (excluding
video) still beats the used IIfx by at least $650.

The Second Wave Expanse NB4 for the SE/30, including 4-slot NuBUS
expansion chassis, SE/30 interface card, and 2 foot cable, sells for 
$1295 + $595 + $125 = $2015, according to a Government/Education 
price list (dated Oct. '91, but provided recently by Second Wave).
This price was quoted prior to the Aztech and DayStar product
announcements, and thus may become more competitive in the future.
Accelerator cards don't work with the NB4, so the upgraded SE/30
vs. used IIfx comparison doesn't apply.

Compatibility
-------------
The DayStar PowerCache requires an init/cdev that lets the user 
toggle both CPU and optional FPU between accelerated and normal 
modes (at least in the case of the Universal PowerCache).  An init 
at least would be also be required for the socketed SE/30 PowerCache.

By all accounts, the DayStar accelerators provide excellent
software compatibility -- better even than the Quadras which
must run some older software with the '40 cache disabled.  
The 32K static RAM cache included with the PowerCache card
should be compatible with all Mac software.

Still, any hardware device that requires an init to function
properly runs the risk of incompatibility with somebody's 
indispensible 3D "BlinkyTrash" extension.  (One might think 
that someone willing to spend big bucks on an accelerator 
could live without toys, but then, I've found some pretty
silly inits in the System folders of otherwise-sane Mac users
who just happen to like computers that are fun.)

Badly-written software that is timing-dependent can break on 
accelerated Macs.  I haven't heard any reports of this with the 
PowerCache, but old games and sound-using apps may be problematic.

My own experience with the DayStar is limited.  So far,
I've run the 50 MHz Universal PowerCache on an SE/30 17/200
under System 7 and A/UX 3.0 without problems.  The SE/30 adaptor
card shipped with a copy of Connectix MODE32, and the PowerCache
control panel shipped on a disk containing System 6.0.7.  System 
versions including System 6.0.7, System 7.0 in 24 or 32-bit 
modes, and A/UX 2.0.x and 3.0 are explicitly supported in the 
installation manual.

The Aztech Galexa SE/30 was still in testing when I talked with
their tech support person.  It will probably include an init
of some sort to handle the possibility of a multiple PDS cards;
prospective users should make sure that their specific combination
of cards and driver software have been tested by Aztech before buying.

The Second Wave NuBUS expansion box most likely requires a software
component to drive the interface card, but it wasn't mentioned in 
the product literature.   The good news is that if the slots work, 
conflicts between add-in boards should be no more likely than with 
any other Mac with NuBUS slots.  Once again, call Second Wave with
compatibility questions if your application requires a specific card.

The Bottom Line -- Analysis and Opinion
---------------------------------------
I've already taken the plunge, so I'll warn you:  I'm biased.  

The Second Wave NuBUS expansion chassis doesn't make sense as an 
SE/30 upgrade.  Without the possibility of adding an accelerator 
card, it would be better to sell the SE/30 at a significant loss
and pick up a used Mac II if you need the extra NuBUS slots.

The Aztech Galexa SE/30 kit was big news for me, two months ago, 
because it was proof that someone else had taken up where TSI 
had left off with their cancelled 2-slot adaptor card.  I was 
impressed after talking to the company president, who spoke 
knowledgeably about technical aspects of Mac hardware -- and I 
dashed off an article proclaiming that the 2-slot problem was solved.  
I was disappointed when a fellow netter pointed out by e-mail that 
the Aztech Galexa upgrade came in the form of a modular Mac kit.  
Somehow, this point never came up in a half-hour conversation with 
Aztech's president, in which I specifically asked about the Aztech 
"2-slot adaptor" that I'd heard about.

The Aztech upgrade does offer the possibility of two internal 
SCSI drives and otherwise unobtainable PDS board combinations.
Even at $695, the Aztech kit plus a 40 MHz accelerator is cheaper 
than a used IIfx in the example given above.  It's the only upgrade 
path for SE/30 users who have already purchased non-DayStar PDS
accelerator like the Magellan 040 or Fusion Data Systems TokaMac.

That leaves the DayStar SE/30 PowerCache ...

I'd waited months for a 2-slot upgrade option, and resisted the 
temptation to buy various accelerator cards to avoid being locked out 
if somebody finally "did it right".  As soon as I learned about the 
DayStar SE/30 PowerCache -- and DayStar's offer of free same-speed 
trades for Universal PowerCache owners -- I went shopping for a 50 MHz 
accelerator plus FPU.  If I decide that I need an '040 accelerator in 
the future, DayStar plans to offer the same liberal trade-up deals
when they release their expected 40 MHz '040-based PowerCache.

Another point in favor of the DayStar option is that it didn't 
commit me to a particular video card;  in fact, I can't afford one
at the moment.  It gives me the option of upgrading by increments:
first a Micron Xceed video card with internal grey-scale adaptor,
then later on perhaps I'll be able to add an external monitor.
The Aztech upgrade would force me to make that decision now.

Finally, I get to keep my classic, compact, luggable Mac.  Until 
they find a way to make PowerBooks that can run A/UX, the SE/30 
can become the fastest, most versatile (runs MacOS, Unix, and DOS) 
"transportable" computer that money can buy.  Not bad, huh?

-- Bill (johnston@me.udel.edu)

Disclaimer:  I have no connection with any of the companies 
mentioned above, except as a satisfied DayStar PowerCache user.

Acknowledgements:  At last count, 110 netters had responded 
to our request for names of SE/30 owners interested in 2-slot
upgrade options;  thanks to those who suggested questions for
the board manufacturers.  This "list of 110 potential buyers" 
was mentioned (and even exagerated) freely by both Jon Temple 
and I in our dealings with the various companies involved, 
and seemed to generate interest, even though we never used it
for anything but e-mailing copies of follow-up postings like this.  
Hopefully the resulting net.noise generated a few extra phone 
inquiries to marketing people, and helped keep the wheels turning.

**********************************************************************
Contact info for products mentioned:

  Aztech Micro Solutions             Phone:  714-754-4052 (voice)
  130 McCormick Avenue, Suite 103            714-754-4033 (FAX)
  Costa Mesa, CA  92626

  Second Wave, Inc.                  Phone:  512-343-9661 (voice)
  9430 Research Blvd.                        512-343-9663 (FAX)
  Echelon II, Suite 260
  Austin, TX  78759-6541

  DayStar Digital, Inc.              Phone:  800-962-2077 (US only) 
  5556 Atlanta Hwy.                          404-967-2077 (voice)
  Flowery Branch, GA  30542                  404-967-3018 (FAX)
                                 AppleLink:  DAYSTAR.TECH
                                Compuserve:  75300.1544 
**********************************************************************
-- 
-- Bill Johnston (johnston@me.udel.edu)
-- 38 Chambers Street; Newark, DE 19711; (302)368-1949
From: troyb@hpdmd48.boi.hp.com (Troy Bergstrand)
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 15:34:26 GMT
Subject: Re: Formatting HP magneto-optical
Organization: Hewlett Packard - Boise, ID