From: oneil@worf.arc.nasa.gov.arc.nasa.gov (Don O'Neil)
Subject: RE:SCSI Questions
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 92 15:20:47 PST
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In Message-ID:<0wegwB1w165w@ersys.edmonton.ab.ca> Andrew Webster writes:

>- Don writes:
> 
>> ....The MAXIMUIM possible configuration would be a Myarc HFDC, A
>> (TI, CC, Myarc) FDC, and 2 SCSI Cards in one system. We give you the
>> most flexability possible....
> 
>Is the SCSI card a CRU addressed card? And if so is it re-addressable?

Yes, the SCSI card is a CRU addressed card and can be addressed at ANY of
128 locations. The manual explains where it can go, and what possible conflicts
you may encounter At those locations.

>Andrew writes:
> 
>> Will I be able to access a CD Rom with clip art on it via an
>> existing program like YAPP or TI Artist?
> 
>Don writes:
> 
>> YES providing the program(s) can read the file format. IE, YAPP can
>> read GIF's so you will be able to put in a CD-ROM with GIF's and
>> read them directly into YAPP. Same goes with MAC FLIX, etc...
> 
>So Yapp and Mac Flix will work exactly as they stand now?

Most likely.

> 
>Andrew writes:
> 
>> Will the SCSI card be 100% compatible with all the other cards in my
>> system. I have a horizon 3000, a triple teck, Myarc disk controller,
>> 32k on 16bit bus mod. ti rs232...
> 
>Don writes:
> 
>> ...The SCSI card and ALL WHT cards are intended to be used in ANY
>> system, we will guarantee functionality will all configurations
>> except those listed in the manual.....
> 
>What are these listed exceptions? We need to know now.

At this point there are NO KNOWN conflicts.

> 
>Don writes:
> 
>> ....since you have 32k internal to your console, if you buy a 4a
>> Memex, you will not be able to use it to it's fullest cpability, but
>> you will still be able to use most of it's functions..  Ram Disk,
>> Print Spooler, RAMBO, just not the Full C, or Fortran compilers or
>> programs written for them. 4a Memex is best used when it is the only
>> memory card in the system, but it can co-exist with ANY other memory
>> card....
> 
>This means that a full C compiler and a Fortran compiler will come
>with the 4a Memex? If not does it even exist? And will I lose the
>speed attained by the 32k/16bit bus mod? Can I choose to run my
>32k/16bit and still make use of the Memex?

Yes, a Full C and Fortran Memory libraries will come with the 4a Memex. The
4a Memex exist only in proto form at this point, the Full C and Fortran are
currently avaiable for the Geneve. Yes, unfortunately you will loose the
speed by the 16 Bit 32k, you can still run your 32k, but you will give up the
ability to use the Full C, Fortran, or programs written in those. You will still
retain RAMBO compatibility for programs like Digi-Port and Midi Master.

> 
>Don writes:
> 
>> 4a Memex will be recognozed to the system as the equivilant of a
>> HRD, but not battery backed, when you set up portions of it for RAM
>> disk.  The DM that comes with the SCSI, will utilize the memory if
>> it's there for disk cacheing. It will siginificantly improve
>> UniManagers speed and functionality.
> 
>How will the files on a hard drive be accessed. A floppy is accessed
>by "DSK1.". What is the name of the SCSI device? WDS1???

There are two ways to access any drive.. All floppy drives ID'd by the
DSR will respond to DSK1-X or SCSI0-7 (the actual physical SCSI address). 
Hard disks are similar, WDS1-X, or SCSI0-7. The devices are ID'd in order so
the first floppy becomes DSK1, the second DSK2, etc... The SCSI0-7 are there 
to access devices that are not recognized as floppies or winchesters (ie CD
ROM) and can accessed as SCSI0, SCSI1, ...
> 
>Will Fun'Web be able to catalog a directory? Run a file off of the
>SCSI hard drive??

We indeed hope so, as Will Mc Govern (F'Web fame) is writing part of the DSR
for us. I would have to assume that F'Web will become fully SCSI aware soon
after it's DSR is complete.

>This uni-manager, will it be 40/80 column? Who wrote/is writing the
>uni manager?

The Uni-Manager is being written by Mike Maksimik and will be 40/80 column 
compatible. It will utilize as much hardware as you have in your system.

> 
>Don writes:
> 
>> .... However, just about any SCSI device will work (provided it is a
>> TRUE SCSI implementation,....  but it is clearly documented in the
>> manual that you should send in any new drive that you wish to use to
>> us and we will check it out for you, other wise you will void your
>> warrenty.....
> 
>Well I and others, I am sure, would have a hard time swallowing that
>one!!! If I buy a SCSI 1 or 2 Hard drive that is brand new and tested
>by the dealer and proven to to good, you would never the less have
>owners of your SCSI card package the hard drive and send it to you to
>make sure it will work!!!!! Mailing hard drives is NOT one of my
>favorite things to do. How come IBMers dont have to do this sort of
>thing? They buy and install all kinds of drives without having to
>*mail* then first to the manufacturer!

The docs clearly state this to avoid users buying cheap used "surplus" drives.
It will not void your warrenty to buy and attach a NEW hard disk, and we are
very flexible with warrenty support. I would suggest that before you attach the
drive to the SCSI card you have it demonstrated to You (if it's a used drive) 
on some other system to see if it works. IBMers also take alot of risks when
it comes to hardware because often time replacement units are cheap, think
of the $18 floppy controllers you can buy.

> 
>Will you supply the cables for connections?

A single cable is included with the card that allows up to 2 SCSI device to 
be connected.

>What if I dont send in the drive for you to check and I connect it and
>it works perfectly for 7 months then the SCSI card burns out. Am I
>S.O.L. on the warrenty anyway?  (Of course I would have 20 members of
>our TI club as witnesses that it did work perfectly for 7 months!)

We will repair the card under the standard warranty. 

>have the SCSI cards in stock ready to deliver as soon as the DSR and
>manager is ready, or will a production run be made after the orders
>are in. (nightmares of TIM!!)

We have MANY cards assembled, and tested waiting to be shipped. Our first run
was for 50 boards, of which we have shipped half. We will be making another 
100 board run real soon so we are ready for the "rush" when the DSR is complete.
> 
>thanks for the info. The more info we get, the better it is for us
>all!

Allways happy to answer questions!

Don.