From: pejacoby@mmm.serc.3m.com (Paul E. Jacoby)
Subject: Daystar PowerCache SE/30 vs RasterOps 264/30 - SOLVED!
Organization: 3M Company
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 93 19:16:06 GMT


Hi All,

  I received a number of responses from people interested in
  knowing how my trials with the Daystar Digital SE/30-specific
  PowerCache came out.  What follows is a summary of actions to date.

  Subject: Daystar Digital PowerCache for SE/30 vs RasterOps 264/30

  Executive Summary: 
     The RasterOps 264/30 video card for the SE/30 has several flaws
     which can cause problems when used in concert with the Daystar
     Digital PowerCache for the SE/30.  These problems manifest
     themselves as interference generated on the external monitor
     attached to the video card.

     Daystar Digital is able to work around the problems in the
     RasterOps card by 'tuning' the PowerCache as needed. 

  Details:
     I had previously reported problems with my SE/30 and RasterOps
     264/30 24-bit video card after installing a Daystar Digital
     PowerCache. The PowerCache installed was the 50MHz 68030 model with
     FPU, and was the new SE/30-specific card which plugs into the CPU
     socket, leaving the PDS slot free.

     After one PowerCache swap did not help my problem, I sent my entire
     machine to Daystar Digital for analysis.  George Smith, designer of
     the SE/30 PowerCache worked with Apple and RasterOps to identify
     possible causes for the problems I was encountering. It was
     determined that the RasterOps 264/30 card has several minor flaws
     in it's design which are exacerbated by the PowerCache. Daystar was
     able to reprogram a PAL chip on the PowerCache to work around the
     problems on the RasterOps card.

     It was also found that not all RasterOps 264/30 cards have this
     problem, apparently due to variances in tolerances and signal. At
     this time, Daystar is able to work around the problem by modifiyng
     the PowerCache, but I believe they are talking with RasterOps with
     regard to fixing the flaws in the 264/30 card. I have no official
     word on how any changes might be handled.

  Conclusions:
     I should receive my Mac back in the next two days. According to
     Daystar, it is running perfectly now that the necessary adjustments
     have been made.

     George Smith of Daystar deserves special mention for correcting
     this problem.  He kept me informed of progress, even calling me at
     home after 9:00 p.m. HIS time to let me know he had solved the
     problem. I am very pleased with his responsiveness to this issue. I
     can still live without Daystar's phone system, but that is
     improving rapidly.

  Recommendations:
     For those owning an SE/30 with a RasterOps 264/30 card, I would
     call Daystar BEFORE you make your purchase and ask them how they
     plan to proceed with regard to RasterOps. As stated, not all 264/30
     cards have problems with the SE/30 PowerCache. You may have no
     problems. Still, I would check this issue specifically with Daystar
     so you know how to proceed if you DO have problems.

     At this point, I can once more recommend the Daystar PowerCache as
     a great productivity enhancer for your venerable SE/30. However,
     I do urge you to cover all the bases before ordering!

  Paul
-- 
| Paul E. Jacoby, Consultant  | pejacoby@mmm.com      CIS:70404,2507 |
| David Mitchell & Associates |                                      |
| 3M Center, Bldg 235-3F-27   |--------------------------------------|
| Maplewood, MN   55144-1000  | (612) 737-3211 [w]      731-6392 [h] |

-- 
| Paul E. Jacoby, Consultant  | pejacoby@mmm.com      CIS:70404,2507 |
| David Mitchell & Associates |                                      |
| 3M Center, Bldg 235-3F-27   |--------------------------------------|
| Maplewood, MN   55144-1000  | (612) 737-3211 [w]      731-6392 [h] |