Archive-name: PS2-FAQ
Previously-modified: 12/15/1998
Last-modified: 01/07/1999
Version: 5.5
Author: Christopher Feeny
Email: alkemyst@shadow.net
Table of Contents:
S) 1.0 Introduction
Q) Foreword
Q) 1.1 What does this FAQ cover and how do I use this FAQ?
Q) 1.2 What are the different PS/2s and their features?
Q) 1.3 What are the IBM brand MCA cards?
Q) 1.4 Where do I get a Reference Disk for my PS/2?
Q) 1.5 Which file is my Reference Disk? They are all cryptically
written.
Q) 1.6 What does the Reference Disk do?
Q) 1.7 I hear there is more diagnostics hidden on the Reference Disk,
where are they?
Q) 1.8 Why can't I copy my Reference Disk, I want to make a backup?
Q) 1.9 I got the Reference Disk, but now it is saying I need an Option
Diskette/or giving me a 165 error at POST...What are Option
Diskettes and Where do I get them?
Q) 1.10 I got the Option Diskette, but the Reference Diskette is telling me
no option files can be found, What am I doing wrong?
Q) 1.11 I bought my PS/2 second hand who can I get technical support from?
Q) 1.12 IBM tech. support says they do not know my answer now what?
Q) 1.13 Where can I find support on the internet?
Q) 1.14 I got an IBM MCA card with no labeling, How do I tell what it is?
S) 2.0 Motherboards
Q) 2.1 Where can I find a PS/2 motherboard?
Q) 2.2 Instead of a 'stock' motherboard can I get a more advanced board?
Q) 2.3 Will a standard motherboard work in a PS/2?
Q) 2.4 What motherboards come with a cache and are more up-to-date with
today's standards?
Q) 2.5 Which motherboards allow/prohibit additional on-board memory?
Q) 2.6 Can I use normal 72-pin SIMMs? 30-pin SIMMs?
Q) 2.7 How do I tell the speed of the PS/2 SIMMs I have now on my
motherboard?
Q) 2.8 What speed SIMMs do I need?
Q) 2.9 How good is MCA and what does it offer?
Q) 2.10 Which is better, ISA/EISA/VLB/PCI/etc?
Q) 2.11 Will an ISA card work in an MCA (PS/2) machine?
Q) 2.12 How do I enter the CMOS configuration menu?
Q) 2.13 What is bus mastering anyway?
S) 3.0 IO controllers/interfaces
Q) 3.1 How do IDE/MFM/RLL/ESDI/SCSI interfaces work?
Q) 3.2 How can I tell if I have MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE/SCSI?
Q) 3.3 Why won't my two hard drives work together?
Q) 3.4 How do I install a second controller?
Q) 3.5 Which is better, SCSI or IDE or ESDI?
Q) 3.6 Can MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE and SCSI coexist?
Q) 3.7 What's the difference between SCSI and SCSI-2? Are they
compatible?
Q) 3.8 Can I use a non-IBM ESDI in a PS/2?
Q) 3.9 Do I need a reference disk for my SCSI drive?
Q) 3.10 What is a 16550UART and do I need one? Does my PS/2 have it?
Q) 3.11 Should I buy an internal or external modem?
Q) 3.12 What kinds of sound cards are available?
Q) 3.13 Can I run both a SoundBlaster and the Audiovation/A?
Q) 3.14 Can I fake a keyboard so my computer will boot without it?
S) 4.0 Upgrading Processor/Coprocessor/Disks/Video/CDROM
Q) 4.1 I don't have the money for a new computer or motherboard, what can
I do?
Q) 4.2 What are the Benchmarks for the Processor Upgrades?
Q) 4.3 Which Math Co-Processor do I use?
Q) 4.4 How can get rid of my slow stock Hard Drive and get a faster and
larger capacity version?
Q) 4.5 How can I add a second floppy drive and what type will work with
my PS/2?
Q) 4.6 Is there an SVGA option for PS/2s?
Q) 4.7 How can I add a CD-ROM to my PS/2?
Q) 4.8 How can I build a Multimedia PS/2?
Q) 4.9 How can I get sound effects in DOOM?
Q) 4.10 How can I make my PS/2 Model 90/95 a Pentium 180/200MMX machine?
S) 5.0 Adding System and Cache memory
Q) 5.1 How do I add memory to my PS/2 off the motherboard?
Q) 5.2 How do I add cache memory to my PS/2?
Q) 5.3 Can I use the 4MB Modules in a machine that only calls for 1 or
2MB modules?
Q) 5.4 Who has memory the cheapest?
Q) 5.5 Is there a way to identify a PS/2 RAM card or SIMM?
Q) 5.6 What is the ECC memory options on some of the newer PS/2s?
Q) 5.7 What cache size do I have/can upgrade to?
S) 6.0 Diagnostics
Q) 6.1 What do the POST beeps mean?
Q) 6.2 What do the POST codes mean?
Q) 6.3 Why when my system boots fine sometimes the reference disk reports
errors?
Q) 6.4 How can I *REALLY* find out if these errors are just bogus?
Q) 6.5 OK I got a problem, who can I get to fix it?
Q) 6.6 What are the wrap plugs the reference disk sometimes refers too?
S) 7.0 Misc
Q) 7.1 What is the pin out for ...?
Q) 7.2 What is the special SCSI connector by IBM?
Q) 7.3 Where are benchmark programs located. What do they mean?
S) 8.0 Operating Systems (OS)
Q) 8.1 Can I run UNIX on my PS/2? Which UNIX variety works?
Q) 8.2 Why won't certain UNIXs run on my PS/2?
Q) 8.3 What is better for the PS/2, MSDOS or PCDOS?
Q) 8.4 Can I run Windows? What would I need?
Q) 8.5 Can I run Win95/98? What would I need?
Q) 8.6 Can I run Linux now?
S) 9.0 References
Q) 9.1 Who makes upgrades for a PS/2 computer (company phone #'s)
Q) 9.2 Is there automated FAX help available?
Appendix A MCA Brand Card and Part Listing
Appendix B IBM Reference Diskette Listing
Appendix C .ADF Modification for dual SB and Audiovation/A use
Appendix D POST Code Listing
Appendix E Pinouts
Appendix F PS/2 Sound Cards
S) 1.0 Introduction
Foreword
Thanks to:
Louis Ohland for all the parts he sent me and the FAQ
submissions he still does.
Charles Lasitter , President of NC Direct Marketing,
919-286-0100. He sent me a working PS/2 95 with monitor. The merchandise was
extremely clean and in great condition, keep in mind this was a donation...I
am sure paying customers will receive better equipment still (if that is
possible). He truly was very generous and is knowledgible in PS/2's. If
anyone needs anything I would contact him first.
Happy New Year. Welcome to the PS/2 FAQ. There is no cost for this document.
Also anyone is free to reprint and reformat it, including the conversion to
HTML, as long as the content does not change. I only ask that those who can
send me something...sort of like shareware. I am now a Computer Science
degree-seeing college student and to maintain this document and answer the
emails I recieve daily is a sacrifice. I try to get in a two hour workout
every other day and run 5 miles every other day, as well as try to keep
girlfriends happy, to work, attend class and study somewhere in there also, oh
and eat and sleep.
Things I need right now are:
o An AMD 5x86/133 chip and a Type 3 processor card (486/50) FRU #57F1579. I
had originally
considered a Pentium, but with LINUX there are problems with the HLT
sequence with Pentiums.
o Drive rails for the PS/2 95. I need 3 sets.
o SCSI CD-ROM Drive, any speed. (Can't be a Toshiba due to LINUX conflicts)
o 256k Cache module for the Model 95 for my Type 1 processor card. FRU
64F0199.
o Larger than 4MB SIMMS for my Model 95. I currently have 4MBx8 for 32MB
total, I would like
8MBx8 for 64MB. This will be a LINUX setup for my education.
o Of course cash donations are always accepted.
My address will be 3702 Old Lighthouse Circle, Wellington, Florida 33414.
Q) 1.1 What does this FAQ cover and how do I use this FAQ?
This FAQ is for the PS/2's and most other MCA machines. There may be some
information that is inaccurate for non-IBM machines and this information
should be gathered from the appropriate manufacturer. Also this is meant as a
supplement to the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware FAQ, although one could possibly
use only this document for probably 90%+ of PS/2 issues. The c.s.i.p.h FAQ is
full of information (over 300k I believe) that any PC-compatible owner can use
almost everyday. The PS2 FAQ (almost 300k by itself), therefore, tries to
avoid repeating what can be obtained via this FAQ or other FAQ documents which
are easily available.
To use this FAQ easily, import it into any standard word processor and use a
global text search to find what you want. For instance, on WordPerfect hit F2
and enter the text you want to find and hit enter. The section numbers from
the table of contents make good search headings. There are web-based versions
(www.computercraft.com) of this document and although nicer for most, the idea
behind this FAQ is to give those with minimum ability access to the file.
If there are deficiencies, errors, and/or missing information you would like
to see email me at: alkemyst@shadow.net
Q) 1.2 What are the different PS/2s and their features?
Note: a very good reference can be found at ftp://ftp.simtel.com,
in /.3/simtelnet/msdos/info/ps2-ref.zip (#25,30,50,55,60,70,73,80).
(Thanks: dharding@saucer.cc.umr.edu)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------
| ####-xxx | | Factory |KB L2 | Bus | # of | Drive |Intro| Min.
Model | Model | Processor | set MHz |Cache | Type | Slots | Bays |Date | Price
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------
Model 25 |8525-001/G01/+ | 8086 | 8 0W | 0 | ISA8 | 2 | 2 |08/87|$ 2095
Model 25-286 |8525-G06/H06 | 80286 | 10 1W | 0 | ISA16| 2 | 2 |10/90|$ 2215
Model 25LS |8525 | 80286 | 10 | 0 | ISA | | | |
Model 30 |8530-001/2/21 | 8086 | 8 0W | 0 | ISA8 | 3 | 2 |04/87|$ 2595
Model 30-286 |8530-E01/E21 | 80286 | 10 1W | 0 | ISA16| 3 | 2 |09/88|$ 2965
Model 35SX |8535-040/43/24X| 80386SX | 20 0-2W| 0 | ISA16| 3 | 2 |06/91|
Model 35SLC |8535-050/55 | 80386SLC | 20 0W | 0 | ISA16| 3 | 2 |04/92|
Model 35LS |8535-14X/24X | 386SX | 20 | 0 | ISA | | |01/91|
Model 40SX |8540-040/43/45 | 80386SX | 20 0-2W| 0 | ISA16| 5 | 4 |06/91|
Model 40SLC |8540-050/55 | 386SLC | 20 0W | 0 | ISA16| 5 | 4 |04/92|
Model 50 |8550-021 | 80286 | 10 1W | 0 | MCA16| 4 | 3 |04/87|
Model 50Z |8550-031/61 | 80286 | 10 0W | 0 | MCA16| 4 | 3 |08/88|
Model 53SLC2 |9553-0BB | 80486SLC2 | 25/50 | | MCA | | | |
Model 53LS |9553-1BX/2BX | 80486SLC2 | 25/50 | | MCA | | | |
Model 55SX |8555-031/61/L?#| 80386SX | 16 0-2W| 0 | MCA16| 3 | 2 |05/89|$ 5545
Model 55LS |8555 | 80386SX | 16 0-2W| 0 | MCA16| 3 | 2 |10/90|
Model 56SX/LS |8556-043/5/9/+ | 80386SX | 20 | 0 | MCA16| 3 | 2 |10/91|$ 3560
Model 56SLC |8556-055/9/+ | 80386SLC | 20 | 0 | MCA16| 3 | 2 |02/92|$ 3615
Model 56SLC2 |9556-DB6/A | 80486SLC2 | 25/50 | 0 | MCA16| 3 | 2 |10/92|$ 2727
Model 57SX |8557-045/9 | 80386SX | 20 | 0 | MCA16| 5 | 4 |06/91|$ 4165
Model 57SLC |8557-055/9/05F | 80386SLC | 20 | 0 | MCA16| 5 | 4 |02/92|$ 4850
Model 57SLC2 |9557-DB6/A | 80486SLC2 | 25/50 | | MCA16| 5 | 4 | |
Model 57SLC3 |9557- | 80486SLC3 | | | MCA16| 5 | 4 | |
Model 57 Ult. |9557-1BA/2BA | 80486SLC2 | 25/50 | | MCA | | | |
Model 60 |8560-041/71 | 80286 | 10 1W | 0 | MCA16| 8 | 4 |04/87|$ 8245
Model 65SX |8565-061/121 | 80386SX | 16 | 0 | MCA16| 8 | 4 |06/90|$ 7495
Model 70-Exx |8570-E61 | 80386DX | 16 | 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |06/88|$ 8845
Model 70-xxx |8570-061/121 | 80386DX | 20 | 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |06/88|$11795
Model 70-Axx |8570-A21/61 | 80386DX | 25 | 64 | MCA32| 3 | 3 | |$
Model 70-Bxx |8570-B21/61 | 80486DX | 25 | 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |01/90|$17520
Model 70 |modification | 80486DX2 | 16|20/33| 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |10/93|
Model P70-386 |8570 | 80386DX | 20 | | MCA | | | |
Model P75-486 |8570 | 80486DX | 33 | | MCA | | | |
Model 76 |9576-DU6/DUA | 80486SX | 33 | 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |10/92|$ 3434
Model 76 |9576-OPTION | 80486DX2 | 33/66 | 0 | MCA32| 3 | 3 |10/92|
Model 77 0Ux |9577-0UF/UA | 80486SX | 33 | 0 | MCA32| 5 | 4 |10/92|$ 4153
Model 77 0Nx |9577-0NA/0NF | 80486DX2 | 33/66 | 0 | MCA32| 5 | 4 |10/92|$ 4920
Model 77 Ult. |9577-1UA/1NA | 80486DX2 | 33/66 | 0 | MCA32| 5 | 4 |10/92|$
Model 80-0xx |8580-041/071 | 80386DX | 16 | 0 | MCA32| 8 | 5/6 |04/87|$10895
Model 80-xxx |8580-111/21/321| 80386DX | 20 | 0 | MCA32| 8 | 5/6 |04/87|
Model 80-Axx |8580-A16/21/31 | 80386DX | 25 | 64 | MCA32| 8 | 5/6 |06/90|
Model 80 |modification | 80486DX | 25 | | MCA32| 8 | 5/6 | |
Model 80 |modification | 80486DX2 | 16|20/33| | MCA32| 8 | 5/6 |10/93|
Model 85-0Xx |9585-0X6/A/G/T | 80486SX | 33 | 0 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/92|$ 5415
Model 85-0Kx |9585-0KG/T | 80486DX | 33 | 128 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/92|
Model 85-xNx |9585-0NT/G/NNT | 80486DX2 | 33/66 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/92|
Model 90 XP 486|8590-0G5/H5/+ | 80486SX | 20/25 | 0 | MCA32| 4 | 4 |10/90|$10555
Model 90 XP 486|8590-OPTION | 80486DX | 33 | 0 | MCA32| 4 | 4 |10/90|
Model 90 XP 486|9590-DLA/LG/+ | 80486DX2 | 25/50 | 0 | MCA32| 4 | 4 |03/93|$ 5300
Model 95 XP 486|8595-0G9/F | 80486SX | 20 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90|$12640
Model 95 XP 486|8595-0H9/F | 80486SX | 25 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90|
Model 95 XP 486|8595-0J9/D/F | 80486DX | 20 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90|
Model 95 XP 486|8595-0KD/F | 80486DX | 33 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90|
Model 95 XP 486|8595-0LF | 80486DX | 50 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90|
Model 95 XP 486|8595-0MG/T | 80486DX | 50 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/90|
Model 95 XP 486|9595-0LF/G | 80486DX2 | 25/50 | 0 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |10/92|$ 8865
Model 95 XP 486|9595-0MF/G/T | 80486DX | 50 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |06/91|
Model 95 Server|9595-1NG/T/V | 80486DX2 | 33/66 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 7 |08/92|
Model 95 Server|9595-0PT/V/0PTF| Pentium | 60 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |08/93|
Model 95 Server|9595-0QG/V/+ | Pentium | 66 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 7 |09/93|
Model 95 Array |9595-3NG/T | 80486DX2 | 33/66 |256opt| MCA32| 8 | 9 |08/92|
Model 95 Array |9595-3PG/T | Pentium | 60 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 9 |08/93|
Model 95 Array |9595-3QG/T | Pentium | 66 | 256 | MCA32| 8 | 9 |09/93|
The -xxx suffix can usually be broken down to -ABC where,
A=number of hard drives usually, if A, B, or E rules below don't apply
B=processor: A=386DX25 B=486SLC2/50 G=486SX20 H=486SX25 J=486DX25
K=486DX33 L=486DX2/50 M=486DX50 N=486DX2/66 P=586/60
Q=586/66 U/X=486SX/33 Y=586/90 0=<286-10 2=286-10
4=386DX20 5=386SLC20
C=hard drive type: 6=104 A=208/212 B=250 F=400 G=540 T=1GB V=2GB X=none
Fourth letter is county/language identifier, F=Canadian French
All 85xx models are XGA or VGA, 95xx models are XGA-2 or SVGA.
LS models are usually identical to the SX counterparts but are diskless.
Model 90/95 special info follows below:
(Thanks Louis Ohland )
Stumbled across a reference document with a good overall description of the
four different complex types and their capabilities. I will get the link so
people can find the *.pdf also..
Some errata seemed to have snuck in- the DMA speed goes from 20 to 25MHz then
back again to 20MHz..
Original compiled by Roger Dodson, IBM. May 1996
The IBM Model 90, and Model 95, and PC Server 500 are unique in providing a
Processor Complex (adapter) that integrates the (1) processor, (2) memory
cache controller and L2 cache, (3) memory controller, (4) DMA controller, and
(5) I/O bus controller. This provides the capability to upgrade to new
technology by only replacing the Processor Complex.
Upgrading a processor along with the memory and I/O controller have a
significant effect on performance via a balanced, tuned system. Vendors that
do NOT change memory and I/O controllers run the risk of having an unbalanced
system that is not as efficient. There are four types of Processor Complexes
for these systems: Base or Type 1, 2, 3, and 4.
o Processor Complexes are interchangeable among Model 90's, Model 95's, and
the PC Server 500.
* Any existing Model 90, Model 95, or PC Server 500 can be upgraded to a new
Processor Complex. For example, Base 1 to Base 2 or Base 3 or Base 4; Base 2
to Base 4, etc. If "Upgrade" is listed above, then an upgrade option is
available.
All Processor Complexes withdrawn as of June 1996
Base 1 "G" 486SX 20 MHz (announced Oct 1990) 92F0049
Type 1 "J" 486DX 25 MHz (announced Oct 1990) 64F0201
"K" 486DX 33 MHz (announced Oct 1990) 64F0198
Upgrade 486DX 50 MHz (announced June 1991) 92F0048
Upgrade 486DX2 66/33 (announced Aug 1992) 64F0198
Cache Option All Base/Type 1
64F0199
* Level 2 memory cache socket for optional 256K write-through memory cache
(256 KB write-thru standard with 486DX 50 MHz).
* No math coprocessor socket ("J", "K", and "Upgrade" models already have a
math coprocessor as part of 486DX).
* 24 bit DMA; 10-12 MHz.
* Dual path memory design (Dual Bus Interleave). Allows both the processor
and busmasters to access memory concurrently though two paths.
* 20 MB per second data transfer support (for MCA bus).
Base 2 "H" / Upgrade 486SX 25 MHz (announced Oct 1991) 92F0079
Type 2 "L" / Upgrade 486DX2 50/25 (announced April 1992)92F0161
* No Level 2 cache socket on complex.
* Math coprocessor socket on "H" model only to add 80487 math coprocessor
or to add a 486DX2 50/25 MHz upgrade chip which has an integrated math
coprocessor.
* High speed 25 MHz DMA so that it is now synchronous with the 486; 24 bit
DMA.
* Faster bus arbitration (than Base 1) for busmasters to increase
performance.
* Memory controller to support both interleaved (higher performance -pairs
of SIMMs) and non-interleaved memory (allows single SIMMs).
* 20 MB per second data transfer support (for MCA bus).
Base 3 "M"/ Upgrade 486DX 50 MHz (announced April 1992)
57F1579
Type 3
* 40 MB per second streaming data transfer support. This is an advanced
Micro Channel I/O controller that provides faster data transfer rates to
increase performance.
* Error Checking and Correcting (ECC) memory controller which will
automatically correct any single bit errors on the fly (98% of memory
errors are single bit); all 2 bit errors are found which halt system;
some 3 and 4 bit errors are found which halt system; single bit errors
are logged with optional software (NetFinity?) and multiple bit errors
are logged in NVRAM.
* 256KB Level 2 memory cache (write-through) is standard.
* High speed 20 MHz DMA; 32 bit DMA so it can use DMA to directly address
all memory; DMA supports Subsystem Control Block.
* Faster bus arbitration (than Base 1) for busmaster performance.
* Enhanced dual path memory design (Dual Bus Interleave).
Although Base 1 allows both the processor and busmasters to access memory
concurrently through two paths, the Base 3 and 4 has buffers at both
paths to provide better performance. Also the buffer on the adapter side
(I/O buffer) uses packet data transfers for writes. This means 16 bytes
are collected and this packet is written in one cycle to memory as
opposed to writing for every 4 bytes received (as with unbuffered
systems).
* Subsystem Control Block enabled (see definition).
* Vital Product Data support. Allows software (LAN Network Manager, LAN
Mgmt Utilities/2) to obtain a unique serial number (identifier) on the
processor complex which is in ROM.
* Synchronous Channel Check support (see definition).
* Data bus parity support (see definition).
* A logging facility is provided (for ECC or system errors).
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners (listed on
Trademark sheet) No warranties are expressed or implied in this summary
Base 4 "N" / Upgrade 486DX2 66/33 MHz (announced Sept 1993)
61G2343 $772.00!
Type 4 "P" / Upgrade Pentium 60 MHz (announced Aug 1993)
52G9362
"Q" / Upgrade Pentium 66 MHz (announced Sept 1993)
92F0120
"Y" / Upgrade Pentium 90/60 MHz (announced Oct 1994)
06H3739 / 19H1027
* SynchroStream(TM)controller which uses IBM's most advanced technology
packaging to integrate 5 major chips (memory, I/O, DMA controllers, FIFO
buffers, ECC logic) into one chip. This technology allows the high-speed
interconnects and large streaming pipes that form the SynchroStream
engine to provide state-of-the-art performance. The SynchroSteam
controller synchronizes data traveling between major subsystems and
allows it to stream in parallel, at full bandwidth, to each subsystem
concurrently.
* 40 MB per second streaming data transfer support.
* Error Checking and Correcting (ECC) memory controller which will
automatically correct any single bit errors on the fly (98% of memory
errors are single bit); all 2 bit errors are found which halt system;
some 3 and 4 bit errors are found which halt system; single bit errors
are logged with optional software (NetFinity?) and multiple bit errors
are logged in NVRAM.
* 256 MB memory addressability (Base 1, 2, and 3 is 64 MB memory
addressability).
* 256 KB Level 2 memory cache (write-back) is standard on Pentium models.
256 KB Level 2 memory cache (write-back) is standard on 486DX2 models.
* High speed 20 MHz DMA; 32 bit DMA so it can use DMA to directly address
all memory; DMA supports Subsystem Control Block.
* Faster bus arbitration (than Base 1) for busmaster performance.
Enhanced dual path memory design (Dual Bus Interleave).
* Although Base 1 allows both the processor and busmasters to access memory
concurrently through two paths, the Base 3 and 4 has buffers at both
paths to provide better performance. Also the buffer on the adapter side
(I/O buffer) uses packet data transfers for writes. This means 16 Bytes
are collected and this packet is written in one cycle to memory as
opposed to writing for every 4 bytes received (as with unbuffered
systems).
* Subsystem Control Block enabled (see definition)
* Enhanced Vital Product Data support. Allows software (LAN Network
Manager, LAN Mgmt Utilities/2) to obtain a unique serial number
(identifier) on the processor complex which is in ROM (like Base 3). Also
provides unique ID (model/submodel), type/model/ serial number,
manufacturing ID, planar FRU number, and planar part number.
* Synchronous Channel Check support (see definition).
* Data bus parity support (definition below).
* A logging facility is provided (for ECC or system errors).
DEFINITIONS
Subsystem Control Block provides for the enhanced transfer of command, data,
and status information between busmasters (and between busmasters and the
system processor) to give increased performance. Capabilities such as command
chaining, data chaining, and block data moves frees the processor from waiting
for command completion before issuing the next command and frees the processor
for other tasks while a busmaster operates in parallel. Adapters and device
drivers must support this feature (many do today).
Synchronous Channel Check support provides for the signaling of errors
synchronously with the transfer in progress. Adapters and device drivers must
be designed to support this feature (none do today).
Data bus parity support provides for the verification of correct data as it is
transferred between the processor and memory and over the Micro Channel. All
data moved between individual components on the Processor Complex use this
feature (processor, memory controller DMA, Micro Channel controller). IBM's
Token-Ring LANStreamer MC 32, Auto LANStreamer MC 32, Dual LANStreamer MC 32,
EtherStreamer MC 32, Dual EtherStreamer MC 32, SCSI-2 Fast/Wide Adapter/A,
SCSI-2 RAID Controller, SCSI-2 RAID Adapter/A, and TURBOWAYS 100 ATM Adapter
support this feature.
IBM 32 bit MCA busmasters that support 40 MB/sec streaming:
+Token-Ring LANStreamer MC 32, Auto LANStreamer MC 32, Dual LANStreamer MC 32
+EtherStreamer MC 32, Dual EtherStreamer MC 32
+SCSI-2 Fast/Wide Adapter/A
+SCSI-2 RAID Controller (in 95 A), SCSI-2 F/W Strm RAID Adapter/A
+All FDDI Micro Channel adapters
+3515 Adapter/A (actually supports 80 MB/sec if bus supports it)
+3514 Array Adapter (for external 3514 RAID 5 Array)
+ARTIC960 Co-processor Adapter (actually supports 80 MB/sec)
+TURBOWAYS 100 ATM Adapter
+Ethernet Quad PeerMaster Server Adapters (80 MB/sec)
Q) 1.3 What are the IBM brand MCA cards?
These are usually denoted with a /A suffix. Here is a list of what is
current.
See Appendix A for full list.
Q) 1.4 Where do I get a Reference Disk for my PS/2?
[Rewrite by Aron Eisenpress ]
Reference Disks can be downloaded from two IBM sources, via ftp to
ftp.pc.ibm.com or by dialing the IBM PC Co. BBS at 1-919-517-0001. The same
reference disk files are available from both sources, but the BBS also has
many other files, such as product announcements, reference and configuration
information, some shareware and employee written programs, and many OS/2
related files.
Via ftp, follow these steps:
o Ftp to ftp.pc.ibm.com and log in as "anonymous" with your e-mail address
as the password.
o Select the "pub" directory, type: cd pub [enter]
o Select the "pccbbs" directory, type: cd pccbbs [enter]
o If you don't know which file you need, look in allfiles.txt in the pub
directory; which includes short descriptions (also in this FAQ).
o The Reference Disk files are in the refdisks directory, type cd refdisks.
o Set transfer mode to binary, type bin [enter]
o Get the file you need, type get RFxxxxxxx.DSK (or whatever filename)
o If the Filename ends in .DSK you will need LDF.COM and if it ends in .TG0
you will need TGSFX.COM.
o Get back to the pub directory, type: cd .. [enter], cd .. [enter]
o Go to the UTILS directory, type cd UTILS [enter]
o Type: bin press return and then type: get LDF.COM or get TGSFX.COM [enter]
Via the BBS, follow these steps:
o Log on to the IBM PC Co. BBS at 1-919-517-0001. Follow instructions until
you get to the main menu. Type REF DISKS, read the agreement and answer
it. Now you have access to directories 27 (ref disks) and 32 assuming you
agreed.
o Type D to download then enter the filename. Also LDF.COM or TGSFX.COM as
outlined in the ftp directions.
After the files are obtained:
For .DSK files:
o Run LDF.COM so that the files LOADDSKF.EXE and PRODAID.TXT are
extracted. LOADDSKF.EXE is what you need, PRODAID.TXT is the IBM
agreement.
o Insert a blank disk and type LOADDSKF filename.DSK A: (or B:) [/F to format
and /C to convert a 720KB image to a 1.44MB disk.]
o Ensure the proper disk is inserted and answer: "Y".
o Your reference disk is ready to go.
For .TG0 files:
o Run TGSFX.COM so that the files TELEGET.EXE and TGCONFIG.EXE are
extracted.
o Run TGCONFIG and follow the prompts.
For more information on this procedure:
o On ftp, cd to UTILS and get DSK.HLP.
o On BBS, type HELP and read the instructions.
One other common source from dealers or IBM is the IBM "Technical Connection
Personal Systems" CDROM. Some offices also have one (a good sign is if there
are a lot of PS/2s in your office). It also includes some files unavailable
from the on-line sources.
Also check http://www3.ncr.com/support/pc/pcdesc/library/adfs.shtml
Also QBMCA on http://members.aol.com/mcapage0/mcaindex.htm can tell you what
ADF you need.
Q) 1.5 Which file is my Reference Disk? They are all cryptically written.
See Appendix B.
Q) 1.6 What does the Reference Disk do?
The Reference Disk is your access to the internals of the PS/2, much like
accessing CMOS on other computers. From the Reference Disk you can add
options, change the time and date, set up a configuration, check SCSI device,
change the settings of the options you added and test your system for
problems. Once you have the Reference Disk running go to the Main Menu and
Backup the Reference Disk and take one copy BEFORE you add options to it and
put it in a safe place.
Q) 1.7 I hear there is more diagnostics hidden on the Reference Disk,
where are they?
This little known command allows one to test the system one test at a time.
This is useful if the system hangs or gets an error early in the full-test. To
access the Advanced Diagnostics press -A from the Reference Disk Main
Menu and it will allow you to select which test to perform after verifying the
present configuration. Also these are more through tests and also offer hard
drive formatting options and some wrap plug port tests (see Q6.6 for details).
Q) 1.8 Why can't I copy my Reference Disk, I want to make a backup?
You can by selecting the option to backup the Reference Disk from the
Reference Disk Main Menu. The files are written in a special way to the disk
and only the Reference Disk and LOADDSKF can create new/backup Reference Disks
unless a total disk copy program is used to copy the hidden files, DISKCOPY
works.
Q) 1.9 I got the Reference Disk, but now it is saying I need an Option
Diskette/or giving me a 165 error at POST...What are Option Diskettes
and Where do I get them?
Option Diskettes are the .ADF files that allow the PS/2 to communicate
properly with installed options and the 165 error code is also saying that the
proper .ADF file was not used to configure the system. The BBS and
ftp.pc.ibm.com both have all the IBM option diskettes and some common third
party ones. A file index of all the files on the ftp site can be obtained by
getting the FILES.TXT file which has 100k of disk name and descriptions of
every disk IBM included with option, computers, and devices as well as some
third party software. When you get the right one go to Copy an Option
Diskette in the Reference Disk Main Menu and it should do the work for you.
Now just configure the system and you should be set.
Q) 1.10 I got the Option Diskette, but the Reference Diskette is telling me
no option files can be found, What am I doing wrong?
Nothing usually. Sometimes the Reference Disk can not copy the proper files,
so look in the manual for the device and see what file(s) must be copied
manually over to the Reference Disk. As always use a backup copy of the Ref
Disk.
Q) 1.11 I bought my PS/2 second hand who can I get technical support from?
IBM. The 800-772-2227 (1-800-PS2-2227) is open 24 hours a day for warrantied
systems; however; there is no PS/2 models still under warranty so you will
have to use the 1-900-555-2582 number. They bill at $1.99 per minute the last
time I called (10/27/98). Usually the staff is dead accurate and only rarely
is misinformation handed out. However, the chances of misinformation is
greatly increased when calling during non-standard EST business hours as I
have experienced at 3am calls from the East Coast.
It seems lately I have been getting emails for people who have called the 900
number, but could not get there questions answered. This is not to fault IBM,
it simply is not practical to train your people on every machine released, but
do I get to collect the 900 charges you the questions I answer? :).
Q) 1.12 IBM tech. support says they do not know my answer now what?
Well if they didn't connect you to the premium support section ask to be
connected there. The Premium (I think that is what they call it) support
techs are usually a lot more adept at in-depth tech help, but sometimes the
normal tech does not connect you to them when you have a more advanced
problem so ask for them if you feel the person helping you is lost (usually
symbolized by a lot of being put on hold 'while I find out the answer' type
responses). Also it is a good idea to always call back later to double
check on things that you are not totally comfortable with the given answer.
Since these calls are no longer free it may not be practical to call back.
Also I am not sure the still have normal and Premium support since the phone
support has changed to the 900 number system, but of course, you can always
email me.
Q) 1.13 Where can I find support on the internet?
9595
http://www.inwave.com/~ohlandl/
Adapter Description Files (ADFs)
http://www3.ncr.com/support/pc/pcdesc/library/adfs.shtml
THE COMPUTERCRAFT PS2 Resource Center
http://www.computercraft.com/docs/ps2sect.html
IBM Canada Ltd - Vintage PCs
http://www.can.ibm.com/helpware/vintage.html
IBM PCs Tech Library
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/cdt/hmm.html
IBM Link (last time I was there I could not find the PS/2 Info)
http://www.ibmlink.ibm.com/
MICROCHANNEL ENTHUSIASTS PAGE / INDEX
http://members.aol.com/mcapage0/mcaindex.htm
NeoInteractive MotherBoard Upgrades
http://www.neointeractive.com/
PS/2 Page | Main
http://members.tripod.com/~ps2page/
PSINFO
http://www.co.umist.ac.uk/~ch/psinfo/psinfo.1.toc.html
Q) 1.14 I got an IBM MCA card with no labeling, How do I tell what it is?
This is a big problem with IBM cards. Most card manufacturers get label crazy
silk-screening their name and the card's name all over the card's
breadboard,yet IBM being the marketing giant doesn't need the extra production
step and goes with bare breadboards.
The first thing to do is to ground yourself (by touching the power supply of a
turned OFF computer is a good way) and try to set the card on an anti-static
bag or surface and try not to move around to much because one static charge to
a key area and it won't matter what the card is for. Then try and find out
what IBM part numbers (IBMPN) and FRU (Field Replacement Unit)(IBMFRU) are
listed on the front and back of the card. Contrary to popular belief you
cannot tell what the card does by these numbers as a class, i.e. not all
87Xxxxx cards are disk controllers and made in 1987. With all the numbers
written down place the card in a anti-static bag and store it carefully. Call
IBM at 1-800-772-2227 (or 900-555-2582 at $1.99/min) and ask them first.
Chances are if the card is over two years old it is going to be a gamble at
best. If they could not help, it is time to post your problem to
comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware for answers. Try to render an ASCII image of the
card to give people an idea of what it is and this might also help someone
identify it on the spot.
Also the FCC# could be used as it almost never changes and is unique for each
card. The FCC website is www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid. There is also SBS Direct's
FCC ID Look-up at www.sbsdirect.com/fccenter.html. Lately these have proven
excellent resorts though sometimes the descriptions given are vague you at
least will know the manufacturer and purpose of the card.
Another method though I believe you need to have it installed and configured
is a program on PC-DOS 6.3 which takes the 'electronic name' (POSID, a four
digit
number) of the MCA card and gives the description.
And of course, QBMCA on http://members.aol.com/mcapage0/mcaindex.htm.
Another utility that reports on the POSID from MS-DOS is Snooper on
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jvias/snoop344.zip.
S) 2.0 Motherboards
Q) 2.1 Where can I find a PS/2 motherboard?
PS/2 last a long time, but sometimes due to mother nature, the user or just
age the motherboards (planar boards in IBM-speak) fail. These can be obtained
in many places both new and used. Beware that the price of a new motherboard
is steep from IBM. Some third-party dealers have them much cheaper than in the
past. DakTech carries them still in either new or as good as new form with a
warranty, the Model 80-Axx series 25MHz motherboard with cache was only $99
(10/27/98), there number is 800-325-3238. Used motherboards could be obtained
from Page Computers 800-886-0055 for a reasonable price ($139.00 for a Model
80-Axx w/ 90 day warranty). I have bought two boards from them and have had
no problems with either. The people working there are normally ex-IBM PS/2
people who know a lot more than your average computer salvage types. True
Blue Parts 508-833-2225 (trueblueparts@mindspring.com) formally Micro Mart has
the Model 80-Axx board for only $60. Your best bet in general is to pick up a
Computer Shopper and scan the pages for PS/2 stuff and put the numbers in a
easy to find database (and also send new numbers found to me for FAQ
additions) so that whenever a problem arises you can look up the company that
sells what you need.
Q) 2.2 Instead of a 'stock' motherboard can I get a more advanced board?
Reply Technologies sold new PS/2-type motherboards much cheaper than the IBM
versions. These were high priced compared to normal PC-Clone motherboards,
but if you have cash in memory and PS/2 proprietary items it is cheaper than
replacing everything with new ISA/VLB/PCI based equipment. Also they offered
Pentium processors, the ability to use standard SIMMs, and even VLB. These
are still available used and new from certain vendors, www.neointeractive.com
is one such dealer. The types of motherboards available from IBM are the
486DX2/66 and 486BL2/66, and almost every 486 type from Reply Technologies.
The IBM motherboards are only available from the Boulder Surplus Parts
division and are limited as they are no longer being made. Also they were
made only for the 60, 65SX, 70 and 80.
There is a model 50/50Z and 55SX/LS planar board upgrade to 486SLC2/50
available currently from IBM. Note: these were discontinued in Sept 94 so
they are limited, if IBM Direct doesn't have them call Boulder.
There are two versions of Reply's motherboards: the TurboBoard (for models 30,
50/50Z, 55SX, and 70) and the PowerBoard (for models 25/25-286, 30-286,
50/50Z, 55SX, 56 and 57, and 70). Using the model 70 as the example, the
TurboBoard ($25.00) offers a 486SLC2 25/50 CPU, 387SX FPU socket, 16MB max
using 3 70ns parity SIMMs, on board 1MB DRAM video, and 3 16 bit slots (one
with video extension). The PowerBoard ($95 with 486DX2/66) offers 486DX2/66,
486DX4/100, or 586/100 with Intel Overdrive socket, 64MB max using 3 70ns
parity SIMMs, on-board 1MB (2MB+$25) 64 bit local bus video, two 32 bit and
one 16 bit (with video extension) slots. This is not a bad way to go.
Processor upgrades are $25 for 486DX4/100 and $50 for 586/100.
The latest prices are as of 10/27/98 from Neointeractive
(www.neointeractive.com).
Q) 2.3 Will a standard motherboard work in a PS/2?
No...unless you are VERY lucky(and probably the only one in the world). Most
times the screw holes will not even come close, then the slots will be way
off. Even if you got it fastened into your case you would need a new power
supply (which you would have to screw in some how) and then new floppy drives
etc. You are better off selling the system and starting from scratch.
Q) 2.4 What motherboards come with a cache and are more up-to-date with
today's standards?
Well I am not going to be able to complete this section but the model 70 and
80s with a 25MHz processor (8570/8580-Axx) come with a 64k L2 cache which is
very helpful. Benchmarks on a 20MHz model 80 and 25MHz model 80 with the
cache showed Dhrystones at 4k for the 20MHz and at 7.7k for the 25MHz which is
a bigger difference than the 5MHz should give by itself. As a matter of fact
a Cyrix DRx2-40 processor in a 20MHz machine gave only 8k Dhrystones, a cache
of some sort should always be obtained when purchasing a motherboard.
Q) 2.5 Which motherboards allow/prohibit additional on-board memory?
The following list shows what memory can be added. The difference of the Max
System and Max Mother is what must be installed in the form of an expansion
card.
Factory Max Max
Model Installed Mother System
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 BIT
35/40-all 2 16 16
50-021 1 2 16
50Z-031 1 8 16
50Z-061 2 8 16
53
55LS-LE0 4 8 16
55LS-LT0 4 8 16
55SX-031 4 8 16
55SX-041 4 8 16
55SX-061 4 8 16
55SX-081 4 8 16
56
57SX-045 4 16 16
57SX-049 4 16 16
60-041 1 1 16
60-071 1 1 16
65SX-061 2 8 16
65SX-121 2 8 16
65SX-321 2 8 16
32 BIT
70-061 2 6 16
70-081 4 6 16
70-121 2 6 16
70-161 4 6 16
70-A16 4 8 16
70-A21 2 6 16
70-A61 2 8 16
70-A81 4 8 16
70-E61 2 8 16
70 486-B21 2 8 16
70 486-B61 2 8 16
76
77
80-041 1 2 16
80-071 2 2 16
80-081 4 4 16
80-111 2 4 16
80-121 2 4 16
80-161 4 4 16
80-311 2 4 16
80-321 2 4 16
80-A16 4 8 16
80-A21 4 8 16
80-A31 4 8 16
90 XP 486-0J5 8 64 64
90 XP 486-0J9 8 64 64
90 XP 486-0KD 8 64 64
90 XP 486-0J5 8 64 64
90 XP 486SX-0G5 4 64 64
90 XP 486SX-0G9 4 64 64
90 XP 486SX-0H5 8 64 64
90 XP 486SX-0H9 8 64 64
90 XP 486SX-0K9 8 64 64
90 XP 486SX-0KF 8 64 64
95 XP 486-0G9 4 64 64
95 XP 486-0GF 4 64 64
95 XP 486-0J9 8 64 64
95 XP 486-0JD 8 64 64
95 XP 486-0JF 8 64 64
95 XP 486-0KD 8 64 64
95 XP 486SX-0H9 8 64 64
95 XP 486SX-0HD 8 64 64
PORTABLE
P70 386-031 2 8 16
P70 386-061 4 8 16
P70 386-121 4 8 16
P75 486-161 8 16 16
P75 486-401 8 16 16
According to Louis Ohland
Max mother is what can be physically added to the motherboard. Max
system is what can be added in the form of memory cards. Max
system is also the maximum memory of the mother and expansion card
combined.
To make it easier- The 90 / 95 machines do not support MME
(Matched Memory Extension) and therefor cannot accept add-on
memory cards.
With the advent of the type 4 complex, you have either 64MB max
with parity, or 256MB max with ECC (my 9595-OYT has 128MB..)(Maybe
someone can send me a Type 4 complex too :)).
Q) 2.6 Can I use normal 72-pin SIMMs? 30-pin SIMMs?
Nope, neither. There are reports of some using non-PS/2 72-pin SIMMs, but
these have not been verified by myself and also I suspect that they are
actually third party PS/2 SIMMs the user was unknowingly using.
Q) 2.7 How do I tell the speed of the PS/2 SIMMs I have now on my
motherboard?
Most of the times unless labeled it will be hard. IBM's numbering system
changes all the time and many times the cross-reference can not be made. I
got a SIMM here that has a nice label stating IBM 2M 85NS P/N 68X6127
FRU 92F0104. Now if that label were removed I would only have 89X8922 IBM9314
L46056PE on the 18 chips that are attached to the SIMM, now if someone can
make 2M or 85NS out of those three numbers I would be impressed as a call to
IBM showed it as not identifiable.
In OS/2 WARP there is a program that tells what is installed and the speed of
the SIMMs. This program is the system information utility. Although it would
be impractical for a large amount of unlabeled SIMMs, a few can be ID'ed this
way.
According to Louis Ohland :
The 9595 Type 4 (possibly type 3) can report in setup on the speed
and architecture (parity or ECC) of each chip by slot...
Q) 2.8 What speed SIMMs do I need?
Unlike buying clone motherboards, the speed of the SIMMs you should need will
usually be easily found out. For standard IBM, call IBM and for all other
motherboard makers they should include it in their motherboard docs. Most of
the time the 80ns memory is the most common on the newer machines. 120ns was
used on the older PS/2s (i.e. 50's and 60's) and most 386s at or less than
25MHz can get by with 85ns. If you upgrade to one of the new 486 replacement
386 CPUs you will probably need 80ns memory unless stated that it will work
with normal system memory, 70ns and faster is probably a good idea and should
be used as 80ns and slower memory is becoming obsolete.
From Louis Ohland :
The 9595 Type 4 (possibly type 3) can report in setup on the speed
and architecture (parity or ECC) of each chip by slot...
Q) 2.9 How good is MCA and what does it offer?
IBM is pushing the MCA bus again. It is possible to make it as fast as VLB,
it comes close now. The new 700 machines will offer a dual bus, MCA/PCI
which will give the best of both worlds. The *BEST* thing about MCA is it
usually offers the PLUG-and-PLAY everyone wants, at least in most cases. You
simply copy the .ADF files onto your reference disk then plug the new card in
and turn on your system. The computer will figure out where the card is and
configure it and for once you don't have to set 10 banks of 8 dipswitchs with
a pen :). Also it offers the best bus mastering out there. A MCA card can
totally take over all functions of the CPU and FPU and cause no interference
with the rest of the machine, also a MCA board can have its own CPU to do the
work of the peripheral it is attached. For example lets say you had a MCA
Video Toaster type card...it could be set up to allow you to configure certain
options, enter data, then have it process the data no matter how complex and
return to your normal machine and witness no slowdown at ALL. MCA allows card
functions to be totally independent and self-controlled.
A problem faced by ISA was device addresses, and ISA bus is only capable of
1024 device addresses while MCA can address 65,280. Also, MCA has far more
grounds along the bus preventing radio emission. Lastly, MCA can share
interrupts while ISA can not.
The speed of MCA is something underestimated by non-PS/2 users. It is a very
fast and quiet (as far as RF interference goes). Some specs are:
The maximum transfer rates on a 10 MHz MCA bus:
16 bit MCA 32 bit MCA
Normal transfers 10MBytes/sec 20 MBytes/sec
(adr/data)
Short Burst and Long
Streaming transfers 20MBytes/sec 40 MBytes/sec
(adr/data data data ..)
Multiplex Streaming (not available) 80 MBytes/sec
(as above and uses the
`idle' adr lines to
transfer data as well,
for a 64 bit transfer)
Matched Memory Cycle 21.3 MBytes/sec
(matched memory cycle
changes the timing of (32 MBytes/sec w/o
the MCA bus to 62.5 added wait state
nanosec. for a 187.5 at 62.5 Nanosec.
4 byte adr-wait-data and 40 MBytes/sec
transfer cycle. This with 50 nanosec
is on a 16MHz model timing)
80 as an example.)
[Originator: benker@hp-8.cae.wisc.edu]
Since there have been so many discussions about all of this, I'm posting the
OFFICIAL MCA specs. These are direct from IBM. MCA, as you will notice, has
the capability to be faster than even the local bus technologies with a
transfer rate of up to 160MB/sec. Hope all of this helps.
The basic transfer cycle on the Micro Channel is a minimum of 200ns (100ns
for the address and 100ns for the data which results in five million basic
transfer cycles per second for a device running in burst mode. As shown in
Figure "Basic Data Transfer Mode", a data transfer operation is done in two
steps. First the address for the transfer (either I/O adapter or memory
location) is selected, then up to four bytes of data is moved across the data
buffer.
Depending of the width of the data path (8, 16, or 32 bits) the instantaneous
data transfer rate on the channel would be 5, 10, or 20MB per second. The
matched-memory extension is a modification to the basic data transfer mode,
which can improve the data transfer capabilities between the system master and
channel-attached memory. When supported, it allows the basic transfer cycle
of 200ns to be reduced.
The DMA controller on the system board requires two basic transfer cycles to
move either 8 bits or 16 bits of data. It moves the data from the originator
to a buffer in the DMA controller and then to the target device or memory
location. Because two cycles are used per 8 or 16 bits of data, the data
transfer rate for DMA controllers is 2.5MB or 5MB per second. For blocks of
sequential data transferred over the Micro Channel, it should not be necessary
to specify the address information more than once. Both the source and
destination devices should update the address for each cycle by the size of
the transferred data. This technique is supported by the Micro Channel and is
known as streaming data mode (or streaming data procedure). Using streaming
data mode with 32 bit transfer, the effective transfer rate is 40MB per
second. The usage of the address and data buses during a data transfer using
streaming data procedure is shown in Figure "Streaming Data Mode".
When the Micro Channel is running in streaming data mode, the 32 address lines
are only used during the first cycle of the transfer. These address lines are
therefore available for transfer of an additional four bytes during each
following cycle. This mode is called multiplexed streaming data mode and
gives an effective width of 64 bits (8 bytes) for each cycle. The resulting
effective data rate is 80MB per second. This is shown in Figure "Multiplexed
Streaming Data Mode".
PS/2 Model 9595 (and possibly the 8595) can support the 100ns basic transfer
cycle with the SCSI Fast/Wide adapterrather than the current 200ns. With the
current cycle the Micro Channel is able to transfer sequential blocks of data
with transfer rates of 20, 40, and 80MB per second.
Systems implementing the faster transfer cycle would be able to reach transfer
speeds of up to 160MB per second. These rates are essential for advanced
function bus masters, which must move large blocks of sequential data.
Q) 2.10 Which is better, ISA/EISA/VLB/PCI/etc?
[From: ralf@wpi.wpi.edu (Ralph Valentino)]
[updated: alkemyst@shadow.net 10/23/94]
Here is a quick overview of the various bus architectures available for the PC
and some of the strengths and weaknesses of each. Some terms are described in
more detail at the bottom.
XT bus: Bus originally used in the IBM XT.
8 data bits, 20 address bits
4.77 MHz
Comments: Obsolete, very similar to ISA bus, many XT cards will work in
ISA slots.
ISA bus: Industry Standard Architecture bus (a.k.a. AT bus)
8/16 data bits, 24 address bits (16Meg addressable)
8-8.33MHz, asynchronous
5.55M/s burst
bus master support
edge triggered TTL interrupts (IRQs) - no sharing
low cost
Comments: Ideal for low to mid bandwidth cards, though lack of IRQs can
quickly become annoying.
MCA bus: Micro Channel Architecture bus
16/32 data bit, 32 address bits
10-20MHz, up to 40MHz could be possible, asynchronous
80M/s burst, synchronous
full bus master capability
good bus arbitration
auto configurable
IBM proprietary (not ISA/EISA/VLB compatible)
Comments: Since MCA was proprietary, EISA was formed to compete with it.
EISA gained much more acceptance; MCA is all but dead.
EISA bus: Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture bus
32 data bits, 32 address bits
8-8.33MHz, synchronous
32M/s burst (sustained)
full bus master capability
good bus arbitration
auto configurable
sharable IRQs, DMA channels
backward compatible with ISA
some acceptance outside of the PC architecture
high cost
Comments: EISA is great for high bandwidth bus mastering cards such as
SCSI host adapters, but its high cost limits its usefulness for
Other types of cards. Very commonly used in servers.
VLB: VESA Local Bus
32 data bits, 32 address bits
25-40MHz, asynchronous
130M/s burst (sustained is closer to 32M/s)
bus master capability
will coexist with ISA/EISA
slot limited to 2 or 3 cards typical
backward compatible with ISA
moderate cost
Comments: VLB is great for video cards, but its lack of a good bus arbiter
limits its usefulness for bus mastering cards and its moderate
cost limits its usefulness for low to mid bandwidth cards.
Since it can coexist with EISA/ISA, a combination of all three
types of cards usually works best.
PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect
32 data bits (64 bit option), 32 address bits (64 bit option)
up to 33MHz, synchronous
120M/s burst (sustained) (240M/s with 64 bit option)
full bus master capability
good bus arbitration
up to 6 peripherals
auto configurable
will coexist with ISA/EISA/MCA as well as another PCI bus
strong acceptance outside of the PC architecture
moderate cost
Comments: Combines the speed of VLB with the advanced arbitration of EISA.
Great for both video cards and bus mastering SCSI/network cards.
VL 2.0: Video Local Bus version 2.0
64 data bits, multiplexing and data buffering
up to 50MHz
est. 400M/s burst
full bus mastering
good bus arbitration
specification not completed yet
=Terms=
Auto configurable: Allows software to identify the board's requirements and
resolve any potential resource conflicts (IRQ/DMA/address
/BIOS/etc).
Bus master support: Capable of First Party DMA transfers.
Full bus master capability: Can support any First Party cycle from any
device, including another CPU.
Good bus arbitration: Fair bus access during conflicts, no need to back off
unless another device needs the bus. This prevents
CPU starvation while allowing a single device to use
100% of the available bandwidth. Other buses let a
card hold the bus until it decides to release it and
attempts to prevent starvation by having an active
card voluntarily release the bus periodically ("bus on
time") and remain off the bus for a period of time
("bus off time") to give other devices, including the
CPU, a chance even if they don't want it.
16Meg addressable: This limits first party DMA transfers to the lower 16 Meg
of address space. There are various software methods to
overcome this problem when more than 16 Megs of main
memory are available. This has no effect on the ability
of the processor to reach all of main memory.
Backward compatible with ISA: Allows you to place an ISA card in the slot of
a more advanced bus. Note, however, that the
ISA card does not get any benefit from being
In an advanced slot, instead, the slot reverts
To an ISA slot. Other slots are unaffected.
The MCA specs at 10MHz show sustained throughput very close to VLB and 20MHz
MCA specs should be equal or superior to VLB, however, usually MCA cards do
not operate at these faster speeds of 20MHz.
TIME LINE
8088 8086 286 386 486 586
**
VL2
***
PCI2
*********
PCI1
***********
VL1
*********************************
EISA
***************************************
MCA
*********************************************************
AT bus
*****************
PC bus
1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
Q) 2.11 Will an ISA card work in an MCA (PS/2) machine?
No, they will not. MCA, unlike EISA and VLB, is not backward compatible with
ISA.
Q) 2.12 How do I enter the CMOS configuration menu?
If it is possible on your machine it is Ctrl-Alt-Ins after Ctrl-Alt-Del. If
nothing happens when you hit Ctrl-Alt-Ins at the prompt then you must use the
reference disk to change CMOS values.
From Louis Ohland :
With the type 4 complex, you can hit Escape for quick boot (bypass memory
check)
and/or hit F1 to run setup.
Q) 2.13 What is bus mastering anyway?
Bus mastering is the ability of the MCA card to directly read and write to
main memory. This allows the CPU do delegate I/O work out to the cards,
freeing it to do other things. If you want a bus mastering card, you should
specifically request it and expect to pay more. Also not all cards are
available in bus mastering form due to the fact that they do not have to be
independent to the rest of the system, and some because they can't be
independent.
S) 3.0 IO controllers/interfaces
Q) 3.1 How do FM/IDE/MFM/RLL/ESDI/SCSI interfaces work?
Ok, first FM, MFM, and RLL refer to the data encoding. Almost all drives
today are RLL. IDE, ESDI, and SCSI are types of interfaces and the drives
that run on them. The descriptions below will contain a lot of techno-babble
to most, but the purpose of this is to give an idea how they work and in that
capacity the text below should suffice. UPGRADING AND REPAIRING PC'S by Scott
Mueller describes this much better as that is the purpose of his book, not
this FAQ.
FM, or Frequency Modulation, was the earliest scheme. Known as Single Density
by many because of the floppies it was originally used on. This was popular
in the 1970's, but with a limit of about 80k it quickly died out.
It is the simplest way to encode zeros and ones. Also to prevent sync errors
in long streams of zeros or ones, two transition cells are used per bit. A
data cell representing the zero or one and a clock cell representing what
amounts to the position or record. In a data transition cell, either a one
bit is recorded to indicate a flux reversal or a zero bit to indicate none.
The clock cell is used for each bit also. So each time you change bits, the
clock cell reverses flux. This works great except for the fact that you lose
half your storage capability since each data bit requires two flux reversals,
one for the data and one for the clock.
Example of FM Data to Flux Transitions
Data Bit Flux encoding
1 TT
0 TN
T=flux transition
N=no flux transition
MFM, or Modified Frequency Modulation was created to reduce this overhead and
compact more data into the same space. This was done by reducing clock
transition cells. A clock transition cell is only recorded if a zero bit is
preceded by a zero bit. This amounts to twice the efficiency and is why MFM
became known as Double Density (as did the disks which were originally
formatted this way). It is still used in almost all PC floppy drives today.
MFM is also twice as fast as FM.
Example of MFM Data to Flux Transitions
Data Bit Flux encoding
1 NT (no clock cell encoding)
0 preceded by 0 TN (clock cell encoded)
0 preceded by 1 NN (no clock cell encoded)
RLL, or Run Length Limited, is today's method of choice. RLL stores 50% more
data than MFM and three times the data of FM. In RLL, groups of bits are
taken as a whole and combined to generate a pattern of flux reversals. By
combining the clock and data cells into these patterns, the clock rate can be
increase while keeping the same distance of transitions on the disk.
RLL was invented by IBM first for mainframes, but by the 80's this technology
flowed into the desktop PC's of the day and is still a viable encoded scheme.
RLL gets its name from the two main functions of the patterns stored. One is
the minimum number (the run length) and maximum number (the run limit) of
transition cells allowed between two actual flux transitions. There are
several schemes to this, but RLL 2,7 and RLL 1,7 are the most popular with 1,7
used almost exclusively in all large drives.
Using RLL 2,7 as the example, the numbering scheme is based on the fact that
there can be as few as 2 and as many as 7 transition cells separating two flux
transitions. Also, FM and MFM can be referred by RLL naming conventions as RLL
0,1 and RLL 1,3, respectively, however when they are discussed it is still by
there original FM and MFM names.
Example of RLL 2,7 Data to Flux transitions
(Using IBM's ENDEC (ENcode/DECode) table only as there can be unlimited
variations to this encoding scheme)
Data Flux encoding
10 NTNN
11 TNNN
000 NNNTNN
010 TNNTNN
011 NNTNNN
0010 NNTNNTNN
0011 NNNNTNNN
Example of the character "X" (01011000 in binary) showing the actual way it is
encoded on disk.
FM: Bit .0.1.0.1.1.0.0.0
Flux TNTTTNTTTTTNTNTN 11 transitions
MFM: Bit .0.1.0.1.1.0.0.0
Flux TNNTNNNTNTNNTNTN 6 transitions (50% of FM)
RLL 2,7: Bit .0.1.0.1.1.0.0.0
Flux TNNTNNTNNNNNNTNN 4 transitions (30% of FM)
T=Transition flux, N=No Transition flux, and .=data bit boundary.
Also there is a new encoding scheme called PRML, Partial-Response,
Maximum-Likelihood that compacts data a further 40%. This uses DSP technology
to clean the signal of noise and allow data to be stored closer together,
whereas the other three still have the same density of flux transitions.
Now on to interfaces. There are a few: ST-506/412, ESDI, IDE, and SCSI as
well as the variations of each (SCSI-2, ATA-2, etc). The interface transmits
and receives data to and from the drive. Only the ST-506/412 and ESDI are
true disk-controller to drive interfaces. SCSI and IDE are system level
interfaces usually containing ST-506/412 or ESDI internally. SCSI adds an
extra level of interface that attaches directly to the system bus whereas IDE
is a direct bus interface.
ST-506/412 - developed by Seagate back around the beginning of the 80's and is
named after the 5MB ST-506 drive and 10MB ST-412 drive originally attached to
this interface. This was the interface of choice for almost all drive
manufacturers during this time period. Also interestingly enough all drives
using this interface were plug-and-play as long as the BIOS on the system
board supported the drive (when the IBM AT was introduced IBM removed the BIOS
off the ST-506/412 interface and included it into the IBM AT system BIOS).
This interface is obsolete by today's standards, though it endured a long time
for an interface designed around a 5MB drive which at the end of its life was
connected to drives as large as 233MB! Using two Drive Select (DS) channels
you could have up to two drives attached to this controller, DS1 was the C
drive and DS2 was D.
ESDI, Enhanced Small Device Interface - developed in the early 80's by Maxtor
to succeed the ST-506/412 standard and provide more performance and later
adopted by ANSI. Offered enhanced reliability by incorporating a ENDEC into
the drive. Capable of 24 megabits/sec, though limited to 10-15 megabits/sec
by almost all drives. ESDI drives were not always compatible with other ESDI
drives due to implementation deviations between manufacturers and this opened
the way for the IDE standard which though slower was much cheaper to produce.
ESDI also allowed for automatic drive configuration and defect mapping
(sometimes). Also mostly compatible with the ST-506/412 interface in that if
the system supported one, it usually would the other. Sometimes additional
software would need to be run (for auto defect mapping as an example).
IDE, Integrated Drive Electronics - a generic term for any drive with built-in
controller electronics. Though more often applied to ATA (AT Attachment)
drives and is an ANSI standard. These were originally exclusively Hardcards
where a small 3.5" ST-506/412 or ESDI drive was mounted directly to the
controller card. More reliability due to the lack of ribbon cables and
reduced noise.
Although the IDE cable ports are on the motherboards of today's computers, the
actual controller is still in the drive. The port is only used to connect the
controller to the bus and is actually a 40 pin subset of a 98 pin ISA slot.
Having the controller built-in to each drive is why many times IDE drives
don't work together. Both controllers compete to be the Master despite
assigning it a Slave status sometimes. The usual workaround is to use IDE
drives by the same manufacturer and also of the same specification.
PS/2 content: in 1987 IBM offered IDE drives for MCA machines called MCA IDE
(a 16 bit device like ATA IDE). These were connected to the bus thorough an
interposer card and needed only a few buffer chips and almost no circuitry
which is why they are referred to as paddle boards by many (game
paddle/joystick boards have very little circuitry also). An 8 bit variation
made it into the non-Microchannel Model 30 similar to XT IDE.
IDE drives offer the highest performance at any cost for a single user, single
tasking operating system.
ATA-1 was introduced in 1989 and ATA-2 (EIDE by Western Digital and Fast-ATA
and Fast-ATA-2 by Seagate and Quantum) in 1995.
ATA-2 allows for drives larger than 504MB by translation (basically altering
the perceived geometry of a drive to other programs which cannot handle more
than 1024 cylinders. A 2000 cylinder drive with 16 heads would be translated
as a 1000 cylinder drive with 32 heads). Translation methods rely on an
enhanced BIOS and are known as Standard CHS (Cylinder Head Sector), Extended
CHS or Large, LBA (Logical Block Addressing).
It also allows faster data transfers with PIO (programmed Input Output) modes.
Mode 0 has a 600ns cycle time and limits transfers to 3.3MB/sec. At its best
ATA-1 had a 240ns cycle time and transfer rate of 8.3MB/sec. With ATA-2 in
PIO mode 3 with its 180ns cycle time, transfer rates go to 11.1 and with mode
4 and a 120ns cycle the rate is 16.6MB/sec. This implementation requires the
port to be a local bus port (VLB or PCI). Also despite support for two drives
usually only the primary can support up to mode 4, the secondary is actually
connected through the ISA bus and is limited to mode 2.
DMA (direct memory access) can also be used to exclude the CPU from the drive
to bus transfers using the system boards DMA controller to handle the
transactions. Busmastering DMA controllers use their own DMA controller to
handle this and because of the extra complexity it drives up the cost. DMA is
never used efficiently with an ISA bus, but with today's PCI boards speeds of
33MB/sec are now common.
SCSI, Small Computer System Interface - not really a disk interface, but a
system-level interface. SCSI is a bus that supports up to eight devices. One
of these is the host adapter and the gateway between the SCSI and PC buses.
The SCSI bus does not talk directly to the devices either, but to each devices
controller built into it (Most SCSI drives are actually IDE drives with SCSI
bus adapter circuits added. Each device is given a SCSI ID. Up to 4 host
adapters can be supported by most systems and with each able to control 7
other peripherals that gives a total of 28 devices. Some newer SCSI
implementations can support 15 devices per bus.
The SCSI standard like ESDI is a hardware standard. It does not specify how
communication is to be handled and as a result some SCSI devices are not
compatible with others. Scanners and some CD-ROMS fall into these category as
they do not include the BIOS for self-booting hard drives.
There are several implementations of SCSI.
SCSI-1 included many features and commands, but listed them as optional so
many were not used causing incompatibility galore. SCSI-1 was limited to
5MB/sec transfers. SCSI-1 devices were 8 bit.
SCSI-2 fixed this by requiring 18 commands to be coded, a Common Command Set
(CCS). SCSI-2 also brought support for CD-ROMS, tape drives, and other
devices. There was Fast SCSI-2 and a 16 bit version called Wide SCSI-2.
Fast synchronous SCSI and Wide SCSI were an optional specifications and raised
the transfer rate to 10MB/sec when each was used by itself. However, fast and
wide can be combined and raise transfer rates to 20MB/sec. There was also a
32 bit specification defined, but was not implemented as being too expensive.
Q) 3.2 How can I tell if I have MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE/SCSI?
Open the computer and check the model number of the drive and contact the
manufacturer is the only way to be 100% certain in many cases.
That aside, the first thing to check is the number of pins on the drive's
connector(s) and how many cables you have. The second thing to check is the
CMOS setup, assuming, of course, that it is in a working system.
ST-506/412 = two or three cables (1 drive or 2 drives): two 20 pin, and one
34 pin if two drives are connected (do not attempt to connect an
ESDI drive to these cables, although it will attach the signals
are different).
17 (MFM) or 26 (RLL) sectors per track.
One 34 pin cable is daisy-chained between up to two drives much
like floppies, though due to different twist in the cable they
are not interchangeable. Many of these interfaces include a
provision for connecting floppies though.
A terminating resistor is used if only one drive is connected.
ESDI = 2 cables: 34 pin and a 20 pin (as stated in the ST-506/412 section both
the 34 and 20 pin are identical in looks to the cables that are used
with
the ST-506/412 interface, but do not connect a MFM or RLL drive to this
interface).
usually set up as type #1 in the CMOS and auto-configured at boot time
32 sectors per track or more and almost always 1:1 interleave giving
up to 1MB/sec transfer capability.
IDE = 1 cable: 40 pins with three pin-header style connectors on it. One
plugs into the IDE interface connector and the other far end into the
primary drive (usually...sometimes this is the secondary), followed by
the secondary being connected in the middle (again it is possible the
primary is in the middle).
Sectors, heads and tracks are variable.
CMOS does not determine accurately.
SCSI-1 = 1 cable: 50 pins
SCSI-2 = 1 cable: 68 pins
PS/2 uses 60 pins so I am not sure if there is a way to tell between
SCSI-1 and SCSI-2 on a PS/2
Aftermarket controllers use the standard 50 pin and some use the
Apple
SCSI connector for external drives.
usually set up as "not installed" in the CMOS
Q) 3.3 Why won't my two hard drives work together?
IDE: (Assuming the user has determined that the Master/Slave arrangements are
correct). IDE drives of different makes may just be incompatible, likewise
occasionally different models of the same manufacturer are. Try two identical
drives, swapping master and slave, or trying a combination of a third drive
with any of the other two and the problem should usually cease.
SCSI: (Again assuming the user understands how to configure a SCSI adapter).
If using SCSI-1 spec drives, there just may be incompatibilities between them,
try another drive preferably of the same manufacturer or better yet an
identical drive. With later SCSI specifications, chances are something is not
terminated or ID'd properly. Try changing the order.
Q) 3.4 How do I install a second controller?
Simply pull it in and boot with the reference disk and viola. Of course it is
never this easy. Occasionally some controllers are incompatible with one
another and it is impossible to get them to work together. For this reason
try to keep controllers identical (use the same manufacturer at the very
least).
Q) 3.5 Which is better, SCSI or IDE or ESDI?
Again like the MCA versus ISA/EISA/VLB/PCI debate. There is what is better in
theory and what is better in real life. ESDI is a dead standard with much
faster and larger capacity, cheaper IDE drives out there, though it had the
possibility of being the fastest. Unfortunately in the PS/2 arena you usually
can't chose IDE which with the newer versions offers almost all of the speed
of the best SCSI drives and still is the fastest single user, single task OS
drive there is. SCSI, however, with multitasking operating systems shines,
especially the later Fast/Wide standards. Though I do not know of any PS/2
controller capable of the 40MB/sec and 80MB/sec of today's top SCSI drives the
10-20MB/sec performance is more than enough for many desktops.
Q) 3.6 Can MFM/RLL/ESDI/IDE and SCSI coexist?
The PC is limited to two drive controllers total. SCSI, however, is a "host
adapter" and not a drive controller. To the rest of your system, it appears
more like an Ethernet card than a drive controller. For this reason, SCSI will
always be able to coexist with any type dive controller. The main drawback
here is that on most systems, you must boot off a disk on the primary drive
controller, if you have one. That means if you have SCSI and IDE in your
system, for example, you can not directly boot from the SCSI drive. There are
various ways to get around this limitation, including the use of a boot
manager.
MFM and RLL are the methods of writing the data to the disk and as such almost
always exist together (MFM for the floppy drives and RLL for the fixed disks).
Q) 3.7 What's the difference between SCSI and SCSI-2? Are they compatible?
The main difference between SCSI and SCSI-2 are some new minor features that
the average person will never notice. Both run at a maximum 5MB/s. Though
Fast and Wide SCSI-2 double this speed and can be combined to quadruple it.
All versions of SCSI will work together (SCSI-1 in compatible with SCSI-1 only
in theory as there was no set command set, however, I have never experienced
such an incompatibility). On power up, the SCSI host adapter and each
device(separately) determine the best command set and the speed that each is
capable of.
For more information on this, refer to the comp.periphs.scsi FAQ.
Q) 3.8 Can I use a non-IBM ESDI in a PS/2?
[From: helling@uwindsor.ca ]
FORMATTING A NON_IBM ESDI DRIVE FOR A PS/2 80.
Well, it might have been impossible for me to put a simple MFM
hard drive into my model 80 PS/2, 4M, model 8580-111, but I
did get a NON-IBM ESDI drive installed, using a PS/2 ESDI
controller, and the following patched version of LLFORMAT.COM,
usually found on the 7080 reference disk....
First: a rumor that the following PS/2 80's LIKE MFM and ESDI:
041,071,111,311
and the following, which supposedly came with SCSI don't...
121, 161, possibly AXX...
This is unconfirmed, and mine is a 111, so it worked....
1) In dos, go to your ref disk, make a directory called SPARE,
copy LLFORMAT.COM to it (nice safe backup copy)
1a) Copy the dos DEBUG.EXE program onto the ref disk...
Now follow this, paying attention to my comments...
>>>> comment O mine....
---------------------------- QUOTING ---------------------------
: >3. This DEBUG procedure has been documented by Tillman Schmidt of
: > Koeln, Germany following the translation of an article in the
: > German c't Magazin fr Computertechnik, issue 5/1991, page 272f.
The reference-disk comes with a program to low-level-format a hard disk:
LLFORMAT.COM; boot from the reference-disk and press CTRL-A in the main menu
to get a menu for extended diagnose. To low-level-format a non-IBM-disk,
you have to patch llformat.com with debug as described below.
LLFORMAT.COM doesn't format a non-IBM-hard disk, because there is a
defect-map (info about defect blocks) on the cylinder before the last on
IBM-disks. But llformat.com only calls a BIOS-routine via INT 13h, where
one can set a flag to ignore the defect-map (set bits 0,1 in CL-register)
Here is the reference for the BIOS-low-level-formatting-routine:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>> No idea what this means, but it's impressive as heck... read on......
ESDI-Formatter:
===============
INT 13h, function 1Ah
register-settings:
AH=1Ah ; format ESDI
AL=number of additional given defect-blocks; when AL=0 the address in ES:BX
is ignored
ES:BX=address of the table with the additional defect-blocks
CL=some options:
bits 7-5: must be 0
bit 4: when set an interrupt (int 15h with AH=0Fh, AL=some status)
is triggered after formatting one cylinder
The interrupt-handler must clear the carry-flag CF, otherwise
(or when an interrupt isn't handled) formatting is aborted
bit 3: when set the hard disk's surface is analyzed in detail;
may be set only when the disk was formatted successfully with
bit 3=0 before
bit 2: a second defect map is written to disk, when this bit is 1;
this defect-map contains the already known defects plus the ones
given at address ES:BX and that found during detailed
analysis (bit 3=1)
bit 1: when this bit is set, the second defect-map is ignored
bit 0: when this bit is set, the first defect-map is also ignored
(this is normally written by the manufacturer)
DL=number of hd; 80h for the first drive, 81h for the second
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To ignore the defect-maps, you have to patch llformat.com as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>> Here comes the good part.....
PATCH FOR LLFORMAT.COM:
=======================
>debug llformat.com
-r
AX=0000 BX=0000 CX=8195 DX=0000 SP=FFFE BP=0000 SI=0000 DI=0000
DS=2B78 ES=2B78 SS=2B78 CS=2B78 IP=0100 NV UP EI PL NZ NA PO NC
2B78:0100 E9C50D JMP 0EC8
>>>>> See that CX= number? I am a complete newbie at DEBUG,
but it has something to do with file length and position on
the floppy. Write yours down....
-s100 8295 b4 1a b0 00 8a ; search formatting-routine
>>>>> See how it appears, again, incremented a bit (8195 =>
>>>>> 8295)? do this to your number in its place. Use HEX! so an E
>>>>> =>F etc....
>>>>> Lord! I am debug clueless eh!
2B78:8272 ; the byte sequence is found twice
2B78:8284
>>>>> You, of course got different numbers... write em down...
-u8272
; ^^^^ this is the first of the two found addresses
>>>>>> do this with your first number, the second part, of
>>>>>> course... Your XXXX:XXXX numbers will be different, but
>>>>>> the rest will make sense, note that the screen will line up
>>>>>> the numbers in nice columns, not exactly as shown below...
; now debug shows this:
2B78:8272 B41A MOV AH,1A ; select "FORMAT"-function
2B78:8274 B000 MOV AL,00 ; no additional defect map
2B78:8276 8A160473 MOV DL,[7304]
2B78:827A b114 MOV CL,14 ; <--- change 14 to 15!
2B78:827C 0A0E7377 OR CL,[7773]
2B78:8280 CD13 INT 13 ; BIOS-call
2B78:8282 7210 JB 8294 ; error -> return
2B78:8284 B41A MOV AH,1A
2B78:8286 B000 MOV AL,00
2B78:8288 8A160473 MOV DL,[7304]
2B78:828C B11C MOV CL,1C ; <--- change 1c to 1d!
2B78:828E 0A0E7377 OR CL,[7773]
-u
>>>>>> Don't get antsy! just look, the -u means show next
>>>>>> page... NOW: see the lines to be changed above?
>>>>>> WRITE DOWN THEIR ADDRESS NUMBERS!!!
2B78:8292 CD13 INT 13
2B78:8294 C3 RET
2B78:8295 0000 ADD [BX+SI],AL
; and so on...
>>>>>> Now the scary part: -e for edit... unless you -w
>>>>>> something you can always -q then try again...
-e827B ; <---- insert address of the first byte that must be changed
2B78:827B 14.15
>>>>>> USE your first change address number. The screen is
>>>>>> different from above. tap the space bar to get 14. then put 15
>>>>>> right after it. use the -u command to list it. did it change
>>>>>> correctly? Note the number right after the address changed
>>>>>> too, as well as the endmost... Actually, everything past the
>>>>>> first column is interpretation of it, but if it changed right,
>>>>>> you got it... If it didn't, -q and try again...
-e828D ; <---- insert address of the second byte that must be changed
2B78:828D 1C.1D
>>>>>> One more time! Use -u to check both, then:
-w ; save the patched program
Writing 08195 bytes
>>>>> Your mileage may vary...
-q ; that's it
I hope this will help you!
Martin.
(schmidm@informatik.tu-muenchen.de)
------------------------- END QUOTE ----------------------
>>>>>> The above person posted the XLATION, and might have
developed this. I found it with DEJANEWS, thanks to a tip from
Aron Eisenpress, who has been invaluable with his help and
suggestions, etc...
Of course, I floundered through DEBUG (1st time) but it seemed
to go ok...
2) Install ESDI drive. Drive was previously set up to work
with an ISA card, a DTC, I think... Cabling is similar to an
MFM drive, drive 0 gets the middle, no twist wide cable plug, and
the skinny cable from the middle connector. Plug in the IBM
card in the top-most slot, (cables are SHORT), hook up power
and ground, cables to drive, insert REF disk, turn on....
Run auto-configuration, restart, computer sez to test the
drive...DON'T BOTHER.
3) Press CTRL-A instead, choose format the drive, DO IT.
3A) You get an error message, it wants to do a FACTORY REFORMAT,
LET IT, it will take a while: 45 min for a CDC 94216-106,
(1024x5x34spt) 86M. When finished, reboot with a dos disk,
run FDISK and FORMAT C:/U/S. Run a few surface tests using
NDD or PCTOOLS, or whatever if you feel like it.
OH yeh: I'm using dos 5....
4) CROW! Yehawwww!
Now, to try and get a second ESDI drive set up as D:
Hope this can help some others, Just trying to get the info
out where it can keep the old beasts going...
Q) 3.9 Do I need a reference disk for my SCSI drive?
No, only for the controller. This question has come up a lot lately. If you
are having problems getting a new drive to work with a existing working SCSI
setup, call the drive manufacturer and try not to tell them it is a PS/2.
Also refer to some of the earlier SCSI questions about problems that arise
(switching drives around works many times). Most tech support people have
heard rumors that PS/2's need reference disks for everything and that they are
incompatible with everything. So they either tell you to get the reference
disk (usually from IBM as if they support third parties ever) or that their
drive is not compatible with PS/2 computers. I would also call the SCSI
adapter manufacturer (assuming they are still around and supporting it) for
clues. Remember setting up SCSI drives can have a lot of variables, keep
checking for proper ID, proper termination, and the like.
When shopping for a SCSI controller card, I would recommend either the Adaptec
1640 or the Future Domain MCS-700 (or the MCS-600 which is the same except
uses an Apple type DB-25 external SCSI connector instead of the standard 50
pin. Both use the 50 pin connector for the internal drives).
Q) 3.10 What is a 16550UART and do I need one? Does my PS/2 have it?
The 16550 is a UART with two 16 byte FIFOs. A UART is the part of a serial
port that takes byte-wide (characters) data and converts it to bit-wide
(serial) data, and visa versa. The FIFO is a buffer which can hold characters
until the CPU is ready to remove it or until the serial line is ready to
transmit it. The 'normal' UART in the PC (the 8250 or 16450) only has 1-byte
FIFOs. The additional 15 bytes can be useful when the CPU is busy doing other
things - if the CPU isn't able to remove data fast enough, it will be lost.
The OS or program has to explicitly support 16550 to make full use of its
advantages.
A very important thing to note is that under DOS, the CPU doesn't have
anything else to do, so the 16550 is wasted. Only under multitasking
operating systems does it really become useful. The 16550 will *not* make
your file transfers any faster, it will only prevent data from being lost and
relieve your CPU of some overhead. If you notice system performance dropping
like a rock when file transfers are occurring, a 16550 may be helpful. If
you see re-transmissions (bad packets) or "FIFO overrun's" during file
transfers under a multitasking OS, try the same thing under DOS - if the
errors go away, then chances are a 16550 will be useful. If they remain, then
your problem is likely to be elsewhere.
PS/2s without the more modern 16550A UART are usually limited to lower data
rates (not because of the 16550 UART but because the other UARTs are slow).
Usually 14.4k max with no compression. The PS/2 models and type of UART are
listed below.
From: Aron Eisenpress :
The following information is taken directly from the PS/2 Hardware
Interface Technical References.
Four types of serial port controllers have been used on the system
boards of PS/2's.
To programs, the Type 1 controller appears to be identical to the serial port
on the IBM Personal Computer AT IBM Personal Computer Serial/Parallel
Adapter.
The Type 2 controller incorporates all functions of the Type 1 and also
provides support of the first-in-first-out (FIFO) mode.
The Type 3 controller incorporates all functions of the Type 2 controller and
provides the Direct Memory Access (DMA) mode.
The Type 4 controller incorporates all the functions of the Type 3 controller
and provides additional I/O addresses.
For type 1 and type 2 controllers data speed should not exceed 19.2kbaud.
Type 3 and type 4 controllers support up to 345.6 Kbaud.
Below is a list of the type of serial controller used in each model in the
Micro Channel PS/2 line: (Note, these are IBM's published times. I have been
advised by
Mark Seecof that any PS/2 with the 16550A (including the
16550AF) is
capable of over 19.2 Kbaud as long as the software supports it).
Model Type of Serial Port Max Speed
----- ------------------- -----------
8550 1,2 19.2 Kbaud
8551 (N51) 2 19.2 Kbaud
8554 (CL57) 2 19.2 Kbaud
8555 2 19.2 Kbaud
8556 4 345.6 Kbaud
8557 4 345.6 Kbaud
8560 1,2 19.2 Kbaud
8565 2 19.2 Kbaud
8570 2 19.2 Kbaud
8573 (P70) 2 19.2 Kbaud
8580 1,2 19.2 Kbaud
8590 3 345.6 Kbaud
8595 3 345.6 Kbaud
IBM uses a proprietary chip instead of the 16550 UART in PS/2's. The serial
port controller in all of the above PS/2 models (except the PS/2 models 55
and 65) is compatible with the National Semiconductor NS16450 serial port.
The serial port controller in the PS/2 models 55 and 65 is generally
compatible with the NS16550A serial-communications controller.
PS/2's with Type 2, Type 3, or Type 4 serial port controllers support the
first-in-first-out (FIFO) mode. The exception is the PS/2 model 50 with a
Type 2 serial port controller. According to the PS/2 Hardware Interface
Technical Reference - System Specific Information, model 60's and 80's with
Type 2 serial port controllers do support FIFO mode.
[incomplete please help me obtain the UART data on the other PS/2s. A good
program is Snooper v3.30 by Vias and Associates for $39 available as shareware
on most BBSs and internet ftp sites, please register if you decide to keep it]
Q) 3.11 Should I buy an internal or external modem?
In general, it is better to go with an external modem for two reasons. First
MCA slots are valuable commodities in most systems (i.e. Model 50s with only 3
slots) and secondly, an MCA card modem will be a lot more money when a
standard external modem will work fine. Also an external modem provides
visual clues to tell you what is going on with the data.
Sometimes internal is the only way to go though. The Windsurfer Adapter
with its 14.4k data modem, 9600 FAX and telephone answering/voice mail is
only available internally, however, this is not such a waste of a MCA slot
as you are getting several products on one card. I believe in its last
incarnation (it has been discountinued) some versions were 33.6k capable which
is still ok for many.
Q) 3.12 What kinds of sound cards are available?
There are a few believe it or not. Though new they cost around $150 which is
a little steep these days for a sound card with SoundBlasters selling for $30.
Kahlon computers at www.kahlon.com and 800-317-9989 offers one for $125
(though I am not sure who actually makes it). The original was the
SoundBlaster MCV which is an 8 bit card and probably should be avoided due to
the problems it has with compatibility. The SoundBlaster Pro MCV is a 8 bit
card which supposedly works better, yet both SoundBlasters are no longer made.
The next option is the Audiovation/A ($249) which is a 16 bit card capable of
44.1KHz sampling rates is SoundBlaster compatible and is currently being
revised for better support. Another option is the M-Audio Capture/A which is
said to be more of a sound editor than one for games. Another option is the
WindSurfer Card. This is probably overkill as solely a soundcard for its $400
low price, but it does offer a 14.4k modem (some up to 33.6k), 9600 FAX and
telephone answering/voice mail on one card. This card is probably not as
compatible as the Audiovation is, but maybe worth a test to see if it does
what you would like. The Chipchat is currently available in both 16 bit
($129) and 32 bit ($159 with wavetable)go to www.chipchat.com or call them at
(313)565-4000. Reply Technologies has a card out using the chipset from
Creative Labs, the Vibra 16, which is SoundBlaster 16 compatible and it is
also available linked up to a Future Domain SCSI-2 controller. One more
option comes from Piper Research at www.piper-research.com and 612-459-2770,
this is a SoundBlaster compatible card. They used to only make a 16 bit card
($129.95), but now they have a 32 bit version ($159.95) and a 32 bit with 3D
sound ($179.95).
Here is the specs to the Piper Card:
(From: ejfluhr@wc101.residence.gatech.edu (Eric J. Fluhr) and
corykim@vnet.ibm.com (Cory Kim))
Piper Research, Inc.
Attn: Sales
PO Box 241
Newport, MN 55055
Voice/Orders: (612) 459-2770 (Mastercard/Visa/AmEx)
Fax: (612) 458-1978
16 bit stereo sound card. Records, compresses and plays back voice,
sound and music with computer controlled mixer settings and Yamaha OPL-3
based FM synthesis. In addition, connections are provided for CD-audio,
line-in, dual joystick, MIDI and speakers. Other key features include:
o Micro Channel Architecture compatible o 4 Watt Stereo Amplifier
o Half-Size Adapter o Compatible with all Major
o Auto-configures like all MC cards Software Programs
o Multimedia PC Compatible o Stereo Mixer & Amplifier
o Integrated 16 bit A/D and D/A Converters o Patented ESPCM Compression
o Programmable Digital Volume Control o Windows compatible and
o Programmable Sample Rates to 44.1 kHz OLE Compliant inc. Win95
o DOS-register compatible with SoundBlaster o Several bundled Applets
and drivers
32 bit stereo sound card. Records, compresses and plays back voice,
sound and music with computer controlled mixer settings and Yamaha OPL-3
based FM synthesis. In addition, connections are provided for CD-audio,
line-in, dual joystick, MIDI and speakers. Other key features include:
o Micro Channel Architecture compatible o 4 Watt Stereo Amplifier
o Half-Size Adapter o Compatible with all Major
o Auto-configures like all MC cards Software Programs
o Multimedia PC Compatible o Stereo Mixer & Amplifier
o Integrated 16 bit A/D and D/A Converters o Patented ESPCM Compression
o Programmable Digital Volume Control o Windows compatible and
o Programmable Sample Rates to 44.1 kHz OLE Compliant inc. Win95
o DOS-register compatible with SoundBlaster o Several bundled Applets
o Daugthercard connector for 3D sound option and drivers
(however this is useless as it must be
purchased with the card).
3D Sound for SoundPiper 32. Adds Spatializer(TM) two speaker surround effect
with three levels, independent bass and treble, MUST BE ORDERED WITH
SoundPiper 32 as it cannot be bought separately.
The SoundBlaster and Piper Cards are industry standards and thus offer the
most compatibility in most games Piper uses the SoundBlaster Pro Chip from
ESS. Most these cards may cause problems in the Windows environment as they
were developed before Windows was around, however for DOS games the
SoundBlaster Pro is THE card to have. The Audiovation/A and the others only
emulate a SoundBlaster using Mwave technology which is THE thing for WINDOWS.
So depending on what you do most choose a card, also two cards can be used if
the reference disk is patched.
From thedean@ibm.net:
There has been much discussion regarding PS/2 Micro Channel - MCA - sound
cards. Here is a quick comparison. This comparison addresses both hardware
and driver capabilities. It is important to consider both, since if there is
no driver to support a hardware capability then the capability is not useable.
A perfect example is OS/2 drivers. Although each sound card in this
comparison has "16 bit" record/playback hardware, some cards use the
"SoundBlaster Pro MCV" driver shipped with OS/2 Warp. This driver only
supports "8 bit", not allowing "16 bit" files to be recorded or played.
MicroChannel
CARD -> ChipChat-16 ChipChat-32 Piper-16/32 Reply
HARDWARE:
16 bit rec/play YES YES YES YES
MPU-401 MIDI YES YES NO YES
WaveTable upgrade YES NO upgrade
FM YES YES YES YES
Stereo Mixer 6 Channel 6 Channel 5 Channel 5 Channel
SoundBlaster YES YES YES YES
CD audio connectors YES,4 YES,4 YES,1 YES,1
IBM Front Panel conn. YES YES YES NO
SOFTWARE DRIVERS:
16 bit rec/play
WIN 3.1 YES YES YES YES
WIN 95 YES YES YES NO
WIN NT YES YES YES ?
OS/2 YES YES YES NO
WIN-OS/2 YES YES YES ?
AIX YES YES NO NO
WaveTable support
DOS upgrade YES NO upgrade
WIN 3.1 upgrade YES NO upgrade
WIN 95 upgrade YES NO NO
WIN NT upgrade YES NO ?
OS/2 upgrade YES NO NO
AIX upgrade YES NO NO
General Midi upgrade YES NO YES
Roland MPU-401
DOS YES YES NO YES
WIN 3.1 YES YES NO YES
WIN 95 YES YES NO NO
WIN NT YES YES NO ?
OS/2 YES YES NO NO
AIX YES YES NO NO
SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY:
DOS GAMES - Out of the box play no problem
DOOM YES YES Problems Problems
HERETIC YES YES NO ?
DESCENT YES YES NO ?
Game with WaveTable YES YES NO sometimes
AGENCY APPROVALS - YES means can sell and ship to those countries
World Wide Approvals YES YES NO NO
CE-MARK (Europe,UK..) YES YES NO NO
FCC-B (USA) YES YES YES YES
CSA (Canadian) YES YES ? ?
VCCI (JAPAN) YES YES NO NO
Also see Appendix F for a full listing of PS/2 Sound Cards.
Q) 3.13 Can I run both a SoundBlaster and the Audiovation/A?
[Jacques@cpmc.ucl.ac.be (Alain Jacques)]
Yes, it works ... after patching the ADF file. What's conflicting is the
addresses of the game port, defined in both ADF's as fixed resources and
therefore the conflict cannot be managed by the POS itself. If you choose to
keep the game port on the SBPro, just as I did, your Audiovation ADF file
@8FD6.ADF should look like the end of this message.
If you have difficulties, don't hesitate to email to me. BTW, there are new
Audiovation Windows drivers on IBM PC Co BBS (i.e. version 2.1 = av211.dsk,
av212.dsk, av213.dsk, av21util.dsk).
See Appendix C for Program listing.
Q) 3.14 Can I fake a keyboard so my computer will boot without it?
Well unlike the standard IBMs and clones, PS/2s perform a keyboard test at
boot. Some have the option of canceling the keyboard test through a setting
in the reference disk. If you do not have this option you must leave the
keyboard attached (or if you have the engineering experience doctor up a
small board that sends the proper reponses to the test back and can plug
into the keyboard port :)).
Or use this device below reported by Louis Ohland
http://www.raritan.com/newsite/guardian.htm.
Picture is at http://www.raritan.com/newsite/images/pgrdian.gif.
Blurb:
Each Guardian for PC, Mac, and Sun computers plugs into the keyboard port
and mouse port, and appears to the computer as its physical keyboard and
mouse. Since Guardian behaves like a keyboard and mouse, the computer will
boot and run flawlessly.
Guardian is powered by the computer and provides ports so you can "hot"
connect a keyboard and mouse anytime to operate the system. Using Guardian
with PCs connected to a mechanical A/B switch will eliminate PC booting
and keyboard locking problems.
With Guardian in line, you can hot connect or disconnect MasterConsole
cable or a physical keyboard and mouse. For mission-critical servers
connected to Raritan's MasterConsole, Guardian provides a "fail-safe"
service port.
Guardian for Mac and Guardian for Sun also convert the keyboard, mouse, and
video signals to PS/2 and VGA standards. This enables any number of Mac or
Sun computers equipped with Guardian, as well as PCs, to be connected to
MasterConsole and controlled with a single PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, and
VGA monitor.
Guardian for PS/2 -- APKME
S) 4.0 Upgrading Processor/Coprocessor/Disks/Video/CDROM
Q) 4.1 I don't have the money for a new computer or motherboard, what can I
do?
[PC Magazine 11-08-94, alkemyst@shadow.net)
Kingston Technology makes upgrades to raise the level of all chips (i.e. 286
to 386, 386 to 486, 486 to 586). Some are CPU replacements, others are
daughterboard cards, and the granddaddy is the MCMaster. The CPU replacements
offer very little performance gain if your system is strapped with slow
peripherals and memory, but can get you running 386 or 486 software. The
daughterboard 486/NOW! replaces both the CPU and math coprocessor, but
performance-wise it is a disappointment. The MCMaster is MCA architecture in
action. Using busmastering it allows the card to take over CPU functions and
make the computer run a lot faster using its own 128k L2 cache and up to 32MB
of memory. This card shows promise and in most cases performs better than the
daughterboards and CPU plug-ins, however it lags slightly in DOS video
performance and video in general as it must 'cross' the bus on to the
motherboard. Still the MCMaster is probably the fastest in this list and the
only upgrade that can add L2 cache to computers without the option. [Formats:
486/NOW!: models 70/80 to 33PD3 or 33PS3 (don't know what
the PD3 or PS3 maybe D=DX and S=SX.); MCMaster: for models 55, 56, 57, 65,
70, and 80: to 33MHz or 50MHz...note only 50MHz with 8MB+ boosted performance
and so it did significantly. The price for this level is $1000-1400.][NDP:
built in to the 486 chip.]
Intel has a SnapIn 386 module for PS/2 models 50, 50Z and 60. It features a
20MHz 80386SX, 16K cache and it can utilize an existing 80287 math
coprocessor. I have one in a model 60 and have had no problems with it.
IBM offers for the 386 PS/2 Model 70 and 80 with 16 or 20MHz processors a
Power Platform upgrade with a 486DX33 on it. See above IBM PARTS LIST for
features and part numbers. These are expensive ($500-700) and are no longer
made, but can still be obtained esp. from the Boulder Parts Surplus Plant
800-388-7080.
IBM re-released the Blue Lightning chip for PS/2's again. This time it is for
the 25MHz machines also. It offers 16K internal cache, enhanced 386/486
instruction set, and 33/66MHz performance (though the 33 will be replaced with
whatever your system runs at). Also you can add a math coprocessor. The L1
cache design is supposed to be what sets this chip off
from the rest (Hypertec). I talked to a IBM tech who actually had the Cyrix
DRx2-50 and was asked to help test out this new chip. He stated he saw the
same performance jump from going to a Cx486DRx2-50 from his 386DX25 as going
to the BL2 from the Cyrix. I would call that an upgrade worth considering,
esp. at the mere $345 IBM is asking. IBMPN#13H6698 $345.
IBM also has a SLC2-66 chip out for 55SX offering up to 10x the
performance. Features 16K L1 cache, enhanced instruction set, and allows
existing 387SX usage providing it is a 33MHz chip. IBMPN#13H6694 $259.
Cyrix offers very good options for the 386 to 486 conversion if you are on
a tight budget. Their DRx2 line offers clock doubled performance at a low
price. The chips perform very well and just require removal of the 386 and
popping in the new chip. Pricewise they can't be beat and though not offering
the performance of their $500+ cousins they |
