PlanetZ forums - scopeusers.com

inspired by the 'SRB' thread I stumbled across this page:
http://www.calpc.com/catalog/risercards.html

they have PCI adapters switchable between 3,3 and 5V in both directions - if 'VIO' is a synonym for signal voltage this could do the trick for Scope - at least technically the aestethic side may require some additional thoughts.

the pics show the various versions of 'cuts' in the cards, as once discussed here.

cheers, Tom

edit:
forget about it: VIO is NOT signal voltage

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: astroman on 2005-07-20 05:35 ]</font>

very interesting indeed.

great! thanks Astro

dp

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: hubird on 2005-07-20 07:08 ]</font>

Did you tell Frank and co. about this?

i don't really think that converting the cards to 3.3v would be all that difficult...

it's not exactly relevant anyway as OSX is still unsupported*, but it shows that there's always a way... - directed at those who immediately start complaining if conditions change...
I don't have the experience to judge if it's usable at all (it even looks a bit too simple), but anyone in industrial engineering (like CWA) certainly knows about those things.

cheers, Tom

* any version of OSX below 10.3 is (simplyfied) just crap.
an advantage in usability is first introduced with 10.3, but even this version uses the CPU to render text, giving the interface a real chewing gum appeal...
10.4 (Tiger) seems to do things right, but it has taken Apple 5(!) years to get there, despite a huge budget for R&D - go figure.

Beware of 5V PCI to 3.3V PCI conversion, not only physically changed. The I/O Bus buffers and device Logics have incompatible threshold, Voltage level, Clock source (33Mhz to 66Mhz) and timing as well.

LongStudio

The straight forward can be done on the down conversion from 3.3 PCI to 5V PCI. In case the hardware design is restricted for 5-Volt tolerance I/O buffer technology and support whether 32-Bit or 64-bit.

LHong, exactly your concern are covered by the text in the link above (at least as I understand it) - they don't simply cut into a PCI board
they are not far from your location - would you mind a phone call ?

cheers, Tom

Hi Tom,
Technically answered should be by Creamware, that it (SCOPE Board) has restricted in design or not. The guys who make the Adapters for it would have no ideas.

Hope this helps,
Long


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: LHong on 2005-07-20 04:49 ]</font>

I've checked this 'VIO' thing - that's not the signal level, so all remains the same
among other sources:
http://www.pcisig.com/reflector/msg03400.html

edited the title accordingly, but well - the search brought some nice hardware extensions to my attention, so it wasn't all in vain...

except for the Mac guys - sorry, Tom


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: astroman on 2005-07-20 06:07 ]</font>

hmmmm...*strokes beard*

cheers for this! I'll keep looking around and let you all know if I find something useful.

ta. sam.

[just realised that I shoulda started the SRB thread in the Tech bit...oops ;]

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: sAMsKi on 2005-07-25 14:52 ]</font>

My mail to Creamware:

On the Apple website you can read that you can choose between PCI or PCI-X.
The PCI slot can be used for 5,0 V cards but only at 3,3 V signaling. Can I use my PowerPulsarII cards with such slots ?

Knowing that you are investing time and efforts for providing us with an OS X version of SFP, your answer is critical in my decision of buying an Apple Power G5 Dual 2Ghz with PCI slots rather than a Power G5 2,7Ghz.

I love your sytem but I want to move completely on Apple.

PS: hereunder the details about PCI and PCI-X

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86790
About PCI Expansion Cards
Your Macintosh has three expansion slots, labeled 2, 3, and 4, which can accommodate expansion cards up to 12 inches long. Depending upon the model of your Power Mac G5, you can install either PCI or PCI-X cards.

Maximum power consumption for all four expansion slots (the three PCI expansion cards and the AGP card) should not exceed 90 watts (W).

Card type supported Slot Card speed
PCI slots 2, 3, and 4 64-bit, 33 MHz
PCI-X slots 2 and 3 64-bit, 100 MHz
slot 4 64-bit, 133 MHz
The PCI slots can accomodate mixed-voltage (5.0 V, 12 V, or 3.3 V) cards, but only at 3.3 V signaling, with 32-bit or 64-bit data widths and a 33 MHz frequency. You can add a 66 MHz card to a 33 MHz PCI slot if the card can operate at the lower 33 MHz rate.

Warning: Do not use PCI cards that function only at 66 MHz in the 33 MHz PCI slots. Damage to your equipment could result. If you have a 66 MHz PCI card, check with the card's manufacturer to see if it also works at 33 MHz.

I just 'sawed' in a 3.3V key in my Pulsar1.....but MB doesn't boot when
it's in a PCI-X slot.....but the board still work....)
So now the community knows that....Pulsar1 Rev 1.0
I have another Scope card with rev1.3(or03)....could be somewhat
different....maybe any ideas from 'old' CW technicians....

Would it be possible to supply higher voltage or what's the game with this....

After that i was searching for riser cards and found some nice other risers.....Would this one perhaps work for PCIX?

http://store.orbitmicro.com/commerce/ca ... ct_id=4355

And hej, (again) new CW owners......hmmmm let's see how that will
affect support for these cards....

Cheers to all,
Ray