Technical Support
for DayStar Digital Products

Non-Apple Hard Drive Formatting Issues

Apple's formatting software does not offer the "blind transfers" option so if you used their formatting software this is not an issue. However, if you used a third party formatting software, you should contact the manufacturer of the software (if it is not in your manual) and inquire about disabling "blind transfers" on your accelerated Mac.

When a Macintosh owner purchases a new (or used) hard drive, the disk is usually already formatted. Some disks are shipped with software included that give the user some control over the operation of their hard drive.

The program which controls access to the hard drive is called a disk driver. The driver is written to the disk at the time the disk is formatted. Most users never see this operation and many don't even know that it has to occur before their hard drive becomes usable by their Macintosh.

Many disk drivers allow something called "blind transfers" which was designed to speed up the transfer of information between the hard drive and the Macintosh.

Many third party (non Apple) formatters provide the "blind transfers" option that can cause compatibility problems when you upgrade your Mac. For this reason, we recommend you disable the "blind transfers" option before installing your Turbo 040/Value 040/PowerPro 601.

Performing a Clean System Installation (System 7.5) using Easy Install

Clean installation renames your System Folder and installs a new System Folder on your hard disk drive. Any special files you've added to your System Folder remain on your hard disk, and you can install them into your new System Folder after you install the system software.

1. Shut down your computer.
   
2. Insert the Disk Tools Disk (from System 7.5) into the floppy disk drive.
   
3. Turn on your computer. The Disk Tools icon appears on your screen.
   
4. Double-click the Disk First Aid icon and follow the on-screen instructions. Disk First Aid checks your hard disk drive for any problems.
   
5. When you are finished, choose Quit from the File menu.
   
6. Choose Restart from the Special menu.
   
7. Insert the Install Me First disk into a floppy disk drive and open the disk by double-clicking on its icon.
   
8. Open the Installer by double-clicking its icon.
   
9. When you see the Installer's welcome screen, click Continue. The Easy Install Dialog box appears.
   
10. Make sure that the Destination Disk indicated on the screen is the one on which which you want to install system software. If the wrong disk name appears, click the Switch Disk button until the correct disk name appears.
    
11. Hold down the Shift-Command-K to start the clean installation.
    
12. Click the Install New System Folder button and click OK. In the Easy Install dialog box, the install button changes to Clean Install.
    
13. Follow the on-screen instructions. It takes a few minutes to complete the installation.
    
14. When you see a message reporting that the installation was successful, you may need to click Restart. (You need to restart only if you installed software onto the startup disk.)
    
15. Run the Daystar Installer to reinstall the PowerPro 601 software. (See "Installing the PowerPro 601 software" in Chaper 8 of the PowerPro 601 manual.)
    
16. You may want to copy some other files (such as screen savers or other personilized items) from the "Previous System Folder" into the System Folder. Be sure to test these items for compatibility by following the instructions in the previous section, "Testing for compatibility".
    

Product Specifications for PowerPro 601

Hardware System Requirements

• Apple Macintosh Centris 610, 650 or Quadra 610, 650, 700, 800, 900, 950 (Centris 610 and Quadra 610 require an adapter and will only work with the 100Mhz version of the PowerPro 601.)
• 8 MB of random-access memory (RAM) or more.

Software System Requirements

• PowerPro Control Panel (included)
• Requires Apple System 7.5 MacOS

Processor

• PowerPC 601 (check the PowerPro 601's packaging for the clock speed) Current clock speed flavor's (66Mhz, 80Mhz, and 100Mhz)
  
  NOTE: The Centris 610 and Quadra 610 can only operate at 80Mhz the PowerPro 601 100Mhz installed. This is due to the 610's 20Mhz clock speed.
• 64-bit data bus
• 32-bit address bus
• Processor Direct Slot (PDS) interface
• Built-in 32KB unified instruction and data cache

Secondary Cache

• Level 2 Static RAM Cache (check the PowerPro 601's packaging for cache size.)
  
  The 66Mhz/ 80Mhz versions of the PowerPro 601 have slots for an optional 1MB Level 2 Static RAM cache card.
  
  The 100Mhz version of the PowerPro 601 has a 1MB Level 2 Static RAM cache soldered onto the card.

ROMs

• Apple PowerPC licensed ROMs

PowerPro 601 with RAM Expansion (66Mhz / 80Mhz version)

Memory requirements

• Uses standard 72-pin Macintosh SIMMs
• 2 banks with two 72-pin SIMM slots each
• 1M X 32 (4MB), 2M x 32 (8MB), 4M x32 (16MB), 8M x 32 (32MB)
• 80 ns or faster
• Non-parity or parity (parity not used)

Memory Configuration

• Valid on board configurations: 0 MB, 8 MB, 16 MB, 24 MB, 32 MB, 40 MB, 48 MB, 64 MB, 72 MB, 80 MB, 96 MB, 128 MB

Environmental Conditions

• 50 degrees to 104 degrees F ( 10 degress to 40 degrees C)
• Humidity: 10% to 80% (non-condensing)
• Altitude: Sea level to 10,000 feet

Compatibility

• Compatible with System 7.5 and standard Macintosh software and hardware
  
  Three Year Limited Warranty

Not Enough Memory to use the System 7.5 Installer

When you try to use the Installer, you see a message that the installer is out of memory. Usually this means that your disk cache or RAM disk is set to high.

Quit all open application programs. Open the Memory control panel, set your disk cache to the the lowest possible setting, turn off your RAM disk and turn on Virtual Memory

Not Enough Memory to install software

When you try to use the Installer, you see a message that your computer doesn't have enough memory to install the software. This means that your Macintosh has less RAM (random-access memory) than is required to use System 7.5

Contact your reseller for information on purchasing additional memory.

Not enough disk space to install the System 7.5 software

When you try to use the Installer, you see a message that there is not enough disk space available to install the software

Make more space available on your hard disk by removing some files from the disk. Make backup copies of the files, if necessary, and then drag them to the Trash and choose Empty Trash from the Special menu.

If you are installing from floppy disks, you can also try starting up your Macintosh using the Install Me First disk. Using the Installer this way requires less disk space.

Difficulty modifying the System File when trying to install System software

When you try to use the Installer, you see a message that the System file cannot be modified (or repeated messages asking if it's okay to modify the System file).

If virus-protection software is turned on, turn it off by dragging it out of the System Folder and restarting your computer. Turn it back on after installation.

Try disabling your extensions by holding down the Shift key while you restart the computer (If you are installing over a network, you cannot use this solution).

Your System Folder may be protected, or the System and the Finder files may be locked. To turn off System Folder Protection use the General Controls panel. To see if your System file or Finder file is locked, select the file's icon, then open the File menu and choose Get Info. To unlock the file, click the Locked checkbox to remove the X. Restart your computer and make sure that the System file and Finder file are unlocked.

A non-native application will not install properly.

Turn off the PowerPro 601. Open the PowerPro Control Panel and select 68040 Startup, then shutdown your Mac. Restart your Macintosh and reinstall the software.

Overall Performance seems sluggish or an application runs slower than it did before installing the card.

Make sure that you have disabled the Easy Access and CloseView Control Panelsand have updated your System software to a full "Universal" version.

If the program is PowerPC native, make sure the the PowerPro 601 was turned on during the programs installation. Some program installers detect which processor is being used and only install a version for that processor.

Be sure that Modern Memory Manager is turned on in the Memory control panel.

If the program is not PowerPC native, it may run faster if you turn off the card when you use it. Use PowerPro Control Panel to switch to the 68040.

Decrease in computer's speed after adding a control panel or system extension

The software may not work well with Power Macintosh computers. To find out if your new system extension or control panel software is the problem, hold down the Space bar while you start up your computer. When the Extensions Manager (Included with System 7.5) opens, turn of the suspect file. Close the Extensions Manager to resume startup. If the computer performs better when the software is turned off, contact the software's manufacturer for information or an upgrade.

Screen Refresh seems sluggish and you are using a NuBus accelerated video card.

Many NuBus accelerated video cards require an upgrade to their ROM chip and driver software to operate at optimal performance with PowerPC. Consult the card's vendor to ensure that you are using the latest version for the PowerPC manchines.

Hard disk performance seems sluggish

Make sure that your hard disks are using a formatter that supports SCSI Manager 4.3

The computer behaves strangely or has problems starting up with the PowerPro 601 card turned on.

It may help to clear out all of the computer's settings (PRAM) by holding down the Command-Option-P-R keys simultaneously while the computer is starting up. (Make sure the Caps Lock key is not pressed.) After restarting, you will need to run to turn on the PowerPro 601 using the PowerPro control panel. You may need to use other control panels to adjust your settings for the date, time monitors, and file sharing, and you mayneed to reselect your printer in the Chooser.

At startup an error informs you that the PowerPro RAM or cache is either not installed properly or is failing

This error message should only apply to PowerPro boards that have optional slots for memory SIMMS and a 1MB Level 2 cache daughercard

Make sure the SIMMS and the cache card (if your PowerPro Model's cache is a daughercard) are installed.If you continue to have this problem...

Try removing the SIMMS or the daughtercard cache, whichever was listed in the error message. If removing the SIMMs solves the problem, replace them with known working modules.

I cannot boot after installing the PowerPro 601 100Mhz Board.

The clock jumper may not be set properly. It needs to placed on the top two pins (Pins 1 and 2) in a 25MHz Macintosh and on the bottom two pins (Pins 2 and 3) for 33 MHz Macintosh. The factory settting is for a 33MHz Macintosh. Refer to the user manual for proper installation.

My computer says it's running at 75MHz after installing the PowerPro 601 100Mhz Board.

The clock jumper may not be set properly. It needs to placed on the top two pins (Pins 1 and 2) in a 25MHz Macintosh and on the bottom two pins (Pins 2 and 3) for 33 MHz Macintosh. The factory settting is for a 33MHz Macintosh. Refer to the user manual for proper installation.

I can't boot in PowerPro 601 mode even though the installation is correct.

The PowerPro 601 100MHz board cannot switch processor modes until you shut down your Macintosh. When the computer restarts, you may notice that your computer's startup sound is different. The startup sounds depends on the processor the computer uses.

Getting an Uniplemented Trap error after installing my PowerPro 601 100Mhz.

The operating System may be corrupt or not installed properly. Make sure System 7.5 was installed during a clean install. To do this, hold down the COMMAND - SHIFT - K keys while doing a custom install selecting "System for any Macintosh".

Do I need to install the Photoshop extras that come on the installer diskettes with PowerPro 601 board?

Photoshop extra includes native filters for improved performance with Photoshop 2.5.1. They are not necessary for Photoshop versions 3.0 or above, because they PowerPC native applications.

How do I add Memory to my PowerPro 601 100Mhz board?

The PowerPro 601 100MHz board is not designed to hold any RAM. It utilizes the RAM on the motherboard of the Macintosh the PowerPro is installed into. You can only add memory to the PowerPro 601 66MHz/ 80Mz with RAM expansion slots.

What is the minimum about RAM that I need to use with the PowerPro 601?

The PowerPro 601 Requires System 7.5 or later. When using System 7.5 it is recommended that a minimum of 8 MB of RAM be installed in the Macintosh.

I get a "Floating Point CoProcessor not installed" and then a system crash in System 7.5

Clearing or (zapping) the Parameter RAM should resolve this problem. To clear the Parameter RAM press COMMAND - OPTION - P - R keys simultaneously during the complete startup sequence. Once you hear the third bong or startup sound release the pressed keys. Non-native software will not recognize the 601 FPU, nor will it look to the motherboard to see if it has one. The software will use the PowerPC 601 chip's emulation, which does not emulate a 68040 FPU. You will need to purchase the PowerPC version of SoftFPU from John Neil and Associates. If you are still having this problem do a clean install of System 7.5. To do this, hold down the Command - Shift - K keys while doing a custom install selecting "System for any Macintosh". Using System Update 1.0 for System 7.5 replaces the math library with a new native math library which resolves most of these problems.

Some of my existing hardware does not work properly after installation of the PowerPro 601.

Verify that your Video Board, SCSI Board, or other hardware is PowerPC 601 compatible. Contact your hardware vendor to assure PowerPC 601 firmware compatibility. Also, remove SCSI Manager and SCSI Manager 4.3 from your Extensions folder in your System Folder.

I am not seeing much of a performance increase with the PowerPro 601 installed.

Make sure that you are running native software and verify that is was installed for the PowerPC 601. Make sure your video board is accelerated (not just compatible) for PowerPC. Try disabling different CDEV's and INITs. Several Control Panel Devices (CDEVs) drastically reduce PowerPC performance, especially if they are non-native. Three of these files are CloseView, Easy Access and World Script. These three files were probably installed during the Sytem 7.5 installation.

I am getting Type 11 and Bus errors.

Disable all third party CDEVs and INITs and restart. It may be a software conflict.

Composite SIMM Information

Apple has identified problems using composite SIMMs on selected Macintosh Computer models. Due to the nature of these problems, Apple Does not recommend the use of composite SIMMs in any Macintosh computer.

Definition

A Composite SIMM is defined as a SIMM made up of banks of many smaller DRAM devices, with additional bank-controlling circuitry and perhaps buffers for the address and control signals. A noncomposite SIMM, on the other hand, is organized as a single bank of devices. As an example, a 16MB composite SIMM would be made up of thirty-two 4-megabit DRAM chips, along with the additional circuitry to control the banks. Conversely, a noncomposite 16MB SIMM would be made up of eight 16-megabit chips only. Composite SIMMs are made up of more commonly available and less expensive parts, hence the attraction.

Problems

Composite SIMMS pose timing and electrical problems in some Macintosh computers, particularly those optimized for maximum DRAM performance, such as the Quadra 610, Macintosh Quadra 650, Macintosh Quadra 800, and the Macintosh Quadra 900 series and all Power Macintosh computers.

Composite SIMMs have a larger number of DRAM devices than the SIMMs Apple has tested with. The extra components result in larger peak currents to the devices during read/write accesses and refresh. These larger peak currents subsequently result in added stress to the power system and an overall increase in system noise. The increase in system noise has caused problems on some systems sush as the Macintosh Quadra 900 and Macintosh Quadra 950.

The additional circuitry added to composite SIMMs appears to add a slight amount of overhead to the timing of memory accesses. The Macintosh Quadra 800 has very strict timing guidelines (it requires 60-nanosecond DRAM), and is particularly sensitive to this potential problem. These problems may not occur until additional SIMMs are added (for example, two composite SIMMs may work, but four composite SIMMs may cause random failures or the system may not boot). In addition, the larger physical dimensions of the composite SIMMs may make proper installation difficult or impossible.

May Work Under Some Conditions, But...

Composite SIMMs may work under some conditions, but users may experience random failures such as startup failures, system errors, or other strange crashes. The errors can vary with different SIMMs, SIMM configurations, and vendors.

In addition, process variations in chips used in various Macintosh computers (such as memory controllers) can mean one CPU might act a little differently than the same model manufactured at a different time. It's even possible to see minute variations caused by temperature and supply voltages.

Conclusion

Apple does not support composite SIMMs, nor does it guarantee that they will work in any Macintosh, due to the electrical and timing problems identified with selected Macintosh computers. Apple recommends the use of non-composite SIMMs because they are less likely to have problems similar to those described in this Technical Note. While presently expensive, it is expected that the cost of 16-megabit chip SIMMs will come down.

Freehand is not working properly with my 100Mhz PowerPro 601

1. Open PowerPro Control Panel
2. Hold down the Option key
3. Disable Faster Floating Point preference
4. Close PowerPro Control Panel
5. Freehand should work properly