mason@hillst.dec.com (Explaining is not understanding) (03/05/88)
I have grown weary of the problems I am having with PCPC software required to run my MacBottom serial HD on my 512KE w/2MB RAM. I want to convert my MacMemory equipped box to SCSI, and convert my MacBottom to SCSI. Only two problems: 1. I hear that the MacMemory SCSI conversions are a problem, and that I have to send my board to Santa Clara for two weeks to get it done. ($200) 2. PCPC isn't sure they will continue SCSI conversions on serial drives. ($250 if they will) If I don't make the changes, I can't run 4.2/6.0 on the HD (in the design says PCPC tech support). Can anyone comment on the MacMemory upgrade? Can anyone say 'bummer'? Sure wish I had an extra $5-10K lying around. Thanks...Gary
daf1@bunny.UUCP (David Fay) (03/06/88)
Here's my story on MaxPort, MacMemory's SCSI port: I have a Mac (originally 128) with a 2 Meg MacMemory daughter board that has served me well for nearly three years. I wanted a SCSI port as well, but couldn't afford one until last summer. When I looked into the MacMemory SCSI port, I was told by several sources, including MacMemory, that it had been discontinued (I need a MacMemory SCSI port to be compatible with my MacMemory daughter board). It was discontinued, so the story goes, because they had difficulty getting the clip that fastens over the 68000 to stay on. This didn't sound like too much of a problem to me. Fearing that if I didn't act soon, I would never get a SCSI port, I started searching for a dealer who happened to have one left in stock. I never found one, but I did find Richard Silver at Cambridge Electronics, who said he had installed five or six MacMemory SCSI ports with no problems. I asked him to try to get one for me, but he was extremely reluctant - I'm still not sure why. After repeated assurances from me that I would take complete responsibility for repairing it if there were any problems and after finding that MacMemory was still holding a few of the ports for long-time customers like me, Richard finally agreed to sell me one. He even gave me a terrific price ($135 including installation). To end the story, I have had MaxPort for five months now with no problems. However, I have only used it with my DataFrame XP20 so I can't guarantee it works with every SCSI disk. I would recommend MaxPort for anyone with a MacMemory memory board. You will have difficulty finding one, as I did. I've heard that MacMemory ran into financial difficulties recently and was bought out, so I don't know whether they're even still in business. But if you have a MacMemory memory board, MaxPort is probably your only choice. -- David Fay GTE Laboratories Waltham, MA 02254 ...!harvard!bunny!daf1