raj@spl1.UUCP (Robert Alan Johnson) (03/18/88)
> This box has all 32bit memory. Since I posted I have replaced > the memory, the controller, did a low level disk format, > reinstalled (flawlessly), then BOOM!. Down she went when I > tried to install the drivers for an eight port board > (Consensys). I think this particular Compaq was made on a ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I had intewresting problems with Consensys boards in a COMPAQ about five months age. It wasn't under ESDI but standard SCO. I kept crashing at random times. After a few calls to Consensys, they admitted to compatability problems with COMPAQ motherboards (or clones thereof), something about a PAL mismatch. They suggested an INTEL compatible motherboard. I gave up on the consensys and installed a Control systems SMART HOSTESS, no problems. BTW: I recently called Consensys about resurrecting the boards (yes I still own them) to have them work under SCO 386 on a real INTEL motherboard system. I needed 386 drivers. It seems that there is a new version of the consensys board, and of course, their drivers are not downward compatible. I've called 3 times, always promised a call back in 10 mins, I'm still waiting. *$&#'ed again! Anyone want to buy 2 unused 8 port consensys boards? -- Robert A. Johnson, SYSOP UUCP: {ihnp4,ddsw1,ll1!ll1a,laidbak}!spl1!raj The Software Public Library VOICE: 1 312 248 5777
romwa@gpu.utcs.toronto.edu (Mark Dornfeld) (03/23/88)
I did not want to be the first person to flame Consensys, but now that I've seen a flame and I'm not the only person having trouble it's "flame on." The people at Consensys are technically competent, but they do not have anything good up front. After going through a couple rounds with their eight-port boards and now a tape drive, I'm convinced that others should be warned. What we need is high quality end-user support for XENIX. Consensys is only interested in selling a box and then leaving you high and dry. You may also be interested in knowing that they do not have any people in the US even though they have an "answering machine" somewhere in Texas. The company is based in Toronto. So be careful. There are other good companies around with products that work and that offer support.
sandy@turnkey.TCC.COM (Sanford 'Sandy' Zelkovitz) (03/24/88)
In article <1988Mar22.181219.1405@gpu.utcs.toronto.edu>, romwa@gpu.utcs.toronto.edu (Mark Dornfeld) writes: > > I did not want to be the first person to flame Consensys, but > now that I've seen a flame and I'm not the only person having > trouble it's "flame on." > > The people at Consensys are technically competent, but they do > not have anything good up front. After going through a couple > rounds with their eight-port boards and now a tape drive, I'm > convinced that others should be warned. What we need is high > quality end-user support for XENIX. Consensys is only > interested in selling a box and then leaving you high and dry. > > You may also be interested in knowing that they do not have > any people in the US even though they have an "answering > machine" somewhere in Texas. The company is based in Toronto. > Before Xenix 2.2 was available, I was running Xenix 2.1.3. Part of my hardware configuration was a standard Archive tape backup system and needed a device driver. After contacting a few companies that sold hardware for Xenix, I contacted Consensys Systems in TEXAS. I did not get an answering machine but an honest to goodness live individual. He explained to me that they do not sell their device driver as a stand-alone product but is included with their Archive Tape system. To make a long story short, he was willing to sell me the driver for a nominal fee ( which I purchased ). During the installation, I had a few problems ( which turned out to be my own ) and Consensys Systems was MORE than willing to help bring the system up. I have been following the negative messages concerning Consensys Systems and I feel that a positive one should also be mentioned. I have called Consensys many times since then, in Texas, and have never reached an answering machine. The company may be small since I always have connected with the same person. Sanford ( Sandy ) Zelkovitz XBBS 714-828-0288 ........!ihnp4!hermix!alphacm!sandy ........!ucbvax!ucivax!icnvax!alphacm!sandy ........!uunet!ccicpg!turnkey!alphacm!sandy