Re: A few questions!

[dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

Henrik 'Ratte' Gudat <GUDATH@EZINFO.VMSMAIL.ETHZ.CH> wrote:

> In <01bc849f$25aa1020$1f7192cf@system1> "Dan writes:
> 
> > Can more than 2 3.5 Apple drives be connected to the smart port, or do I
> > need to use a separate controller card in a slot (which I have).  I know 4
> > drives can be connected, but is it limited to 2 3.5 and 2 5.25?
> 
> The IWM hardware is limited to 2 drives of each sort.

That isn't entirely correct.  The IWM is limited to two "dumb" drives of
each type (e.g. the Apple 3.5 Drive and 5.25" drives), because there are
only two select lines.

It can support up to 127 intelligent SmartPort drives, such as the
UniDisk 3.5, though the power supply and signal lines aren't be able to
handle more than four drives in total.

The limits (and connection order) are therefore:

- Up to two Apple 3.5 Drives (or equivalent).
- Up to four UniDisk 3.5 Drives (or other intelligent SmartPort drives).
- Up to two Apple 5.25 Drives (or equivalent).

BUT no more than four drives in total.

(The /RAM5 RAM disk and optional /ROM5 ROM disk are in addition to these
limits.)

If you have multiple controllers, don't be tempted to hook up huge
numbers of drives.  Even if it is not running, each drive consumes some
power.

-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand