Re: TransWarp IIgs GAL's - Upgrade now possible

["Bryan Parkoff" <none@nospam.net>]

"Henry" <apl2research@comcast.net> wrote in message 
ZoudnQsL2YgnE0feRVn-vw@comcast.com">news:ZoudnQsL2YgnE0feRVn-vw@comcast.com...
> Hello everyone.
>
> I'm excited to announce that anyone with a TranWarp IIgs who has been 
> wanting to update or increase their speed will now be able to do so.  I 
> have successfully been able to make copies of the last revised set of 
> GAL's released by AE.  The GAL numbers and versions are as follows: 1A, 
> 2B, 3E, 4B, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8B.  The GAL's will be sold by the piece in the 
> on-line store.  They will be added by next week.
>
> I will also be offering the 32k Cache boards from SHH Systeme along with 
> other items like cables, CPUs and crystal oscillators.  Along with the new 
> Power Supply released just a few days ago I believe most users will be 
> able to clock their accelerator to 12 MHz or better.  Look for these items 
> to be available in the Store soon.
>
> I know the TWGS-2B GAL was a DMA fix Applied Engineering issued. It is an 
> absolute requirement for TranWarp to work at all with at least some 
> RamFAST SCSI boards (e.g. the revision C boards).  RamFAST revision D does 
> not require the 2B GAL. The Apple High Speed SCSI
> card works with all TransWarp GS units as well.  The 3E GAL is for above 
> 10 MHz operation.
>
> Here's a listing of the oscillators speeds:
> Oscillator        TWGS Speed
> 32 MHz          MHz
> 36                   9
> 40                   10
> 48                   12
> 55                   13.75
> 60                   15
>
> Any additions or correction to the above information will be appreciated. 
> I know there are some other oscillator speeds available, but I won't both 
> listing them here.  If anyone is going fast then 15 MHz please let me know 
> how.
>
> Now some basic questions I have:  Does anyone know what the last revision 
> of the ROM was?  I believe it to be 1.8S.  Also, is there a ROM difference 
> from the 8k Cache card to the 32k Cache card?  Can I take an 32k Cache ROM 
> and use it up upgrade an 8k TranWarp IIgs or vise versa?
>
> Has anyone tried to read or examine the XC2064 FPGA on the TransWarp IIgs? 
> Right now that is the only thing hold us back from cloning it.
>
> I also have a TransWarp IIgs with an error message in the test menu.  It 
> seems to fail the Non-volatile RAM test.  Anyone know which IC the NVRAM 
> is?
>
> Thanks in advance for all the help.  Feel free to contact me directly if 
> you wish to purchase the GAL(s) ASAP.  My email address is listed in the 
> "About US" section on the Website or email Support.
>
>
> Henry S. Courbis
> www.GSE-Reactive.com
> Apple II Series Legacy Hardware - Come take a look at what we have to 
> offer!
>

Henry,

    It would be a good idea to clone TransWarp GS card like you stated 
earlier to do with GAL chips.  I would recommend that you need shinny RAM (I 
can't remember exact) which it will push TransWarp GS to run at 16MHz to 
20MHz maximum.  You need 64MHz crystal osc chip for 16MHz and 80MHz crystal 
osc chip for 20MHz.  I do know the fact is that 16MHz can run reliable with 
shinny RAM.  I can't guarantee that it may be reliable longer probably one 
year.
    Have you heard that there is 64K cache board available for TransWarp GS 
card?  A new fireware is needed to be written to support 64K cache.
    Good Luck.

Bryan Parkoff