Re: Slots in IIgs

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Kelli Halliburton writes ...
> 
> The only available slot, according to the control panel, is Slot 7. Slot 7
> can be switched in as onboard AppleTalk, but then you have to switch out
> either the printer port (Slot 1) or the modem port (Slot 2). That seems
> reasonable to me, since there are only two built-in mini-DIN communications
> ports on the back panel, so something has to be switched out.
> 
> I would imagine that if I wanted to install a Focus HD, I would put it in
> either 2 or 7, depending on whether or not I wanted to use networking (put
> the Focus in Slot 2) or a modem (put the Focus in Slot 7), or perhaps use
> network printing (Slot 1).
> 
> I would imagine that if I managed to find a Second Sight VGA video card, I
> would put it in Slot 3, as from what I recall that seems to be the slot the
> IIgs uses for the 80-column display. Substituting a card for a similar
> onboard function.
> 
> But what would I do if I wanted to install a SCSI card as well, so I could
> use an external CD? I'd just have to pick which other onboard function I'd
> be able to do without? Such as Slot 5 and give up my onboard 5.25" floppy
> access?
> 
> How do those of you with "tricked-out" IIgs systems resolve these issues of
> choosing between onboard functions that take up slot access or expansion
> cards that take up access to onboard functions?


     Slot 7 is a Focus 'Hard Card' hard drive. Slot 2 is a RamFAST SCSI
interface. Both are set to "Your Card" in the Control Panel.

     Slot 3 is used for a ZipGSx accelerator card but still set to the
regular "Built-in Text Display".

     Putting this another way, all of the Control Panel settings are
at default (checked) except Slot 2. 

     Slot 2 is usually available because moderm modem software typically
does not use Slot 2 firmware. So, Slot 2 can usually be "Your Card". If
you want to run software which needs Slot 2 firmware (like ADTgs), then,
the Slot 2 setting goes to "Modem Port" and you will lose access to
something like a RamFAST SCSI interface in Slot 2. 

     A IIgs Stereo Card can go in any Slot with no change in Control
Pane settings because there is no ROM involved. (The card is using the
Slot to supply power and as a handy place to sit.)

     Anyway, there's seldom a need to give up access to either 3.5" 
diskettes (Slot 5) or 5.25" diskettes (Slot 6).



Rubywand