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hardware OS4   hardware OS4 : ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
   posted by ssolie on 21-Jul-2006 14:44:16 (10294 reads)
ACK Software Controls has continued beavering away at their projects while Amiga fanatics continue the agonizing wait. If you have any questions or concerns, come join us in the #amigaworld channel for an IRC chat with the designer himself. Unless of course you enjoy wasting your days in web forums with yet more people that don't know any more than you do.



With that in mind, we have the following snippet of info. regarding the CPU module design rationale from a recent forum posting to wet your whistle. This is the kind of stuff that is discussed live in the #amigaworld IRC channel:
Quote:

Here is just a quick couple of notes (in no particular order):

1) Website will be up and running when products are available for retail.
2) The PowerMac Meg-Array connector pin-out is propietary and not readily available, believe me I have tried that route.
3) AmigaOne owners need CPUs and the general desire from most people I communicated with want upgradeability.
4) The other aspect of the CPU module is from a financial perspective. Putting the CPU on the motherboard adds significant upfront costs to a motherboard run. I can inventory a much larger run of motherboards without CPUs and build CPUs as necessary.
5) It wasn't that difficult to get the PV TL working with the common CPU module. That issue has been resolved. Original AmigaOne CPU modules will work with the PV TL at 133MHz FSB and the 7448 CPU modules will work @ 200MHz FSB. Please note that the main intent was that people who invest in the 7448 modules have an upgrade path. Similarly, it allows for people to move up from the AmigaOne boards at a lower cost to the end consumer.

Adam Kowalczyk

ACK Software Controls, Inc.


The Java-based web client is on the right-hand side of the main AW page. WookieChat is available from OS4Depot. There are lots of other IRC clients for all platforms.
    

STORYID: 3201
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Rudei 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 21-Jul-2006 17:02:04
#1 ]
Elite Member
Joined: 20-Nov-2002
Posts: 3589
From: Dallas, Texas

Thanks for that ssolie.

Rude!


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Helge 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 21-Jul-2006 17:08:15
#2 ]
Cult Member
Joined: 10-Jul-2006
Posts: 689
From: Norway

This is extremely interesting and very promising, but does this mean that PowerVixxen TL will have a new type of CPU-board connector on the motherboard, rather than the used MegArray? What is the plan for this? Yes, soldering it on the motherboard is not a wise idea. We all agree on that


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weirdami 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 21-Jul-2006 17:20:29
#3 ]
Regular Member
Joined: 30-Mar-2003
Posts: 231
From: Unknown

Maybe it means there's going to be a live demonstration on IRC.

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redfox 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 21-Jul-2006 17:25:57
#4 ]
Elite Member
Joined: 7-Mar-2003
Posts: 2078
From: Canada

Thanks for the update Steven.

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Jorge 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 21-Jul-2006 18:52:04
#5 ]
Cult Member
Joined: 20-Oct-2003
Posts: 657
From: Scottsdale, AZ

Quote:
will have a new type of CPU-board connector on the motherboard, rather than the used MegArray


No, that only means these boards are not compatible with the ones used in the PowerMac (as we already know, the A1 modules won't work in the PowerMac) and vice versa.


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billt 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 21-Jul-2006 19:19:10
#6 ]
Elite Member
Joined: 24-Oct-2003
Posts: 3205
From: Maryland, USA

Quote:
but does this mean that PowerVixxen TL will have a new type of CPU-board connector on the motherboard, rather than the used MegArray? What is the plan for this?


ACK says the CPU module will work on oth AmigaOne and PVTL. AmigaOne has Megarray connector. Thus, how can PVTL have different connector?

He mentioned the Mac Megarray conenctor was not an option. It's actually the same connecto, but he pin connections are different. You can physically fit a Mac CPU module into AmigaOne, but it won't work. You can physically fit an AmigaOne module into a Mac, but it won't work.


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Helge 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 21-Jul-2006 20:03:34
#7 ]
Cult Member
Joined: 10-Jul-2006
Posts: 689
From: Norway

Okay, now i understand It will be the usual MegArray 300 CPU-board connector, but the pins will be different only to be compatible with the current A1 CPU-cards, and not the ones from PowerMac The MegArray 300 CPU-board connector itself is excellent

I'm glad that PowerVixxen TL will use it too


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nzv58l 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 21-Jul-2006 20:15:49
#8 ]
Super Member
Joined: 7-Oct-2003
Posts: 1640
From: Michigan

Quote:
It's actually the same connecto, but he pin connections are different.


Any way to make an adapter or rewire the thing?

How different are they?

Can there be a hardware hack to make it work?


P.S. I'm not going to try this on my A1, Just wondering if it could be done!

If it can be done, then perhaps this might be a good way to get an Amiga One. Buy a PV without CPU, Buy a used PPC Mac cheap and hack the CPU card for use in the PV.

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AmiDog 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 21-Jul-2006 20:43:23
#9 ]
Cult Member
Joined: 1-Jun-2004
Posts: 917
From: Kumla, Sweden

@nzv58l

As Adam said, the PowerMac Meg-Array connector pin-out is proprietary, which means you more or less need to buy Apple to get your hands on it, and thus no one outside Apple knows how different they are...

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Plaz 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 21-Jul-2006 22:54:40
#10 ]
Super Member
Joined: 2-Oct-2003
Posts: 1573
From: Atlanta

Quote:
Can there be a hardware hack to make it work?


Some one point me to some docs (if they exist) or tell me a hack is
possible and I'm on it. The more hardware we can get in the game, the better.

Plaz

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AmigaClyde 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 22-Jul-2006 1:28:16
#11 ]
Elite Member
Joined: 8-Mar-2003
Posts: 2007
From: Noranda Canada

Thanks for the update Steven.
I'm sure Adam has very good news for us.


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tonyw 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 22-Jul-2006 1:47:22
#12 ]
Elite Member
Joined: 8-Mar-2003
Posts: 3240
From: Sydney (of course)

Talking on IRC with Western hemisphere people may seem like fun, but they don't seem to do much during the "normal" hours of the day. They seem to wait until I'm asleep, then have all the fun.


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Hyperion Support Forum: http://forum.hyperion-entertainment.biz/index.php

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Maczilla 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 22-Jul-2006 3:46:01
#13 ]
Regular Member
Joined: 19-Oct-2003
Posts: 206
From: USA

"thus no one outside Apple knows how different they are..."

What about the 3rd party CPU upgrade manufacturers - the
meg-array Apple uses may be proprietary, but it's hardly
unknown or hard to backward engineer. They (3rd party
CPU upgrades) start at slightly under $160 for "sawtooth"
(meg-array) macs. I've got one of these G4 CPU upgrades
in the G4 mac I'm typing this on.

www.macsales.com
www.daystar-tech.com
www.sonnettech.com/product/default.html

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syrtran 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 22-Jul-2006 4:02:55
#14 ]
Cult Member
Joined: 27-Apr-2003
Posts: 835
From: Farther upstate than Upstate NY

@AmiDog

Quote:
@nzv58l

As Adam said, the PowerMac Meg-Array connector pin-out is proprietary, which means you more or less need to buy Apple to get your hands on it, and thus no one outside Apple knows how different they are...


These people seem to have a clue. In particular, look at the solder pads at the bottom of the picture here. Yes, that's a megarray on the other (not visible) side of the board.

The name on this card leads me to believe that it also uses megarray.

(Of course, someone would have to get the Apple info from them, or get the A1 info to them. Good luck.)

OTOH, having -two- boards (adapter and cpu) floating above the Articia on my A1 sounds like a bad idea.

Note to those who can't bother to click on the links: It's Sonnet Technologies' Encore line.

EDIT: @Maczilla - boy, I really should read an entire thread before I post.

Last edited by syrtran on 22-Jul-2006 at 04:05 AM.


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The_Editor 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 22-Jul-2006 7:01:57
#15 ]
Elite Member
Joined: 7-Mar-2003
Posts: 7629
From: 192.168.0.02 ..Pederburgh .. Iceni

@tonyw


I know the feeling.

I work Perm nights and it's like a library around here in the day !!


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Wizzard_o 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 22-Jul-2006 9:23:00
#16 ]
Cult Member
Joined: 13-Sep-2004
Posts: 701
From: UK, Northern Hemisphere, Earth, Solar System, Alpha Quadrant, The Milky-Way, Universe. 1.1.1.3.44.HP

Ah good, more info about ACK's products!
My A1200 is waiting quietly in its box, soon baby, soon....

Wizz.


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ChrisH 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 22-Jul-2006 9:52:43
#17 ]
Elite Member
Joined: 30-Jan-2005
Posts: 6679
From: Unknown

Yawn, it seems ACK is back to teasing us - except for those with the time & inclination to use IRC. I wish he'd just make up his mind, and either officially tell us his current progress, or just shut up. Leaking info in dribs & drabs is not the way to be taken seriously.

Either way, since he's back to working on his hardware, it seems just childish (or down-right suspicious if you're cynically minded) to still not post any pics...


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smithy 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 22-Jul-2006 10:51:20
#18 ]
Regular Member
Joined: 28-Aug-2003
Posts: 364
From: Newcastle

Excuse me for being dense, but with all the comings and goings I don't really understand what products are coming out. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but there will be:

1. A CPU card for AmigaOnes
2. A PPC CPU card for A1200
3. A PPC CPU card for A4000
4. A standalone machine

For those of us with no AmigaOnes and broken A1200s option 4 is the best step. And indeed, from what Hyperion say, the only way OS4 will be released is with available and non-classic hardware. So this standalone computer is the most important for everyone.

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-Sam- 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 22-Jul-2006 11:14:03
#19 ]
Elite Member
Joined: 18-Apr-2003
Posts: 3040
From: Yorkshire Dales, United Knigdom

Good to hear that ACK is continuing development. I will be very interested in purchasing one of these boards when they are finished.

So good to see them ignore the handful of negative comments and continue their work.


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Desler 
Re: ACK CPU Module Design Rationale
Posted on 22-Jul-2006 11:25:12
#20 ]
Regular Member
Joined: 11-Mar-2003
Posts: 190
From: Unknown

@ChrisH
It wasnt ACK who posted this news item. Adam just posted that snippet of information in a thread that were becoming a bit to speculative. That Ssolie decided to make it a news item is just a service for the ones not reading all the forums. You would find that if you had a well founded question for Adam you would probably get it answered by meeting him on his terms. That is IRC or just by mailing him directly. Ive done both and got quick and concise answers from Adam.
I know we all would like pictures but think of the consequences. Remember when Troika published pictures. Each time the pictures were analyzed by everyone and in the end they were all called a hoax by at least one person (Whether they are or not is not an issue in this thread however)

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