1 Apr
2005
1 Apr
'05
5:06 a.m.
Andy Holt wrote:
Nextstep 3.3 will run nicely on all SS5's except the 170mhz version It
barfs on the Fujitsu chip in the 170.
True.
If it's a 170mhz version it's likely to be in an Aurora2 chassis that
uses a standard form factor SCSI CD-ROM. Still with the 512 byte
requirement
(eep, is a
Sparc5 on topic?!)
Service manual* is dated August 1994. Downloading it from the web would be a
good start.
* not really what Tony would call a service manual :-)
BTW, there are two types of SS5 - the three slower speeds are one type, the
S5-170
has some differences that can cause problems with some versions of BSD or
Linux
(not that I've had any such problem)
>hile clearing out the soon-to-be dining room where
all my stuff has been
>stored for the last couple of years I found a Sparc5 that I'd completely
>forgotten about. It's been completely robbed of bits that I can see -
>memory, floppy drive, CD, HDD - so what's the minimum I can get away with
>before at least powering it up to see if it works? The only spare memory
>I've got is PC100 (may even be PC66) 168-pin DIMMS.
>
>
The SS5 uses a JDEC 5v SIMM similar to Tsunami based Mac's. I seem to
recall that 5v FPM Mac SIMMs will work in a SS5
Minimum is one stick in socket nearest the back of the unit 168 pin 60ns ...
but I think it needs EDO or even FP RAM rather than SDRAM.
Doesn't need floppy, CD or HD to get into console monitor.
I'm in the US but I bought a whole box of 50 brackets for $20. I could
send you one.
Can I use a serial console on it or do I need a
13w3 monitor cable?
"all" SUN sparcs can work either with serial console on port A or kb+screen
(if you
have a display board - if all 3 SBUS slots are empty then you cannot use the
keyboard and screen).
The
HDD looks like it's a standard SCA-80 connection
it is - but if you haven't got one of the right type of mounting brackets
you won't be able to secure them properly (same type as on a SS20 - and the
cheapest way to get one is to get a complete SS5 or SS20
for a fiver - or less - on eBay :-( ).
....keyboard
and mouse are
there but I hope I don't need one of those foil mousemats!
If the mouse has a ball it don't need no steenkin' mats.
Assuming it does work does anyone have a floppy
and CD spare for
this thing?
I probably have a floppy ex a SS10 spare - but floppies were not commonly
used on the SS5 anyhow.
The thin SCSI CD drives are harder to come by - usually easier to use an
external one - likely to need one that will work with 512 byte sectors ...
for some OSes this will be vital.
If you haven't a copy of Solaris/SUNos (and don't want to use Linux or BSD)
I can probably find a copy of most versions. It will run Solaris 9 - but if
you use the default installation procedure that will take all day; the
alternative one is _much_ quicker.
If you want NS for the SS5, I can probably locate a copy.
James (2-SS5 110mhz, 2-SS5 170mhz)
--
www.blackcube.org The Texas State Home for Wayward and Orphaned Computers