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1994-05-13
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---------------------------------------------------------------------
Frequently Asked Questions
about the
CyReL CaTTamaran TT030 Accelerator
Second Edition
Release Date: May 13, 1994
Note to readers of the First Edition:
Additional Q&A paragraphs have been added throughout
this document. To view the changes from the previous
revision, please set your search pattern to '[2]'. All other
readers are advised to peruse through the entire documentation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
/// What does the CyReL CaTTamaran TT030 Accelerator do?
========================================================
It will speed up your Atari TT030, giving you approximately 50% more
performance than a regular TT. It does this by speeding up the main
clock of your TT from 32 MHz (standard) to 48 MHz (accelerated).
/// Does the CyReL CaTTamaran replace the MC68030 CPU in my TT?
===============================================================
No it does not. You do not have to purchase a new CPU.
/// Has the CyReL CaTTamaran any Cache memory? [2]
=================================================
No it does not. The CyReL CaTTamaran utilizes the existing memory in
the best way possible while keeping the cost of the unit down.
/// Do I have to buy new memory?
================================
No. You do not have to add costly cache memory to your system. You
simply keep the memory already installed in your TT.
/// Do I get a higher performance factor with faster RAMs ? [2]
===============================================================
No. The CyReL CaTTamaran does not access the RAM itself. This is
being done by the CPU and the Atari TT chipset. Thus, the CyReL
CaTTamaran cannot take advantage of faster RAM chips. However, we
have optimized the memory accesses, thus giving you up to 70% better
access times than the regular TT chipset will yield.
/// Does the CyReL CaTTamaran work with FastRAM?
================================================
Yes it does. So far, we have tested the CaTTamaran with FastRAM
modules from GE-Soft and Atari.
/// Will the CyReL CaTTamaran generate excessive heat? [2]
==========================================================
No. During our extensive testing program we found that the heat
generated in the accelerated modes does not exceed the safety
limits nor does it damage any parts of your your TT.
Several design steps have been integrated to insure that the CyReL
CaTTamaran accelerator unit will run as cool and as efficient as
possible.
/// Will the CyReL CaTTamaran cause any damage to my TT? [2]
============================================================
No. We have tested the full operation of the CyReL CaTTamaran and
included special design features to guarantee that the proper usage
of the accelerator will not cause any damages or malfunctions.
/// Does the CyReL CaTTamaran work with VME bus cards?
======================================================
Yes it does. But we can only guarantee the full compatibility with
our own line of VME bus boards, the CyReL Sunrise M16-1280 True
Color High Resolution Graphics cards.
/// How can I find out if I can install a CyReL CaTTamaran in my TT?
====================================================================
That depends mostly on your TT030 motherboard revision. To establish
which TT030 motherboard revision you have, you must open your TT030.
Please note that this may void your warranty. Once you removed the
cover (and any metal shielding), please check the lower lefthand or
righthand corner of your motherboard. Write down the revision level
usually found on a white sticker on the motherboard. For a quick and
easy installation, you should have at least REV. G.
If you have a ST RAM memory expansion board, please check whether
the pins of the frontmost 96 pin DIN connector stick out at least
3 millimeters (about 1/10 of an inch) from the topside of the ST RAM
expansion board.
Further, please ensure that those pins are clean and free of any
soldering residues. [2]
/// What if I do not find any revision index/label? [2]
=======================================================
Several customers reported that they were unable to locate the
revision level sticker as indicated in the Q&A paragraph above.
Here are a few hints how to identify your board revision level
without the sticker:
* please locate the CPU. Is it surface mount (soldered directly to
the board) ? Look for a chip with the MC68030F33 labelling. If
you locate this chip on the right hand side of the board
(underneath the ST RAM expansion board) then you have one of the
more recent board revisions. If the CPU is on the left hand side
of the board or plugged into a socket, or even on a
daugtherboard, then you have one of the older revisions. The
installation in the older revision boards is a little more
involved, since it will require some soldering.
* please check if your board has a three pin connector labelled
W101 (used to change the clock speed of the FPU). If you cannot
find this connector, you probably have one of the older revision
boards.
/// Does the CyReL CaTTamaran installation require soldering?
=============================================================
It does not necessarily require soldering if you have a motherboard
revision REV. G or higher. Earlier motherboard revisions may require
soldering.
/// What tools do I need to install the CyReL CaTTamaran?
=========================================================
You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver (both
to remove the TT cover), pliers or any other tool to straighten the
tabs of the metal shielding (if any) for removal and a cutter to cut
one pin of a resistor.
/// Do I need any special expertise to install a CyreL CaTTamaran?
==================================================================
No. Common sense is all that is required. If you know how to open
your TT, plug in a few plugs, you should be able to install a CyReL
CaTTamaran yourself. If you do not feel comfortable installing the
unit yourself, ask your nearest Atari dealer to perform this task
for you.
The CyReL CaTTamaran comes with our highly acclaimed RUN-ME-FIRST
installation program that will demonstrate each installation step
with graphics and animations right on your screen BEFORE you start
the installation process. The same instructions are also included in
printed form to further facilitate the process. [2]
/// Can I control the speed of the CyReL CaTTamaran?
====================================================
Yes you can. Each CyReL CaTTamaran comes complete with the CyReL
Dashboard utility. This accessory program allows you to switch at
any time from 32 MHz to 48 MHz or from 48 MHz back to 32 MHz.
/// How compatible is the CyReL CaTTamaran?
===========================================
The operation of the CyReL CaTTamaran if fully transparent.
Programs do not usually notice any difference when running at 48
MHz. All programs tested so far ran without any problems. They
simply execute faster. However, we cannot give a 100% compatibility
assurance since it is virtually impossible to test every single
program out there in combination with the hundreds of utility and
accessory packages available for the Atari computers.
/// Which programs will benefit the most from the speed-up?
===========================================================
The speed-up will be most apparent with programs that rely on CPU
intensive tasks, like blitting, compressing, de-compressing,
converting, rasterizing, scrolling. Since the CyReL CaTTamaran
speeds up the FPU as well, programs that rely on FPU performance
(like DynaCADD or InShape) will be sped up too.
/// How about some benchmarks? [2]
==================================
Here are some PRELIMINARY figures. The benchmarks have been
compiled with Ofir Gal's GEM-BENCH Version 3.41:
GEM Bench v3.41 ╜ Ofir Gal 3.5.94
============================================
TT 030 TOS 3.06, MiNT not present
Blitter not present, NVDI 2.03 present
Video Mode = 640 * 400 * 2 Colours
LineF FPU installed
Run and Malloc from FastRAM
Ref = TT + FPU, ST High
CyReL CaTTamaran @ 48 MHz
ROM relocated to FastRAM
NVDI driver installed
============================================
GEM Dialog Box: 0.685 463%
VDI Text: 0.270 1618%
VDI Text Effects: 0.525 1381%
VDI Small Text: 0.345 1191%
VDI Graphics: 1.150 513%
GEM Window: 0.370 276%
Integer Division: 1.020 150%
Float Math: 0.145 160%
RAM Access: 1.290 147%
ROM Access: 1.285 123%
Blitting: 0.970 221%
VDI Scroll: 0.870 331%
Justified Text: 1.120 360%
VDI Enquire: 0.345 369%
New Dialogs: 0.990 355%
============================================
Graphics: 643%
CPU: 145%
Average: 511%
Compared to a regular ST, the TT030 + CyReL CaTTamaran will deliver
a CPU Integer Division index of over 1760%.
/// How much does the CyReL CaTTamaran cost ?
=============================================
The CyReL CaTTamaran package retails for just US $99.
/// When is the CyReL CaTTamaran going to be available?
=======================================================
The CyReL CaTTamaran is available now. Please contact your nearest
dealer or CyReL distributor for more informations.
/// Can I return the product if it will not work in my TT?
==========================================================
Yes you can. We will offer a 10 days return policy. Please check for
details when ordering. Note that there is a handling fee involved
when returning the product. [2]
/// Will there be a special GEnie topic for the CyReL CaTTamaran?[2]
====================================================================
Yes. Please go to the Atari Roundtable (m475;1), enter the hardware
category (set 4) and list the topics (top) to find out which topic
will deal specifically with the CyReL CaTTamaran.
/// Where can I get more information if I have additional questions?
====================================================================
Contact either your nearest dealer, distributor or Cybercube
directly. We will be glad to be of assistance. To reach us, send
e-mail to:
GEnie: CYBERCUBE
CRS-Online: Cybercube Research
InterNet: cybercube.research@canrem.com or
cybercube@genie.geis.com
If you want to write us, please send your correspondence to this
address:
Cybercube Research Ltd.
126 Grenadier Crescent
Thornhill, Ontario
L4J 7V7, Canada
Or, if you would like to call or fax, you can reach us at:
Telephone: (905) 882 0294, Mon-Fri, 10 AM to 4 PM EST (Toronto)
Fax: (905) 886 3261
BBS: (905) 882 5895, 1200-14.4k, 24h
Copyright (c) 1994 by Cybercube Research Ltd. Specifications
subject to change. All trademarks are properties of their respective
companies.
Revision B CCAT-FAQ-V94B