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1994-05-20
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---------------------------------------------------------------------
Frequently Asked Questions
about the
CyReL CaTTamaran TT030 Accelerator
Third Edition
Release Date: May 20, 1994
Note to the readers of previous editions:
Additional Q&A paragraphs have been added throughout
this document. To view the changes from the previous
revision, please set your search pattern to '[3]'. 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).
/// What happened to the 40 MHz mode? [3]
=========================================
Originally, we thought the optimum we could achieve would be a TT030
running at 40 MHz. However, during the development of the CyReL
CaTTamaran we discovered that we would be able to go all the way up
to 48 MHz instead. Thus, the decision was made to drop the 40 MHz
mode and provide only the 32 MHz and 48 MHz modes.
/// Does the CyReL CaTTamaran replace the MC68030 CPU in my TT?
===============================================================
No it does not. You do not have to purchase a new CPU.
/// Will the CyReL CaTTamaran speed up the FPU operations? [3]
==============================================================
Yes it does. You'll get up to 60% more FPU performance with the
CyReL CaTTamaran.
/// Do I have to get a new FPU? [3]
===================================
No. You do not have to replace the CPU nor the FPU. You simply keep
the components you have.
/// 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 78% better
access times than the regular TT chipset will yield. [3]
/// 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.
/// Is there a 100% guarantee that it will work in my system? [3]
=================================================================
No. We want you to understand that we cannot give you a 100%
assurance that it will work in every conceivable
motherboard/expansion board(s) combination. The CyReL CaTTamaran
employs a bag full of tricks to achieve the high performance level
it provides. We have exercised great care to insure the best
possible compatibility, but as with every other product, the risk to
its use and installation lies with the user. Please refer to the
ordering details and our return policy for more information about
this issue.
/// 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, CyReL VidiMix16 Desktop Video
Modules, CyReL MPT-16 Modules and the CyReL TrIDEnt IDE Interfaces.
/// 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 about some more benchmarks? [3]
=======================================
Here is the latest benchmark update. The CyReL CaTTamaran can be
operated in two modes, 32 MHz and 48 MHz. In 32 MHz mode, the CyReL
CaTTamaran yields exactly the same results like a standard TT030,
reporting around 100% for all the different test categories.
Below you will find three different sets of benchmarks. The first
was taken on a TT030, equipped with FastRAM and the CyReL CaTTamaran
running at 48 MHz:
GEM Bench v3.41 ╜ Ofir Gal 3.5.94
============================================
TT 030 TOS 3.06, MiNT not present
Blitter not present, NVDI not present
Video Mode = 640 * 400 * 2 Colours
LineF FPU installed
Run and Malloc from FastRAM
Ref = TT + FPU, ST High
CyReL CaTTamaran @ 48 MHz
============================================
GEM Dialog Box: 2.990 106%
VDI Text: 4.015 108%
VDI Text Effects: 6.550 110%
VDI Small Text: 3.835 107%
VDI Graphics: 5.055 116%
GEM Window: 0.955 107%
Integer Division: 1.025 149%
Float Math: 0.145 160%
RAM Access: 1.185 160%
ROM Access: 1.165 128%
Blitting: 1.420 151%
VDI Scroll: 2.700 106%
Justified Text: 3.725 108%
VDI Enquire: 1.015 125%
New Dialogs: 3.075 114%
============================================
Graphics: 114%
CPU: 149%
Average: 123%
If you have FastRAM and you use a ROM relocator you will get the
following results. Notice the favourable increase in overall system
speed:
GEM Bench v3.41 ╜ Ofir Gal 3.5.94
============================================
TT 030 TOS 3.06, MiNT not present
Blitter not present, NVDI not 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
============================================
GEM Dialog Box: 1.945 163%
VDI Text: 2.780 157%
VDI Text Effects: 4.510 160%
VDI Small Text: 2.445 168%
VDI Graphics: 3.945 149%
GEM Window: 0.680 150%
Integer Division: 1.015 151%
Float Math: 0.145 160%
RAM Access: 1.180 161%
ROM Access: 1.180 127%
Blitting: 1.300 165%
VDI Scroll: 2.105 137%
Justified Text: 2.720 148%
VDI Enquire: 0.745 171%
New Dialogs: 2.100 167%
============================================
Graphics: 157%
CPU: 149%
Average: 155%
The next benchmark shows the combined effect of a ROM relocator and
a software screen accelerator, in this case NVDI. Note: these
figures have been provided by one of our beta testers.
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
============================================
GEM Dialog Box: 0.670 473%
VDI Text: 0.250 1748%
VDI Text Effects: 0.495 1465%
VDI Small Text: 0.335 1226%
VDI Graphics: 1.140 517%
GEM Window: 0.365 280%
Integer Division: 1.020 150%
Float Math: 0.145 160%
RAM Access: 1.185 160%
ROM Access: 1.180 127%
Blitting: 0.955 225%
VDI Scroll: 0.855 337%
Justified Text: 1.080 373%
VDI Enquire: 0.335 380%
New Dialogs: 0.945 372%
============================================
Graphics: 672%
CPU: 149%
Average: 532%
/// How much does the CyReL CaTTamaran cost ?
=============================================
The CyReL CaTTamaran package retails for just US $99.00 or Cdn
$115.00 .[3]
/// When is the CyReL CaTTamaran going to be available?
=======================================================
The CyReL CaTTamaran is available now. Please contact your nearest
dealer, CyReL distributor or Cybercube for more informations. [3]
/// Where can I get a CyReL CaTTamaran ? [3]
============================================
The CyReL CaTTamaran is shipping to a lot of dealers all over North
America right now. Please check with your nearest dealer for
availability. In case you are not able to get your CyReL CaTTamaran
Accelerator through your Atari dealer, please contact Cybercube
directly at the addresses provided below.
/// How much do I have to add for Shipping and Handling ? [3]
=============================================================
Please add $6.00 for S&H (regular mail). We also offer shipments via
courier. For more details, please contact Cybercube directly.
/// 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. When you return the unit, we will refund
the cost of the unit minus 15%. [3]
/// Will any de-installation require soldering ? [3]
====================================================
Yes. In case the CyReL CaTTamaran might not work in your TT030, and
you decide to return it, you would have to solder the one connection
that had to be cut during the installation of the unit. This is
probably the best and most durable way to do it, but other means of
reconnecting that one connection can be devised in case you do not
have access to a soldering iron.
/// Is there be a special GEnie topic for the CyReL CaTTamaran?[3]
==================================================================
Yes. Please go to the Atari Roundtable (m475;1), enter the hardware
category (set 4),then read all the latest news in the CaTTamaran
topic (rea 33 new). We would be happy to see you there and
provide any further assistance.
/// 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 C CCAT-FAQ-V94C