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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?
=======