CompuServe Thread

Looking for HardFrame!

14 messages in this thread
#57733From: Jerry C. HudginsMay 26, 1993 9:23 PM
I'm looking for a new or used HardFrame for my 2000. It appears from the ads that Microbotics is no longer selling them. True? If not, does anyone know of a supplier that might have one, or perhaps an individual? Please reply by mail.
#57779From: Jerry C. HudginsMay 27, 1993 6:31 PM
I've received several offers from folks with HardFrames now. Can someone (perhaps from MicroBotics) tell me what the current firmware revision is? Are there any revisions to look out for? When did RDB & SCSI-direct support appear?
#57939From: Jerry C. HudginsMay 30, 1993 11:48 PM
Since no one from MicroBotics (or elsewhere) has responded to my request for firmware revision info on the HardFrame, could someone perhaps supply me with a phone number for MicroBotics Technical Support?
#57973From: Leslie T. BartiromoMay 31, 1993 5:51 PM
MicroBotics phone number is (214)437-5330. I ->THINK<- their latest HardFrame hardware ROM is 1.9 but I'm not sure. I was looking for a HardFrame a few months ago but none of the mailorder places had one. Hope this helps you out.
#58225From: R. Simonsen/MicroBoticsJun 4, 1993 7:53 PM
Youre right, Leslie. HF is no longer in mfr. –Redmond
#58234From: Leslie T. BartiromoJun 4, 1993 9:20 PM
While we are on the subject I have two questions: 1) Why did MicroBotics let the HardFrame fade away? It was a good and fast controller. 2) Why isn't MicroBotics (and GVP) making an A4000 SCSI 2 controller?
#58284From: R. Simonsen/MicroBoticsJun 5, 1993 8:46 PM
Leslie: HardFrame was just too expensive to manufacture and the marketplace became one of "cheapest controller wins". HF is better than most of the host adaptors out there but not enough folks are willing to pay for performance. To top it off, CBM dumped there pretty good 2091 on the market (you can find them for around 50 bux). That really sealed the question. The 2091 and HF are pretty similar in performance (HF marginally better on some tests). We do plan on doing some new SCSI interfaces and you should see some info to that effect this year (we don't "pre-announce" vaporware as do many companies). Thanks for liking our product. ps. SCSI 2 is many different things at different performance levels. Don't let yourself get "smoked" by some of the hype that is beggining to appear in advertising. Regards, –Redmond
#58314From: Mike/CompuStore W-GermanJun 6, 1993 12:49 PM
Hello Redmond, we still do have several (more than 10) hardframes in stock. Tell me if you want them, I would be happy sending them to you. -Mike CompuStore GmbH |Michael Metz |Fritz-Reuter-Str.6 |D-W6000 Frankfurt 1 Tel: +49 69 567399| CI$ 71001,210 | Fax: +49 69 5601784
#58346From: SyndesisJun 7, 1993 8:12 AM
Speaking of, I've got one of those speedy but pricey 🙂 HardFrames collecting dust in the basement. I just got an A4000/030. Are there any known problems if I use it in the A4000?
#58604From: R. Simonsen/MicroBoticsJun 10, 1993 6:00 PM
HardFrame is a 24 bit device, John. You will have a problem on the Z3 bus. I do not suggest you use HF on anything but a Zorro 2 bus. –Redmond
#58618From: SyndesisJun 10, 1993 10:07 PM
Eeek. Does Microbotics have a hardware buy-back plan? CBM sunk any hope for a resale value by blowing out all those 2091s… 🙁
#58808From: R. Simonsen/MicroBoticsJun 14, 1993 7:33 PM
We have a MBX to XA upgrade plan currently going but that's all. CBM sunk our hopes too, right? –Redmond
#58347From: SyndesisJun 7, 1993 8:13 AM
CBM did that to insure the health of its hardware developer community, I'm sure.
#58224From: R. Simonsen/MicroBoticsJun 4, 1993 7:52 PM
The firmware revision is 1.9, Jerry. Sorry I took so long (was outta town watching my niece graduate). Our phn # is 214-437-5330 Regards, –Redmond