#Microbotics Starboard2
3 messages in this thread
Henry,
I've heard a lot about the StarBoard2 from Microbotics. I still have a few
questions: The approximate cost? Is it expandable to 8 megs? Have you had
any problems with programs using the expanded memory? What is needed for the
machine to recognize the memory when booting?
Thanks,
Chip
I don't know what the cost is – but I would *guess* that you'd pay about $420
for 512K. Yes, that's a terribly lot amount of money for 512K, but it's
cheaper from then on. FOr instance, 1 meg would probably be about $600, and 2
meg I would guess about $800. The initial investment is for the StarBoard
itself.
Considering the fluctuation of chip prices, and the fact that the 512K
StarBoard2 for the 1000 was $30 off when I bought it, these prices may NOT be
valid soon.
The StarBoard2 is expandable to 2 meg only. However, I like this idea
believe it or not BECAUSE with the "MultiFunction Module" optional ad-on, this
entire 2 meg can be "write protected" via HARDWARE for a nice RamDisk later on
down the road. My plans were to (in several years, grin) get 6 megs of main
memory on another board in an A2000, and have the multifuction module "protect"
the StarBoard for a 2 meg RamDisk.
The STarBoard2 is completely compatible with all programs that will work with
expanded memory (just about everything these days). To get the computer to
recognize it, it must be plugged in since it auto-configures. No need for any
mods to the startup-sequence for the memory, though you will likely be doing
some mods as you will want to copy some things to the extra memory, create a
VD0:, etc.
Chip, I just ordered a Starboard2 from Abel Supply (mail-order house out of
Texas) for $327.08 and that's WITH 512k RAM!! Not a bad price. I just wish the
damn thing would come in!
Ray