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AmigaTech Forum · Expansion Hardware

MultiFunction Module

8 messages in this thread

#118066From: Kevin UshkoAug 27, 1990 5:46 PM

Does anyone use Microbotics MultiFunction Module? From what I've seen it fits into their Starboard 2 memory board and gives access to a MC68881. Can this be used to speed up things like rendering times in products like Turbo Silver? An article in the August Amazing Computing shows that using this board generates "benchmarks" that are 8 – 10 times times faster than the normal libraries. I figure it would be a cheap (compared to an A2630) way to increase rendering speeds and such. Not quite as fast as a full accelerator, but faster than the normal Amiga, for the math at least. I know that access to memory will still be slower than the 2630.

#118094From: SyndesisAug 27, 1990 10:18 PM

I have one. Haven't done much with it. All I've seen for it is a few demo programs that do Mandelbrots, etc., but no support from any commercial programs. And now that I use the A2000 exclusively, its RAM has been removed, and it's relegated to the closet.

#118481From: Karl SparklinAug 31, 1990 7:19 PM

Gee, John, didn't you know that you can stick that 2M Microbotics board in your 2000 with a $40 adapter? That's what I did; works great. I guess I'm surprised that it doesn't speed things like Silver up if the '881 is stuck in the MFModule, though. I guess I'm glad that I didn't buy one. Karl

#118501From: Harry ManolopoulosAug 31, 1990 10:14 PM

Assuming you are talking about the A1000 starboard II, where can i get that $40 Adaptor? Harry M

#118652From: Karl SparklinSep 1, 1990 11:36 PM

Harry, I got it through my dealer from Microbotics nearly two years ago, I think. It wasn't heavily advertised, certainly, but hopefully it's still available. Karl

#119057From: MicroSearch/Greg WhiteSep 4, 1990 10:01 PM

Unfortunately, A2000 adapter for the Starboard II was discontinued quite awhile back by Microbotics, so maybe you can find one from an individual or dealer. Also Microbotics was offering a trade-in on the Starboard II for an 8-UP 8 meg board for the A2000. You might want to check with them. Greg Greg White / MicroSearch 72230,1617 We listen to our customers..carefully

#118140From: Richard EricksonAug 28, 1990 4:25 PM

I was wondering the same thing. Talked to Microbotics service department and came away with the feeling it didn't speed up the rendering time for something like Turbo Silver that much. I asked them if just getting an accelerator might be the better way to go, they said it would. Richard.

#118146From: Kevin UshkoAug 28, 1990 6:17 PM

Thanks Richard, I guess I'll just save my pennies for that accelerator! Kevin Ushko Edmonton, Alberta