Iyonix questions
John Pettigrew
questions that I wondered if anyone could answer.
First, though a comment - is that or is that not one of the most uninspired
case designs ever? With a micro-ATX board, could they not at least have
provided a desktop case as well as the tower? I mean, compare that with the
lovely Omega case...
Questions: it has no keyboard or mouse connectors, so we have to use USB
keyboard and mouse. However, I have a very nice PS/2 mouse that I connect to
both my RiscPC and my Linux box (via a switch). Is there any way to convert
a PS/2 mouse to USB? Otherwise, I'll need a *USB* switch, or go back to
having 2 mice on my desktop if I get an Iyonix.
Second question: am I right in thinking that there's only a single memory
slot on this board? So whatever amount of memory we get, that's it? Not a
huge problem, given the minimum spec of 128MB DDR RAM!
Ta
John
--
John Pettigrew Headstrong Games
john at headstrong-games.co.uk Fun : Strategy : Price
http://www.headstrong-games.co.uk/ Board games that won't break the bank
Fields of Valour: 2 Norse clans battle on one of 3 different boards
James Sargent
> First, though a comment - is that or is that not one of the most
> uninspired case designs ever? With a micro-ATX board, could they not
> at least have provided a desktop case as well as the tower?
That may mean difficulty with the Podule slots.
> Second question: am I right in thinking that there's only a single
> memory slot on this board? So whatever amount of memory we get,
> that's it? Not a huge problem, given the minimum spec of 128MB DDR
> RAM!
"The completely new motherboard features [...] a single slot to
accommodate a 64-bit 200MHz DDR RAM card"
NB: As *I* understand the Castle launch blurb, the launch machines will
have 128Mb, "normal" machines (after Christmas) 64Mb.
James
Robin May
> First, though a comment - is that or is that not one of the most uninspired
> case designs ever? With a micro-ATX board, could they not at least have
> provided a desktop case as well as the tower? I mean, compare that with the
> lovely Omega case...
It looks like you could fit it in any case, if you didn't fit the podule
backplane.
> Questions: it has no keyboard or mouse connectors, so we have to use USB
> keyboard and mouse. However, I have a very nice PS/2 mouse that I connect to
> both my RiscPC and my Linux box (via a switch). Is there any way to convert
> a PS/2 mouse to USB? Otherwise, I'll need a *USB* switch, or go back to
> having 2 mice on my desktop if I get an Iyonix.
You can get PS/2 to USB converters. They provide you with two PS/2 ports and
cost about £30. I saw quite a few of them in shops around Tottenham Court
Road and one in a shop on the Strand.
> Second question: am I right in thinking that there's only a single memory
> slot on this board? So whatever amount of memory we get, that's it? Not a
> huge problem, given the minimum spec of 128MB DDR RAM!
Well, yes there's only one memory slot so the only way you can upgrade the
memory is by buying a completely new stick of memory. Taking out the 128mb
one and replacing it with, for example, a 512mb one or a 1gb one.
--
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My previous .sig died quickly of natural causes.
The sinister truth: I killed it with a frying pan handle.
John Cartmell
<jo...@NOT-RELEVANT.headstrong-games.co.uk.INVALID> wrote:
> Questions: it has no keyboard or mouse connectors, so we have to use USB
> keyboard and mouse. However, I have a very nice PS/2 mouse that I
> connect to both my RiscPC and my Linux box (via a switch). Is there any
> way to convert a PS/2 mouse to USB? Otherwise, I'll need a *USB* switch,
> or go back to having 2 mice on my desktop if I get an Iyonix.
I'd check with Stuart Tyrrell about the options here.
--
John Cartmell jo...@cartmell.demon.co.uk FAX +44 (0)8700-519-527
Acorn Publisher magazine & http://www.acornpublisher.com
Fleur Designs (boardgames)
Chris Evans
> Having had a quick look at the Iyonix spec list, there are a couple of
> questions that I wondered if anyone could answer.
>
> First, though a comment - is that or is that not one of the most uninspired
> case designs ever? With a micro-ATX board, could they not at least have
> provided a desktop case as well as the tower? I mean, compare that with the
> lovely Omega case...
>
> Questions: it has no keyboard or mouse connectors, so we have to use USB
> keyboard and mouse. However, I have a very nice PS/2 mouse that I connect to
> both my RiscPC and my Linux box (via a switch). Is there any way to convert
> a PS/2 mouse to USB? Otherwise, I'll need a *USB* switch, or go back to
> having 2 mice on my desktop if I get an Iyonix.
I don't think you can convert USB to PS2:-(
> Second question: am I right in thinking that there's only a single memory
> slot on this board?
Yes
> So whatever amount of memory we get, that's it? Not a
> huge problem, given the minimum spec of 128MB DDR RAM!
Need more? coming along to the CJE Stand tomorrow:-)
We may have them in stock:-)
Chris Evans
--
CJE Micro's / NCS / Fourth Dimension 'RISC OS Specialists'
Telephone: (01903) 523222 Fax: (01903) 523679
ch...@cjemicros.co.uk http://www.cjemicros.co.uk/
78 Brighton Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 2EN, UK.
James Sargent
> I don't think you can convert USB to PS2:-(
<panto> Oh yes you can </panto>
Peter Bell
Chris Evans <ch...@cjemicros.co.uk> wrote:
> I don't think you can convert USB to PS2:-(
Oooo, I wonder what this little green usb-ps2 convertor, which came
with my Logitech kb & mouse, is for, then?
Ummm, come to think of it, it's actually in circuit between my mouse
and the STD miniPS2mouse plugged into my RPC. <moves mouse> - yep,
that's working!
--
Peter Bell - pe...@bellfamily.org.uk
John Pettigrew
> In message <ant29120...@client.cjemicros.co.uk>
> Chris Evans <ch...@cjemicros.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > I don't think you can convert USB to PS2:-(
>
> Oooo, I wonder what this little green usb-ps2 convertor, which came
> with my Logitech kb & mouse, is for, then?
Unless I'm mistaken, what everyone has been talking about is converting a
USB mouse to plug into a PS/2 port. However, what would be needed with an
Iyonix is to convert a PS/2 mouse and keyboard to plug into a USB port. And
I don't think I've ever seen something to do this.
John
--
John Pettigrew Headstrong Games
john at headstrong-games.co.uk Fun : Strategy : Price
http://www.headstrong-games.co.uk/ Board games that won't break the bank
Valley of the Kings: ransack an ancient Egyptian tomb but beware of mummies!
Diehard Duck
the output was as follows:
Yes but that's the wrong way round. Although so was Mr Evans' desription. So
you've proved Mr Evans wrong, but haven't answered the original poster ;)
--
Šiehard ŠuēK
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Remove THELID to reply by e-mail
Ian Stocks
message news:0590fd9...@xl-cambridge.com...
> In a previous message, Peter Bell wrote:
>
> > In message <ant29120...@client.cjemicros.co.uk>
> > Chris Evans <ch...@cjemicros.co.uk> wrote:
> >
> > > I don't think you can convert USB to PS2:-(
> >
> > Oooo, I wonder what this little green usb-ps2 convertor, which came
> > with my Logitech kb & mouse, is for, then?
>
> Unless I'm mistaken, what everyone has been talking about is converting a
> USB mouse to plug into a PS/2 port. However, what would be needed with an
> Iyonix is to convert a PS/2 mouse and keyboard to plug into a USB port.
And
> I don't think I've ever seen something to do this.
Something like http://www.netshop.co.uk/usb004.htm , should do the trick.
Ian.
Diehard Duck
the output was as follows:
Hm, that wake up switch looks a bit annoying though. Just don't use suspend
mode I suppose! Will there even be one?
The Doctor
John Pettigrew <jo...@NOT-RELEVANT.headstrong-games.co.uk.INVALID> wrote:
> Having had a quick look at the Iyonix spec list, there are a couple of
> questions that I wondered if anyone could answer.
>
> First, though a comment - is that or is that not one of the most uninspired
> case designs ever? With a micro-ATX board, could they not at least have
> provided a desktop case as well as the tower? I mean, compare that with the
> lovely Omega case...
>
The podules may have presented more of a problem in a desktop case.
However, as it is a desktop case, there is nothing to stop you from
buying an mATX or standard ATX case and using that instead.
You could even buy an Omega case and fit it all in that.
You'll still have to cut the podule holes out though if you want them.
There may also be the case (<-pun;-) of voiding the warranty.
> Questions: it has no keyboard or mouse connectors, so we have to use USB
> keyboard and mouse. However, I have a very nice PS/2 mouse that I connect to
> both my RiscPC and my Linux box (via a switch). Is there any way to convert
> a PS/2 mouse to USB? Otherwise, I'll need a *USB* switch, or go back to
> having 2 mice on my desktop if I get an Iyonix.
>
Stuart Tyrell is the man to speak to about this I think.
> Second question: am I right in thinking that there's only a single memory
> slot on this board? So whatever amount of memory we get, that's it? Not a
> huge problem, given the minimum spec of 128MB DDR RAM!
>
There is indeed only one DDR slot on the board.
Cheers!
--
Graham
The RISC OS software site - www.riscossoftware.tk
The RISC OS hardware guide - www.riscoshardware.tk
Deathzone Emulation - www.thedeathzone.free-online.co.uk
The Main Control Room - www.thedeathzone.free-online.co.uk
Ian Molton
Peter Bell <pe...@bellfamily.org.uk> wrote:
>
> > I don't think you can convert USB to PS2:-(
>
> Oooo, I wonder what this little green usb-ps2 convertor, which came
> with my Logitech kb & mouse, is for, then?
its not a converter (probably).
both USB and PS/2 have two power lines (+ and gnd) and two signal lines.
the connectro alters the PHYSICAL characterisitcs, but is pass-through
electronically.
the electronics in the MOUSE choose what mode to operate in
automagically.
this is borne out by the fact that my logitech iFeel WILL NOT work on
such a connector as it doesnt have the PS2 logic in it.
Robin May
>
> In a previous message, Peter Bell wrote:
>
> > In message <ant29120...@client.cjemicros.co.uk>
> > Chris Evans <ch...@cjemicros.co.uk> wrote:
> >
> > > I don't think you can convert USB to PS2:-(
> >
> > Oooo, I wonder what this little green usb-ps2 convertor, which came
> > with my Logitech kb & mouse, is for, then?
>
> Unless I'm mistaken, what everyone has been talking about is converting a
> USB mouse to plug into a PS/2 port. However, what would be needed with an
> Iyonix is to convert a PS/2 mouse and keyboard to plug into a USB port. And
> I don't think I've ever seen something to do this.
That's what I was talking about. I have seen something that can do that and
it cost about £30.
John Pettigrew
> In message <379ae99...@xl-cambridge.com>
> John Pettigrew <jo...@NOT-RELEVANT.headstrong-games.co.uk.INVALID> wrote:
>
> > With a micro-ATX board, could they not at least have provided a desktop
> > case as well as the tower?
> >
> The podules may have presented more of a problem in a desktop case.
Not a huge problem for most people, I'd have thought. For example, I have 2
podules, fully occupying the backplane of my single-slice RPC. However, they
are a Blitz IDE interface and a ViewFinder graphics card, both of which will
be redundant in an Iyonix...
Of popular podules, I think that mostly leaves network cards, TV cards and
SCSI cards. The first of these are also redundant in an Iyonix (with its
build-in net), TV cards might be an issue, but podule SCSI cards will
probably be slower than the mobo IDE i/f in an Iyonix.
> However, as it is a desktop case, there is nothing to stop you from
> buying an mATX or standard ATX case and using that instead.
True, but a faff, and probably has warranty implications.
> You could even buy an Omega case and fit it all in that.
LOL. Now that *would* confuse people :-)
John
--
John Pettigrew Headstrong Games
john at headstrong-games.co.uk Fun : Strategy : Price
http://www.headstrong-games.co.uk/ Board games that won't break the bank
Chris Evans
Ah, I wasn't aware of that, I was wrong!
The "requires Windows98" is a worry, does it need drivers?
The Logitech 'Adaptors' though are just plug convertors i.e. they is no
electronics in them. Thier mice auto detect what they are connected to and
then interface USB or PS2 as required. They do not change a USB signal into
a PS2 signal.
Diehard Duck
the output was as follows:
> <URL:mailto:nos...@testbox2.co.uk> wrote:
>> "John Pettigrew" <jo...@NOT-RELEVANT.headstrong-games.co.uk.INVALID>
>> wrote in message news:0590fd9...@xl-cambridge.com...
>>> In a previous message, Peter Bell wrote:
>>>
>>>> In message <ant29120...@client.cjemicros.co.uk>
>>>> Chris Evans <ch...@cjemicros.co.uk> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I don't think you can convert USB to PS2:-(
>>>>
>>>> Oooo, I wonder what this little green usb-ps2 convertor, which came
>>>> with my Logitech kb & mouse, is for, then?
>>>
>>> Unless I'm mistaken, what everyone has been talking about is
>>> converting a USB mouse to plug into a PS/2 port. However, what
>>> would be needed with an Iyonix is to convert a PS/2 mouse and
>>> keyboard to plug into a USB port. And I don't think I've ever seen
>>> something to do this.
>>
>> Something like http://www.netshop.co.uk/usb004.htm , should do the
>> trick.
>
> Ah, I wasn't aware of that, I was wrong!
>
> The "requires Windows98" is a worry, does it need drivers?
No. USB was not supported *properly* on any version of Windows before 98.
That's the only reason.
Robin May
>
> Amazingly, Chris Evans's fingers fell upon a keyboard in such away that
> the output was as follows:
> > In article <3de7695b$0$307$bed6...@pubnews.gradwell.net>, Ian Stocks
> > <URL:mailto:nos...@testbox2.co.uk> wrote:
> >> "John Pettigrew" <jo...@NOT-RELEVANT.headstrong-games.co.uk.INVALID>
> >> trick.
> >
> > Ah, I wasn't aware of that, I was wrong!
> >
> > The "requires Windows98" is a worry, does it need drivers?
>
> No. USB was not supported *properly* on any version of Windows before 98.
> That's the only reason.
I'd expect that it would require drivers to be written for RISC OS though.
The Doctor
John Pettigrew <jo...@NOT-RELEVANT.headstrong-games.co.uk.INVALID>
wrote:
> In a previous message, The Doctor wrote:
>
[super snip]
> > However, as it is a desktop case, there is nothing to stop you from
Ahem! Sorry, but that ^^^^^^^^^^^^ should read 'MicroATX design'
Lack of slepp.
> > buying an mATX or standard ATX case and using that instead.
Diehard Duck
the output was as follows:
> Diehard Duck wrote:
>>
>> Amazingly, Chris Evans's fingers fell upon a keyboard in such away
>> that the output was as follows:
>>> In article <3de7695b$0$307$bed6...@pubnews.gradwell.net>, Ian
>>> Stocks <URL:mailto:nos...@testbox2.co.uk> wrote:
>>>> "John Pettigrew" <jo...@NOT-RELEVANT.headstrong-games.co.uk.INVALID>
>>>> Something like http://www.netshop.co.uk/usb004.htm , should do the
>>>> trick.
>>>
>>> Ah, I wasn't aware of that, I was wrong!
>>>
>>> The "requires Windows98" is a worry, does it need drivers?
>>
>> No. USB was not supported *properly* on any version of Windows
>> before 98. That's the only reason.
>
> I'd expect that it would require drivers to be written for RISC OS
> though.
Hm...I would expect standard Mouse/Keyboard drivers to work. This must
already be implemented into the Iyonix. The adapter itself shouldn't need
drivers.
Robin May
From what I know of these adapters, they present themselves as two PS/2
ports in Windows. This would suggest that they need something more than
simple keyboard and mouse drivers.
Diehard Duck
the output was as follows:
Just found this:
http://www.rotronic.co.uk/inter/new.htm
It's on there. About £5 cheaper too :)
Cheers
Russ
Diehard Duck
I would put money on it working out of the box. I'm not saying you're
wrong...but I'm confident that you are ;)
Robin May
I'm pretty confident I'm right. I think it's a more complex arrangement than
a simple human interface device type driver.
Diehard Duck
A fiver sez it works out of the box :P
Robin May
>
> Amazingly, Robin May's fingers fell upon a keyboard in such away that
> the output was as follows:
> > Diehard Duck wrote:
> >>
> >> Amazingly, Robin May's fingers fell upon a keyboard in such away that
> >> the output was as follows:
> >>> PS/2 ports in Windows. This would suggest that they need something
> >>> more than simple keyboard and mouse drivers.
> >>
> >> I would put money on it working out of the box. I'm not saying you're
> >> wrong...but I'm confident that you are ;)
> >
> > I'm pretty confident I'm right. I think it's a more complex
> > arrangement than a simple human interface device type driver.
>
> A fiver sez it works out of the box :P
Ha, alright. Now we just have to find someone with an Iyonix and a converter
to test on it. Any volunteers?
Diehard Duck
the output was as follows:
> Diehard Duck wrote:
>>
>> Amazingly, Robin May's fingers fell upon a keyboard in such away that
>> the output was as follows:
>>> Diehard Duck wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Amazingly, Robin May's fingers fell upon a keyboard in such away
>>>> that the output was as follows:
>>>>> From what I know of these adapters, they present themselves as two
>>>>> PS/2 ports in Windows. This would suggest that they need something
>>>>> more than simple keyboard and mouse drivers.
>>>>
>>>> I would put money on it working out of the box. I'm not saying
>>>> you're wrong...but I'm confident that you are ;)
>>>
>>> I'm pretty confident I'm right. I think it's a more complex
>>> arrangement than a simple human interface device type driver.
>>
>> A fiver sez it works out of the box :P
>
> Ha, alright. Now we just have to find someone with an Iyonix and a
> converter to test on it. Any volunteers?
Perhaps Castle can demo tomorrow. I won't be there...we'll rely on the
community to tell the truth :)
Robert Richards
> Second question: am I right in thinking that there's only a single memory
> slot on this board? So whatever amount of memory we get, that's it? Not a
> huge problem, given the minimum spec of 128MB DDR RAM!
No. You can still remove the RAM and replace it with a larger module.
As stated quite sensibly on the Iyonix website, it's going to make
bugger all difference to the cost of upgrading the RAM (and may even
save you money cos you can sell the old RAM) and removes the problems
of mixing different RAM modules.
Nice machine. Fairly nice prce too!
John Pettigrew
> John Pettigrew wrote in message news:<379ae99...@xl-cambridge.com>...
> > Second question: am I right in thinking that there's only a single
> > memory slot on this board? So whatever amount of memory we get, that's
> > it?
>
> No. You can still remove the RAM and replace it with a larger module.
> As stated quite sensibly on the Iyonix website, it's going to make
> bugger all difference to the cost of upgrading the RAM
Well, yes, you can obviously take out the supplied memory, but you can't
simply add more - you have to replace what's there. It's more expensive to
buy a 256 MB than a 128 MB memory module (about GBP 65 rather than about GBP
35). Not a huge difference, but still worth a few pints.
> Nice machine. Fairly nice prce too!
Yes. I'll be interested to see what the "real" price is after the launch
offer expires, because I certainly won't be able to get one for a few months
yet.
John
--
John Pettigrew Headstrong Games
john at headstrong-games.co.uk Fun : Strategy : Price
http://www.headstrong-games.co.uk/ Board games that won't break the bank
Knossos: escape the ever-changing labyrinth before the Minotaur catches you!
Ray Dawson
<ch...@cjemicros.co.uk> wrote:
> > Questions: it has no keyboard or mouse connectors, so we have to use
> > USB keyboard and mouse. However, I have a very nice PS/2 mouse that I
> > connect to both my RiscPC and my Linux box (via a switch). Is there
> > any way to convert a PS/2 mouse to USB? Otherwise, I'll need a *USB*
> > switch, or go back to having 2 mice on my desktop if I get an Iyonix.
> I don't think you can convert USB to PS2:-(
I have two USB mice here which are PS2 ones plugged into a convertor. I'm
not sure if there are any USB only mice around.
Cheers,
Ray D
--
Ray Dawson
r...@magray.freeserve.co.uk
MagRay - the audio & braille specialists
Stefan Bellon
> I'm not sure if there are any USB only mice around.
Yes, of course there are. Mine are USB ones that have an adapter to
PS/2. (Well, they're trackballs as I only use Logitech TrackMan Marble
devices, but it holds for real mice as well).
--
Stefan Bellon
