NODE02.THD --- Copyright 1989 by Phil Wheeler An original compilation of Compuserve Model 100 Forum messages for use by Forum members only. The NODE RAM pack is a popular and reasonably priced expansion RAM for the 100/102/200. These messages discuss a problem with losing all files in the Node unit, as well as a bit about the electonic architecture. The last message announces that the product will be discontinued in about 60 days- - so, if you want one, get it now! Message range: 177992 to 178678 Dates: 12/20/88 to 1/9/89 Sb: #Node RAMdisk Fm: Gary Davis 72256,2551 To: Tony Anderson 76703,4062 Tony - Speaking of a 256K Node...I have one too and was wondering if you have had any problems? I've had some garbage appear in mine about 4 or 5 times, resulting in having to reformat and thus losing all files contained therein. I have to take mine off the 200 all the time in order for the 200 to fit in my briefcase and was wondering if the constant plugging and unplugging at the system bus might be the culprit. Any thoughts? ....and the happiest of holidays to thee, by the way! Fm: Tony Anderson 76703,4062 To: Gary Davis 72256,2551 Geez, Gary... I sent you a magic wand to wave over the 200 when that happens. Didn't you use it? (grin) Seriously, I had that happen to mine once. It was soon after I started to use it. I modified my use technique, and it hasn't happened again. (Patient: "Doctor, it hurts when I raise my arm". Doctor: "Then don't raise your arm, stupid!") What I think I traced it to, was punching the function keys while the ROM was still doing something else; like redrawing the menu screen. Or while it was actually moving a file either to or from the RAMdisk. So I started to wait until each operation, whatever it was, was completed, before punching a key to order something else. I haven't had any further problem. Apparently the ROM program has no type-ahead capability. Let me know if it works for you. And don't forget to wave the magic wand. (grin) Merry Christmas to you, too. And thanks. Fm: Gary Davis 72256,2551 To: Tony Anderson 76703,4062 You might be right, although sometimes all is O.K. when I exit the Node and go back to the regular bank. I remove the node after the entire 200 is shut off. Then, sometime later, I'll attach the Node, turn on the 200, put the cursor over RAMDSK and hit ENTER, only to be met with the message "Reformat?". Can't get into the Node at all without doing the CALL command for reformatting and thereby losing all files. Doesn't happen very often, just enough to get ya somewhat mad! However, I'll try slowing down, as you suggest, and we'll see if it ever happens again. Have a good 'un....... Fm: Tony Anderson 76703,4062 To: Gary Davis 72256,2551 Well, I haven't had that exact problem. With mine I got a scrambled menu, and some scrambled and unreadable files. But I don't remove mine from the 200. I assume you have to remove yours, in order to transfer it from machine to machine. (Can't you afford a second machine?) (grin) (I know you have a bunch available to your company people...) But your problem may lie in a low-voltage battery in the Node. I'm only guessing, but I might try replacing the battery. Keep me informed; I'd like to know what happens in case someone else asks. Fm: Will Linden 72737,2150 To: Gary Davis 72256,2551 Are you using any other "Resident" utilities with the Node? When I have problems it is usually due to fighting with XOS for control of the hooks in one bank, which then tends to spread to the others like a "virus". By now I can spot the symptoms soon enough to cold-start the offending bank without reloading the others. Also, I suspect it could be power drain, for which the remedy is changing batteries more often. Fm: Will Linden 72737,2150 To: Tony Anderson 76703,4062 Hmm. I find no problems with using the PAGE F-key to "typeahead". Were you doing that, or something else? Fm: Gary Davis 72256,2551 To: Tony Anderson 76703,4062 O.K. - I'll keep a close watch on it and try to have all the EXACT details of what I did (or didn't do) the next time the node decides to crash. Will then let you know and we'll see what we can figure out. Of course, let's hope it never happens again! Fm: Gary Davis 72256,2551 To: Will Linden 72737,2150 Nope, no other utilities are being used in the 200, so that's not it. However, you got my attention with your comment about power drain. What batteries are you talking about? The 4 in the Model 200 itself of the one(s) in the Node? Guess maybe I should re-read my Node instructions! Does it have replaceable batteries? Fm: Tony Anderson 76703,4062 To: Will Linden 72737,2150 In my case, the one time it happened, I was copying a file from RAM to the Node ane after providing the name I wanted the file stored under, and pressing the ENTER key, I pressed F1 to go back to the main menu before the Node menu was rewritten, and possibly before the file was completely transferred. Had nothing to do with PAGE, as I haven't filled up the first page yet. Fm: Will Linden 72737,2150 To: Gary Davis 72256,2551 I was thinking of the AA batteries, as when I let them run down is when I tend to have problems. However, your mention of the Node battery brings in a new dimension. I assumed it was recharging of the computer power supply, like the Nicads.. but is it. Does anyone out there know? (Paul?) Fm: Paul Globman 72227,1661 To: Will Linden 72737,2150 The nicad in the Node is charged when you are using AC, so if allow the Alkalines to wear down by not using the AC adaptor, the NODE nicad will also be drained. Node nicad gets charged via the system buss and will not charge the T200 internal nicad, and as the NODE nicad drains it does NOT get charged by the AA's like the internal nicad does. Fm: Gary Davis 72256,2551 To: Paul Globman 72227,1661 Forgive me for being stupid and asking the following, but I'm totally confused: Are you saying that, when using the 200 via AA battery power, the Node is getting recharged? And, when using the 200 via AC, the Node charging? That would certainly explain a lot if such is the case. Have a super, keen, nifty holiday season and thanks for taking the time to answer an amateur's question! Fm: Alan Rowberg 76703,4421 To: Paul Globman 72227,1661 I vaguely recall the schematic for AA and ext power, and do not think the Node can be recharged by just the external power. Are you sure of this? Fm: Paul Globman 72227,1661 To: Alan Rowberg 76703,4421 There are several points where Vdd is drawn from and the system buss has Vdd on pins one and two. It is possible that each pin (1 and 2) are tied to different Vdd taps from the power supply, thereby making my suggestion plausable. I did have the NODE 256K RAMDISK for about 3 weeks for evaluation and I seem to recall the instructions suggesting that the internal (Node) nicad may be low and with the NODE connected to the system buss you should leave the T200 connected with the AC adaptor (the T200 need not be on) overnight to recharge the Node nicad. I would not consider it well designed if the Node nicad drained the M100's AA's to maintain its charge. Fm: Tony Anderson 76703,4062 To: All I've had a conversation today with Node Computers in California, and have been advised that they will be discontinuing the RAMdisk product for the 102 and the 200 in about 60 days. They are just now completing their last run of printed circuit boards, and when those are sold out, the product will be discontinued. There will be no software upgrades which allow more extensive use of the RAMdisk. While it would be theoretically possible to have files in the RAMdisk that are larger than RAM, and access them sequentially, like disk files, there are no plans to market that software. As I understand it, the RAMdisk software was developed by Traveling Software, who would charge a hefty "development fee" for redesigning the software, and Node doesn't feel the cost is justified, considering they are going to discontinue the product. For those who are concerned about the Motorola nicad battery in the RAMdisk, they have a stock of replacement batteries available. But Motorola has also discontinued that battery. You can obtain a replacement as long as they are available, and install it yourself (it requires some soldering), or return your Datapak to Node who will install a new battery. When the batteries are no longer available, they will convert your unit for a different type of battery. Call Node for additional information: (916) 477-6706. Tell them you heard about it here.