Re: Sorta spruced up the 85-X

http://www.gilanet.com/ohlandl/9585/9585_SX_Planar.html#BIOS_update_110

From Peter Wendt
I don't know exactly how this "upgrade" works. It is not really a "Flash-BIOS" update ... it is more a diagnostic code upgrade and puts another xxx.BIO file on the harddisk. Most likely it loads during IML (while the 9585 *use* IML - disregard the fact that they have a flash-BIOS ... try running one without IML-partition ...) and I *think* it can be returned to the old level with using the other (old) code reference and diags disk and run "restore system partition" - but: I am not sure here.

The K/N can run without a partition, can the X do it as well?

David L. Beem wrote:
Hi Louis,
http://www.gilanet.com/ohlandl/9585/9585_SX_Planar.html#Onboard_SCSI
[you could add the indexed links that are in the HTML code at the top of the page]
"From Peter Wendt: ...The SCSI microcode however is part of the machine BIOS stored in a single small 16-bit PLCC Eprom if I remember correctly. There is a part of the SCSI code also included in the IML."

As http://www.ibmmuseum.com/Projects/SCSILEVL/ shows, the 9585 'X' SCSI microcode is specifically held in U51 (not contradicting Peter at all, but actually confirming his memory is correct & enhancing the statement). The 25h/37d microcode level is pretty standard for a few different IBM SCSI adapters & planars (and the same FRU-numbered EPROM is also used on the Bermuda planar). Conceivably it could be upgraded to a 26h/38d level with a burner & soldering skills (at what benefit is unknown).
Although the newer BIOS image (for lack of a better term) wouldn't update the SCSI microcode, it may change the "ROM BIOS Extension" SCSI code to give larger harddrive support. What is the difference between the two? Does the splash screen or anything in the system setup change?
David
David@xxxxxxxxxxxxx


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