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From: burkett@csd4.csd.uwm.edu (Edward W Burkett)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: DMA controller chip error
Keywords: Fastback, DMA
Message-ID: <1096@uwm.edu>
Date: 17 Nov 89 13:32:11 GMT
Article-I.D.: uwm.1096
References: <941@ac.dal.ca> <1078@umigw.MIAMI.EDU>
Sender: news@uwm.edu
Reply-To: burkett@csd4.csd.uwm.edu (Edward W Burkett)
Organization: Computing Services Division, UW Milwaukee
Lines: 70

In article <1078@umigw.MIAMI.EDU> wb8foz@Mthvax.Miami.Edu (David Lesher) writes:
>> Article <941@ac.dal.ca> From: bertfram@ac.dal.ca
>
># I just bought a copy of Fastback +.  When I configured it the other day
># it informed me that I have an error in my DMA controller chip.  I'm not
># a happy camper.  
>
>The cure is to replace the DMA controller chip with one that
>does what it is supposed to. It should be a 2 minute job, but if
>the designers soldered it in, or hid it under
>something... ......rotsaruck.

This is part of an article I posted a while back.

        A little information about Clones, DMA and FastBack+.

I have followed up on a suggestion to contact Fifth Generation Systems, Inc.
about DMA chips that do not pass the *fast* FastBack+ test.  After talking to
a Tech. at FGS, Inc. I learned that there are several clones (Leading Edge
is one) and (believe it or not) IBM's that DO NOT have defective DMA chips but
rather the architecture of the system limits the access to the DMA chip by
a clock or timing problem.  I repeat ..... FGS, Inc. said that the problem
cannot be cured by replacing the DMA chip (It is not defective).

As it turns out, if you have an 8086 or 8088 machine, FGS, Inc. supplies a 
chip that will fix the timing problem.  To install this chip you simply
pull the original CPU, insert this 40 pin chip and then piggyback the original
CPU onto the new chip.  The Tech. assured me that this would fix the DMA
problem for any 8086/8088 machine and does not influence the performance of
the machine in any other way.  Where they get you is that the chip cost
$40.00 which includes shipping.

Does anybody know anything about this chip?  The reason I ask is that FGS, Inc.
also suggested replacing the 8088 with a V20.  They will sell it to you for
$30.00.   Well, I can buy one for $7.00!!!!   Hmmmm!    Maybe the DMA fix chip
is also available at a lower cost from a different source.

An interesting point was brought out in my discussion with FGS, Inc.
Since my original posting, I have gotten MANY replies that the DMA problem was
actually a defective DMA chip and that it simply (or not so simply, if it is
soldered) had to be replaced.  One knowledgable person said that it was
due to timing problem machine.  This was why I called FGS, Inc.  The point is

--- investigate a problem like this thoroughly before you spend a LOT of money
on someones advice that may not fix the problem---.

For those of you who are interested, you do not have to own FastBack to buy this
DMA fix chip. They will sell it to anyone.

FGS, Inc. address is:

              Fifth Generation Systems, Inc.
              11200 Industriplex Boulevard
              Baton Rouge, LA 70809

The chips' part number is          132000

Include a check for $40.00 and a return address.
If you would like to talk to them, their phone number is 504-291-7283.

P.S. (They also said.. DO NOT force a faster speed than FB+ says is ok because
      you will LOSE data....maybe not the first time....but you will lose data)

HOPE THIS HAS BEEN HELPFUL!

********************************************************************************
Ed Burkett
University of Wisconsin
Department of Biological Sciences
********************************************************************************