Macintosh IIfx: Proper Placement of SCSI Terminators (11/94)


When my Data Frame drive is the only device in the SCSI chain, my Macintosh IIfx starts up, but whenever I have another SCSI device attached, the system won't start. It doesn't matter whether the external SCSI is the drive or the scanner. The SCSI devices are all at different addresses and the external device on the end of the line has termination.

The Data Frame was checked out here on a Macintosh IIci with an external Rodime 140MB SCSI drive. I had no problems with this configuration.

The only thing we are concerned with is the termination of both the internal drive and the external devices. The IIfx requires the use of the black terminator rather than the standard platinum-colored terminators of other Macintosh computers. This terminator is included with the IIfx in the finished goods box.

We would also verify that the SCSI filter is installed on the internal SCSI bus at the drive. This filter connects between the SCSI ribbon cable and the drive itself and provides some additional termination internal to the IIfx.


Article Change History:
08 Nov 1994 - Reviewed for technical accuracy, revised formatting.

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Published Date: Feb 18, 2012