Color Pivots (#0277/0233) Q&A

Q: Is the Color Pivot, model number 0233 and 0277 compatible with System 7.5?

A: With Pivot software version 3.2.1, the Color Pivot will be fully functional on the built-in DRAM connector of the Power Mac 6100, 7100, or 8100 running System 7.1.2, 7.5, or 7.5.1. A Power Mac Display Adapter is required to make the physical connection to the HDI-45 port possible, however, and only the Power Mac 6100 ships with this adapter (Apple item# M2681LL/A). Power Mac 7100 and 8100 users must buy the adapter separately from an Apple Authorized Reseller. The Power Mac 7100 and 8100 also ship in a configuration which allows from one to four megabytes of video RAM (VRAM) to be installed on an Apple graphics card installed in the Processor Direct Slot. Pivoting will be fully functional on this card, and depending on the amount of VRAM present, can support thousands of colors on the 7100 with two megabytes of VRAM, and millions of colors on the 8100 with four megabytes of VRAM. Pivoting is not supported on the Apple AV card in any of the Power Mac AV configurations, though the HDI-45 port on the logic board will work fine in these systems. The Color Pivot is not compatible with the Power Mac 7200, 7500, and 8500, or other PCI systems, using any Radius software.

Q: Is the Color Pivot compatible with a Power Macintosh computer?

A: With Pivot software version 3.1.1 or later, these Pivots will be fully functional on the built-in DRAM connector of any of the Power Macintosh computers. However, only the Power Macintosh 6100 ships with the necessary DRAM adapter cable. Power Macintosh 7100 and 8100 users must buy the Apple cable separately from an Apple Authorized Reseller. The Power Macintosh 7100 and 8100 computers also ship in a configuration which allows from one to four megabytes of video RAM (VRAM) to be installed on an Apple graphics card installed in the Processor Direct Slot. Depending on the amount of VRAM present, pivoting will be fully functional and will support thousands of colors on the 7100 with two megabytes of VRAM, and millions of colors on the 8100 with four megabytes of VRAM. Pivoting is not supported on Power Macintosh AV cards.

Q: Are there compatibility differences between Pivot software version 3.1.1 and 3.2.1?

A: Soft Pivot version 3.2.1 adds compatibility for the following:

- The PowerBook 520, 540, 280 and 280C,
- System 7.5 and 7.5.1,
- 2nd Generation Power Macs (6100/66, 7100/80, 8100/100-110,
- The Apple Power Macintosh 601 Upgrade Card.

Q: Which compatibility issues does SoftPivot 3.2.1 not address?

A: Soft Pivot 3.2.1 does not address compatibility issues with the following:

- DuoDock II compatibility.
- The Quadra 630 cannot be supported since its built-in video architecture does not support fifteen-inch resolution.
- The Power Macintosh AV card will not support the pivot since pivoting will not work with any card whose purpose is to digitize and playback video.
- The Apple DOS card problems are under investigation and were not addressed.
- PowerSaver functionality with the Pivot/GS is also under investigation and was not addressed.
- MacsBug functionality on the Pivot is disabled in this version. If a second display is in use, MacsBug will operate on the second display.

Q: How do I know if I have a model number 0233 or 0277 Color Pivot?

A: The easiest way is to check the serial number. A model 0233, or 0277 color pivot will have a serial number beginning with the letters "CFC," "CFD," or "TNB."

Q: At startup, my screen is dark blue and doesn't look normal until the icons begin appearing on the bottom. Is something wrong?

A: No, this is an entirely normal occurrence. It is due to the fact that the Pivot driver software has yet to load into the system. Until that driver loads, the computer thinks that there is a monochrome portrait display connected. A color display which is mis-identified as a monochrome display will come up with a blue color on the screen. The sooner that this extension loads, the sooner a normal image will appear.

Q: My screen is an abnormal dark blue and pivoting is disabled, what's happening?

A: If you have recently moved your display from a computer on which you needed to use a video card to a pivot-compatible computer with built-in video, look at the back of the pivot. On the upper left-hand corner you should see a two-position switch labeled, "interface card," or "built-in video." Make sure that the switch is set appropriately, then restart your computer. If this doesn't solve the problem and you have recently upgraded your system or architecture, you should download the latest software, Soft Pivot 3.2.1. If you are unable to download this software, you can also order it by calling 800-977-7060, and ordering item 637-0016-01. Until the software arrives, you can eliminate the blue color and operate in portrait mode only by placing the display in its landscape position and pivoting it to the portrait mode when you see the "Welcome To Macintosh" logo.

Q: What does the "Reduced Mode" option in the Soft Pivot control panel Do?

A: "Reduced Mode" reduces the screen size from 870x640 to 816x640. The altered screen size allows more memory to be allocated to bit depth, thereby allowing for an increase in the amount of colors available. This is not offered if the pivot is connected to an AV-style Macintosh.

Q: My Color Pivot makes a quick, high-pitched noise when I turn it on.

A: In order to more accurately reproduce colors, most monitors use a "degaussing" circuit when powered up. The Color Pivot displays use a "quick, high-pitched" circuit, rather than a "low-hum" circuit. This is to allow for very fast degaussing during pivoting as well as at start-up. The byproduct of this action is a momentary, high-pitched whine while the circuit is active. The sound is normal and the degaussing action is completely safe.

Q: Is my pivot card compatible with other displays?

A: The color pivot cards will drive a standard fifteen-inch portrait display, and since the cards also support an 832x624 resolution, they will also work with some 16 or 17-inch Macintosh compatible displays. Naturally, the displays won't pivot, but you will have a proper image.

Q: Do I need Soft Pivot with my Color Pivot monitor?

A: Only if you are running the display from the built-in video of your computer. If you are using a Color Pivot NuBus card, only the Dynamic Desktop control panel device is needed. If you are using built-in video, you will need Soft Pivot 3.2.1, which includes the Soft Pivot 3.2.1 control panel, the Soft Pivot 3.2.1 Driver, and Dynamic Desktop 3.3. This software can also be ordered in disk form by calling Radius Upgrades at 800-977-7060, and ordering item 637-0016-01.

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