The 6400 Zone is created to help you gain access to useful software updates and great shareware programs that add functionality to your system. It is also a one stop road map to other informative sites for answering your questions. Most of the info here is geared towards the 6400, but it is useful for all PCI Performa models and even the 6500 and all-in-one Macs based on the same. It's even useful to other MAC systems. I will be referring to my 6400/200 clocked to 220Mhz as just 6400/220, OK.

I will keep it updated as often as I can but I don't have much free time to work on it, so I suggest you check back at least once a week. That should be sufficient. If you don't see something you would like to see here or have your own software / web site that would benefit the MAC community, please write to me at TMK12v@aol.com and I will check it out.

• Mac equipment for sale
• Current problems with my system
• Readers Requests Page

RamDoubler 8.0.1 not compatible with Vimage G3?: You all know about my slow Finder problem since updating to OS 8.5.1 with VM turned ON. I thought I'd try Jordan's suggestion of using RamDoubler to get more memory without the massive slow down. When I first booted everything seemed normal until the G3 kicked in. After the soft reboot that happens when the G3 turns ON my main monitor went black! I could still see the mouse and my 2nd monitor still worked but I had no image on the main one. The computer finished its startup too and the only way I could shut down was to hit the power key and press return as I couldn't see the menu bar to shutdown using the Speacial menu.

I tried it with RamDoubler set from triple your ram down to FileMapping only with the same results. Once removed my system ran fine. There are a few more tests I'd like to run to be sure but it seems as if RamDoubler 8.0.1 is not compatible with Vimages PF G3. If any of you have RamDoubler running with your G3 please email me.

Differences between Vimages G3 and Sonnets G3 upgrades for the 6400: Many of you have asked why Vimages G3's are so much more expensive compared to Sonnets soon to be released G3's. Here are my opinions on why this is.

Vimage was the first to make the G3 upgrade for the 6400 with the 240/G3 so they had a lot of R&D overhead. Also being the only company at the time selling the upgrade made it possible to raise the price with little fear of people buying elsewhere. The soon to be released 320/G3 is based on the new copper technology which makes for a much cooler running G3. The new 320/G3 should actually run at about the same temp if not cooler than the current 240/G3! With fast CPU's cooler is always better. Vimage has released a FAQ stating that it was not possible for them to make a 300/G3 for the 6400 with the older NON-copper G3 chips because the 6400 is not sufficiently cooled. I had a discussion with them and they told me that over time a 300/G3 NON-copper chip will fail in the 6400! I asked for a loaner card to test but they said that the a few days or even a week may not be long enough to find out.

Sonnet did not have as much R&D as Vimage because the technology is already out there (do to Vimage) so they can lower their prices. G3 chips from IBM and Motorola have dropped in price so again they can drop their price (I assume Vimage will drop the price of the 240/G3 to match Sonnets pricing and stay in competition). Sonnets 300/G3's are based on older NON-copper technology which will run much hotter and if the Vimage FAQ is correct they should fail with in a short time. I'm not to sure on how they'll fail though. I would expect them to fail right away be freezing the system or somthing like how mine froze when I was experimenting with the CPU clock speeds. I guess we'll have to wait and see. I have asked MacCPU which will be selling Sonnets cards for a loaner card to review.

Vimage Compatibility page updated: I just added info from Steve that his Game Wizard Voodoo II card works with the G3 upgrade. Thanks Steve. I also added his letter to the Vimage User Letters page. Also Ola has installed Village Tronics Voodoo Banshee card and it runs with Vimages G3.This is great news! Thanks Ola

New Sonnet Info page: I just started my Sonnet Info page to store all the info i get on Sonnets G3 upgrades for the 6400. Click here to check it out.

Over Clocked 6400 MB update: I just got the web address to the page that has the info on how to make this change. remember that when you change the mother board speed that your CPU will also increase. You may have to decrease the CPU before increasing the Mother Board or risk instant crashes on boot. I've started a Clocking the 6400's Mother Board page too.

New Readers Requests page: I have added a page that has all my readers email asking for help to try and make it easier for other to quickly read thru and send replys to anything they can answer. It's sort of my own version of Apples 6400 Forums. It won't have any reply's posted unless I feel they need to be so its more of a one way street. To make it easier for me I would like to post the email address of the people asking for help so other can reply directly to speed up the process. For those already listed on the page please let me know if this is OK? Thanks

Mac equipment for sale: Ryan would like to thank all that inquired about his geo modem. It has sold. Brian has given me a big list of stuff he wants to sell. Check below for more details.

6500 56k modem updater to v.90: This is for my 6500 readers. Apple has released an updaters to give your 56k modem the v.90 standard. Here is the address to Apple TIL on this.

http://til.info.apple.com/techinfo.nsf/artnum/n58247

Click here to get the download. It will not work on 6500's that came with 33.6 modems. But it should work on 6400's that people installed the 6500 56k modem in

Readers Requests page updated: Michael snet a reply to Ed's problem with his CDROM. Click here to view the original letter plus the reply. Thanks Michael.

Long delays between posts: Sorry for the lag in updates. My new work schedual has limited my computer time at home. Expect updates to be at least once every 2 weeks until I can get more organized and set in a normal routine again. Thanks for understanding.

New blue/white G3 from Apple: Well have you seen it yet? I feel in love the minute I saw it! It a very attractive case and has lots of power. Visit Apple for all the details. I have been considering replacing both my 6400's with one of these, but before you get upset about my possible drop of the 6400, read on.

I have read all the specs and considered all the possible upgrades and adaptors I would need to get the same usability out of it compared to my 6400 and I think I will wait for awhile. There is just too many things missing on the new G3's to make buying one not worth it for me right now.

Sonnet announced G3 upgrades for the 6400!: Its about time another vendor gets a G3 upgrade for our computers made. Sonnet just announced the below configurations for all 64xx/65xx and others built on the same mother boards. Newer had announced a 4400 version awhile back but didn't expand into the 6400 world. Sonnets pricing is very aggresive compared to Vimages also.

G3/240 512k cache for $399
G3/300 512k cache for $499
G3/300 1M cache for $599

Click here to get a PDF document of the press release from Sonnet. These prices are all lower than Vimages and from rumors of Vimages next release (the G3/320Mhz card) from MacWorld Expo, it will run around $1399! Thats awfully high even for a copper based G3. I've seen 400Mhz G3's for less than that. Vimage my have to reduce their pricing or get cut out of the market.

On the other hand, Vimage is getting a reputation for being more compatible with other devices than the other G3 card vendors. Remember both Sonnet and Newer had problems with their PDS versions and Vimage is one of the only cards that is compatible with all SCSI cards.

Sonnet says they should have their cards out by next month. I will be starting a new page for info on Sonnets cards as I recieve it.

I have asked MacCPU for a card to review when they get them. I will keep you all posted.

320Mhz copper based G3 for the 6400: Vimage told me they should have their cards out by next month too and have released this FAQ about their cards in comparison to others. It is pretty interesting! It will be very interesting to see what happens with prices now that there are 2 companies selling upgrades for the 6400.

Connectix makes Virtual Sony Play Station for the Mac: This is going to be a great year for the Mac. This product, according to Connectix, will allow G3 owners to play most of the games made for the Play Station. They have stated that it will only run reliably on Apples G3 systems and not G3 upgraded systems. It also needs ATI's chip set.

I have been reading on Accelerate Your Mac that many people have been getting it to run on G3 upgraded systems even without an ATI card! It seems that you only need a few of the ATI extensions for the Rage PRO card even if you own just a Rage II. Connectix says that it does not play totally as fast as the Play Station and on slower systems it will drop frames to keep the speed of the game in sync. It s not available yet to the general public as it was only sold at the MacWorld expo. It is said to be ready by next month. I will be getting a copy to review as soon as I can get one. For now visit Accelerate Your Mac for up to date info.

Email address request: Jeff, I have recieved a request from Eric who would like your email address. I have deleted it already and no longer have it, Thanks

[I'm wondering if you have Jeff's email address so I can find out more
about fixing the sound problem on my 6500?

"6400's volume not as loud as it used to be?-"

Thanks,
Eric]

7/24/98 This message is for Martin of Martins Communications: Hey Martin your link is no longer working on your banner ad at the bottom of this page and the email address I have no longer works either. Could you please send me the updated addresses? Thanks.

Vimage is the first to produce a G3 upgrade for the 6400. It will be through the L2 cache slot, not a PCI card. Click here to read more about Vimage's upgrades.

I found a great way to earn some money while getting great deals to you on Macintosh books and software plus they have all kinds of other books, music, and more. Please click on the amazon.com link on the top of this page whenever you feel like purchasing something to help sponsor this site. If you're unsure of what you want and wish to get a list of Mac related items, just type Macintosh in the search field on their home page and you will be presented with many choices to select.

Jeff did some digging in to the new code that displays the frames on my site with AOL ads and found a link that can be used which will not show those annoying ads. Here is the address. http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/TMK12v/home.html
Thanks Jeff, for sending this info. PS don't let AOL find out :)

Here I have listed parts that people would like to sell. Please email them if you are interested. SHIPPING NOT INCLUDED IN PRICES unless specified! Please email me if your parts have been sold so I can remove them from this list or if you would like me to post your parts here. Thanks (NOTE: all Ram listed as fitting or coming from a particular computer will also fit in any other Mac or Clone that uses the same size chip)

Brian - OneEyedJs@aol.com

• $15.00 OBO - 8MB FPM 70ns 2k refresh 5v 168-pin DIMM from a 6400.
• $30.00 OBO - 4x speed 600i Apple internal CD-ROM {SCSI/SCSI-2 compatible}.
• $50.00 OBO - 8x speed 506i Apple internal CD-ROM {SCSI/SCSI-2 compatible}.
• $30.00 OBO - External SCSI box {works with SCSI and SCSI-2} w/electronic SCSI id switch. Works with all internal devices including CD-ROMs with audio.
• $20.00 OBO - Apple GEO/EXPRESS 33.6 internal modem for comm slot II MACS.
• $30.00 OBO - Apple extended keyboard from a 6400
• $50.00 OBO - 2.4 GB 3.5" Western Digital internal IDE HD from 6400
• $75.00 OBO - Iomega ZIP 100 external SCSI drive in original box
• $150.00 OBO - Apple Color StyleWighter 2500 in original box.
• $Make Offer - Performa 6400/200 PowerPC, 80MB ram, 5.7GB MAXTOR DMA ATA HD, Mac OS 8.0, Plus Lots of software.
• *Plus lots of software......Educational, Graphic, Business, Games, etc.

Kent - Cityman@aol.com

• $40 - Apple MPEG card for older PDS slotted Performas (NOT a PCI slot like the 6400)

Alec Hall - thehalls@globalserve.net

• $5.00 - 8M FPM 70ns 2k refresh 5v 168-pin DIMM from 6400
• $40 USA or $55 Canadian - Gravis Blackhawk joystick

Gary - clarknag@dnai.com

• $10.00 - 8M FPM 70ns 2k refresh 5v 168-pin DIMM
• $20.00 - 16M FPM 70ns 2k refresh 5v 168-pin DIMM
• $40.00- 256K L2 cache from 6400, will also fit 5400, 6360, PowerBase
• $125.00- 1MB L2 cache from MacGurus, will also fit 5400, 6360, PowerBase
• $85.00- 2.4 GB, 3.5" Quantum Sirocco internal IDE hard drive from 6400

Jim - jnearing@home.com

• $15.00 OBO- 8M FPM 70ns 2k refresh 5v 168-pin DIMM from a 6400
• $25.00 OBO- 16M FPM 70ns 2k refresh 5v 168-pin DIMM from a 6400

John - Jaw4tylo@aol.com or call (408) 738-3398 / 736-8737

• $25.00 - 16M FPM 70ns 2k refresh 5v 168-pin DIMM from a 6400
• $15.00 - 8 M of Ram from Powerbook 520c
• $40.00 ea./3 for $100.00 - AppleDesign Keyboards-NEW (in the original boxes)
• $165.00 - Visioneer Paperport Strobe (color) as new, with v5.1 (CD) Software, Xerox Textbridge and Photodeluxe v1.2. SCSI cable and all books
• $350.00 - Alps MD-1300 Photographic Quality (Dry Sub Ink) New (In unopened Box) 100% Complete PC and MAC. Retails for $550+tax

Paul - CajMacJack@aol.com

• $200 - Avid cinema card with all s/w and manuals
• $200 - Apple 100Mhz 7" PCI Dos card with all s/w & manuals

I just tried to print a gif file from AOL 3.0 and AOL crashes with a type 10. I have the Epson stylus 600, background printing turned on, OS 8.0, and I was not logged on at the time. If any of you have had this problem and fixed it, please email me the details.

Update 10/31/97: I have been in contact with another person having a similar problem but he was not running OS 8.0. This tells me the problem is more likely AOL's and not Apples.

Update 6/9/98: Thought I forgot about this did ya? Well I just tried it again and even with Epsons newest printer drivers I still got a type 10 error. This definitely leads me to believe that AOL 3.0.x is the problem as my entire system has pretty much been changed since my last update. I have not had a problem printing when online.

Update 1/1/1999: Since I have the newer Epson 700 printer and no longer use the 600 I may never know if ths problem was fixed? I will attempt to test the 700 for this problem and will note it here.

I use a Performa 6400/180 OS 8.5.1, Performa 6400/200 OS 8.5.1, PowerBook G3/233 OS 8.5.1, and a PowerBook DUO 270c OS 7.5.5. All of the software updates posted here are currently running on one or the other with minimal problems. If I do encounter a problem, I will post it for all to read and respond to. If you are having any problems and would like help just email me and if I can answer it I will, or I will post it here for others to read and respond to.