SIMMConn User's Manual

Introduction of SIMMConn
SIMMs that can be used on SIMMConn
Installation procedure
Trouble shooting

Dear Customer:

Thanks for using SIMMConn adapters. Please read this user's manual carefully before installation and keep it for future reference.

  1. Introduction

SIMMConn is an adapter which connects a standard 72-pin Single In-line Memory Module (SIMM) to Sound Blaster AWE64 series sound cards. It is a low cost solution for upgrading memories on the sound cards. Two types of SIMMConn are specifically designed for AWE64/AWE64 Value and AWE64 Gold: SIMMConn Value is designed for AWE64 and AWE64 Value. The on-board 512KB RAM will be disabled when SIMMConn Value is installed. SIMMConn Gold is designed for AWE64 Gold. The upgraded memory will work as an extension to the on-board 4MB RAM. SIMMConn has lower cost and power consumption, but it may occupy some installation space of the ISA card next to the component side of the sound card.

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  1. SIMM Compatibility

72-pin EDO or Fast Page Mode SIMMs can be used on SIMMConn if their access time is equal to or less than 60ns. The memory part numbers listed in the following tables are examples. There are no brand name limitations for SIMM or memory chips used on the SIMM. Different types of SIMMConn have additional requirements to the SIMM. They are listed as following:

('Part No.' is referred to the memory chips used on the SIMM. 'Structure' is the logical structure of the SIMM, which may be different from the physical structure of the SIMM.)

SIMMs for SIMMConn Value
Size Structure Chip Quantity per SIMM Part No. (example) Jumper Settings
JP1 JP2
4MB Single Sided 2 HY5118164B 1-2 1-2
8 HY514400B
8MB Single Sided 4 HY5117800B 1-2 1-2
Double Sided 4 HY5118164B 2-3 1-2
16 HY514400B
16MB Single Sided 8 (2k refresh) HY5117403B 1-2 2-3
32MB* Double Sided 16 HY5117403B 2-3 2-3

 

SIMMs for SIMMConn Gold
Size Structure Chip Quantity per SIMM Part No. (example) Jump settings
JP1 JP2
8MB Double Sided 4 or 16 See table above 2-3 1-2
16MB Single Sided 2 (4k refresh) 64Mbit Chips** 1-2 1-2
8 (4k refresh) HY5116403B
8 (2k refresh) HY5117403B 1-2 2-3
32MB* Double Sided 16 HY5117403B 2-3 2-3

Note:

*The maximum memory available is 28MB when a 32MB SIMM is installed. This is due to the limitation of E-mu8000 synthesizer.

**We do not recommend using SIMMs assembled with 3.3V memory chips without an on-board voltage regulator. It may cause over-heating and reliability problems.

If the Structure/Chip Qty combination of your SIMM is not listed in the tables, it may or may not be supported by SIMMConn. Please try jumper settings for similar sized SIMMs. If a SIMM is incompatible with SIMMConn, only 1/2 or 1/4 of its native capacity may be available.

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  1. Installation
  1. Shut down your computer and unplug the power from the outlet. Uncover the computer case. Touch the metal part of the case to discharge the static on your body.

  1. Set the two jumpers (JP1 and JP2) on the SIMMConn according to the table in section 2 of this manual.
  2. Install the SIMM onto the SIMM socket in the correct direction (pin 1 at the right side of the adapter). Make sure the SIMM is properly locked by the two metal latches on the socket.
  3. Plug the SIMMConn with SIMM on the memory upgrade connectors of AWE64 sound card. Make sure the 2x13 pin and 2x12 pin receptacles are correctly and firmly plugged in. Please refer to the figure below or that in the AWE64 User's Manual.
  4. Close the case and connect the power. Start Windows. You should find more available memory in AWE Control utility, 'Synth' tab. Enjoy bigger SoundFont files!

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  1. Trouble shooting
  1. The available memory is zero (for AWE64/Value) or remains 4MB (for AWE64 Gold) after installation of SIMMConn.
    Possible causes    :

    <1>SIMMConn Gold is used on AWE64 Value, or SIMMConn Value is used on AWE64 Gold by mistake.
    <2>SIMM installed is incompatible with SIMMConn.
    <3>Incorrect jumper settings.

  2. AWE Control only recognized 1/2 or 1/4 of the 'real' size of the SIMM.
    Possible causes    :

    <1>SIMM installed is incompatible with SIMMConn.
    <2>Incorrect jumper settings.

  3. Overheating of the SIMM. The temperature of the SIMM reaches or exceeds that of the E-mu8000 chip.
    Possible causes    :

    <1>Low-quality SIMM, or a 3.3V SIMM without an on-board voltage regulator.
    <2>Incorrect jumper settings.

  4. The upgraded memory is correctly recognized but there is "pop" noises when play MIDI. It is getting worse when playing.
    Possible causes:

    <1>The access time of the SIMM is longer than 60ns.
    <2>Low-quality SIMM is installed.

Please check for the causes and resolve the problem. Contact the dealer or Luck Star if the problem remains.

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©1998-1999 Luck Star Power Machine Co, LTD. All rights reserved.

Sound Blaster and Advanced Wave Effect are trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd.
E-mu and SoundFont are registered trademarks of E-mu Systems Inc.
Windows 95 is trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Other product names mentioned are properties of their corresponding owners.