The collected works of jmc - Page 1

jmc
Journeyman
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 2:23 p.m.
and authored 39 notes

Wrote on the subject of Crimson RealityEngine R4400/150MHz 256MB RAM at April 7, 2009, 2:35 a.m...

Nice Crimson Neko!

Since you have already set up your Camera, could you film it running some demos or anyhing graphical?

There was a thread started a while ago by cybercow to post videos of SGI Big Iron, but unfortunately not much has been contributed...

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jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Crimson RealityEngine R4400/150MHz 256MB RAM at April 27, 2009, 12:32 p.m...

Hi Neko! Did you find the time to make another Video of your Crimson?

jmc

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 74 notes

Wrote on the subject of O2 dmrecord error at May 19, 2009, 1:34 p.m...

Hi!

So I finally have an O2 video modul and started playing with dmrecord this evening.

I hooked up my Digital8 camera via Composite video.

Code:

dmrecord -p audio test.mv

seemed to work beautifully until I tried to capture longer than around a minute or so.

Got this error:

Code:

VL: Resource temporarily not available.

vlDMBufferGetValid (video server, video.path, video.drain, &buf) failed in file capture.c line 754

dmICReceive(video.ic ,&buffer) failed in file capture.c, line 1268

DM error Compress failed : hardware timeout

There is a topic about a similar error in the forum but no solution yet...

Oh yeah...: R5k 180MHz, 128MB, 73GB Seagate Cheetah

jmc

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 74 notes

Wrote on the subject of O2 dmrecord error at June 4, 2009, 1:29 p.m...

Thanks guys!

I tried it again with the command you posted but I can't get it to work.

It gives me:

Code:

audio buffer overflow (can't write movie file fast enough)

It works for around 8 seconds usually and then stops capturing. Without an audio track I was able to capture for minutes without a problem...

Is this related to the limited RAM (128MB) I have?

I also tried capturing using media tools -> movie recorder but after capturing it has to process the movie for ages...

I mean, if the O2 does the jpeg compression in hardware it shouldn't have to do that right?!

And even using movie recorder it gave me buffer errors once or twice...

jmc

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 74 notes

Wrote on the subject of O2 dmrecord error at June 8, 2009, 1:36 p.m...

So after leaving the O2 in the corner of the room for a few days I did another capturing session today.

I changed the mediarecord setting to 2-fields which reduced the processing time. Still slow on a R5000 ..ZZZZZzzzzzz

I then did another session with dmrecord with following command:

Code:

dmrecord -p ausio test.mv

And: It worked :shock:

I tried capturing sevaral movie files ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes and had no problem (yet)

I was wondering what the difference was to last time and the only thing I can think of is that I changed from NTSC to PAL in the mediarecord settings. Something I did not do when capturing with dmrecord the first time because the videoin signal was ok... at least on screen. Was this really it?! I will do another session and see if I get any errors... "touch wood"

jmc

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 9:23 p.m.
and authored 60 notes

Wrote on the subject of SGI Art Gallery at June 18, 2009, 10:59 a.m...

fzalfa wrote:

some stuff i have done this month with blender....

Amazing

Are the character models your own too? Really nice work anyway!

Great to see someone use hardware like an Onyx1 to do some serious 3D in 2009

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Wacom tablet won't work... at June 21, 2009, 6:41 a.m...

Hi!

I got myself a Intuos2 serial tablet so I could use it with SGIs and the PC.

I downloaded the newest 4.8.0. Wacom driver from the Nekochan FTP and installed it just as it said in the manual. After restarting the O2 one should be able to move the cursor with the Pen but nothing happens. I checked if all the Wacom files are in the right place like it said in the manual, everything seems to be ok...

When I try to open the wacom tool in the Icon Catalogue I get:

Code: Select all


could not initialise the driver interface

Code: Select all


ps -e grep | wacomd

returns nothing...

I tried this on my O2 (6.5) and on my Octane (6.5.10) with the same result. In the manual it says the driver needs 6.5 but maybe it needs a newer Version?!

Anyone successfully using this Setup: Intuos2 and 4.8.0. on a SGI? Any ideas?

Thanks!
jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Wacom tablet won't work... at June 22, 2009, 10:54 a.m...

Thanks all! I got it working now!

I added a Input Device for ttyd2 in the System manager and changed the

Code: Select all


/etc/wacom.pref

Code: Select all


CommPort /dev/ttyd2

Don't know which one did it, but I'm happy to have a working tablet now!

Still need to get the Wacom Tool to map a smaller area of the Tablet as Input, because right now A3 feels weird to me. There is 3 Methods to Set the Input Area in the Wacom Tool, but I could not get it to work yet...Changing those Settings is really slow and almost feels like the Tool is about to crash.

Also have to figure out how to use the back end of the Pen as eraser in Gimp or Photoshop... It's just the same as the tip of the pen right now.

jmc

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 74 notes

Wrote on the subject of O2 dmrecord error at July 21, 2009, 3:39 p.m...

Hi!

I haven't used my O2 to capture for a while now. Today I wanted to capture some new material from my Digital8... Yes, you're right it did not work the way I would like it to.

Here is some of the errors I am getting:

When trying to play one of the recorded movie files:

Code:

mVPlayEventError: Error in the dmedia library: No space left on device : Cannot allocate buffer

When using dmrecord (dmrecord -p audio test.mv)

Code:

Warning: Expecting buffer XYZ from compressor, got buffer XYZ instead

This line keeps repeating with different buffer values and the recording is stopped.

When using mediarecorder sometimes it workes to capture as two-field full res Pal using JPEG compression... and the next time it won't work. Then the video input freezes every few seconds when capturing. When I stopped the recording I even got a completely frozen system and had to pull the plug...

Another mediaplayer error I got is this:

Code:

mvPlayEventError: Error in dmedia library : dmlICReceive failed: Decompress failed : hw timeout

Why won't this damn thing work?! This O2 seems to be very moody...

I am starting to think that this is a hardware error in the video module or maybe faulty RAM? I still have to get a RAM upgrade so I can swap the DIMMs and see if this still happens...

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 76 notes

Wrote on the subject of O2 dmrecord error at July 22, 2009, 7:18 a.m...

Hi!

I will try the tests later.

Quote:

The 1st error looks like the system disk is full.

Well I have about 63GB free space on that drive.

Thanks,
jmc

jmc
Journeyman
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 2:23 p.m.
and authored 39 notes

Wrote on the subject of SGI Art Gallery at Jan. 25, 2010, 6:09 p.m...

Quote:

Has anyone seen this yet?

Speechless... :shock:

Absolutely incredible work. I think I will get rid of every 3D software I have...

jmc

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jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Bake your graphics card! at Feb. 21, 2011, 2:28 p.m...

I have just successfully repaired my Geforce 8800GT by treating it like a pre-baked roll after it crashed my PC and since then showed extreme display errors and artefacts: 10 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius.

This is probably no news to many of you as it has been discussed in many PC forums etc... But has anyone ever tried it with broken SGI boards?

It's supposed to "renew" the soldering points on the card, so maybe it might work for some broken SGI boards... pinstripe of death or TRAM errors come to mind.

Anyone ever tried this method on old SGI boards? Not sure if I want to put my broken Indigo ELAN board in the oven though.. yet.

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Bake your graphics card! at Feb. 24, 2011, 11:54 a.m...

It is a crapshoot.. but I was amazed how well it worked. My graphics card was completely useless before the baking.. not only did it have a view lines through the picture but the entire screen area was a mess - you couldn't read anything.

Also make sure not to bake for too long... 10 minutes was perfect because the casing of the little "speaker" on the card was starting to get really soft. 3 minutes more and it would probably have molten.

So in a "nothing to lose" situation.. why not try.

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Wacom tablet won't work... at June 21, 2011, 3:17 p.m...

After a little break with SGIs I just started playing around with an O2 I recently got. And, what a surprise, the wacom tablet once again doesn't work. After some reading it looks like I have the same problem as shadeofblue pointed out in this old thread:

http://forums.nekochan.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=16723746 (Din't want to bump the old thread so I'm posting in here)

Maybe Art has the same problem on his Indy... weird thing though: on my O2 there is no Nekoware, so I don"t know why it didn't install properly. The folders in /usr/wacom are empty as well. They only contain a UNINSTALL_LOCAL file...

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 71 notes

Wrote on the subject of Octane Parts: RAM / Dual600 R14000 / Shoebox at Sept. 7, 2012, 3:24 a.m...

Hi,

I have some Octane Parts for sale. Location is Germany.

- Dual 600MHz R14K Module : asking 300Euro
- Compatible Motherboard SGI Part 030-1467-001 : 30EUR
- 2 GB Ram on 8 Dimms : 50EUR
- PCI Shoebox : 50EUR

Shipping internationally should not be a problem because of the relatively small parts.

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of AMCC PCI Matchmaker Card (Octane) at Sept. 15, 2012, 12:08 p.m...

Hi,

I have this Card from an Octane that I don't have any use for

It's a AMCC PCI Matchmaker (S5933QE). A pretty big card with 3 50Pin Scsi Connectors (2male/1female) and 2 internal type connectors.

Don't know what to do with it, don't know if it's worth anything. If you have any infos or if you're interested please post!

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of AMCC PCI Matchmaker Card (Octane) at Sept. 15, 2012, 6:25 p.m...

kshuff wrote: That thing's from an Octane ???

Yes, but the Octane had a shoebox so it's a PCI card... forgot to add that info

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of AMCC PCI Matchmaker Card (Octane) at Sept. 20, 2012, 8:08 a.m...

Thanks for the Info guys!

It looks like you're right and this is an interface card for those Analog/Digital Audio Converters that you sometimes see in Discreet setups. Unfortunately I don't really have a way to test the card missing the hardware and software.

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of AMCC PCI Matchmaker Card (Octane) at Sept. 22, 2012, 4:44 p.m...

Thanks for the additional info canavan!

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 71 notes

Wrote on the subject of Octane Parts: RAM / Dual600 R14000 / Shoebox at Jan. 7, 2013, 11:31 a.m...

Bump!

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 74 notes

Wrote on the subject of Keyboard gone mad at March 29, 2013, 11:14 a.m...

I was clumsy enough to spill a drink over an octane style granite keyboard.

It wasn't even plugged in at the time but when I tried it a few days later it behaved strangely. Sometimes pressing a button will not show anything or it will display some letters not even close to the one you pressed. Sometimes doubled. On a PC the keyboard is working better but still with similar problems.

I opened it up and cleaned it as well as i could, but the plastic board is somehow welded to a metal plate by plastic pins. Before I try to take it apart further I was hoping someone has an idea to fix it.

I was thinking of the dishwasher trick but I don't know if it will help in this case...

Any ideas? Would be a shame to throw it out..

jmc

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 74 notes

Wrote on the subject of Keyboard gone mad at March 31, 2013, 10:20 a.m...

Thanks!

Yeah.. it wasn't just water.

I'll try the distilled water method. I hope nothing was fried when I plugged it in, but it should have been pretty much dry at that point.

jmc

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 74 notes

Wrote on the subject of 13w3/VGA Adapter (SUN) at April 4, 2013, 10:29 a.m...

Hi,

I have a 13w3/vga Sun only Adapter which I don't have any use for. Asking 10€ + shipping.

jmc

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 74 notes

Wrote on the subject of EIZO Flexscan S1910 19" TFT Black 1280x1024 at April 24, 2013, 7:52 a.m...

I am selling my Eizo do to the fact it does not work with sync on green. Apart from that it is in exellent technical and cosmetic condition and has a brilliant image quality. Asking 100€, reasonable offers accepted.

jmc

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 76 notes

Wrote on the subject of SGI 1400 at Aug. 6, 2013, 8:05 a.m...

Is anyone intersted in a SGI 1400?

Not sure what these go for but if someone is really interested I will get it out of storage and switch it on.

Would be pickup only because they are BIG and HEAVY.

jmc

jmc
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.
and authored 76 notes

Wrote on the subject of SGI 1400 at Aug. 6, 2013, 12:49 p.m...

Haha... unfortunately it's only an intel box.

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Onyx2 RM10 dead? at Feb. 7, 2016, 2:31 p.m...

Hi,

I just put my Graphics Dream Machine back together, but when I turned it on the video output looked terrible. I basically looked like a reallly ugly Irix background in the coulors of the startup screen - all messed up. I reseated the boards but that didn't help. I finally narrowed it down to one Raster manager, it worked normal when I had the right one in.

I just had some of the boards in a cardboard box for a few weeks to make the Onyx lighter so it could be moved and I handled the box like a raw egg. Unfortunately I did not have any ESD material this size.

Are those boards really that finicky? Also, is there a chance it could be fixed? Any nekochaner around who is a sgi-doctor?

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Onyx2 RM10 dead? at Feb. 10, 2016, 4:38 p.m...

Thanks guys,

I have a GE16 and a DG5-8 at the end of the pipe, connected to my trustworthy SONY FW900. I will run the diagnostics and let you know what it says. So basically if the RM10 is faulty, there is probably no way to fix it? I would be a bummer, and my first ever computer part broken due to bad storage... I've never had a problem with a computer board, even if thrown in a dusty corner or packed in a box with no ESD bags with friends for years.

It will look brilliant on the wall though, as it's the best looking graphics board i've ever seen. And probably the most expensive... I think prices for the Raster Managers were about 50.000 Dollars when new. :shock:

I would rather have it working though..

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Onyx2 RM10 dead? at Feb. 18, 2016, 8:20 a.m...

Hi,

unfortunatly still no progress... I can't find my null modem cable and the system won't start up.. all I get is the InfiniteReality3 in the bottom left when I leave the faulty RM out. I also have a problem with one node board, the leds went crazy so I took it out and put the "good"one in the right slot. The MSC displays P255 M1

Anyone no what that means.. couldn't find anything in the Forum.

Thanks,
jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Onyx2 RM10 dead? at Feb. 18, 2016, 3:44 p.m...

Update: I got the Onyx running now after changing the nodeboard again and removing all of the ram but the first pair. I will test the other nodeboard tomorrow and hopefully be able to fill all the memory banks, as they were. But there was probably a problem there - no wonder if you consider the amount of ram that goes in there. 32 slots for a 2 nodeboard deskside Onyx. Imagine getting a Reality Monster or something bigger running.. :shock:

Hopefully the Raster Manager is still alive and there was just a connection problem... How tight do you guys fasten the compression connectors? Is there a certain torque advised, or is it just a matter of judgement?

BTW:I got electrocuted every time I touched the bare Onyx, probably not so good... so tomorrow first thing is to put the skins on.

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Onyx Deskside at Feb. 18, 2016, 5:31 p.m...

Me too!!

Preferably continental Europe, working and with good skins. 8-)

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Sun 13W3 VGA Adaptor - Free! at Feb. 18, 2016, 5:35 p.m...

Got no need for this Adaptor. Just pay the postage!

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Sun 13W3 VGA Adaptor - Free! at Feb. 18, 2016, 7:47 p.m...

Haha, I am sure I can live without it uunix..

And my "loft" is totally filled up with beautiful SGIs.

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of SGI compatible Displays at Feb. 18, 2016, 8:57 p.m...

I think we should all contribute to the list of SGI compatible displays... Most of the time I still use a Sony CRT which never had a problem with an SGI. Today, just for fun I hooked up my BENQ Beamer to my Onyx2, and to my surprise... it works!!!

The stripes are not visible to the eye. The Beamer is a Benq TW 523p. It's not Full HD but the Picture is great. I can only recommend this if you are looking for an affordable 3D DLP Beamer. I have been using it for thousands of hours now, and the picture seems as bright as on the first day.

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Onyx2 RM10 dead? at Feb. 19, 2016, 1:50 p.m...

I was curious about that as well... I have always thought there is a problem with the electric cabling in this 1912 house... I once killed an O2 PSU having it plugged in overnight. The kitchen is another topic... I can either have the hot plate or the oven on, or else the fuse will jump... time to call the landlord before more SGIs or myself will die! :lol:

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Lucid Audio Interfaces at Feb. 19, 2016, 8:38 p.m...

Hi,

I have often seen those Lucid Interfaces on pictures with SGI/Discreet setups. Would you be able to use it on its own, lets say with an octane to record Audio? Is there any good software available apart from the Irix Multitrack and the Discreet Software?! How would the interface be connected to the workstation?

Anyone here with experience?

thanks!

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of [eBay] SGI Dials & Buttons + Spatial Systems Spaceball 301 for sale at Feb. 21, 2016, 10:26 p.m...

How are these supported in Irix, i.E. what software can these be used with? Seen them 15 years ago at Max Planck Institute for molecular biology, but how about Maya, etc.?

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Lucid Audio Interfaces at Feb. 21, 2016, 10:28 p.m...

Thanks for the link and Info guys! Of course I missed the auction I was secretly going for. 8-)

Would around 200Eur be a normal price these days?

jmc

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of Sony FW900 repair at Feb. 28, 2016, 12:54 p.m...

Hi,

unfortunatelty my Sony Monitor has developed some Problems. There seems to be some cold solder points at the Input connectors... first the VGA port startet making problems leading to the screen switching to black when the plug wasn't slightly pushed towards the front of the monitor. Then the BNC port also started making problems..

I was thinking of opening it up and checking the solder joints. Before I take this 42kg Monster apart... Does anyone know how these Trinitrons are put together and if it is easy to reach that back panel? I dont want to destroy my back trying to open this up and then finding it impossible to put back together due to the weight of the tube. My workaround is pulling the VGA cable forward with some tape... which does look sort of ghetto

I dont want to scrap this, because I still love the image quality and resolution options.

thanks!

jmc
From Germany
Who joined Feb. 14, 2008, 1:23 p.m.

Wrote on the subject of [eBay] SGI Dials & Buttons + Spatial Systems Spaceball 301 for sale at Feb. 28, 2016, 11:13 p.m...

$200 after shipping. Daaaayum.

Wow... that's "almost" crazy. Were you the lucky one?