Who has modified a Ultra66 into a FastTrack66?

[BBA]

I came across a Ultra66, so I'm gonna do it, but I don't have the correct bios flash for it.


Any help is appreciated.

[Stembolt]

Yes, I've done the mod. You can get the files from the Promise site or here:
http://www.geocities.com/promise_raid/english.htm

PTIFlash utility ver1.04 comes with bios ver1.08 and is the flash program you need to use. I've been told that PTIFlash ver1.04 can flash even the latest FT66 bios to an Ultra66. I didn't know this when I did the mod, so I flashed bios1.08 and later upgraded my bios and drivers. It seems I could have skipped a couple of intermediate steps. Just follow the modification steps in the correct order.

BTW, the later versions of PTIFlash will not flash an Ultra66 with a FastTrak66 bios. You will get a flashing error.

Of course, this voids the warranty and you can damage the card if proper care is not taken. Also, make sure you understand the benefits/risks of the differing RAID configurations. After that have fun.

[daveleau]

YesI did it as well. I do not have the files but I know bdog has them. From what I have heard, the newest Promise BIOSes are set to somehow protect from modification. I would use version 1.08 like posted above. I got mine from bdog's site (don't have link). There are 3 different places you can solder the ground. You can either stretch the end not soldered to pin 14 (?) across to anothe pin on the other side, ground it to a chip ont he card or solder it to the screw on the bracket. I would recommend the third option since you don't have to worry about the solder heating the board twice.
Good luck
Dave

[Mntsnow]

You will love it BBA http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif It just screams!

With your soldering skills you will have NO trouble at all http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[mong_2]

whats is this modification you speak of

[daveleau]

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/articles/ultrafast/index.html

Here ya go Mong_2. ATA66 to Fasttrak card.
Dave

[Stembolt]

Just to give a bit more info, there are a few varieties of the modification(see link in my previous post). I opted to attach bios pin 23 to ground via the resistor. I soldered on the back of the card to shield the chip from heat and grounded through a conveniently placed hole.

There is also a version of the mod that does not require soldering. In place of the soldering step, place the resistor in an extra connector on IDE1 between pinholes 36 and 40. Another advantage is that is does not physically alter the card. I'm curious to know if it really works, but not curious enough to desolder my card. If anyone tries the "no-solder" method, please post it.

[BBA]

I have a Fast Track 66 ( original one ) I've been using on my W2K Dualee since last year, but I just got a Ultra66 from a friend who can't do the mod himself, so I volunteered to do it for him.

I apreciate all the links!

Thanks

[MadMatt]

The latest BIOS will work on the modded card. The trick is to flash it with the earlier BIOS then reflash to the newest (V1.30 I believe) after you do the mod. I'm running mine with the latest bios and drivers.

You're going to love it. My Sandra benchmark is over 23000!

[Nick66]

23000 is nice. What type of drives MadMatt?

edit: typed 2300 instead of 23000..doh.

[This message has been edited by Nick66 (edited 08-22-2000).]

[ayuen]

Hi,

I was just wondering, do the Ultra 66 controllers that are released now still modifiable? Or did Promise redesign the card slightly so that you can no longer do the mods?

Thanks.

[MadMatt]

Nick - 2 Western Digital 9.1gb Experts ATA/66 7200 RPM (P/N AC29100 ). They're last years model, but they fly!

I'll post a screenshot of the benchmark when I get home tonight.

[MadMatt]

I'm pretty sure they all can be modded. I think Promise figured that the changed they made to the BIOS flashing utility would take care of the 'problem' - much cheaper than changing the design of what is no longer their top of the line card.

[daveleau]

I haven't heard of any cards on any of the BBS site I go to (more infrequently than here but...) that cannot be modified. If that occurs, you will hear about it. I think it would cost them more to modify their manuf. process than they are losing. Plus if this was not available, people probably would not be 'forced' to go out and get a Fasttrak. it is not that much in demand at that price.
Dave