🚀 go-pugleaf

In response to post:
From: jnford@argos.weeg.uiowa.edu (Jay Ford)
Subject: Re: cBus II Upgrade

> The upgrade from a first generation cBus controller to a cBus II controller
  is
> a simple board swap.  The regular system bus interface boards (non-cBus
  boards)
> are not affected by this upgrade.  The cBus interface boards are affected,
  and
> have to have their microcode upgraded to version 10.0 or later.

Additional note: Your software version must also be upgraded to 9.1.1 or
later (9.1.2 is currently available). This may mean that non-cBus interfaces
need to get microcode upgrades to remain compatible with the new software.

> The catch for MEC boards is that only boards of type 5.1 can be so upgraded.
> The older type 5.0 MEC boards cannot be upgraded.  Bummer.  The only cBus
> interface boards I had before upgrading to cBus II were MECs, so I can't
> comment on what it takes to upgrade other cBus interface boards.

While it is true that MEC type 5.0 boards cannot use the new version 10.0
microcode like type 5.1 boards, we have a program to replace the older MEC
cards. If you are under Smartnet or other comprehensive service agreement,
we can Advance Replace a refurbished MEC 5.1 card (with microcode version
10.0) in place of your MEC 5.0 card for $300.00. For customers not covered
under Smartnet or other contract, the Advance Replace cost is $900.00. This is
an upgrade program, so you must return your old card to us within 30 days.
This is significantly less expensive than buying all new cards, although
that option is certainly available if you prefer new equipment to refurbished.

> The cBus II upgrade is in the current price list, as are the required
  microcode
> upgrades.

The cBus II recently dropped in price, as did the upgrade. Here's the latest
US list pricing:

PRODUCT CODE    $ LIST    DESCRIPTION
CSC-CCTL2        $2200    cBus II (when ordered with a chassis)
CSC-CCTL2=       $2200    cBus II (spare)
CSC-CCTL2U       $1700    cBus II Upgrade (requires return of cBus card)

Microcode and software upgrade costs are available through your Cisco Sales
representative, or by calling Cisco Customer Service at 1-800-553-NETS.

At your service!

-Peter Corless.

 -------------------------------------------------------
 Peter Corless
 Cisco Customer Service
 US Federal Business Representative
 -------------------------------------------------------
 e-mail: pcorless@cisco.com    toll free: (800) 553-NETS
 fax:       (415) 903-8080     direct:    (415) 903-8723