🚀 go-pugleaf

On Mon, 22 Apr 91, Jon Loeliger <loeliger@mozart.convex.com> writes:
> Perhaps now that so many boards are up an running, people are
> more interested in newer boards like the ET532.

One problem as I see it is ... software!  The ET532 may do all sorts
of great things but it won't do 'em without some software to drive it.
Yes, there is the kernel that runs on the board though I'm thinking
more of all the networking code.  Does Minix have it?  I've heard
rumors of somebody working on Minix TCP/IP but I'm not sure it's out
there yet, and it certainly isn't on the pc532 version.  Unix can do
it but at this point that only helps a few Finns.  (No offense.)

Unlike the CPU, most of this work can be done in advance since all but
the actual device drivers are hardware-independent.  You don't even
have to stick with local loopback tests -- use SLIP or PPP on some of
those 8 serial ports!

On Sat, 27 Apr 91, Rick Rodman <rickr@virtech.uucp> writes:
> The $550 SCSI/Ethernet adapters sound very expensive for what little
> hardware.

And Dave Rand <dlr@daver.bungi.com> replies:
> The *BARE BOARD* will be in this price range, for the first few
> units. The ... first run of boards ... cost the most.

Dave, you're saying the first few Guinea pigs eat the fixed cost for
all the follow-ons?  I'd be willing to invest a larger chunk up front
if I'd get a piece back on the first production run to end up paying
my fair share of the thing.  But paying a big chunk up front so someone
else can get a free ride on the production boards?  Doesn't sound like
a very good deal to me.

> Simple fact is that a small run of boards will cost $2000-2500 for
> 5-6 boards.

Or $333-500 per board.  And the marginal cost for additional boards is
on the order of $250 each (more than the pc532 because of the gold-
plated edge connectors).  So if the first production run is 20 boards,
charge $270-300 and rebate the difference to the few "investors" who
funded the initial board run.

> It can also be used as a SLIP-to-ethernet packet router with up to
> 16 serial ports.

The value of a co-processor to unload much of the TCP/IP protocol
processing is not to be underestimated.  And for driving serial ports,
running SLIP, PPP, or just as plain old terminal or modem connections.
To me, at least, the design is certainly appealing for this reason in
spite of what seems like quite a bit of hardware for "just an Ethernet
board."

One question, however.  As I recall, those serial ports have minimal
or no modem control.  If true, their use for a router would be rather
diminished since one would expect most SLIP or PPP to be over modems,
especially if there's an Ethernet to be had.  Right?

Bottom line, for me, is that I'm interested in an et532, but not until
I see some networking software that will be able to grow into it, and
I'd only be willing to participate in the prototype run if I thought
there was going to be an equitable sharing of fixed costs with the big
production run.

--
Karl Swartz		|INet	kls@ditka.chicago.com
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"It's psychosomatic.  You need a lobotomy.  I'll get a saw." (Calvin)