Macintosh 6360,6400,5400: SCSI Devices Aren't Recognized

TOPIC

We are trying to use SCSI devices with our Macintosh Performa and Power Macintosh 6360, 6400, and 5400 series computers, but some of the devices are not being recognized.

• Is this a known issue with these computers?
• If so, what is the solution?

DISCUSSION

Yes, Apple is aware of some timing issues with SCSI on these computers. However, many SCSI problems can be attributed to termination, cable or SCSI ID issues. Be sure to follow standard SCSI troubleshooting before assuming this is a SCSI timing problem. Also, verify that any software required for your particular SCSI device is properly installed. For more information, check the manuals that came with the computer and SCSI device. Or, use the search strings "connecting and SCSI" or "0009387" in the Tech Info Library <http://til.info.apple.com/til/til.html> to locate the article, "Macintosh: Connecting SCSI Devices".

Apple has developed an update disk for the Macintosh Performa and Power Macintosh 6360, 6400, and 5400 series computers to correct a SCSI timing issue that can occur when using some SCSI devices. Apple has developed this update disk based on reports from users who are having difficulty using some UMAX and Agfa scanners and some SCSI-based printers such as the Apple LaserWriter IISC and Personal LaserWriter SC. The disk should be available to download from the Apple Software Updates sites in the November, 1996 timeframe. Apple plans on including this update in future versions of the Mac OS.

The 6360/64xx/54xx Update disk will do the following:

• Fix issues with using some external SCSI devices, such as external hard disks, scanners, or removable storage devices.
• Fix issues with printing to a Personal LaserWriter SC or LaserWriter II SC printer.

  Apple recommends using the LaserWriter IISC GX printer driver under QuickDraw GX, as there are known line layout problems with the non-GX Personal LaserWriter SC printer driver. QuickDraw GX can be installed from your System Software CD that came with your computer. Or, if you do not have QuickDraw GX, it is available from Apple's Software Update sites.

• Add support for additional Ethernet network protocols. If your computer uses the optional Ethernet CS II card to provide Ethernet networking, the 6360/64xx/54xx Update installs files that provide support for the MacIPX and Local Area Transport (LAT) network protocols.

IMPORTANT: We will publish a notice in Info Alley when the 6360/64xx/54xx Update disk is available on the Apple Software Updates. Although it is not yet available, we wanted to be sure that you were aware of these potential issues and to let you know that Apple will have a solution available soon.

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