Mainly Neat Stuff --> Vintage Macintosh --> Vintage Radius Documents
This is a reconstruction of original Radius support documentation. All links on this page are now defunct. For more information, refer to the document Vintage Radius Documents.
December 13, 1995
Q: What is the PowerView?
A: PowerView is a SCSI-based adapter originally designed to let the Mac Classic II, and Powerbooks 140 & 170 to drive an external monitor. It supports the Mac Classic II, the Powerbook 140, 145, 145b,160,165, 170, 180 and 180c.
Q: What kind of monitor will work with the PowerView?
A: It is dependent on which version of the PowerView you have. During its manufacture cycle, there were two versions of the PowerView - models 0346 and 0366.
The PowerView model 0346 supports the standard Apple resolution for the twelve-inch RGB display, as well as Apple and VGA 640x480, SVGA 800x600, and the standard Apple sixteen-inch resolution of 832x624. The sixteen-inch, VGA, and SVGA resolutions are only available with PowerView software version 1.1 or later.
The PowerView model 0366 supports the above resolutions as well as the Apple Two-Page Monochrome resolution of 1152x870; the Radius Two-Page Display resolution of 1152x882, a 640x400 presentation mode, and various LCD panels IF that panel adheres to a standard Apple resolution, VGA, or SVGA. If you are unsure as to the resolution of your display, contact the manufacturer.
The two models of the PowerView can be differentiated by their serial numbers. The model 0346 PowerViews have serial numbers beginning with the letters, "BLB," while the model 0366 has serial numbers beginning with the letters, "BLC," or "FLC."
Q: Do I need to use a terminator with the PowerView?
A: Only if there is more than one SCSI device in the chain. Since the PowerView is internally terminated, it must always be the last item in the chain. However, if multiple SCSI devices are used and problems result, it may be necessary to add an external terminator to the PowerView. When externally terminating the PowerView, it is essential to use a black, "Mac IIfx-type" terminator. These are available from Apple Authorized Service Centers.
Q: I have a nineteen-inch monitor, but the displayed image is the same size as my PowerBook screen, and there is a menu bar on each screen. What could be wrong?
A: You have the "presentation mode" feature turned on in the PowerView control panel. This feature is useful for presentations, but it will limit your monitor picture to the Powerbook screen size of 640x400. Turn it off and you will have a normal size screen on the monitor. If you wish, you can move your menu bar to either of the displays from within the Monitors Control Panel.
Q: My monitor is listed as being compatible, but it will not sync to the PowerView. What do I do?
A: Depending on your monitor type, try holding down the "A," "V," or "S" key at startup. This will force the PowerView to sync to one of three standardized timings, A
pple, V
GA, or S
VGA.
Q: Can I use a pivot display with a PowerView?
A: Yes, but the pivoting function will be disabled. Pivots that work with built-in video will work on the PowerView, but only in their "native" modes- landscape for the Model 0356 PrecisionColor Pivot, and portrait mode for the others. Pivot displays which are compliant with built-in video are model numbers 0276, 0277, 0233, and 0356. If you do not know the model number of your display, check the serial number and faxback the Radius DisplaysIdentification Guide, document ID#1242.
Q:
What SCSI ID address number should the PowerView be set at?
A: Any SCSI address is fine for the PowerView except 0 or 7, however the default address is 3.
Q: Is the PowerView compatible with System 7.5 or 7.5.1?
A: No, the PowerView is untested and unsupported with System 7.5 or greater. System 7.1 is likely to be the final system software version supported.
Q: Will the PowerView work with any PowerBook?
A: A: The PowerView is a SCSI-based adapter originally designed to allow the Macintosh Classic II, Powerbook 140 and 170 to drive an external monitor. It currently supports the Mac Classic II, and Powerbook 140, 145, 145b,160,165, 170, 180 and 180c. PowerView control panel version 2.1 is recommended for its operation with these computers. This software is posted within the Radius software libraries on America Online, CompuServe, AppleLink, E-World, and the Radius bulletin board service at 408-541-6190. For the Powerbook 145B and 180c you will need the PowerView Control Panel 2.2Beta, available only directly through Radius Technical Support by calling 650-404-6400. PowerView does not work with 500 or 5000 series Powerbooks or on a DuoMiniDock or other SCSI Dock product. (!new last sentence)