The following list of components are used in computers sold by Melco. If you
are building your own computer, the use of these components will insure
hardware compatibility with all Melco software. Other components may work just
as well as the ones listed here. Melco does not test EVERY manufactured
component on the market. The following components have been tested and are
known to operate all Melco software correctly.
MotherBoard:
The Tsunami S-1830 AT. The Tsunami model supports Melco Format disks without
the addition of a separate floppy controller. The Tyan motherboards utilize a
Floppy Controller Chip that will do Melco Format Disks without having to
install an I/O PCB that has the Goldstar Chip Set. The Tyan Tsunami AT
Motherboard also uses an Intel© chip set for compatibility with the Melco
Network or "StarLan" PCB. Tyan has a WEB site at www.tyan.com.
As processor speeds increase, new motherboard technology is being developed.
Most are using the VIA chip set which has been found to not work correctly
with the Melco Network PCB. For processor speeds up to 800MHZ, the Tyan
Trinity 371 (S1857B) can be used, but does not have 100% compatibility to make
a Melco Formatted disk. The Trinity can read and write to an already Melco
Formatted disk, but cannot format a new disk in Melco Format.
Video Card:
Melco is currently using the AOpen 16MB AGP Video card with Riva Vanta Chip
Set.
Ethernet Adapter:
The SMC 1208BT Ethernet PCB is currently used for networking to all current
production Melco Embroidery Machines and is the ONLY Ethernet adapter
approved with Melco EDS3 Ethernet Networking.
Note:
If Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) locks up when using the SMC 1208BT Ethernet
PCB, you must download new SMC 1208T driver for the EZ Card 10 PCI - 1208
Series from the SMC Website at: http://smc.com/
or www.melco-service.com.
The SMC 1211TX, Addtron AE-360PCI, Kingston KNE30T, Accton EN1208T,
Puredata 10/100Base-TX PCI, LiveWire 10/100 PCI, Cheetah 10/100 PCI, Ethernet
adapters have been tested with Melco ENS (Embroidery network Software) and are
known to work correctly.
Tape Back-Up Systems:
Avoid Internal Tape Backups that connect to the Floppy Drive Connector in the
computer. These type of backups can interfere with proper operation of
Embroidery Disk Formats, such as Tajima, Melco etc. Both load software that is
associated with the Floppy Disk Drive control and can interfere with each
other.
ZIP and or JAZZ Drives:
(External Models) Some connect to the Printer Port of a Computer. Your
software will use a Dongle for security that also plugs into the printer port.
When purchasing an External model, purchasing a model that uses a SCSI or USB
interface will avoid conflicts and problems with the Dongle security device.
NOTE: Iomega now makes a "Zip Plus" drive which is a combination
parallel/SCSI unit. In Parallel Mode, this unit has problems with our Dongle.
If you plan to purchase an Iomega ZIP Drive to use with an EDS system, this
unit is not compatible. This applies only to external units.
SuperDrives:
These drives are very similar to ZIP drives except they use disks that store
120MB of Data. Both Internal and External models are available. The same
precautions for ZIP and Jazz Drives apply if using an External SuperDrive and
a Dongle on the same Printer Port. We suggest you avoid Internal SuperDrives
unless installing a standard 1.44MB drive as well. SuperDrives tend to render
embroidery disk formats on 3 1/2 inch floppy disks unreadable
CDR/W ROM Drives:
The same precautions apply for external types connecting to a printer port.
Internal models connect to an IDE interface, and some newer models connect
using USB which are the preferred external types for systems with Dongles
and/or Bi-Directional printers and scanners.
Printer:
Many printers hook up to the parallel port. Many are bi-directional and can
cause a conflict with the dongle. If you have problems, try setting the
printer port to standard mode and take the printer out of bi-directional mode.
Check with the manufacturer of your particular printer to insure it is using
the latest drivers and software available. Installing a second printer port
for the printer will help with most printers and Dongle related problems.
Using a printer that has a USB interface is the preferred type.
View Network Installation Guide: Melco Network PCB
Install and Configuration Guide for Windows 95 ®
