VME Bus

Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to use it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

Don’t know if this will help but a customer of mine has had very good luck
with Xycom VME bus hardware using QNX 4.25.

“Ian Todd” <info@ndt.ca> wrote in message news:e8m9g8$7e9$1@inn.qnx.com

Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to use
it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

Hi Ian
I have use GeFanuc 7805 with 6.3.0 sp1 . I have also use Xycom
boards. but they only seem to support 4.2X and their
SBCs have not been updated for sometime

Ian Todd wrote:

Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to use it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

Jesse Acosta wrote:

Hi Ian
I have use GeFanuc 7805 with 6.3.0 sp1 . I have also use Xycom
boards. but they only seem to support 4.2X and their
SBCs have not been updated for sometime

Ian Todd wrote:
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to use
it with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

Thanks for the help - I have also come across Dynatem on the web, and they
seem to support QNX (but no version mentioned) on the majority of their
boards. Does anyone have any experience with these guys?

Again, thanks for the help,
Ian Todd

“Ian Todd” <info@ndt.ca> wrote in message news:e8m9g8$7e9$1@inn.qnx.com

Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard. Or SBC
with passive backplane.

Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to use
it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

Mario Charest wrote:

“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message news:e8m9g8$7e9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard. Or SBC
with passive backplane.


Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to use
it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

We used to use SBC and passive backplanes - but too many hardware failures
on site. I understand that VME products are generally better quality (more
reliable).

Ian.

Hello Ian,

have you looked at CPCI-Bus computers?

-Michael

Ian Todd schrieb:

Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to use it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

“Ian Todd” <info@ndt.ca> wrote in message news:e903of$qv9$1@inn.qnx.com

Mario Charest wrote:


“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e8m9g8$7e9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard. Or
SBC
with passive backplane.


Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to use
it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

We used to use SBC and passive backplanes - but too many hardware failures
on site. I understand that VME products are generally better quality
(more
reliable).

I’d be curious to hear about your experience. But I guess you’ll only know
in a couple of year :wink:

To my knowledge the only think that could make a VME board more reliable
it’s mecanical design, better connector etc. Maybe better layout of
component, but in the end they will be stuck using the same component
(cpu/chipset) and ever some extra component to interface to the VME bus.
That being said there are probably least cheap stuff in the VME world.

Isn’t VME kind of on it’s way out? Would CPCI be a better alternative?


Ian.

Mario Charest wrote:

“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message news:e903of$qv9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Mario Charest wrote:


“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e8m9g8$7e9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard. Or
SBC
with passive backplane.


Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to
use it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

We used to use SBC and passive backplanes - but too many hardware
failures
on site. I understand that VME products are generally better quality
(more
reliable).

I’d be curious to hear about your experience. But I guess you’ll only
know in a couple of year > :wink:

To my knowledge the only think that could make a VME board more reliable
it’s mecanical design, better connector etc. Maybe better layout of
component, but in the end they will be stuck using the same component
(cpu/chipset) and ever some extra component to interface to the VME bus.
That being said there are probably least cheap stuff in the VME world.

Isn’t VME kind of on it’s way out? Would CPCI be a better alternative?



Ian.
\

Yes!, the physical design of VME is better - better connectors and the like.
As you say, the components are generally the same - but Military Spec
components are available.

I understand that the industry intends on keeping VME around for the
forseeable future - and I think that VME is better supported for QNX than
CPCI (but I am not sure - any comments?).

I am hoping to get something to start testing in the next month or so - but
we will not be able to test in the field for about 1 year.

Anyway, thanks for your comments,
Ian.

Ian,

What kind of failures are you referring to on the PCI passive back plane
systems with SBC?

We have been using industrial chassis (with so modifications) for years in
rugged environments with minimal number of failures.

Augie

“Ian Todd” <info@ndt.ca> wrote in message news:e903of$qv9$1@inn.qnx.com

Mario Charest wrote:


“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e8m9g8$7e9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard. Or
SBC
with passive backplane.


Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to use
it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

We used to use SBC and passive backplanes - but too many hardware failures
on site. I understand that VME products are generally better quality
(more
reliable).

Ian.

Augie wrote:

Ian,

What kind of failures are you referring to on the PCI passive back plane
systems with SBC?

We have been using industrial chassis (with so modifications) for years in
rugged environments with minimal number of failures.

Augie

We have had failures with both the passive backplanes, and SBC.
Some of the backplanes just stop working - short circuit??? The SBC’s also
stop - I believe mostly from bad soldering. Perhaps I do not buy the best
that is out there - but with the number of units that we have used in the
past 5 years, we have just seem too high a failure rate. I have been using
NEAT-670EV SBC’s (and some others).

Now, I must admit that our systems are installed in a somewhat hostile
environment (hot and humid but within specified ranges)running 7/24. They
are also running at 220V 50Hz - and maybe these devices are not tested as
well with this input power.

Again, I have heard that VME is more robust and reliable. But I will also
consider Compact PCI now… So can anyone recommend a distributor which can
supply what I need which will run QNX 6.3 (Obviously the biggest issue is
graphics and network - by the way, I need a system which will drive 2
displays, so dual head, or it must be able to support a second video
board.)

Thanks,
Ian.








“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message news:e903of$qv9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Mario Charest wrote:


“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e8m9g8$7e9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard. Or
SBC
with passive backplane.


Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to
use it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

We used to use SBC and passive backplanes - but too many hardware
failures
on site. I understand that VME products are generally better quality
(more
reliable).

Ian.

“Ian Todd” <info@ndt.ca> wrote in message news:e910gp$ghq$1@inn.qnx.com

Augie wrote:

Ian,

What kind of failures are you referring to on the PCI passive back plane
systems with SBC?

We have been using industrial chassis (with so modifications) for years
in
rugged environments with minimal number of failures.

Augie


We have had failures with both the passive backplanes, and SBC.
Some of the backplanes just stop working - short circuit??? The SBC’s
also
stop - I believe mostly from bad soldering. Perhaps I do not buy the best
that is out there - but with the number of units that we have used in the
past 5 years, we have just seem too high a failure rate. I have been
using
NEAT-670EV SBC’s (and some others).

Personnaly I think it’s too much of a drastic measure. VME will be much
more expensive and there will a very limited choice of supported hardware
(other the CPU card).

You would probably save time and money by finding better hardware then to
totaly change architecture.

Basicaly you are kind of saying that everyone out there using PCI
architecture has bad and flayky hardware, this is definitely not the case.

Now, I must admit that our systems are installed in a somewhat hostile
environment (hot and humid but within specified ranges)running 7/24.

Company I’m currently working for have system installed in hot environment.
We actually have P4 system that throttle their speed because they get too
hot. Lots of vibration. LOTS of dust (how about not being able to see the
components on the boards at all). Yet we have very little issue with
hardware reliability.

are also running at 220V 50Hz - and maybe these devices are not tested as
well with this input power.

That is only a power supply issue.

Again, I have heard that VME is more robust and reliable.
consider Compact PCI now… So can anyone recommend a distributor which
can
supply what I need which will run QNX 6.3 (Obviously the biggest issue is
graphics and network - by the way, I need a system which will drive 2
displays, so dual head, or it must be able to support a second video
board.)

Good luck.


Thanks,
Ian.








“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e903of$qv9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Mario Charest wrote:


“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e8m9g8$7e9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard. Or
SBC
with passive backplane.


Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to
use it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

We used to use SBC and passive backplanes - but too many hardware
failures
on site. I understand that VME products are generally better quality
(more
reliable).

Ian.
\

Ian,

Ian Todd schrieb:

Augie wrote:

Ian,

What kind of failures are you referring to on the PCI passive back plane
systems with SBC?

We have been using industrial chassis (with so modifications) for years in
rugged environments with minimal number of failures.

Augie


We have had failures with both the passive backplanes, and SBC.
Some of the backplanes just stop working - short circuit??? The SBC’s also
stop - I believe mostly from bad soldering. Perhaps I do not buy the best
that is out there - but with the number of units that we have used in the
past 5 years, we have just seem too high a failure rate. I have been using
NEAT-670EV SBC’s (and some others).

Now, I must admit that our systems are installed in a somewhat hostile
environment (hot and humid but within specified ranges)running 7/24. They
are also running at 220V 50Hz - and maybe these devices are not tested as
well with this input power.

Again, I have heard that VME is more robust and reliable. But I will also
consider Compact PCI now…
CPCI is as robust as VME.

CPCI is supported by the QNX PCI-Api.
There exists no standard VME Software interface in QNX 6.3.
==> So you could get into trouble, if you mix VME-Boards and drivers
from different manufacturers.

So can anyone recommend a distributor which can

supply what I need which will run QNX 6.3 (Obviously the biggest issue is
graphics and network - by the way, I need a system which will drive 2
displays, so dual head, or it must be able to support a second video
board.)

Perhaps you could give some more details:

  • CPU Board: x86? ppc ? …
  • Slave Boards: Only graphics and network ?

If you like, look at our CPCI- and VME- boards on our web side.

-Michael

Thanks,
Ian.








“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message news:e903of$qv9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Mario Charest wrote:

“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e8m9g8$7e9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.
Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard. Or
SBC
with passive backplane.

Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to
use it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.
We used to use SBC and passive backplanes - but too many hardware
failures
on site. I understand that VME products are generally better quality
(more
reliable).

Ian.
\

Mario Charest wrote:

“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message news:e910gp$ghq$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Augie wrote:

Ian,

What kind of failures are you referring to on the PCI passive back plane
systems with SBC?

We have been using industrial chassis (with so modifications) for years
in
rugged environments with minimal number of failures.

Augie


We have had failures with both the passive backplanes, and SBC.
Some of the backplanes just stop working - short circuit??? The SBC’s
also
stop - I believe mostly from bad soldering. Perhaps I do not buy the
best that is out there - but with the number of units that we have used
in the
past 5 years, we have just seem too high a failure rate. I have been
using
NEAT-670EV SBC’s (and some others).

Personnaly I think it’s too much of a drastic measure. VME will be much
more expensive and there will a very limited choice of supported hardware
(other the CPU card).

You would probably save time and money by finding better hardware then to
totaly change architecture.

Basicaly you are kind of saying that everyone out there using PCI
architecture has bad and flayky hardware, this is definitely not the case.


Now, I must admit that our systems are installed in a somewhat hostile
environment (hot and humid but within specified ranges)running 7/24.

Company I’m currently working for have system installed in hot
environment. We actually have P4 system that throttle their speed because
they get too
hot. Lots of vibration. LOTS of dust (how about not being able to see
the
components on the boards at all). Yet we have very little issue with
hardware reliability.

So… what hardware are you using? I assume it is passive backplane + SBC.
My requirements are just basically the following:
Decent processing power (P4 is good)
Dual head graphics (1280x1024 each)
Network 100Mb is enough
We use a complete installation of QNX6.3+Photon
We build our own Data Acquisition and Digital I/O Boards (so not an issue)
We are just starting to look into Frame Grabbers (Image Processing)
We also sometimes need to use Profi-Bus cards (for communications with PLCs)

I would prefer to use something that will be around for some time.

I do not know much about CompactPCI - but I will try to do some research in
the next few days.

Thank you for your comments.
Ian Todd


are also running at 220V 50Hz - and maybe these devices are not tested as
well with this input power.

That is only a power supply issue.


Again, I have heard that VME is more robust and reliable.
consider Compact PCI now… So can anyone recommend a distributor which
can
supply what I need which will run QNX 6.3 (Obviously the biggest issue is
graphics and network - by the way, I need a system which will drive 2
displays, so dual head, or it must be able to support a second video
board.)


Good luck.


Thanks,
Ian.








“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e903of$qv9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Mario Charest wrote:


“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e8m9g8$7e9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard. Or
SBC
with passive backplane.


Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to
use it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

We used to use SBC and passive backplanes - but too many hardware
failures
on site. I understand that VME products are generally better quality
(more
reliable).

Ian.
\

Michael Tasche wrote:

Ian,

Ian Todd schrieb:
Augie wrote:

Ian,

What kind of failures are you referring to on the PCI passive back plane
systems with SBC?

We have been using industrial chassis (with so modifications) for years
in rugged environments with minimal number of failures.

Augie


We have had failures with both the passive backplanes, and SBC.
Some of the backplanes just stop working - short circuit??? The SBC’s
also
stop - I believe mostly from bad soldering. Perhaps I do not buy the
best that is out there - but with the number of units that we have used
in the
past 5 years, we have just seem too high a failure rate. I have been
using NEAT-670EV SBC’s (and some others).

Now, I must admit that our systems are installed in a somewhat hostile
environment (hot and humid but within specified ranges)running 7/24.
They are also running at 220V 50Hz - and maybe these devices are not
tested as well with this input power.

Again, I have heard that VME is more robust and reliable. But I will
also consider Compact PCI now…
CPCI is as robust as VME.
CPCI is supported by the QNX PCI-Api.
There exists no standard VME Software interface in QNX 6.3.
==> So you could get into trouble, if you mix VME-Boards and drivers
from different manufacturers.

So can anyone recommend a distributor which can
supply what I need which will run QNX 6.3 (Obviously the biggest issue is
graphics and network - by the way, I need a system which will drive 2
displays, so dual head, or it must be able to support a second video
board.)

Perhaps you could give some more details:

  • CPU Board: x86? ppc ? …
  • Slave Boards: Only graphics and network ?

If you like, look at our CPCI- and VME- boards on our web side.

-Michael

CPU (P4)
Boards : Graphics, Ethernet, Profibus, Frame Grabber
We design our own Data Acquisition, and Digital I/O Boards

I will have a look on your site.
Thanks,
Ian.

Thanks,
Ian.








“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e903of$qv9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Mario Charest wrote:

“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e8m9g8$7e9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.
Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard. Or
SBC
with passive backplane.

Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to
use it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.
We used to use SBC and passive backplanes - but too many hardware
failures
on site. I understand that VME products are generally better quality
(more
reliable).

Ian.
\

So… what hardware are you using?

I assume it is passive backplane + SBC.

My requirements are just basically the following:
Decent processing power (P4 is good)

http://www.trentontechnology.com/products/singleboards/6053.php4
We had some issue with ISA cards, so we stop using ISA at all.

Dual head graphics (1280x1024 each)

We use the onboard graphic but it’s not dual head.

Network 100Mb is enough

On board

We use a complete installation of QNX6.3+Photon

We use it with QNX4 at the moment, but will switch to QNX6 shortly

We build our own Data Acquisition and Digital I/O Boards (so not an issue)

Are they PCI if so then going to VME is going to be a major redesign of the
bus interface. On CPCI it shouldn’t be too bad.

We are just starting to look into Frame Grabbers (Image Processing)

Coreco grabber (no onboard image processing), but are swithing to Ethernet
Camera.

We also sometimes need to use Profi-Bus cards (for communications with
PLCs)

5136-PFB

I would prefer to use something that will be around for some time.


I do not know much about CompactPCI - but I will try to do some research
in
the next few days.

Thank you for your comments.
Ian Todd

“Ian Todd” <info@ndt.ca> wrote in message news:e92o2a$lt3$1@inn.qnx.com

Mario Charest wrote:


“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e910gp$ghq$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Augie wrote:

Ian,

What kind of failures are you referring to on the PCI passive back
plane
systems with SBC?

We have been using industrial chassis (with so modifications) for years
in
rugged environments with minimal number of failures.

Augie


We have had failures with both the passive backplanes, and SBC.
Some of the backplanes just stop working - short circuit??? The SBC’s
also
stop - I believe mostly from bad soldering. Perhaps I do not buy the
best that is out there - but with the number of units that we have used
in the
past 5 years, we have just seem too high a failure rate. I have been
using
NEAT-670EV SBC’s (and some others).

Personnaly I think it’s too much of a drastic measure. VME will be
much
more expensive and there will a very limited choice of supported hardware
(other the CPU card).

You would probably save time and money by finding better hardware then to
totaly change architecture.

Basicaly you are kind of saying that everyone out there using PCI
architecture has bad and flayky hardware, this is definitely not the
case.


Now, I must admit that our systems are installed in a somewhat hostile
environment (hot and humid but within specified ranges)running 7/24.

Company I’m currently working for have system installed in hot
environment. We actually have P4 system that throttle their speed because
they get too
hot. Lots of vibration. LOTS of dust (how about not being able to see
the
components on the boards at all). Yet we have very little issue with
hardware reliability.


So… what hardware are you using? I assume it is passive backplane +
SBC.
My requirements are just basically the following:
Decent processing power (P4 is good)
Dual head graphics (1280x1024 each)

I was under the assumption that QNX6/Photon 2 didn’t have support for DUAL
displays. Has this changed?
I thought only QNX4/Photon 1.14 had very limited support for this.

We use CyberResearch (http://www.cyberresearch.com/) SBC (Pentium III)…
They are pretty good… Limited amount of problems…
We take industrial Rack mount systems and redo them to improve
reliability… better wiring, high quality power supply, high speed fans,
improved mounting for the passive backplane, etc…
Our systems are placed in Research aircraft and it can be pretty bumpy
there…

I would suggest improving the quality of the components and the
manufacturing of your systems. It should improve reliability and avoid the
many troubles of using/switching to VME…

Augie

Network 100Mb is enough
We use a complete installation of QNX6.3+Photon
We build our own Data Acquisition and Digital I/O Boards (so not an issue)
We are just starting to look into Frame Grabbers (Image Processing)
We also sometimes need to use Profi-Bus cards (for communications with
PLCs)

I would prefer to use something that will be around for some time.

I do not know much about CompactPCI - but I will try to do some research
in
the next few days.

Thank you for your comments.
Ian Todd


are also running at 220V 50Hz - and maybe these devices are not tested
as
well with this input power.

That is only a power supply issue.


Again, I have heard that VME is more robust and reliable.
consider Compact PCI now… So can anyone recommend a distributor which
can
supply what I need which will run QNX 6.3 (Obviously the biggest issue
is
graphics and network - by the way, I need a system which will drive 2
displays, so dual head, or it must be able to support a second video
board.)


Good luck.


Thanks,
Ian.








“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e903of$qv9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Mario Charest wrote:


“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e8m9g8$7e9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from
PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard.
Or
SBC
with passive backplane.


Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like to
use it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

We used to use SBC and passive backplanes - but too many hardware
failures
on site. I understand that VME products are generally better quality
(more
reliable).

Ian.

\

Mario,
Thank you very much for your help - I will look into it.
If you have the patience, I have just a few more questions regarding CPCI.

Are your aware of any CPCI graphics cards available which are supported in
QNX6?

Do I need a special power supply? I am currently using PC Power & Cooling -
and am very happy with them!

VME is supposed to have available a user defined bus - is there something
similar available in CPCI?

Again, thank you,
Ian.


Mario Charest wrote:

So… what hardware are you using?

I assume it is passive backplane + SBC.
My requirements are just basically the following:
Decent processing power (P4 is good)

http://www.trentontechnology.com/products/singleboards/6053.php4
We had some issue with ISA cards, so we stop using ISA at all.

Dual head graphics (1280x1024 each)

We use the onboard graphic but it’s not dual head.

Network 100Mb is enough

On board

We use a complete installation of QNX6.3+Photon

We use it with QNX4 at the moment, but will switch to QNX6 shortly

We build our own Data Acquisition and Digital I/O Boards (so not an
issue)

Are they PCI if so then going to VME is going to be a major redesign of
the
bus interface. On CPCI it shouldn’t be too bad.

We are just starting to look into Frame Grabbers (Image Processing)

Coreco grabber (no onboard image processing), but are swithing to Ethernet
Camera.

We also sometimes need to use Profi-Bus cards (for communications with
PLCs)

5136-PFB


I would prefer to use something that will be around for some time.


I do not know much about CompactPCI - but I will try to do some research
in
the next few days.

Thank you for your comments.
Ian Todd

Augie wrote:

“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message news:e92o2a$lt3$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Mario Charest wrote:


“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e910gp$ghq$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Augie wrote:

Ian,

What kind of failures are you referring to on the PCI passive back
plane
systems with SBC?

We have been using industrial chassis (with so modifications) for
years in
rugged environments with minimal number of failures.

Augie


We have had failures with both the passive backplanes, and SBC.
Some of the backplanes just stop working - short circuit??? The SBC’s
also
stop - I believe mostly from bad soldering. Perhaps I do not buy the
best that is out there - but with the number of units that we have used
in the
past 5 years, we have just seem too high a failure rate. I have been
using
NEAT-670EV SBC’s (and some others).

Personnaly I think it’s too much of a drastic measure. VME will be
much
more expensive and there will a very limited choice of supported
hardware (other the CPU card).

You would probably save time and money by finding better hardware then
to totaly change architecture.

Basicaly you are kind of saying that everyone out there using PCI
architecture has bad and flayky hardware, this is definitely not the
case.


Now, I must admit that our systems are installed in a somewhat hostile
environment (hot and humid but within specified ranges)running 7/24.

Company I’m currently working for have system installed in hot
environment. We actually have P4 system that throttle their speed
because they get too
hot. Lots of vibration. LOTS of dust (how about not being able to see
the
components on the boards at all). Yet we have very little issue with
hardware reliability.


So… what hardware are you using? I assume it is passive backplane +
SBC.
My requirements are just basically the following:
Decent processing power (P4 is good)
Dual head graphics (1280x1024 each)

I was under the assumption that QNX6/Photon 2 didn’t have support for DUAL
displays. Has this changed?
I thought only QNX4/Photon 1.14 had very limited support for this.

We are using Matrox G550 AGP graphics cards to drive 2 monitors (these cards
can still be found - let me know if you need help to locate or configure).

We have also used a combination of two cards, ATI 7000 AGP + ATI 7000 PCI
(but these are harder to find).

Ian.


We use CyberResearch (> http://www.cyberresearch.com/> ) SBC (Pentium III)…
They are pretty good… Limited amount of problems…
We take industrial Rack mount systems and redo them to improve
reliability… better wiring, high quality power supply, high speed fans,
improved mounting for the passive backplane, etc…
Our systems are placed in Research aircraft and it can be pretty bumpy
there…

I would suggest improving the quality of the components and the
manufacturing of your systems. It should improve reliability and avoid the
many troubles of using/switching to VME…

Augie

Network 100Mb is enough
We use a complete installation of QNX6.3+Photon
We build our own Data Acquisition and Digital I/O Boards (so not an
issue) We are just starting to look into Frame Grabbers (Image
Processing) We also sometimes need to use Profi-Bus cards (for
communications with PLCs)

I would prefer to use something that will be around for some time.

I do not know much about CompactPCI - but I will try to do some research
in
the next few days.

Thank you for your comments.
Ian Todd


are also running at 220V 50Hz - and maybe these devices are not tested
as
well with this input power.

That is only a power supply issue.


Again, I have heard that VME is more robust and reliable.
consider Compact PCI now… So can anyone recommend a distributor which
can
supply what I need which will run QNX 6.3 (Obviously the biggest issue
is
graphics and network - by the way, I need a system which will drive 2
displays, so dual head, or it must be able to support a second video
board.)


Good luck.


Thanks,
Ian.








“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e903of$qv9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Mario Charest wrote:


“Ian Todd” <> info@ndt.ca> > wrote in message
news:e8m9g8$7e9$> 1@inn.qnx.com> …
Hello All,

I am looking to buy a VME Bus computer - we need to get away from
PCI
motherboards - always changing and some are flaky.

Have you though of using out server and/or industrial motherboard.
Or
SBC
with passive backplane.


Can someone let me know of a reputable distributor? I would like
to use it
with QNX6.3 & Photon.

Thanks,
Ian.

We used to use SBC and passive backplanes - but too many hardware
failures
on site. I understand that VME products are generally better quality
(more
reliable).

Ian.

\

“Ian Todd” <info@ndt.ca> wrote in message news:e92td7$pet$1@inn.qnx.com

Mario,
Thank you very much for your help - I will look into it.
If you have the patience, I have just a few more questions regarding CPCI.

Are your aware of any CPCI graphics cards available which are supported in
QNX6?

I never worked with CPCI. I would suspect dual card to be a problemc.

Do I need a special power supply? I am currently using PC Power &
Cooling -
and am very happy with them!

Not really, just heavy duty one.

VME is supposed to have available a user defined bus -

is there something similar available in CPCI?

Don’t know.

Again, thank you,

Your welcome.

I just noticed went on the web to look up ndt.ca and what do you know you’re
30 minutes from where I live (that’s if there is no traffic…). If you
want addresses of suppliers for parts we used just ask, you can email me
directly.