IRIX Network Forums
Indigo2 resurrection - Printable Version

+- IRIX Network Forums (//forums.irixnet.org)
+-- Forum: SGI/MIPS (//forums.irixnet.org/forum-3.html)
+--- Forum: Hardware/Triage/Repair (//forums.irixnet.org/forum-11.html)
+--- Thread: Indigo2 resurrection (/thread-2097.html)


Indigo2 resurrection - opcode - 04-29-2020

Haven't turned on my nonimpact indigo2 and challengeM in well over 10 years. Plugged them in after reseating everything and I get nada. Would dead nvram batts prevent the system coming on or did the power supplies just croak over the decade slumber? I have my I2 teal out right now plugged in and connected to a wyse term. I am going to leave it that way for a while and see if I try to power it up later if it will start.

RE: Indigo2 resurrection - jan-jaap - 04-29-2020

Almost certainly power supply.

I've had an indigo2 Dallas chip run out and other than some complaints about a preposterous time it doesn't do anything. Unlike the Indy, the hostid (MAC address) is stored in an EEPROM so it's not lost.

RE: Indigo2 resurrection - kaigan - 04-29-2020

From what I understand, the systems should still at least power on even with a dead battery. If you're getting nothing at all, there's a good chance that the PSU is dead. Early-model Indigo2 PSUs are especially notorious for failures. There was a recent case where another forum member actually had one that had been tested working before shipping die on the trip to his home.

It is possible to test an Indigo2 PSU outside of the system. If you're a bit adventurous and are familiar with a multimeter, you could test the PSU using information from this post: http://forums.irixnet.org/thread-1473.html.

RE: Indigo2 resurrection - opcode - 04-29-2020

I guessed that was the case. Does an Impact PS work with the older motherboard? I know it has that extra blue cable for the GIO64 riser card and another couple of wires coming out of it. My brother is pretty good with the multimeter, I will get him to test it.

RE: Indigo2 resurrection - weblacky - 04-30-2020

Yes, IMPACT capable PSUs, CAN power older Indigo2 teal stations. However there is a "terminator card" on the side of the Indigo IMPACT PSU, you MUST use it to terminate the two cables that would go to the GIO-64 backplane on the IMPACT series. If that card is missing (it shouldn't be) you're in trouble. But make sure the PSU is complete, then remember to hook up those lines to the card on the side and everything should be golden. IMPACT PSUs don't start just buy plugging them into the wall outlet (Teal PSUs DO). So unless you want to create a resistor series for startup and minimal load, you won't be running the IMPACT PSU outside an Indigo2 case + mainboard.

Also, as someone who's been inside both IMPACT and non-IMPACT PSUs, I can say...you have a shot with NON-IMPACT PSUs because they have three PCB in series connected together, the IMPACT PSUs are a NIGHTMARE to take apart. Unless you're serious...don't bother and keep it until repair guides exist or sell it to another member for future repair. But IMPACT PSUs have an interior cabling that is stiffer than anything you'll ever find and extremely tight. You won't even be able to fully separate the boards without special soldering equipment.

RE: Indigo2 resurrection - Vanne - 05-07-2020

lol if you wanna swap your impact psu for my non impact PSU, wed be helping each other out Biggrin

Ill even foot for the fedex shipping Smile

RE: Indigo2 resurrection - pittpens85 - 06-06-2020

I seem to be having a similar if not identical issue.  The machine fires up, Fans run, no LED, no Chime. This followed a crash while installing IRIX.  I have tested power at the molex that connect to the SCSI backplane and the Voltages are correct, and an ESIA NIC seems to be getting correct power as well. but haven't went any deeper at this time.  Also the Power off button does not turn it back off it does nothing.  Is this also PSU? Dallas? These machines are so different than most of the stuff I have restored in the past.