ECN-0104A - Fitting DIL Extended Memory

ECN-0104A
Title	Pearl DIL Extended Memory Please note that this ECN is for users using the newer type of 'DIL' memory modules. If you want to install the 'SIL' style memory click here.
Equipment	Pearl/Pearl 2000
Author	Alwyn Fernandes
Drawing No	n/a
Date	18th December 2000

Reason for ECN	To increase the amount of memory in your desk
Special Parts Required	Memory Upgrade Pcb - PEM 5850A Avolites Part No. 1201-5850AA.
Special Tools Required	Small Flat blade screwdriver - to remove the 'green' RAM chips. A Monitor connected to your Pearl.

Work Required

Please allow yourself plenty of time to carry out this upgrade, do not upgrade just before a show and if it is possible please upgrade on a weekday when there is someone at Avolites to help you in case of difficulty.

Back up any show data before starting this upgrade.

Before carrying out the upgrade check the serial number on the back of your Pearl.
If it is 496 or greater then it's OK to continue with the upgrade.
However, if it's less than 496, the likelihood is that your Borris1 motherboard will NOT be fitted with the sockets that are required to perform the upgrade.
You will have to send either your motherboard or desk back to Avolites to be modified.
Please speak to our Service Manager, Nick Forro who will be please to advice you further.

Step 1 - Locate and Identify your RAM chips

The first step is to locate the RAM chips on the Borris1 motherboard.
These come in two different colours, green or the normal black types.
If these chips on your motherboard are off the black variety then go to step 2.

However, if you have the green chips fitted, you will have to carefully remove them and replace them with the two chips provided on the memory upgrade pcb (PEM 5850A).
Be careful to mount to chips in the correct orientation!!!

The 'green' chips need to be replaced because they are physically too tall in height - they will stop the upgrade board from sitting flush on the motherboard.

Step 2 - Fitting the Pearl memory upgrade.

You are now ready to fit the upgrade pcb into the Pearl motherboard.

Before fitting it ensure that the arrow (on the PEM 5850A) points 'upwards' towards the DMX output XLR's.

Also note that the bottom 2 pins of IC11 & IC8 will be left unconnected when the upgrade pcb is fitted.

Now, carefully align the pcb with the sockets on the motherboard.
Ensure that the upgrade board is firmly located into the motherboard sockets with all the pins making good contact.

Step 3 - Testing Your Pearl.

BEFORE you power up your Pearl ensure that all the RAM chips are properly fitted in their sockets and are in the correct orientation - failure to do so may result in your RAM being permanently damaged!!!!!

Power up your Pearl
- Turn the keyswitch to 'System'.
- Press the 'Service' button.
- Press the 'Tests' button.
- Press the 'Memory Check' button
- The Pearl will now do a complete check of conventional and extended memory installed.
  The results are displayed on the monitor.
Congratulations !!!! You have successfully installed the extended memory in your Pearl.

Troubleshooting.

As all the upgrade boards have been extensively checked by Avolites before they leave the factory the upgrade process should be painless .... However, if things do go wrong here is what you do :-

If the memory check fails or if your Pearl fails to start, switch off the desk and check that the upgrade pcb is fitted the right way round and all the chips are in the correct orientation.
If the Pearl still fails then get in touch with the Avolites Service department who will be happy to assist you.

Please note that as is the case with any semi-conductor devices, these RAM chips are static sensitive so handle them with care.
Ensure that you earth yourself before handling these devices

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