This might be a stupid question but anyway :D - i'm wondering as i for myself have non idea whatsoever: Whats about the soundbox, what does it do and why would anyone need it? (More important - should i get one? :D )
Quote from: "PowerPC"This might be a stupid question but anyway :D - i'm wondering as i for myself have non idea whatsoever: Whats about the soundbox, what does it do and why would anyone need it? (More important - should i get one? :D )
The soundbox provides a interface between the NeXT system and the keyboard/mouse and well as a speaker for sound output. You need one if:
1. You are using a Cube with a Dimension board and not using a N4000/4000a/4000b monochrome monitor in a dual head configuration. If you are dual-headed, the soundbox functions are performed by circuitry included in the mono monitor.
2. You are using a NeXTstation Color or NeXTstation Color Turbo.
Soundboxes are not necessary with a NeXTstation, NeXTstation Turbo, or Cube as that function is combined in the circuitry in the monochrome monitor. One exception might be if you want to run a system headless, then your choice is build a custom adapter to control the power on function or use a soundbox, keyboard and mouse. There are some caveats on Cube systems with soundboxes about lack of proper power supply loading without the load of the mono monitor unless the power supply has been upgraded to the version supplied for Dimension systems.
There are two types of soundbox:
1. non- ADB - used with non-turbo chip set systems with a ROM revision of lass than .63 (As I recall).
2. ADB - used with turbo chip set system with ROM revisions >.63
Of course you have to use the proper keyboard and mouse set (ADB vs non-ADB) that matches the soundbox. Also there are ADB vs nonADB specific versions of the connector cables between the soundbox and system. ADB version cables will work with non-ADB soundboxes but the non-ADB versions of the cables will not work on ADB systems.
Ok - thanks for your answer. :)