Edge Memory for 2400 ugly mess

[Scott's Lists]

Hello, all.

I asked a question of the list several weeks ago about uncooperative Edge 64
MB memory modules for my 2400.

The situation has since worsened.

I bought two from an online retailer. I have one 2400 to try them in. Both
modules were only showing 32 of their advertised 64 MB.

Edge sent two replacements, but the two new ones show NOTHING at all!

Meanwhile, the 32 MB chip that came with this used machine happily shows his
32 MB no matter how many times I take him in and out.

I have been in conversation with Edge's support about this. They have been
accomodating, but I sense an impasse approaching that's headed for my
wallet. I post the conversation here for your analysis. It's in reverse
chronological order, so you may need to read it from the bottom up. I have
removed some names and redundant info.

Perhaps one of you knows something about the inner workings of the 2400 that
can shed light on this.

What is going on here??

Scott

--------BEGIN EMAIL CONVERSATION RECORD (Newest to oldest)--------------

on 03/21/03 5:47 PM, Support User at Support at peripheral.com wrote:

> I do show that they were tested before they were shipped, but I do not know
> what machine was used.  The memory was sealed in the bag after we tested it.
> Voltage could be the issue, but the part is a 3.3v part, so it should not be
> exceeding the amount that is being sent to the RAM sockets.
> 
> The item that was sent is the same part design that we have used since we
> began supporting the 2400.  To have 2 modules in a row not work is very odd,
> but I am at a loss as to why the problem is occuring.  I am currently working
> on the item you returned to see if I can trace a problem, but so far, I have
> not found any problems.  Should you choose to seek a refund, you will need to
> contact the place of purchase since the money exchange took place with them.
> We would be happy to help you any way we can.
> 
> Michael
> Partner 1st Support Supervisor
> 
> Partner 1st Technical Support
> EDGE Memory* & EDGE Digital Media* Products

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>> sdetwiler 03/21 4:13 PM >>>
> The machine boots fine. It just only shows the 16MB on the motherboard. PRAM
> reset is about as reset as the hardware gets on a Mac. I even disconnected
> the Parameter RAM battery to be certain that all settings were restored to
> default.
> 
> Macs do a test of the ram right as the machine starts. (Forgive me if you
> are aware of this.) By how long that takes, one can get an idea of how much
> ram is installed. I can tell by very fast pause during that test that the
> hardware is not seeing the new ram chip at all; it's faster than pause it
> makes while checking the working 32 MB chip.
> 
> Anyway, judging from the comments to the 2400 mail list that folks made when
> I asked them about this problem, your chips may be demanding a higher
> voltage than the 2400 is designed for. Probably explains the first set that
> I got--the voltage was closer--close enough to power 32 MB, but not enough
> to power all 64. But I am not an engineer; that's just a guess assuming the
> quite below is correct.
> 
> There's something else odd about 2400 ram; something about the way the pins
> are wired; standard PC sodimms don't work. Perhaps this last batch wasn't
> wired right? I dunno.
> 
> The tech who I worked with the first round, maybe you, said something about
> he or she testing the ram before it was sent. Did you guys test it in a
> working 2400, or is it some other less specific see-if-it-powers thing? The
> packages were sealed tight; no evidence of having been tested after
> manufacture, but I can't tell for sure, of course.
> 
> Needless to say, I am getting impatient. What do you suggest? I am thinking
> refund, myself.
> 
> Scott
> 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
>> From: Support User [mailto:Support at peripheral.com]
>> Sent: Friday, March 21, 2003 4:22 PM
>> To: 
>> Subject: Re: PowerBook 2400 64 MB: Strike Two
>> 
>> 
>> Hrm... that is an interesting problem.  Does the machine boot to
>> a desktop?  Have you tried doing a hardware (programmer's) reset?
>> 
>> Partner 1st Technical Support

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>>> Scott 03/19 11:09 PM >>>
>> Got the new modules today. Installed them right away.
>> 
>> Neither module shows up at all! Nothing!
>> 
>> The sticker on these says P35021.
>> 
>> By the way, my original 32 MB stick is still working, so the slot
>> itself is
>> working.
>> 
>> PRAM reset and rebuilding desktop have no effect.
>> 
>> Now what?
>> 
>> Scott

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>> From: Support User [mailto:Support at peripheral.com]
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 9:13 AM
>>>> Subject: Re: PowerBook 2400 64 MB Modules show only 32 MB
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> I noted on the RMA to have the returns and the new replacements
>>>> brought to me.  I will test them both and make sure there are no
>>>> issues with your replacements.
>>>> 
>>>> Partner 1st Technical Support
>>>> EDGE Memory* & EDGE Digital Media* Products
>>>> Peripheral Enhancements Corp.
>>>> 
>>>>>>> Scott  03/11 8:49 PM >>>
>>>> 
>>>> I rebuilt the desktop as suggested. No change; still only 32 Mb
>>>> of the 64 MB chip being realized.
>>>> 
>>>> By the way, I posted this issue to a PowerBook 2400 mailing list, and got
>>>> the following response. Note that he references the same "only 32
>>>> MB out of 64" problem:
>>>> 
>>>> BEGIN QUOTE------------------------------------------
>>>> 
>>>> Message-Id: <a05111b01ba92a5f7e32e@[192.168.88.65]>
>>>> Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2003 14:30:53 -0600
>>>> From: Bon <bon at .net>
>>>> Subject: [Duo2400] Re: Help! 64 MB module only showing 32
>>>> 
>>>> there are still Omnitek 64 mb chips on ebay
>>>> I have one and it works fine for months now.
>>>> 
>>>> it was $30ish
>>>> these are advertised as 2400c ram chips also
>>>> 
>>>> a while back there were some listers who
>>>> had trouble with a bad batch of chips but i think they were very good
>>>> supporting returns.
>>>> They were able to track down the source of the trouble.
>>>> I got a replacement chip prior to installation just to be safe.
>>>> 
>>>> no problems yet ... and  $30 is cheap.y P35021.
>> 
>> By the way,
>>>> 
>>>> the problem was same ,  64mb showing as 32
>>>> 
>>>> perhaps worth checking on returming the chips?
>>>> 
>>>> END QUOTE-----------------------------------------------------------
>>>> 
>>>> So, I'll appreciate being able to exchange these chips, but is
>> there a way
>>>> to make sure the new ones are coming from a different, working batch?
>>>> 
>>>> Scott Detwiler
>>>> 
----------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>> on 03/10/03 7:08 PM,
>>>>> Subject: Re: PowerBook 2400 64 MB Modules show only 32 MB
>>>>> From: "Support User" <Support at peripheral.com>
>>>>> Date: Mon, March 10, 2003 6:18 pm
>>>>> To: <purchase at detwiler.us>
>>>>> 
>>>>> The memory identifies as a 64 meg.  What OS are running on your
>>>>> Powerbook?
>>>>> 
>>>>> Partner 1st Technical Support
>>>>> EDGE Memory* & EDGE Digital Media* Products
>>>>> Peripheral Enhancements Corp.
>>> 
>>>>>>>> Scott  03/10 4:36 PM >>>
>>>>> The "Void if Removed" sticker on both modules says "P34412"
>>>>> 
>>>>> Scott
>>>>> 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> 
>>>>> From: Support User [mailto:Support at peripheral.com]
>>>>> Sent: Monday, March 10, 2003 9:28 AM
>>>>> To: purchase at detwiler.us
>>>>> Subject: Re: PowerBook 2400 64 MB Modules show only 32 MB
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> There should be a white sticker that has 'void if removed' on it.
>>>>> Please send the number that is listed on that sticker so I can verify
>>>>> that you have the correct parts.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Partner 1st Technical Support
>>>>> EDGE Memory* & EDGE Digital Media* Products
>>>>> Peripheral Enhancements Corp.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>>>>>>>> Scott Detwiler 03/09 1:13 PM >>>
>>>>> Hello,
>>>>> 
>>>>> I just bought two 64 MB modules for the PowerBook 2400,
>>>>> delivered in the same shipment.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Part # APLPB24064M
>>>>> 
>>>>> When installed in my PowerBook 2400, neither module shows its full 64
>>>>> MB. Both just show 32 MB.
>>>>> 
>>>>> The system boots as normal (no hardware errors, no startup
>> hangs, etc.)
>>>>> 
>>>>> I have reseated the modules, and have performed a PRAM reset. I still
>>>>> get the same result.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Please advise.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Scott Detwiler