The following posts came from the Apple Disscussion Forum:
It comes down to I need "PowerFPU"
I am trying to replace a Quadra 650 that has been a workhorse in our shop for 12 years. I used it to run a sign making program. I have a Beige Tower 6500/250 I did a clean install of System 9.0.4 when I try to run my sign program (FlexiSignPro4.0.4) I get this message.
This application requires a macintosh with a floating point unit (FPU) and at least a 68020 microprocessor.
I have learned a couple things today. The SoftwareFPU which is available free will work with OS9, sort of. You need to have the thing switched off in the control panel when you boot. Or it crashes with an Error 7. Switch it on before you launch the program requiring it. And switch it off before shut down.
The fix is PowerFPU but the company is out of business. www.jna.com John Neil Associates, Cupertino CA
Funny thing where I found the download was 'Le Grenier du Mac' translated means "Macs in the/your Attic"
Now I need to find someone with PowerFPU.
Thanks again John Grenier
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
John, it's way, way, way past time to upgrade to a newer computer. The 603 processor has been a dinosaur for years. The 6500 was replaced around 1996 or 97, somewhere in there. That's about a thousand years in computer time.
Even a G3 would be a huge upgrade for you. They're available on ebay for $100 or less. You can get a G4 for around $400 to $500. That 6500 isn't even worth $10.
The reason the company with PowerFPU is out of business is because people tossed their 6500s almost a decade ago.
If your shop rate is $80/hr, the time you'll save this way, as opposed to wresting with that mangy old computer, will pay the entire cost of a used G3. G3 is way out of date, too, but will be a screaming speed demon compared to what you're using now.
It just isn't worth salvaging. Do yourself a favor and give it to a kid to play games on.
Posted by Paul Bierce (Member # 5412) on :
As a life-long Mac user I concur with Don, it's time to upgrade. Your increased productivity will more than offset the cost of a G3 or G4.
Besides, OSX is quickly becoming the defacto standard and you want a machine you can run it on.
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
A life long Mac user, Paul? I figured you were a lot older than that. Posted by John Grenier (Member # 3816) on :
Let me splane more. The problem is not upgrading my computers. This is being sent on our iMac OS 10.3.9, We also have a PowerBook latest OS Tiger. We use those tools for PhotoShop projects and making limited edition art prints.
FlexisignPro that I use is old yes but it will cut vinyl all day on our old camm 1, I paid $14000 for the system when I bought it. Upgrades started at $900 and I didn't need it way back when. A couple years ago an upgrade was too much, $3500, I think. And the only reason was because I couldn't use the program on our newer computers.
So for a little control panel tool I can continue to use this system.
By the way I am a loyal mac user an have a small collection of them.
Thanks all John
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
In that case, all I can suggest is search the net. That's what we'd have to do to help you find it. If you can't find it that way, you're pretty much SOOL.
I would think that spending 2 or 3 hours to maybe find it or likely not, would not be worth trying.
But, as said before, an old G3 can be had from eBay for $75 to $100, if all else fails.
[ September 01, 2005, 01:12 PM: Message edited by: Don Coplen ]
Posted by John Deaton III (Member # 925) on :
John, go to this link and scroll down and read this line. 3.1.4) Mac FPU Emulator It may be what you need. web page Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
John, I checked page info and that page hasn't been updated since 1998, and none of the links go to anything anymore. In 98, they had a limited time special on what he needs for $75. I imagine the limited time has been over for awhile.
It's just a real bear to find anything to work with a machine that old..and in particular antique patches and control panels.
Searching for a 7 year old control panel patch for a computer with a processor that was phased out 8 years ago and hasn't had a need since seems like a futile endeaver.
If it was a hardware thing, there would be more chance of finding an old computer to pull the part.
[ September 01, 2005, 02:07 PM: Message edited by: Don Coplen ]
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
Why do you need an FPU emulator when your computer already has an FPU in hardware? As I recall, PowerFPU is workaround software for "crippled" Macs. Apple at one point disabled the FPU on certain Mac models, such as the Centris 610. I was one of the unfortunate victims of that fiasco. I needed an FPU emulator to run certain programs. Later I upgraded to an Powermac 8100/80, and I no longer needed the emulator. Have you tried running your software without the emulator?
Posted by Bill Modzel (Member # 22) on :
John, If all your using Flexi for is to drive your Roland plotter why not look for a copy of SighPost instead. It's just a bridge app driver that cuts native illustrator files.
I'd agree with the rest of the group. You should be able to find a G3 for just a few bucks. I have one running SignPost here as a spare workstation. I was running SignPost on an old 8100 and a CI before that.
I wish my memory was better. The FPU issue is vaguely familiar but I can't pull it up.
I haven't been up your way in a number of years. I do remember the bakery though!
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
Bill, he would need more info in order to search for Signpost. It's an obscure program and will take some good keywords to get it to come to the top of a search, if it's anywhere at all.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Hey yooper neighbor. I thought I had a dinasour here with my Power Mac 7300. I still have my Quadra 650 on a dusty shelf and if I recall they came with a math co prossor (FPU). (unless that was optional) Kinda says something about Mac durability.
I also have SignPost but I quit using it when I started cutting masks for basketball graphics. On my 7300, large curves cut about as fast as molasses flows up here in the UP 9 months out of the year. I use Rolands version of Flexi called Signmate. It's so old I have to save Illustrator files in V 5.5 for Signmate to import them.
I'm dying to upgrade my Mac, even to an older G4 until I can buy a G5 but am afraid that this old Flexi program won't work on it. I don't mean to hijack your topic but am wondering if this old version will work on System 10 or newer?
Posted by Rick Chavez (Member # 2146) on :
though me thinks it's a OS9 problem with Flexi 4.....your just putting off the inevitable, but I still have my Quadra 950 Tower and the shell that is my 8500 that still runs....
Posted by Rick Chavez (Member # 2146) on :
Ooops, they want a password now, curse them! Try starting here....
Don, If SignPost sn't being marked any more is it ethical to share it?
I haven't talked to Max in two or three years now. Maybe I should try to find him again.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Bill, the last time I talked to Max he was back in Michigan. I think he stopped selling it, but might still support it, if you can find him. If you get a phone number or e mail for him, please let me know. I'd like to talk to him as well.
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I use Rolands version of Flexi called Signmate. It's so old I have to save Illustrator files in V 5.5 for Signmate to import them.