My Computer Collection
Sun SPARCstation ELC

Photo of Sun SPARCstation ELC
Click here or click onto the photo for a full size version of this picture.

This is a version of the first-generation Sparc-machines that is optimized on diskless desktop operation. A 17-inch monochrome monitor is built into the case, effectively it is more precise to say that the workstation's case is built into the monitor's case!

Photo of Sun SPARCstation ELC's Workstation Board
Click here or click onto the photo for a full size version of this picture.

The electronics may simply be pulled out of the monitor case. The only operation that makes this necessary is however adding or removing RAM, since there are no expansion slots. The RAM modules are standard 72-pin modules with parity, however only one of the four possible parity bits is used (that's why genuie Sun modules only have one parity chip).

Since the machine has no fan, it is absolutely quiet when no external disk drive is connected. This advantage however turns into a disadvantage after a few years of continuous operation: The machine runs quite hot, and there is no forced airflow. Dried-out electrolytic capacitors are a typical failure symptom, leading either to a power supply failure or picture errors. And disassembling the case is anything else but fun - which is why I won't show any photos of the machine's innards.

Processor:
Sun SPARCv7, 33 MHz, either Weitek WTL8701 or Fujitsu MB86903
Coprocessor:
integrated into CPU
Cache:
64 Kbytes
Integer Performance:
roughly like a 486/33
Memory:
16 Mbytes (options range from 4M to 64M)
Bus:
busless machine
Interfaces (onboard):
  • Mouse, Keyboard
  • 2 x Serial
  • 10 MBps Ethernet (AUI)
  • Narrow SCSI (mini DB50 connector)
  • Monochrome Video (1152x900, connected to internal monitor)
  • Audio in/out (mono, telephone quality)
Operating System(s):
  • NetBSD 1.3.2


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©2000 Alfred Arnold, alfred@ccac.rwth-aachen.de