Shown below is the Partner-N64NW development kit released by Kyoto Microcomputer (KMC). This kit was targeted at N64 developers using SGI Workstations.
This SGI kit differed from the PC version, as it came with what was called an “INTERFACE BOX”.
Shown below:
This was a compact PC enclosure that housed a x3 slot ISA Backplane to accommodate various PC cards.
Three cards were installed for this system.
- ISA #1 = SBC CPU card (Single Board Computer) card running a DOS firmware
- ISA #2 = Ethernet ISA card (For connecting a LAN RJ-45 connection)
- ISA #3 = Partner-N64PC Interface card
The KMC Interface-Box connects to an SGI INDY or other supported SGI Workstations via the Ethernet LAN port.
The Interface-Box is essentially acting as a Middle-man so to speak, all debug data transferred between the Partner-N64 Dev cart, and the SGI Workstation is passed through a Network HUB.
The Japanese User manual for this system revealed that the Partner-N64NW Debugger software was available in two different media formats.
It was provided via a DAT backup Tape, or on CD-ROM.
Images provided below:
The Debugger Software was provided in 2 separate TAR archive files. One version would allow the user to install the software using the standard IRIX Software manager, and the second used an installation script file for older versions of the IRIX OS. (V 5.3)
For those interested in downloading a copy of the Partner-N64NW debugger software V1.06 for the SGI IRIX OS, see the link from Ultra64.ca website: DOWNLOAD
When setting up and installing the development environment for N64, there is a specific software installation sequence that must be followed based on the system you are using. See the Flow chart diagram below from the N64 Development Installation Guide NUS-06-0073-001D.pdf (Ultra64.ca).
The system uses the standard Partner-N64 Development Cartridge and modified N64 console. This is the same cartridge/console setup that is used with the PC version, as they both plug into a KMC Parallel interface card. The only difference is that with this version of the Kit, the Interface card is housed in the Interface-Box, not in the SGI Workstation (not compatible).
The Interface-Box was KMC’s way of re-purposing the Partner-N64 PC ISA card, and not having to redesign a new interface card for the SGI hardware.
Below is a very In-Depth Video hardware Demo on this rare Partner-N64NW development kit. (Posted on my YouTube channel earlier this year.)
Enjoy!
-Gerry