The DV module (aka Firewire module)

The DV module is a set of 2 PCB boards and an expansion bracket with cable and connector that attaches to the DraCo Motion board providing a FireWire input. The core of this DV module is the Sony DVBK-1, which is a board manufactured by Sony and sold to many OEM´s to integrate FireWire into their hardware solutions.

 (picture credit: taken from http://www.amiga-hardware.com/)

A curious note, worth mentioning,  is that the DraCo DV module has a serious resemblance to the earliest MacroSystem Casablanca NLE FireWire modules.

The big drawback of the DV module is that still, video was handled with the lossy motion-jpeg standart, and video was internally converted from digital to analog, so in the end, it just provides a FireWire video input to the DraCo, but unfortunately loses the benefits of digital video regarding image noise prevention and High Definition resolutions.

Another thing, I almost forgot to mention: support for the DV module starts with Movieshop 4.4

DraCo prototypes: Draco Motion 1.3 and DraCo Overlay 1.1

Courtesy of Ebay, I have recently come across this interesting find:




It is just a version 1.3 of the the DraCo Motion NLE card for the DraCo which has been attached by two flat cables to a small PCB which is called DraCo Overlay, and its version  is 1.1.

One can only guess in this situation, but a couple of conclusion can be driven from simple observation and common sense. This DraCo Motion card, doesnt have the ordinary video connectors, it only has a centronics one, probably to connect a cable, and finally end in some sort of brakeout box full of connectors. All that, just for reaching the video connectors easily, and not having to resort to the rear of the case, which clearly makes them more difficult to reach.

This is aparently a MacroSystem Casablanca prototype board.

Draco Overclocking

 

Overclocking is a controversial subject in itself, no matter the computer architecture you are speaking of. As everything in life, it has its drawback and advantages. For general information regarding the computer overclocking process I suggest you take a read at the corresponding Wikipedia article prior in taking the decision to embark in this adventure.

The Draco is not absent from this overclocking dilemma. So for those who are thirsty of performance boosts, we will get right to the point. So, yes, the Draco can be overclocked, but requires a skillful hand for managing the soldering and desoldering of a few components.


Successful reports have surface driving the main clock up to 57.2 mhz
Some tests have shown operation at 66 mhz.
Complete failure reports have also surfaced in attempts to reach past 66 mhz. It seems that the SCSI interface of the DraCo issues a DraCo guru when attempting to reach that system speed.

For further detail and walkthru on performing this process on the Draco, I suggest you take a look at the following links:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~davem2/overclock/draco.html
http://leblogdecosmos.blogspot.com/2011/03/draco-overclocking-i.html
http://leblogdecosmos.blogspot.com/2011/03/draco-overclocking-ii.html