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[[File:SGI-Indigo-R3000-33Mhz-2.jpg|thumb|SGI Indigo]]
[[File:SGI-Indigo-R3000-33Mhz-2.jpg|thumb|SGI Indigo]]
The Indigo entered production in 1991 and was discontinued in 1995. The Indigo was offered in both R3000 and R4000 based CPU configurations.
The Indigo entered production in 1991 and was discontinued in 1995. The Indigo was offered in both [[R3000]] and [[R4000]] based CPU configurations.


The '''SGI Indigo''' was a line of computer workstations manufactured by [[Silicon Graphics]] beginning in 1990. The initial Indigo (codename Hollywood) was based on the IP12 processor board, which contained a 32-bit [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] R3000A RISC processor soldered on the board and proprietary memory slots. The later version (codename Blackjack) was based on the IP20 processor board, which had a removable processor module (PM1 or PM2) containing a 64-bit MIPS R4000 or R4400 processor. The IP20 used standard 72-pin DIMMs with parity.
The '''SGI Indigo''' was a line of computer workstations manufactured by [[Silicon Graphics]] beginning in 1990. The initial Indigo (codename Hollywood) was based on the IP12 processor board, which contained a 32-bit [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] R3000A RISC processor soldered on the board and proprietary memory slots. The later version (codename Blackjack) was based on the IP20 processor board, which had a removable processor module (PM1 or PM2) containing a 64-bit MIPS [[R4000]] or [[R4400]] processor. The IP20 used standard 72-pin DIMMs with parity.


The Indigo was designed to run SGI's version of UNIX, known as [[IRIX]].  The Indigos with R3000 processors were supported in IRIX through version 5.3 of that operating system, while Indigos equipped with a R4000 or R4400 processor can run IRIX 6.5. The machine in the hinv section below runs [[IRIX]] 4.0.5. Additionally, the free Unix-like operating system NetBSD has support for both the IP12 and IP20 Indigos as part of the sgimips port.
The Indigo was designed to run SGI's version of UNIX, known as [[IRIX]].  The Indigos with R3000 processors were supported in IRIX through version 5.3 of that operating system, while Indigos equipped with a R4000 or R4400 processor can run IRIX 6.5. The machine in the hinv section below runs [[IRIX]] 4.0.5. Additionally, the free Unix-like operating system NetBSD has support for both the IP12 and IP20 Indigos as part of the sgimips port.
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The Indigo was considered one of the most capable graphics workstations of its era, and was essentially peerless in the realm of hardware-accelerated three-dimensional graphics rendering.  For use as a graphics workstation, the Indigo was equipped with a two-dimensional framebuffer or, for use as a 3d-graphics workstation, with the [[Elan Graphics|Elan]] graphics subsystem including one to four GEs ('''''G'''eometry'' '''''E'''ngines'').
The Indigo was considered one of the most capable graphics workstations of its era, and was essentially peerless in the realm of hardware-accelerated three-dimensional graphics rendering.  For use as a graphics workstation, the Indigo was equipped with a two-dimensional framebuffer or, for use as a 3d-graphics workstation, with the [[Elan Graphics|Elan]] graphics subsystem including one to four GEs ('''''G'''eometry'' '''''E'''ngines'').


A Motorola 56000 DSP was used for Audio IO. Ethernet is supported onboard by the SEEQ 80c03 chipset coupled with the HPC (High-performance Peripheral Controller), which provides the DMA engine. The HPC interfaces primarily between the [[GIO|GIObus]] and the ethernet, SCSI (wd33c93 chipset), and m56000 DSP. The GIO bus interface is implemented by the PIC (Processor Interface Controller) on IP12 and MC (Memory Controller) on IP20. Much of the hardware design can be traced back to the 4D/3x series, which shares the same memory controller, Ethernet, [[SCSI]], and optionally DSP as the IP12 Indigo. Indeed, the 4D/30, 4D/35 and Indigo R3000 are all considered IP12 machines and run the same IRIX kernel. The Indigo R3000 is effectively a reduced cost 4D/35 without a VME bus. The PIC supports a VME expansion bus (used on the 4D/3x series) and GIO expansion slots (used on the Indigo). In all IP12, IP20, and IP22/IP24 (see [[SGI Indigo2]]) systems the HPC attaches to the GIO bus.
A Motorola 56000 DSP was used for Audio IO. Ethernet is supported onboard by the SEEQ 80c03 chipset coupled with the HPC (High-performance Peripheral Controller), which provides the DMA engine. The HPC interfaces primarily between the [[GIO|GIObus]] and the ethernet, SCSI (wd33c93 chipset), and m56000 DSP. The GIO bus interface is implemented by the PIC (Processor Interface Controller) on IP12 and MC (Memory Controller) on IP20. Much of the hardware design can be traced back to the 4D/3x series, which shares the same memory controller, Ethernet, [[SCSI]], and optionally DSP as the IP12 Indigo. Indeed, the 4D/30, 4D/35 and Indigo R3000 are all considered IP12 machines and run the same IRIX kernel. The Indigo R3000 is effectively a reduced cost 4D/35 without a [[VME]] bus. The PIC supports a VME expansion bus (used on the 4D/3x series) and GIO expansion slots (used on the Indigo). In all IP12, IP20, and IP22/IP24 (see [[SGI Indigo2]]) systems the HPC attaches to the GIO bus.


[[Image:Indigo_r4000.jpg|thumb|right|An SGI Indigo R4000]]
[[Image:Indigo_r4000.jpg|thumb|right|An SGI Indigo R4000]]
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The first Indigo has a 32-bit, 33Mhz [[MIPS]] R3000 RISC CPU with SGI 64-pin proprietary memory, keyboard, and mouse, and is cap able of addressing up to 96MB of memory. Notably, it is unable to use more than one bank of 4MB memory modules. The R3000 Indigo shipped with three graphics configurations: LG1 (aka, entry), XS, and XS-24. The last version of IRIX to run on the R3k Indigo was IRIX 5.3 w/XFS. SGI also produced Indigos for other companies, such as Colorbus Corp. These Indigos were standard stock, with custom company logos on the door. The HINV IP identifier for R3k CPUs is IP12.
The first Indigo has a 32-bit, 33Mhz [[MIPS]] R3000 RISC CPU with SGI 64-pin proprietary memory, keyboard, and mouse, and is cap able of addressing up to 96MB of memory. Notably, it is unable to use more than one bank of 4MB memory modules. The R3000 Indigo shipped with three graphics configurations: LG1 (aka, entry), XS, and XS-24. The last version of IRIX to run on the R3k Indigo was IRIX 5.3 w/XFS. SGI also produced Indigos for other companies, such as Colorbus Corp. These Indigos were standard stock, with custom company logos on the door. The HINV IP identifier for R3k CPUs is IP12.


In early 1992 SGI introduced the 64-bit, 100Mhz [[MIPS]] R4000 RISC Indigo. The R4000 uses standard 72-pin parity SIMMS for memory and addresses up to 384MB of memory. The R4000 shipped with five different graphics configurations: LG1, XS, XS-24, XZ, and ELAN. The R4000 Indigo is capable of running the latest versions of IRIX. The R4000 Indigo is also upgradeable to a R4400 150Mhz CPU found in older Indigo 2s. The R4000 is clock multiplied at 50Mhz, and the R4400 at 75Mhz. The HINV IP identifier for R4k CPUs is IP20.
In early 1992 SGI introduced the 64-bit, 100Mhz [[MIPS]] R4000 RISC Indigo. The R4000 uses standard 72-pin parity SIMMs for memory and addresses up to 384MB of memory. The R4000 shipped with five different graphics configurations: LG1, XS, XS-24, XZ, and [[Elan Graphics|ELAN]]. The R4000 Indigo is capable of running the latest versions of IRIX. The R4000 Indigo is also upgradeable to a R4400 150Mhz CPU found in older Indigo 2s. The R4000 is clock multiplied at 50Mhz, and the R4400 at 75Mhz. The HINV IP identifier for R4k CPUs is IP20.


The entry-level graphics are 8-bit, do not include any geometry engines, and are on the bottom of the performance scale. The entry board has two video connectors on it, an HD15 and a [[13W3]], and video output is locked a t 1024x768. SGI produced two entry-level graphics boards, the LG1 and the LG2. The only difference is the LG2 board is pale green with the "Song and Dance Machine" logo silk screened on it. XS, XS-24, and XZ graphics are the next option after entry-level graphic s and are in the mid-level price/performance range. XS is 8-bit color with one geometry engine (GE). The XS-24 is identical to the X S, but includes a Z-buffer, and is capable of 24-bit color. For increased 3D performance, SGI introduced the XZ, which is identical to the XS-24 but includes a second GE. The ELAN graphics option is the best for the Indigo -- it is the same as the XS-24, but with four GEs. Most Indigo R3k machines were marked with a graphics level logo on the door, and R4k Indigos had a graphics badge to identify which graphics option they had.
The entry-level graphics are 8-bit, do not include any geometry engines, and are on the bottom of the performance scale. The entry board has two video connectors on it, an HD15 and a [[13W3]], and video output is locked a t 1024x768. SGI produced two entry-level graphics boards, the LG1 and the LG2. The only difference is the LG2 board is pale green with the "Song and Dance Machine" logo silk screened on it. XS, XS-24, and XZ graphics are the next option after entry-level graphic s and are in the mid-level price/performance range. XS is 8-bit color with one geometry engine (GE). The XS-24 is identical to the X S, but includes a Z-buffer, and is capable of 24-bit color. For increased 3D performance, SGI introduced the XZ, which is identical to the XS-24 but includes a second GE. The [[Elan Graphics|ELAN]] graphics option is the best for the Indigo -- it is the same as the XS-24, but with four GEs. Most Indigo R3k machines were marked with a graphics level logo on the door, and R4k Indigos had a graphics badge to identify which graphics option they had.






CPU types
'''CPU types'''
  The [[Silicon Graphics]] IRIS Indigo has been available with two  
 
  completely different versions of CPU boards and a total of three  
The [[Silicon Graphics]] IRIS Indigo has been available with two  
  different Mips RISC CPUs.
completely different versions of CPU boards and a total of three  
 
different Mips RISC CPUs.
<pre>
   CPU              clockspeed    CPU module    CPU board
   CPU              clockspeed    CPU module    CPU board
   Mips R3000A      33 MHz        *----- HP1 -----*
   Mips R3000A      33 MHz        *----- HP1 -----*
   Mips R4000SC    50/100 MHz    PM1            HP2
   Mips R4000SC    50/100 MHz    PM1            HP2
   Mips R4400SC    75/150 MHz    PM2            HP2
   Mips R4400SC    75/150 MHz    PM2            HP2
</pre>
In the rest of this document "Indigo" will be used if the type of
CPU installed does not matter. "R3K Indigo" is the term used for
Indigos based on R3000 processors and "R4K Indigo" will be used
when machines using R4000 or R4400 processor are meant.
    
    
  In the rest of this document "Indigo" will be used if the type of
'''GFX options'''
  CPU installed does not matter. "R3K Indigo" is the term used for
 
  Indigos based on R3000 processors and "R4K Indigo" will be used
There are two entirely different types of graphics options. One is  
  when machines using R4000 or R4400 processor are meant.
called "Entry-Level-Graphics" or "Starter-Graphics" (LG1/LG2) and is  
 
a simple 8bit framebuffer. The second type is actually a complete  
1.2 GFX options
family of graphics options built from the same components and is  
  There are two entirely different types of graphics options. One is  
called "Express Graphics".  
  called "Entry-Level-Graphics" or "Starter-Graphics" (LG1/LG2) and is  
<pre>
  a simple 8bit framebuffer. The second type is actually a complete  
  family of graphics options built from the same components and is  
  called "Express Graphics".  
   name            color    z-buffer    GEs    connectors
   name            color    z-buffer    GEs    connectors
   LG1              8bit      none        none    13W3, HD15
   LG1              8bit      none        none    13W3, HD15
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   GR2-XZ          24bit    yes        2      13W3, BNC, minDIN
   GR2-XZ          24bit    yes        2      13W3, BNC, minDIN
   GR2-Elan        24bit    yes        4      13W3, BNC, minDIN
   GR2-Elan        24bit    yes        4      13W3, BNC, minDIN
</pre>
'''Markings'''
All Indigos have/had markings that showed the configuration the
machine was sold with. It is not recommended to rely on this
information because parts may have been swapped or the machine
could have been upgraded.
R3K Indigos have the name of the graphics option printed on the
drive door. Possible values are "Elan", "XZ", "XS24", "XS" and
"Data Station".
    
    
1.3 Markings
On R4K Indigos plastic badges are used to denote the type of  
  All Indigos have/had markings that showed the configuration the
graphics option: "Elan 4000" (yellow), "XZ 4000" (green), "XS24
  machine was sold with. It is not recommended to rely on this
4000" (green), "XS 4000" (green), "Entry 4000" (red) and  
  information because parts may have been swapped or the machine
"Server 4000" (grey).
  could have been upgraded.
  R3K Indigos have the name of the graphics option printed on the
  drive door. Possible values are "Elan", "XZ", "XS24", "XS" and
  "Data Station".
 
  On R4K Indigos plastic badges are used to denote the type of  
  graphics option: "Elan 4000" (yellow), "XZ 4000" (green), "XS24
  4000" (green), "XS 4000" (green), "Entry 4000" (red) and  
  "Server 4000" (grey).
    
    
  Again: Do *not* rely on the badge or the words on the drive door!
Again: Do *not* rely on the badge or the words on the drive door!


=== CPU Options ===
=== CPU Options ===
[[File:Indigo cpu baord.jpg|thumb]]
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! SGI Part Number
! SGI Part Number
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==How to determine CPU type==
==How to determine CPU type==
[[File:Pm1 without heatsink.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:R4kcpuboard.jpg|thumb]]


2.1 when IRIX is running
===When IRIX is running===
  Open a UNIX shell and run 'hinv'. Among other things the command  
Open a UNIX shell and run 'hinv'. Among other things the command  
  shows the type of CPU that is installed in the machine.
shows the type of CPU that is installed in the machine.
 
  The following is an indented and abbrevated output of 'hinv' on
  an R3K Indigo:
    
    
The following is an indented and abbrevated output of 'hinv' on
an R3K Indigo:
<pre>
   1 33 MHZ IP12 Processor
   1 33 MHZ IP12 Processor
   FPU: MIPS R2010A/R3010 VLSI Floating Point Chip Revision: 4.0
   FPU: MIPS R2010A/R3010 VLSI Floating Point Chip Revision: 4.0
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   FPU: MIPS R4000 Floating Point Coprocessor Revision: 0.0
   FPU: MIPS R4000 Floating Point Coprocessor Revision: 0.0
   CPU: MIPS R4400 Processor Chip Revision: 5.0
   CPU: MIPS R4400 Processor Chip Revision: 5.0
 
</pre>
2.2 from the PROM monitor
===From the PROM monitor===
  In the PROM monitor you can also use the 'hinv' command to determine
In the PROM monitor you can also use the 'hinv' command to determine
  the CPU that is installed in the Indigo. The output looks slightly  
the CPU that is installed in the Indigo. The output looks slightly  
  different and there is a special issue with the R4K Indigo.
different and there is a special issue with the R4K Indigo.
 
  On an R3K 'hinv' shows as expected an IP12 System and an R3000
  processor running at 33 Mhz.
  The following excerpts are again from an R4K Indigo (the same
  machines as the R4K Indigo examples from 2.1).  
    
    
On an R3K 'hinv' shows as expected an IP12 System and an R3000
processor running at 33 Mhz.
The following excerpts are again from an R4K Indigo (the same
machines as the R4K Indigo examples from above).
<pre>
                 System: IP20
                 System: IP20
             Processor: R4000 50 Mhz, with FPU   
             Processor: R4000 50 Mhz, with FPU   
                 System: IP20
                 System: IP20
             Processor: R4000 75 Mhz, with FPU  
             Processor: R4000 75 Mhz, with FPU
  Note that the R4400 processor is not recognized in the PROM monitor.
</pre>
  Additionally the 'hinv' command from the PROM shows always the  
Note that the R4400 processor is not recognized in the PROM monitor.
  external clockspeed of the system. The 'hinv' command in IRIX has  
Additionally the 'hinv' command from the PROM shows always the  
  later been changed to show the internal clockspeed.
external clockspeed of the system. The 'hinv' command in IRIX has  
2.3 when the machine does not boot
later been changed to show the internal clockspeed.
  You can determine the type of Indigo just by looking at the CPU
 
  or the CPU board.  
===When the machine does not boot===
You can determine the type of Indigo just by looking at the CPU
or the CPU board.  
    
    
  The R3000 processor on the R3K Indigo board is placed directly on  
The R3000 processor on the R3K Indigo board is placed directly on  
  the board itself. It carries *no* heatsink.
the board itself. It carries *no* heatsink.
    
    
  The processors on R4K Indigos is in a small module that is placed  
The processors on R4K Indigos is in a small module that is placed  
  above the CPU board. The R4000 models carry a dark black/blue  
above the CPU board. The R4000 models carry a dark black/blue  
  heatsink and the R4400 processors a huge heatsink that covers
heatsink and the R4400 processors a huge heatsink that covers
  the whole module. The heatsink of both models is visible in the  
the whole module. The heatsink of both models is visible in the  
  space between the CPU module and the case of the Indigo.
space between the CPU module and the case of the Indigo.
    
    
  Additionally you can try to locate the part number of the boards.  
Additionally you can try to locate the part number of the boards.  
  The one frome the R3K Indigo is called HP1 and the one from the  
The one frome the R3K Indigo is called HP1 and the one from the  
  R4K models HP2.
R4K models HP2.


== How to determine the GFX option ==
== How to determine the GFX option ==


3.1 when IRIX is running
===When IRIX is running===
  As usual you can use 'hinv' in the UNIX shell to determine the type
As usual you can use 'hinv' in the UNIX shell to determine the type
  of graphics option that is installed. The output lists the name of  
of graphics option that is installed. The output lists the name of  
  the graphics option as "Graphics board". The following list shows  
the graphics option as "Graphics board". The following list shows  
  some example outputs (for further reference see 1.2):
some example outputs (for further reference see further above this page):
 
<pre>
   Graphics board: LG1
   Graphics board: LG1
   Graphics board: GR2-XS24 with Z-buffer
   Graphics board: GR2-XS24 with Z-buffer
   Graphics board: GR2-XZ
   Graphics board: GR2-XZ
   Graphics board: GR2-Elan
   Graphics board: GR2-Elan
</pre>
Additionally you can use '/usr/gfx/gfxinfo' to get detailed
information on the parts of the graphics subsystem.
===From the PROM monitor===
Again 'hinv' is the solution to determine the type of graphics
option from the PROM monitor. The output is similar to the 'hinv'
output shown above.
===When the machine does not boot===
The first thing to determine is if the board is an "Entry-Level"
or "Express" graphics board (Confused? Read 1.2). This can be done
without even opening the computer.
    
    
  Additionally you can use '/usr/gfx/gfxinfo' to get detailed
When you look on the back of the machine look for the femal 13W3
  information on the parts of the graphics subsystem.
monitor connector (the one with 3 big and 10 small pins). If you
3.2 from the PROM monitor
find below that one just an HD15 VGA style connector the installed
  Again 'hinv' is the solution to determine the type of graphics
graphics option is "Entry-Level". If you see a BNC (Genlock) and a
  option from the PROM monitor. The output is similar to the 'hinv'
miniDIN (3D) connector than it is one of the "Express" graphics  
  output shown in 3.1.
boards.
3.3 when the machine does not boot
  The first thing to determine is if the board is an "Entry-Level"  
  or "Express" graphics board (Confused? Read 1.2). This can be done
  without even opening the computer.  
    
    
  When you look on the back of the machine look for the femal 13W3
In case of an "Express" board the next step is determining the  
  monitor connector (the one with 3 big and 10 small pins). If you
actual type. The table in 1.2 shows that the various versions
  find below that one just an HD15 VGA style connector the installed
differ in 3 aspects:
  graphics option is "Entry-Level". If you see a BNC (Genlock) and a
  miniDIN (3D) connector than it is one of the "Express" graphics
  boards.
    
    
  In case of an "Express" board the next step is determining the
# color: 8bit vs. 24bit
  actual type. The table in 1.2 shows that the various versions
# Z-buffer: hardware or none (calculations done in software)
  differ in 3 aspects:
# geometry engines: number of GEs
    
    
  1) color: 8bit vs. 24bit
All "Express" boards are built of the following parts:
  2) Z-buffer: hardware or none (calculations done in software)
 
  3) geometry engines: number of GEs
* GR2:  main graphics board
 
* GE7:  geometry engine (processor offering 32 MFlops)
  All "Express" boards are built of the following parts:
* VB1.1: video buffer board (includes RAMDAC)
 
* ZB4:  z-buffer board (includes z-buffer memory)
  GR2:  main graphics board
* VM2:  proprietary SIMM module (3 required for 24bit color)
  GE7:  geometry engine (processor offering 32 MFlops)
  VB1.1: video buffer board (includes RAMDAC)
  ZB4:  z-buffer board (includes z-buffer memory)
  VM2:  proprietary SIMM module (3 required for 24bit color)
   
   
  Every "Express" board consist of 1 GR2, 1 VB1.1, at least 1 GE7  
Every "Express" board consist of 1 GR2, 1 VB1.1, at least 1 GE7 and 1 VM2.  
  and 1 VM2.  
    
    
  The VB1.1 is a daughterboard that is placed on the left half of  
The VB1.1 is a daughterboard that is placed on the left half of  
  the GR2 board just above the VM2 SIMMs and the ZB4 daughterboard
the GR2 board just above the VM2 SIMMs and the ZB4 daughterboard
  is placed on the right half. For the GE7 processors the GR2 board  
is placed on the right half. For the GE7 processors the GR2 board  
  as 4 sockets at its center.
as 4 sockets at its center.
    
    
  Knowing the variations of "Express" boards that exist (1.2) and  
Knowing the variations of "Express" boards that exist (1.2) and  
  the various parts and their functions it is easy to determine the
the various parts and their functions it is easy to determine the
  type of an "Express" board.
type of an "Express" board.
    
    
  Example: The board in question has an empty space on the right  
Example: The board in question has an empty space on the right  
  half (i.e. no ZB4), 3 VM2 modules and 1 GE7 (of course it has  
half (i.e. no ZB4), 3 VM2 modules and 1 GE7 (of course it has  
  also 1 VB1.1 and 1 GR2). This boardset offers 24bit color, no  
also 1 VB1.1 and 1 GR2). This boardset offers 24bit color, no  
  hardware z-buffer and has 1 geometry engine. According to the  
hardware z-buffer and has 1 geometry engine. According to the  
  table in 1.2 that makes it a GR2-XS24 graphics option.
table further up the page that makes it a GR2-XS24 graphics option.




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* 1992, September: Indigo R4000 shipment announced for September 1992
* 1992, September: Indigo R4000 shipment announced for September 1992
* 1993, January: XZ graphics options announced to ship in January
* 1993, January: XZ graphics options announced to ship in January


== Can't set TOD problem ==
== Can't set TOD problem ==
* Search on nekochan forums there are heaps of threads about this.
* More information on external sites such as http://www.sgistuff.net/hardware/systems/documents/indigo-battery-faq.txt
* More information on external sites such as http://www.sgistuff.net/hardware/systems/documents/indigo-battery-faq.txt
* Google it there are many sites with photo tutorials and comments like this site: http://www.irisindigo.com/index.php/Indigo_Battery_FAQ
* Google it there are many sites with photo tutorials and comments like this site: http://www.irisindigo.com/index.php/Indigo_Battery_FAQ
Line 244: Line 254:
==== Signs of battery failure ====
==== Signs of battery failure ====
    
    
  When the onboard battery of the Indigo fails while the machine is  
When the onboard battery of the Indigo fails while the machine is  
  running nothing happens until the next time the machine is shut  
running nothing happens until the next time the machine is shut  
  down and then switched on again.
down and then switched on again.
    
    
  When the battery is empty the Indigo refuses to boot. It constantly  
When the battery is empty the Indigo refuses to boot. It constantly  
  repeats the following error message:
repeats the following error message:
    
    
  Initializing tod clock.
Initializing tod clock.
  setting secs=0 min=0 hour=0 day=1 month=1 year=0
setting secs=0 min=0 hour=0 day=1 month=1 year=0
  Can't set tod clock.
Can't set tod clock.
    
    
==== Effects of battery failure ====
==== Effects of battery failure ====
    
    
  The Indigo does not boot until it has a new battery. After that the  
The Indigo does not boot until it has a new battery. After that the  
  date/time is wrong but aside from that nothing really bad happens
date/time is wrong but aside from that nothing really bad happens
  (usually). Other systems as for example old Sun Sparcstations (IPC
(usually). Other systems as for example old Sun Sparcstations (IPC
  or IPX) forget important data like the ethernet MAC adress when  
or IPX) forget important data like the ethernet MAC adress when  
  the battery in their NVRAM fails.  
the battery in their NVRAM fails.  


==== What to do ====
==== What to do ====


  The solution to the battery problems is the same as on a cheap  
The solution to the battery problems is the same as on a cheap  
  flashlight: Replace the old battery with a new one. Sounds easy
flashlight: Replace the old battery with a new one. Sounds easy
  but it is slightliy more difficult.  
but it is slightliy more difficult.  
    
    
  On both types of Indigos (R3K and R4K - see Indigo Versions FAQ for
On both types of Indigos (R3K and R4K - see Indigo Versions FAQ for
  details) the battery is located on the CPU board. In the R3K Indigo  
details) the battery is located on the CPU board. In the R3K Indigo  
  it is put in a "socket", in the R4K models it is soldered in place.
it is put in a "socket", in the R4K models it is soldered in place.


==== Before you start ====
==== Before you start ====


  Before describing the procedure in detail it is time to adress the  
Before describing the procedure in detail it is time to adress the  
  reader (especially the ones who have to work on an R4K Indigo).
reader (especially the ones who have to work on an R4K Indigo).
    
    
  Begin your work only if you know what you are doing and you have  
Begin your work only if you know what you are doing and you have  
  the right tools at hand. If you are not sure or have no experience  
the right tools at hand. If you are not sure or have no experience  
  at all in working on electronic equipment please ask someone  
at all in working on electronic equipment please ask someone  
  experienced to help you. Although the procedure is not that  
experienced to help you. Although the procedure is not that  
  difficult there is a chance to do real damage to the computer.
difficult there is a chance to do real damage to the computer.
    
    
  The descriptions won't mention how to take the parts out of the  
The descriptions won't mention how to take the parts out of the  
  Indigo and how they are placed back in. There are good descriptions
Indigo and how they are placed back in. There are good descriptions
  in the Indigo Owners guide for that. Read the appropriate sections
in the Indigo Owners guide for that. Read the appropriate sections
  carefully!
carefully!
 
 
 




==== Obtaining the Battery ====
==== Obtaining the Battery ====


  The battery type used in the Indigo R4000 systems is a Tadiran  
The battery type used in the Indigo R4000 systems is a Tadiran  
  TL-5186 (the one on R3000 systems looks the same and maybe is as  
TL-5186 (the one on R3000 systems looks the same and maybe is as  
  well a TL-5186). A battery with the same dimensions and technical
well a TL-5186). A battery with the same dimensions and technical
  data is a Sonnenschein SL-340 which might be easier to obtain in
data is a Sonnenschein SL-340 which might be easier to obtain in
  some places (Austria, Germany, Netherlands and maybe Europe in  
some places (Austria, Germany, Netherlands and maybe Europe in  
  general).
general).


==== On Indigo R3K Systems ====
==== On Indigo R3K Systems ====
      
      
  Changing the battery on R3K systems is pretty simple. The battery  
Changing the battery on R3K systems is pretty simple. The battery  
  is on the right side of the board close to its edge hidden below the  
is on the right side of the board close to its edge hidden below the  
  dummy that can be replaced with a GIO card. After removing the dummy  
dummy that can be replaced with a GIO card. After removing the dummy  
  the old battery can be taken out of its "socket" and be replaced by  
the old battery can be taken out of its "socket" and be replaced by  
  a new one. The "socket" is actually only a small rubber strap that  
a new one. The "socket" is actually only a small rubber strap that  
  holds the battery in place.  
holds the battery in place.
 
Attention! Make sure that you do NOT insert the battery the wrong
way. This may cause damage to the mainboard and leave you with a
dead system.


  Attention! Make sure that you do NOT insert the battery the wrong
  way. This may cause damage to the mainboard and leave you with a
  dead system.
   
==== On Indigo R4K Systems ====
==== On Indigo R4K Systems ====
    
    
  The situation on R4K Indigos is a bit more complicated. The battery  
The situation on R4K Indigos is a bit more complicated. The battery  
  is located on the CPU board right below the CPU module but it is  
is located on the CPU board right below the CPU module but it is  
  soldered in place. It is not too difficult to find the pins from  
soldered in place. It is not too difficult to find the pins from  
  the battery on the back of the board.
the battery on the back of the board.


  The procedure itself is pretty obvious and not too difficult with  
The procedure itself is pretty obvious and not too difficult with  
  the right tools and a second person that helps holding the board  
the right tools and a second person that helps holding the board  
  and pulls on the battery while the first works with the desoldering  
and pulls on the battery while the first works with the desoldering  
  tools and pays attention that no parts get damaged, burned or  
tools and pays attention that no parts get damaged, burned or  
  whatever bad can happen. Clean the soldering points after the  
whatever bad can happen. Clean the soldering points after the  
  battery has been removed and solder the new one in place.
battery has been removed and solder the new one in place.
 
Attention! Make sure that you do NOT insert the battery the wrong
way. This may cause damage to the mainboard and leave you with a
dead system.


  Attention! Make sure that you do NOT insert the battery the wrong
  way. This may cause damage to the mainboard and leave you with a
  dead system.
 
     
==== When finished ====
==== When finished ====


  When booting the Indigo for the first time after replacing the  
When booting the Indigo for the first time after replacing the  
  battery enter maintenance mode and go into the PROM monitor. Set  
battery enter maintenance mode and go into the PROM monitor. Set  
  the clock and boot the machine. Everything should work fine now.
the clock and boot the machine. Everything should work fine now.
 
=== Forum topic on battery hack ===
  http://forums.nekochan.net/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16726643


== Example hinv ==
== Example hinv ==
Line 368: Line 371:


</pre>
</pre>
== Specifications ==
===Physical Environment===
<pre>
System 15 inches H x 9.5 inches W x 10.9 inches D 24 lbs.
16-Inch Monitor 16.1 inches H x 16.0 inches W x 18.8 inches D 52.9 lbs
19-Inch Monitor 18.7 inches H x 18.9 inches W x 19.9 inches D 71.6 lbs
Power Requirements Voltage and Frequency
100-240 VAC
2.7 - 1.8A 47-63 Hz
120 V 2.5A (without monitor)
120 V 2.5A (with monitor)
Heat Dissipation 1200 BTU/hour
Ambient Temperature +13 to +35 degrees C operating
-40 to +65 degrees C non-operating
Noise 36 dB (A) in typical operating position
Relative Humidity 10% to 80% operating no condensation
10% to 95% non-operating no condensation
Altitude 10,000 feet operating
40,000 feet non-operating
Vibration 0.02 inches, 5-19 Hz
0.35 G, 19-500 Hz
</pre>
===Audio/Video===
<pre>
Controller/Processor Motorola 56001 DSP 0 20 MHz
Input/Output Stereo line-level analog
Mono microphone
Serial digital (stereo), lEC958
Stereo headphone
Internal mono speaker
Sampling Rates 48, 44.1, 32 KHz, and many lower rates
Converters Analog to digital conversion
(16 bit stereo, 64 I/C oversampling)
Digital to analog conversion
(stereo 16/18 bit stereo, 8x oversampling
with digital filter)
Connectors 5 stereo mini-phone jacks, 1/8 inch (3.5 mm)
Video Video slot on graphics board
Independent video bus
Genlock (XS, XS24, XZ, Elan)
</pre>
==SGI Part Numbers==
<html>
<table border="2">
    <tr>
        <td>Part Number</td>
        <td>Description</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8050-002</td>
        <td>Indigo Backplane. (VME Connectors for CPU board, and SCSI connectors for drives.)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8058-006</td>
        <td>Main Graphics Board with 4 GE-7's (ELAN)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8060-001</td>
        <td>Z-Buffer Board</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8093-002</td>
        <td>Video Buffer Board</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8059-002</td>
        <td>Video Memory Board</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8044-003</td>
        <td>33MHz R3000 INDIGO CPU Board</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>034-8077-004</td>
        <td>LG1 8Bit Graphics Board</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8077-003</td>
        <td>LG2 8 Bit Graphics Board</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>050-8000-001</td>
        <td>INDIGO Drive Sled</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8042-002</td>
        <td>INDIGO R3000 2MB Memory Modules</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8054-002 </td>
        <td>INDIGO R3000 4MB Memory Modules</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8072-002 </td>
        <td>INDIGO R3000 8MB Memory Modules</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-7005-002</td>
        <td>INDIGO GIO-BUS AUI Ethernet card</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-0246-006</td>
        <td>Single-Ended FDDI, GIO-BUS</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>9430810</td>
        <td>R3000 INDIGO Power Supply</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>9430812</td>
        <td>R4000/R4400 INDIGO Power Supply</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>013-9117-001<br>030-8096-005<br>030-8116-004</td>
        <td>HP2/PM2 INDIGO R4400-150 CPU</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>013-8639-002<br>030-8096-005<br>030-8097-003</td>
        <td>HP2/PM1 INDIGO R4000-100 CPU</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8118-001<br>030-8044-001</td>
        <td>HP1 INDIGO R3000 CPU Board</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8122-001</td>
        <td>GR2-2 Graphics Board with 2 GE-7's (XZ)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8058-007</td>
        <td>GR2-1 Graphics Board with 1 GE-7 (XS,XS24)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8095-0003</td>
        <td>INDIGO-VIDEO, Real Time Video Board</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>030-8113-001</td>
        <td>Video Buffer</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>9500801</td>
        <td>INDIGO Keyboard</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>9150800</td>
        <td>INDIGO Mechanical Mouse</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>050-8004-001</td>
        <td>Plastic INDIGO Skins </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>050-8010-001</td>
        <td>Plastic INDIGO Front Cover </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>050-8027-001</td>
        <td>Plastic INDIGO Drive Cover</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>P5-T4C3A</td>
        <td>150MB 1/4&quot; External SCSI Tape Drive</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>P3-T13D</td>
        <td>4mm. SCSI DAT Drive</td>
    </tr>
</table>
</html>


== More information ==
== More information ==
[[File:Indigo cyclone.jpg|thumb]]
* [[Byte September 1991 Indigo]]
* [[Byte September 1991 Indigo]]
* [[Change Battery On Indigo R4K]]
* [[Change Battery On Indigo R4K]]
Line 379: Line 557:
* http://www.NetBSD.org/Ports/sgimips/
* http://www.NetBSD.org/Ports/sgimips/
* http://www.linux-mips.org/wiki/IP12
* http://www.linux-mips.org/wiki/IP12
* https://web.archive.org/web/20050726081923/http://www.irisindigo.com/ - Iris Indigo homepage (archived)


== Manuals ==
== Manuals ==
Line 391: Line 570:
File:00INDIGO.jpg
File:00INDIGO.jpg
File:SGI-Indigo-R3000-33Mhz-3.jpg
File:SGI-Indigo-R3000-33Mhz-3.jpg
File:Iris.jpg
File:Indigoa3.jpeg
File:Akira-indigo.jpg
File:31052874608 0ab017cac6 o.jpg
File:31052879728 fa17a6dccc o.jpg
File:43113764550 97eaa6b4e6 o.jpg
File:44205586514 02da19dd44 o.jpg
File:44205586874 d502e1ae40 o.jpg
File:42950257161 155fb3495d o.jpg
File:42950257511 5571d3388e o.jpg
File:Indigo open.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>




[[Category:SGI]] [[Category:Computing]]
[[Category:SGI]] [[Category:Computing]]

Revision as of 00:14, 8 June 2020

SGI Indigo

The Indigo entered production in 1991 and was discontinued in 1995. The Indigo was offered in both R3000 and R4000 based CPU configurations.

The SGI Indigo was a line of computer workstations manufactured by Silicon Graphics beginning in 1990. The initial Indigo (codename Hollywood) was based on the IP12 processor board, which contained a 32-bit MIPS R3000A RISC processor soldered on the board and proprietary memory slots. The later version (codename Blackjack) was based on the IP20 processor board, which had a removable processor module (PM1 or PM2) containing a 64-bit MIPS R4000 or R4400 processor. The IP20 used standard 72-pin DIMMs with parity.

The Indigo was designed to run SGI's version of UNIX, known as IRIX. The Indigos with R3000 processors were supported in IRIX through version 5.3 of that operating system, while Indigos equipped with a R4000 or R4400 processor can run IRIX 6.5. The machine in the hinv section below runs IRIX 4.0.5. Additionally, the free Unix-like operating system NetBSD has support for both the IP12 and IP20 Indigos as part of the sgimips port.

The Indigo was considered one of the most capable graphics workstations of its era, and was essentially peerless in the realm of hardware-accelerated three-dimensional graphics rendering. For use as a graphics workstation, the Indigo was equipped with a two-dimensional framebuffer or, for use as a 3d-graphics workstation, with the Elan graphics subsystem including one to four GEs (Geometry Engines).

A Motorola 56000 DSP was used for Audio IO. Ethernet is supported onboard by the SEEQ 80c03 chipset coupled with the HPC (High-performance Peripheral Controller), which provides the DMA engine. The HPC interfaces primarily between the GIObus and the ethernet, SCSI (wd33c93 chipset), and m56000 DSP. The GIO bus interface is implemented by the PIC (Processor Interface Controller) on IP12 and MC (Memory Controller) on IP20. Much of the hardware design can be traced back to the 4D/3x series, which shares the same memory controller, Ethernet, SCSI, and optionally DSP as the IP12 Indigo. Indeed, the 4D/30, 4D/35 and Indigo R3000 are all considered IP12 machines and run the same IRIX kernel. The Indigo R3000 is effectively a reduced cost 4D/35 without a VME bus. The PIC supports a VME expansion bus (used on the 4D/3x series) and GIO expansion slots (used on the Indigo). In all IP12, IP20, and IP22/IP24 (see SGI Indigo2) systems the HPC attaches to the GIO bus.

An SGI Indigo R4000

The Indigo was a visually pleasing design, based on a simple cube motif in indigo hue. Graphics and other peripheral expansion was accomplished via the GIO32 expansion bus.

The Indigo was superseded generally by the SGI Indigo2 (and in the low-cost market segment by the SGI Indy), although Indigos remain useful among some specialties even into the 2000s.


The IRIS Indigo was one of the most powerful 3D machines on the market at the time. It was intended as a smaller desktop workstation replacement for the larger, heavier 4D series of workstations. The Indigo was known by the codename BlackJack while in development, and its original SGI model number was CMNB003. When it was introduced, SGI marketing created several working espressso machines that looked just like an Indigo called the Espressogo.

The Indigo gets its name from the dark blue color of its case and IRIS stands for "Integrated Raster Imaging System". It is 15" high, 9.5" wide, 10.9" deep, and weighs 25 lbs. On the front right is a door that hides the drive bays, a lock bar, and a reset button. The lock bar is a steel bar that goes through the entire system, and accepts a padlock to prevent anyone from opening the system. The back of the Indigo has power, SCSI, keyboard, serial, audio, video, genlock, ethernet, and parallel connectors, and a ventilation opening near the power supply.

The first Indigo has a 32-bit, 33Mhz MIPS R3000 RISC CPU with SGI 64-pin proprietary memory, keyboard, and mouse, and is cap able of addressing up to 96MB of memory. Notably, it is unable to use more than one bank of 4MB memory modules. The R3000 Indigo shipped with three graphics configurations: LG1 (aka, entry), XS, and XS-24. The last version of IRIX to run on the R3k Indigo was IRIX 5.3 w/XFS. SGI also produced Indigos for other companies, such as Colorbus Corp. These Indigos were standard stock, with custom company logos on the door. The HINV IP identifier for R3k CPUs is IP12.

In early 1992 SGI introduced the 64-bit, 100Mhz MIPS R4000 RISC Indigo. The R4000 uses standard 72-pin parity SIMMs for memory and addresses up to 384MB of memory. The R4000 shipped with five different graphics configurations: LG1, XS, XS-24, XZ, and ELAN. The R4000 Indigo is capable of running the latest versions of IRIX. The R4000 Indigo is also upgradeable to a R4400 150Mhz CPU found in older Indigo 2s. The R4000 is clock multiplied at 50Mhz, and the R4400 at 75Mhz. The HINV IP identifier for R4k CPUs is IP20.

The entry-level graphics are 8-bit, do not include any geometry engines, and are on the bottom of the performance scale. The entry board has two video connectors on it, an HD15 and a 13W3, and video output is locked a t 1024x768. SGI produced two entry-level graphics boards, the LG1 and the LG2. The only difference is the LG2 board is pale green with the "Song and Dance Machine" logo silk screened on it. XS, XS-24, and XZ graphics are the next option after entry-level graphic s and are in the mid-level price/performance range. XS is 8-bit color with one geometry engine (GE). The XS-24 is identical to the X S, but includes a Z-buffer, and is capable of 24-bit color. For increased 3D performance, SGI introduced the XZ, which is identical to the XS-24 but includes a second GE. The ELAN graphics option is the best for the Indigo -- it is the same as the XS-24, but with four GEs. Most Indigo R3k machines were marked with a graphics level logo on the door, and R4k Indigos had a graphics badge to identify which graphics option they had.


CPU types

The Silicon Graphics IRIS Indigo has been available with two completely different versions of CPU boards and a total of three different Mips RISC CPUs. 

  CPU              clockspeed    CPU module     CPU board
  Mips R3000A      33 MHz        *----- HP1 -----*
  Mips R4000SC     50/100 MHz    PM1            HP2
  Mips R4400SC     75/150 MHz    PM2            HP2

In the rest of this document "Indigo" will be used if the type of CPU installed does not matter. "R3K Indigo" is the term used for Indigos based on R3000 processors and "R4K Indigo" will be used when machines using R4000 or R4400 processor are meant.

GFX options

There are two entirely different types of graphics options. One is called "Entry-Level-Graphics" or "Starter-Graphics" (LG1/LG2) and is a simple 8bit framebuffer. The second type is actually a complete family of graphics options built from the same components and is called "Express Graphics". 

  name             color     z-buffer    GEs     connectors
  LG1              8bit      none        none    13W3, HD15
  LG2              8bit      none        none    13W3, HD15
  GR2-XS           8bit      none        1       13W3, BNC, minDIN
  GR2-XS24         24bit     none        1       13W3, BNC, minDIN
  GR2-XS24Z        24bit     yes         1       13W3, BNC, minDIN
  GR2-XZ           24bit     yes         2       13W3, BNC, minDIN
  GR2-Elan         24bit     yes         4       13W3, BNC, minDIN

Markings

All Indigos have/had markings that showed the configuration the machine was sold with. It is not recommended to rely on this information because parts may have been swapped or the machine could have been upgraded. R3K Indigos have the name of the graphics option printed on the drive door. Possible values are "Elan", "XZ", "XS24", "XS" and "Data Station".

On R4K Indigos plastic badges are used to denote the type of graphics option: "Elan 4000" (yellow), "XZ 4000" (green), "XS24 4000" (green), "XS 4000" (green), "Entry 4000" (red) and "Server 4000" (grey).

Again: Do *not* rely on the badge or the words on the drive door!

CPU Options[edit]

SGI Part Number Description
030-8096-004 HP2 R4000 Processor board
030-8044-00x HP1 R3000 Processor board
030-8118-001 HP1 R3000 Processor board
030-8097-002 PM1 100MHz R4000SC processor module w/1MB SC
030-8097-002 PM2 100MHz R4000 Processor module w/1MB SC
030-8116-004 PM2 150MHz R4400SC processor w/1MB SC

How to determine CPU type[edit]

When IRIX is running[edit]

Open a UNIX shell and run 'hinv'. Among other things the command shows the type of CPU that is installed in the machine.

The following is an indented and abbrevated output of 'hinv' on an R3K Indigo: 

  1 33 MHZ IP12 Processor
  FPU: MIPS R2010A/R3010 VLSI Floating Point Chip Revision: 4.0
  CPU: MIPS R2000A/R3000 Processor Chip Revision: 3.0   
  Both of the following parts show an R4K Indigo:
  1 100 MHZ IP20 Processor
  FPU: MIPS R4000 Floating Point Coprocessor Revision: 0.0
  CPU: MIPS R4000 Processor Chip Revision: 2.2
  1 150 MHZ IP20 Processor
  FPU: MIPS R4000 Floating Point Coprocessor Revision: 0.0
  CPU: MIPS R4400 Processor Chip Revision: 5.0

From the PROM monitor[edit]

In the PROM monitor you can also use the 'hinv' command to determine the CPU that is installed in the Indigo. The output looks slightly different and there is a special issue with the R4K Indigo.

On an R3K 'hinv' shows as expected an IP12 System and an R3000 processor running at 33 Mhz. The following excerpts are again from an R4K Indigo (the same machines as the R4K Indigo examples from above). 

                System: IP20
             Processor: R4000 50 Mhz, with FPU   
                System: IP20
             Processor: R4000 75 Mhz, with FPU

Note that the R4400 processor is not recognized in the PROM monitor. Additionally the 'hinv' command from the PROM shows always the external clockspeed of the system. The 'hinv' command in IRIX has later been changed to show the internal clockspeed.

When the machine does not boot[edit]

You can determine the type of Indigo just by looking at the CPU or the CPU board.

The R3000 processor on the R3K Indigo board is placed directly on the board itself. It carries *no* heatsink.

The processors on R4K Indigos is in a small module that is placed above the CPU board. The R4000 models carry a dark black/blue heatsink and the R4400 processors a huge heatsink that covers the whole module. The heatsink of both models is visible in the space between the CPU module and the case of the Indigo.

Additionally you can try to locate the part number of the boards. The one frome the R3K Indigo is called HP1 and the one from the R4K models HP2.

How to determine the GFX option[edit]

When IRIX is running[edit]

As usual you can use 'hinv' in the UNIX shell to determine the type of graphics option that is installed. The output lists the name of the graphics option as "Graphics board". The following list shows some example outputs (for further reference see further above this page): 

  Graphics board: LG1
  Graphics board: GR2-XS24 with Z-buffer
  Graphics board: GR2-XZ
  Graphics board: GR2-Elan

Additionally you can use '/usr/gfx/gfxinfo' to get detailed information on the parts of the graphics subsystem.

From the PROM monitor[edit]

Again 'hinv' is the solution to determine the type of graphics option from the PROM monitor. The output is similar to the 'hinv' output shown above.

When the machine does not boot[edit]

The first thing to determine is if the board is an "Entry-Level" or "Express" graphics board (Confused? Read 1.2). This can be done without even opening the computer.

When you look on the back of the machine look for the femal 13W3 monitor connector (the one with 3 big and 10 small pins). If you find below that one just an HD15 VGA style connector the installed graphics option is "Entry-Level". If you see a BNC (Genlock) and a miniDIN (3D) connector than it is one of the "Express" graphics boards.

In case of an "Express" board the next step is determining the actual type. The table in 1.2 shows that the various versions differ in 3 aspects:

  1. color: 8bit vs. 24bit
  2. Z-buffer: hardware or none (calculations done in software)
  3. geometry engines: number of GEs

All "Express" boards are built of the following parts:

  • GR2: main graphics board
  • GE7: geometry engine (processor offering 32 MFlops)
  • VB1.1: video buffer board (includes RAMDAC)
  • ZB4: z-buffer board (includes z-buffer memory)
  • VM2: proprietary SIMM module (3 required for 24bit color)

Every "Express" board consist of 1 GR2, 1 VB1.1, at least 1 GE7 and 1 VM2.

The VB1.1 is a daughterboard that is placed on the left half of the GR2 board just above the VM2 SIMMs and the ZB4 daughterboard is placed on the right half. For the GE7 processors the GR2 board as 4 sockets at its center.

Knowing the variations of "Express" boards that exist (1.2) and the various parts and their functions it is easy to determine the type of an "Express" board.

Example: The board in question has an empty space on the right half (i.e. no ZB4), 3 VM2 modules and 1 GE7 (of course it has also 1 VB1.1 and 1 GR2). This boardset offers 24bit color, no hardware z-buffer and has 1 geometry engine. According to the table further up the page that makes it a GR2-XS24 graphics option.


Key Indigo Dates:

  • 1991, July: Indigo systems with R3000 processor announced. Read the official press release from 1991. indigo-announce.txt
  • 1992, January: XS and XS24 graphics options announced to ship in March, Elan to *ship in April
  • 1992, September: Indigo R4000 shipment announced for September 1992
  • 1993, January: XZ graphics options announced to ship in January

Can't set TOD problem[edit]

A new battery cost $12 (AUD) from Farnell, as of 18th of November, 2009.

Desoldering and resoldering took about 5 minutes.

Farnell had them in stock in the USA and took about 2 weeks to deliver to Australia.

Changing the battery[edit]

Signs of battery failure[edit]

When the onboard battery of the Indigo fails while the machine is running nothing happens until the next time the machine is shut down and then switched on again.

When the battery is empty the Indigo refuses to boot. It constantly repeats the following error message: 

Initializing tod clock.
setting secs=0 min=0 hour=0 day=1 month=1 year=0
Can't set tod clock.

Effects of battery failure[edit]

The Indigo does not boot until it has a new battery. After that the date/time is wrong but aside from that nothing really bad happens (usually). Other systems as for example old Sun Sparcstations (IPC or IPX) forget important data like the ethernet MAC adress when the battery in their NVRAM fails.

What to do[edit]

The solution to the battery problems is the same as on a cheap flashlight: Replace the old battery with a new one. Sounds easy but it is slightliy more difficult.

On both types of Indigos (R3K and R4K - see Indigo Versions FAQ for details) the battery is located on the CPU board. In the R3K Indigo it is put in a "socket", in the R4K models it is soldered in place.

Before you start[edit]

Before describing the procedure in detail it is time to adress the reader (especially the ones who have to work on an R4K Indigo).

Begin your work only if you know what you are doing and you have the right tools at hand. If you are not sure or have no experience at all in working on electronic equipment please ask someone experienced to help you. Although the procedure is not that difficult there is a chance to do real damage to the computer.

The descriptions won't mention how to take the parts out of the Indigo and how they are placed back in. There are good descriptions in the Indigo Owners guide for that. Read the appropriate sections carefully!


Obtaining the Battery[edit]

The battery type used in the Indigo R4000 systems is a Tadiran TL-5186 (the one on R3000 systems looks the same and maybe is as well a TL-5186). A battery with the same dimensions and technical data is a Sonnenschein SL-340 which might be easier to obtain in some places (Austria, Germany, Netherlands and maybe Europe in general).

On Indigo R3K Systems[edit]

Changing the battery on R3K systems is pretty simple. The battery is on the right side of the board close to its edge hidden below the dummy that can be replaced with a GIO card. After removing the dummy the old battery can be taken out of its "socket" and be replaced by a new one. The "socket" is actually only a small rubber strap that holds the battery in place.

Attention! Make sure that you do NOT insert the battery the wrong way. This may cause damage to the mainboard and leave you with a dead system.

On Indigo R4K Systems[edit]

The situation on R4K Indigos is a bit more complicated. The battery is located on the CPU board right below the CPU module but it is soldered in place. It is not too difficult to find the pins from the battery on the back of the board.

The procedure itself is pretty obvious and not too difficult with the right tools and a second person that helps holding the board and pulls on the battery while the first works with the desoldering tools and pays attention that no parts get damaged, burned or whatever bad can happen. Clean the soldering points after the battery has been removed and solder the new one in place.

Attention! Make sure that you do NOT insert the battery the wrong way. This may cause damage to the mainboard and leave you with a dead system.

When finished[edit]

When booting the Indigo for the first time after replacing the battery enter maintenance mode and go into the PROM monitor. Set the clock and boot the machine. Everything should work fine now.

Example hinv[edit]


hinv -v
1 33 MHZ IP12 Processor
FPU: MIPS R2010A/R3010 VLSI Floating Point Chip Revision: 4.0
CPU: MIPS R2000A/R3000 Processor Chip Revision: 3.0
On-board serial ports: 2
Data cache size: 32 Kbytes
Instruction cache size: 32 Kbytes
Main memory size: 64 Mbytes
Integral Ethernet: ec0, version 0
Disk drive: unit 1 on SCSI controller 0
Integral SCSI controller 0: Version WD33C93B, revision C
Iris Audio Processor: revision 10
Graphics board: LG1

/usr/gfx/gfxinfo 
Graphics board 0 is "LG1" graphics.
        Managed (":0.0") 1024x768 
        LG2 revision 3, REX revision 1.5, VC1 revision B, PIC rev 1.5
        14" monitor, video option not installed.

Specifications[edit]

Physical Environment[edit]

System 15 inches H x 9.5 inches W x 10.9 inches D 24 lbs.
16-Inch Monitor 16.1 inches H x 16.0 inches W x 18.8 inches D 52.9 lbs
19-Inch Monitor 18.7 inches H x 18.9 inches W x 19.9 inches D 71.6 lbs
Power Requirements Voltage and Frequency
 100-240 VAC
 2.7 - 1.8A 47-63 Hz
 120 V 2.5A (without monitor)
 120 V 2.5A (with monitor)
Heat Dissipation 1200 BTU/hour
Ambient Temperature +13 to +35 degrees C operating
 -40 to +65 degrees C non-operating
Noise 36 dB (A) in typical operating position
Relative Humidity 10% to 80% operating no condensation
 10% to 95% non-operating no condensation
Altitude 10,000 feet operating
 40,000 feet non-operating
Vibration 0.02 inches, 5-19 Hz
 0.35 G, 19-500 Hz

Audio/Video[edit]

Controller/Processor Motorola 56001 DSP 0 20 MHz
Input/Output Stereo line-level analog
 Mono microphone
 Serial digital (stereo), lEC958
 Stereo headphone
 Internal mono speaker
Sampling Rates 48, 44.1, 32 KHz, and many lower rates
Converters Analog to digital conversion
 (16 bit stereo, 64 I/C oversampling)
 Digital to analog conversion
 (stereo 16/18 bit stereo, 8x oversampling
 with digital filter)
Connectors 5 stereo mini-phone jacks, 1/8 inch (3.5 mm)
Video Video slot on graphics board
 Independent video bus
 Genlock (XS, XS24, XZ, Elan)

SGI Part Numbers[edit]

Part Number Description
030-8050-002 Indigo Backplane. (VME Connectors for CPU board, and SCSI connectors for drives.)
030-8058-006 Main Graphics Board with 4 GE-7's (ELAN)
030-8060-001 Z-Buffer Board
030-8093-002 Video Buffer Board
030-8059-002 Video Memory Board
030-8044-003 33MHz R3000 INDIGO CPU Board
034-8077-004 LG1 8Bit Graphics Board
030-8077-003 LG2 8 Bit Graphics Board
050-8000-001 INDIGO Drive Sled
030-8042-002 INDIGO R3000 2MB Memory Modules
030-8054-002 INDIGO R3000 4MB Memory Modules
030-8072-002 INDIGO R3000 8MB Memory Modules
030-7005-002 INDIGO GIO-BUS AUI Ethernet card
030-0246-006 Single-Ended FDDI, GIO-BUS
9430810 R3000 INDIGO Power Supply
9430812 R4000/R4400 INDIGO Power Supply
013-9117-001
030-8096-005
030-8116-004		 HP2/PM2 INDIGO R4400-150 CPU
013-8639-002
030-8096-005
030-8097-003		 HP2/PM1 INDIGO R4000-100 CPU
030-8118-001
030-8044-001		 HP1 INDIGO R3000 CPU Board
030-8122-001 GR2-2 Graphics Board with 2 GE-7's (XZ)
030-8058-007 GR2-1 Graphics Board with 1 GE-7 (XS,XS24)
030-8095-0003 INDIGO-VIDEO, Real Time Video Board
030-8113-001 Video Buffer
9500801 INDIGO Keyboard
9150800 INDIGO Mechanical Mouse
050-8004-001 Plastic INDIGO Skins
050-8010-001 Plastic INDIGO Front Cover
050-8027-001 Plastic INDIGO Drive Cover
P5-T4C3A 150MB 1/4" External SCSI Tape Drive
P3-T13D 4mm. SCSI DAT Drive

More information[edit]

External Links[edit]

Manuals[edit]

Photo Gallery[edit]

Small Computer System Interface

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