Understanding Controller

Diagram of Athena 1 to 11 Controller
Click to see the Diagram of Athena 1 to 3 Controller
Click to see the Diagram of Athena 1 to 15 Controller

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What is Buffer Memory?
Buffer Memory is one of the key elements for a duplicator controller.  It provides some cushion for the controller to synchronize the between the fastest and slowest drive. The amount of data a drive can store for quick, temporary access. The larger the buffer size, the easier it is to access documents and programs that are opened often. Commonly used in hard drives, CD drives, and DVD drives.

Truth behind Buffer Memory
Now the industry standard chipset in duplicator controller is 256 Mbit (32 MB), and or is 512 Mbit (64 MB). A single target or 3 targets controller usually has 1 chipset which is 32 MB, and the 1 to 7 or 1 to 11 controller usually has 2 chipsets in a total of 64 MB, and sometimes but not often with 1 chipset of 64 MB.

Customer can easily distinguish the real buffer memory by counting how many chipset is installed on the controller. Beware of some controller manufacturers dishonestly claiming to have more than 128MB or 256MB buffer memory but in reality, they only have 32MB or 64MB installed. Customer is falling into trap of paying more for something that does not actually exist. (Check carefully with the part number with the correct memory size)

32MB Buffer Memory “MIRA P2V56S40BTP” Buffer Memory Chipset 256Mbit (32MB)

64MB Buffer Memory “HY5DU121622CTP-J” Buffer Memory Chipset 512Mbit (64MB)

How to Reveal a Fake Buffer Memory Chip
This is an example of a duplicator controller on the market today that claims to have a total 128MB buffer memory (2 x 64MB) when in reality they only have a total 64MB buffer memory (2 x 32MB). It’s not easy to see at first glance due to the thick, black plastic coating that is placed over each chip, but once the coating is removed the truth is revealed!

Step 1	Step 2	Step 3
Fig 1. Click to enlarge	Fig. 2 Click to enlarge	Fig. 3 Click to enlarge
1. After removing the duplicator controller from the unit, the circuit board and buffer memory chips are clearly visible (see Fig.1). You will notice a thick, black plastic coating on each buffer memory chipset, the CPU, the firmware and the Logic Gate. The coatings main purpose is not to protect the chips, but rather to hide the truth that lies beneath.	2. Carefully remove the thick, black plastic coating using a small razor blade, in order to reveal the true buffer memory size.	3. After removing the thick, black plastic coating you will see the manufacturer’s serial number “MIRA P2V56S40BTP” on the chipset. This serial number corresponds to the TRUE buffer memory size which is actually 32MB for each chipset NOT 64MB.

Beware of companies that claim to sell controllers with 128MB buffer memory at suspiciously low price points, if they are willing to make these exaggerated claims, what else are they willing to exaggerate, how can they be trusted!

We hope that this demonstration has been helpful and informative.

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Controller Installation
1. If installing only a reader without hard drive. Set drive jumper setting to the master.
2. If you intend to install a hard drive, set the jumper setting on the reader to slave and set the jumper setting
on the hard drive to master.  Writers are set to master.
3. Connect the Interface connector (IDE) and the power connector with both drives.

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