Catalyst Computer Build Primer

Topics covered in the primer:
Introduction to Building your Catalyst
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions
Gathering and Installing Parts for a SCSI drive system
Gathering and Installing Parts for video capture system
Gathering and installing other PCI cards
Catalyst Dongle Damage Precautions

Note: Clicking on the icon will open a photo of the build step described.

 This tutorial is based on the Mac Pro. Parts and installation steps may differ from other G5 computers.

Introduction to Building your Catalyst

The purpose of this page is to assist you in the workflow associated with building a highly-functional Catalyst Media Server. The working requirements behind this example are a Catalyst system that can play back four layers of video with two masks, SDI video capture capabilities and with the Catalyst USB dongle installed internally. The following is an example system based on these requirements and may not match your requirements.

 Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions
To avoid ESD damage to your computer, you must safely discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any parts or install components. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions from Apple (and other manufacturers) and perform the discharge procedure as instructed. High End Systems is not responsible for any damage caused by improperly discharged static electricity.

See also:
Power Mac G5 Support Page

To build a Catalyst Media Server based on the example requirements described above, follow steps 1-32 below.

Step 1: Buy the Catalyst Software you need

Step 2: Buy the Apple G5 suited for your Catalyst Software

Step 3: Checkpoint -- When you have the computer running, check "About This Mac" in the Apple menu to verify the Mac OS X version number. Click "More Info..." to access version info for other software. Verify that the computer is running compatible versions of software for use with Catalyst. If a compatible version of Mac OS X and/or QuickTime are not installed, install compatible versions before proceeding.

Step 4: Buy a video graphics card that is compatible with your Catalyst Software. Follow the installation instructions that came with your graphics card and connect a display or monitor to confirm that you can boot up the computer and use it.

Step 5: Follow the installation instructions that came with your Catalyst Software. Install the Catalyst software application and the dongle driver software. For optimal performance, High End Systems recommends users place all media files (movies, graphics, etc) to be used by Catalyst on a separate harddrive from the operating system and Catalyst application. To build a fast drive for such media that will meet the requirements of this example, go to Step 6.

There are different configurations for different computers. Older PCI-Express Dual and Quad G5's and PCI/PCI-x Dual G5's are very different from the Intel Dual Core Mac Pro. Specifications and installation instructions are based on the newest computer and hardware specification for Catalyst v4.05 and parts and software are subject to change without notice. For additional installation help, please contact a High End Systems, Inc. Product Support Specialist.

Gathering and Installing Parts for a SCSI drive system in

Step 6: Buy the following parts for a SCSI based drive system (specific part details, including manufacturer and model are listed here):

• 1 SCSI Card
  
• 1 SCSI Drive
  
• 1 SCSI Cable
  
• 1 SCSI Terminator
• 1 SCSI Bracket
  
  

Step 7: Detach all cables, unplug and open the Apple Mac Pro G5 case.

Step 8: Detach the Optical drive ribbon cable from the motherboard , undo the optical drive latches and lift the optical drive out of the G5.

Step 9: Unplug the black power cable from the optical drive.

Step 10:

Step 11: Place the optical drive back into its place and connect the ribbon cable to the motherboard. Slot the open Y Power Cable connector through the gap near the motherboard .

Step 12: Use additional Y or extension Power cables to supply the Radeon 9800 video card (if necessary) .

Step 13: Checkpoint -- Close the computer back up, attach keyboard, monitor and power cable and boot it up. Do the optical drive and video card function as expected? If yes, shut down computer, detach cables, open G5 again and continue to next step. If no, retrace your steps and test to see what went wrong. Replace or reconnect cables as needed.

Step 14: Install SCSI Drive in lower drive bay.

Step 15: Install SCSI card in PCI-X slot 4.

Step 16: Slot Y Power Cable though gap and plug into SCSI Drive .

Step 17: Attach SCSI cable to SCSI card's internal adaptor .

Step 18: Slot SCSI cable though gap .

Step 19: Attach SCSI cable to SCSI terminator .

Step 20: Attach SCSI cable with terminator to SCSI drive .

Step 21: Checkpoint -- Close the computer back up, attach keyboard, monitor and power cable and boot it up. When the desktop loads, Mac OS will inform you that an unformatted volume is connected (your new SCSI drive). Format the drive with "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" format. If you don't get prompted for this, launch Disk Utility (located in Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility) and see if the second drive is listed. If it is not, retrace your steps and test to see what went wrong. Replace or reconnect cables as needed.

Step 22: Go to SCSI card manufacturer's web site. Review available software drivers and/or firmware. Download and install current drivers for your SCSI card. Contact manufacturer for technical support if necessary. Retest system if you make any changes to software or firmware.

Step 23: Use cable ties to manage power and scsi cable slack .

Step 24: Copy all media files to be used by Catalyst onto SCSI drive.

Gathering and Installing Parts for video capture system

Step 25: Buy an SDI video capture card from DeckLink or Aurora. For the purpose of this example, a DeckLink card is used .

Step 26: Download and install appropriate drivers from the manufacturer's website. Install the card in PCI-X slot 3.

Step 27: Checkpoint -- Use manufacturer's software to test video capture card with an SDI video source. Contact card manufacturer for technical support if necessary.

Gathering and installing other PCI/PCI-X cards

 Catalyst Dongle Damage Precautions
To prevent careless breakage of your Catalyst Dongle, install the dongle inside the computer in an internal USB port; this may require you purchase and install a USB card with an internal port. High End Systems is not responsible for dongle breakage due to negligent handling or storage of dongle.

Step 28: Buy a USB PCI card with an internal USB adapter. There are numerous manufacturers of such cards for G5 computers, including OrangeMicro.

Step 29: Insert the USB dongle that came with your Catalyst Software into the internal port of the card .

Step 30: Install the card in PCI-X slot 2 .

Step 31: Checkpoint -- Launch Catalyst software installed in Step 5 and set an output to display any number of layers with FX. Set that output to full screen; if you do not see any blue bars, the USB dongle is working correctly. If you see blue bars, consult this dongle troubleshooting guide or contact High End Systems Support.

Step 32: Start using Catalyst to do amazing things! Consult the Catalyst Video Distribution Primer to learn more about how to distribute Catalyst video signals effectively.

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