I was going to wait until I got a few more clones in, but seeing the insurgence of posts with problems relating to DuoX2s, I figured this would be a good time to restart this thread.
I've found a few definite differences between the clones I've seen and the original. I'll be grabbing clones from every manufacterer I meet to grab pics and test thier functionality eventually.
If you get a clone, I'd really appreciate recieving a scan of it, or the actual chip - preferably the later, so I can just do one big chart of comparison, along with tests of the functionality of all of the chips.
If you want to mail me a suspected clone, just PM me, and I'll send you all necessary info.
I'll ask that you don't slander any distributors as they may themselves not know that they're stocking clones, and don't state that a distributor IS stocking a clone unless you've got a scan and a serious claim to back it up!
So, with that, here is the first clone that I'll be examining. Included also is a scan of an original (purchased from Divineo) for comparison.
The first clone came packed with all accessories that the original was and is of quite high quality. This one came unbranded.
(IMG:
http://www.cubistchips.com/webpics/Duox2ident/clone1.jpg)
After seeing the accessories and quality, we'll move on to examine it next to an original.
(IMG:
http://www.cubistchips.com/webpics/Duox2ident/clonecomparetop.jpg)
Color: You may note that the original is much lighter in color.
Black IC: The black, 3 pronged IC to the right of the Dip Switch is labeled differently on our two boards. On the original, it is labeled '2TY' (All capitals). On our clone is 'p2A' or 'p2AC'; it's hard to make out.
1) Solder Pads: As we can see, all solder pads on the original chip are gold. On the clone, all of the solder pads are silver colored.
2) LPC Holes: The original chip has gold LPC holes, and the clone has silver. (Note: I desoldered a half installed pinheader on the original, because I wanted comparable scans before I installed this, so there are a 3 solder covered LPC holes next to D0 on the original)
3) Stamped Text: On the original, the D0 and BT labels are stamped in yellow ink. On the clone, they are in white ink.
4) Square Stamped Hole: The hole in the clone has been stamped with quite square edges, where as the original has smoother stamping. Without an original, it may be hard to identify the chip by this alone.
5) Square Edge Cutout: Similar to above, this cutout seems much less round than on the original chip. In person, it looks nearly square, with some overhang.
6) Switch Variations: There are a few viariations on the switch. On our clone, there is no labels for bank 1/2. On the original, one is labeled 0 and one is labeled N. On the recessed part of the actual switch, there is a recessed circle on the original, and a rectacular recession on the clone. These are visible in the pictures.
On to the backside!
(IMG:
http://www.cubistchips.com/webpics/Duox2ident/clonecomparebottom.jpg)
The one really major difference is in the switch here.
7) Switch Bottom: The original chip has 3 circular cutouts exposing metal beneath. The clone has one square cut out of each corner, and has a long strip cutout in the middle, with a cut out int the metal underneath, as well, giving the appearance of two cutouts. The cutouts are difficult to see in the picture, but can still be made out.
I have two more DuoX2 clones coming. They should be here shortly, so I'll post pictures and descriptions of them both too.
Cheers!
-Jay
This post has been edited by cubistproject: Apr 27 2005, 03:30 AM
Author
Topic: Duox2 Clone Identification (Read 227 times)