I have an OLD Deko500 analog machine.  Recently I was sent some SDI cards for a lightning and 500 machine.  However, the folks didn't send me any instructions for adding the cards and getting the unit to work so I am asking for help.

My analog card was a combo card (PCI,ISA) and I had a single 15 pin cable connected to the back of the system.  Now with the new cards I still have that 15 pin connecter, however, it is inverted from the connector I have.  Additionally, I have a 5 pin card (ISA) that I can run the new cables to.

Windows 2000 is asking for drivers, which I can't find and then the program says to run "CONNECT TO HDWR FIRST".

Help please, I need SDI for my new switcher and I can't use analog at all.

Though I am not techy enough to be sure, I do not believe that the cards someone was able to send you are going to work.  And, since they are so very old, I do not recall if an analog system could be successfully upgraded to SDI.

Anyone else who has dug around more in the inner workings of an old Deko500 have any advice?

The card that actually responds says something about the Prom needing upgrading

No idea. Customer Support would be the only option, if you have a support contract.

Just letting everyone know that the Deko 500 is no supported anymore in any fashion.  Time for an upgrade!

And, if you are looking for an upgrade, check out Avid Motion Graphics at:

http://www.avid.com/US/products/Motion-Graphics