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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: mntmn on September 08, 2017, 02:41:25 PM
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Hi everyone,
(I also posted this in EAB and will try to keep bug lists in sync).
I'm the developer of the VA2000 Open Source Amiga FPGA Graphics Card. Since December 2016 I've shipped almost 250 of the cards and a bunch of VA2000CX expansions for playing classic games through the card's HDMI out. It's been a rough trip but also very rewarding experience and I want to thank everybody for their continuing support.
I've since had a lot of email support threads solving a range of problems that can happen (after all this is Amiga ;). To make common problems and solutions accessible to more english speaking users, I'm asking you to write any remaining bugs that you encounter here, along with what Amiga model, CPU/SCSI/IDE card, OS and P96 version you use, and if you use VA2000CX or something else like Indivision. If there are visual problems, it's also important to state the used resolution and color depth.
You can always get the latest updates and drivers at http://mntmn.com/va2000/
The current firmware version is 1.7.1.
If you speak german, there is a long support thread at http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?t=57853
I will start by listing a number of known bugs and workarounds:
- 68030, slow gfx, SD performance: Cache/MMU issue.
Workaround: If you can, put "CPU NODATACACHE >NIL:" in your S:User-Startup, or use MuTools to ensure that your MMU is on. I noticed some programs switch off the 030 MMU later, so this is tricky. Disabling data cache always works.
- SCSI issues with GVP combo cards: Be sure to be on FW 1.7+. Install Guru ROM in GVP card.
- Some apps (Example: DirOpus 4) open a screen and fill it with (harmless) pixel junk: Known bug with unknown P96 related cause. Still researching a solution.
- Yellow screen with BigRam. Unknown cause. Will buy a BigRam and try to reproduce.
- Accelerated copy (move windows) in 16 and 32 bit modes sometimes miss the last pixel. Firmware bug, to be fixed in next version.
- If not using VA2000CX and playing a classic game for a while, then going back to RTG workbench will show colorful noise. Workaround: "Workbench -> Redraw all". Solution: will be fixed in next driver/FW update.
- VA2000CX flickering artifacts. Caused by timing differences of amiga models on the video slot. Try different values using va2000cx tool, then put in User-Startup: "RUN NIL: va2000cx 220" with the value that worked for you. You can also use negative values.
- VA2000CX image cropped/overscan missing: Use different va2000cx presets from http://mntmn.com/va2000/va2000cx-presets.txt
- VA2000CX image not centered. Caused by monitors' different interpretation of 640x480 mode. Use 800x600 preset from list above.
- Some people reported they can't use a FW newer than 1.4 (rare). This might be unknown bus timing issues. Not reproducible yet. Research ongoing.
- A1200 Zorro boards: These are not officially compatible, although I try my best. Boards are hard to obtain. Elbox/Winner Z4 seems incompatible. I have an RBM ONBoard 1200, which kinda works.
- Slowness with Wheel Mouse driver: Not tried to reproduce yet. Ongoing.
- NetBSD driver doesn't work with current FW. Will update.
Cheers,
Lukas
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Congratulations on shipping so many cards!
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Alright. So I take this opportunity.
I just installed the VA2000 plus VA2000CX today in my A4000D with 3640 (with riser for 68060).
16MB on board.
Picasso96 version 2.1e (CybergraphX installed, too, but not not enabled)
AmigaOS 3.9BB2
Didn't know exactly which firmware was installed on the VA2000 when I got it (about 1 week ago).
Pulled out all other Zorro cards.
After installing the drivers 1.7.1 and restarting the modes are available in Screenmode Prefs. Choosing one and clicking test shows the default test image but the computer freezes. Only reboot possible.
Then I've flashed 1.7.1 on the card. Didn't know what was on it before as I mentioned.
Didn't change the drivers.
Now when choosing a screenmode and clicking test I'm getting a black screen. Only reboot possible.
Then I've tried flashing firmware 1.4. Copied the drivers of 1.4 (mntgfx.card, Picasso96Settings).
But that doesn't let me boot, when the Picasso96 monitor loads I'm getting a Guru Meditation.
Hmm, what else can I try?
Manfred
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Hi Manfred,
Picasso96 version 2.1e (CybergraphX installed, too, but not not enabled)
I didn't test this version yet, so far I use only the official Picasso96 2.0 from Aminet for development. That could make a difference. I will test it, too, tomorrow.
I recommend to stay with the latest 1.7.1 if it shows you the Screenmodes and you get the test image. What happens if you click "Use" without Test?
Cheers
Lukas
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welcome, lukas. even though i dont belong to your customers (already too much amiga stuff on my part to handle) allow me to congratulate you on obviously successful and yet open product. hope this attitude paves the way for amiga related hardware design. good luck.
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Hi Manfred,
I didn't test this version yet, so far I use only the official Picasso96 2.0 from Aminet for development. That could make a difference. I will test it, too, tomorrow.
I recommend to stay with the latest 1.7.1 if it shows you the Screenmodes and you get the test image. What happens if you click "Use" without Test?
Cheers
Lukas
OK. Back to 1.7.1.
When I click "Use" I see a grey screen and the computer freezes.
Have to make a reset.
It can happen then that it goes into a sequential 5 or 6 reset cycle until it boots again properly.
I'll try the aminet version of Picasso96 later this afternoon.
Regarding the PAL output of the va2000cx. Some colors seem to cycle which gives a flickering kind of feeling, visually.
Manfred
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OK. Back to 1.7.1.
When I click "Use" I see a grey screen and the computer freezes.
Have to make a reset.
It can happen then that it goes into a sequential 5 or 6 reset cycle until it boots again properly.
I'll try the aminet version of Picasso96 later this afternoon.
Regarding the PAL output of the va2000cx. Some colors seem to cycle which gives a flickering kind of feeling, visually.
Manfred
OK. With Picasso96 2.0 from aminet it seems to be working.
All good so far.
Manfred
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@ mntmn
thanks for creating this support thread:D I'm the guy that can only use v1.4 firmware else my X-Surf-100 isn't seen..I'm hoping the next update or two will fix this issue but in the mean time v1.4 is working fine for me
btw, if there's any possible way to update the VA2000 without having to take the miggy apart it would be greatly appreciated ;-)
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@ mntmn
thanks for creating this support thread:D I'm the guy that can only use v1.4 firmware else my X-Surf-100 isn't seen..I'm hoping the next update or two will fix this issue but in the mean time v1.4 is working fine for me
btw, if there's any possible way to update the VA2000 without having to take the miggy apart it would be greatly appreciated ;-)
Power off, open Amiga and us the lock key switch connector if your using an A400o on the external power jumper if other model attach a lead and run it to an external switch. Take the USB cable of your choice and run it out so you can plug it into your laptop. Flip the key lock or your power switch (AMIGA OFF AND UNPLUGGED FROM THE MAINS) flash your card, unplug, flip the switch back to normal position and you are done!
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@ mntmn
thanks for creating this support thread:D I'm the guy that can only use v1.4 firmware else my X-Surf-100 isn't seen..I'm hoping the next update or two will fix this issue but in the mean time v1.4 is working fine for me
Hmm, 1.7.1 works nicely here. I'm also having BigRam, X-Surf 100 and FastATA next to the VA2000.
Where VA1000 is the first card (bottom).
Manfred
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Hmm, 1.7.1 works nicely here. I'm also having BigRam, X-Surf 100 and FastATA next to the VA2000.
Where VA1000 is the first card (bottom).
lucky you, I only have the X-Surf-100 installed but every update other than v1.4 doesn't pick up my X-Surf-100. I wonder if there are any other CS-MKIII, A4000 users with X-Surf-100 having these issues:confused:
btw, I tried every card position and no luck unfortunately
@ Acill
I see there's yet another project to be undertaken in my mancave....eventually that is;)
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@ mntmn
btw, if there's any possible way to update the VA2000 without having to take the miggy apart it would be greatly appreciated ;-)
You can upgrade the VA2000 firmware without unplugging it. Just leave the USB cable always connected to VA2000, going out from an open slot in the behind of the Amiga case. Turn on the Amiga and keep pressing both mouse buttons until you get the early-boot-menu. From there, connect the USB to your laptop and upgrade. When the upgrade is completed, unplug the USB cable from the PC, hard reset the Amiga (power off/on) and upgrade the drivers.
>>DO NOT SHORT THE JUMPER ON VA2000 when it's inside the Amiga / connected to zorro slot << The jumper is only needed to power the VA2000 via USB, when upgrading firmware and there is no other power source. Shorting it with VA2000 plugged in will send extraneous voltages to zorro BUS, other Amiga components and might damage your beloved Amiga.
I'm using this method from firmware revision 1.4 and works 100% - recommended also by Lukas (mntmn) on EAB's VA2000 support thread.
// LuKe
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Hi,
I just released FW1.7.2 and recommend everyone to upgrade, especially those with compatibility issues:
http://mntmn.com/va2000
You can flash your VA2000 while it is in your Amiga (and have a permanent USB lead going out), but ONLY if the PWR jumper is removed and the Amiga is turned on (for example sitting in early boot menu). Never have the PWR jumper enabled when the card is in the Amiga, as this might damage your USB port (at the least).
Cheers
Lukas / mntmn
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I'm sure this has been answered somewhere and I apologize if I've missed the glaring obvious, and it's really not a bother to me just more of a curiosity: is it possible to flash the VA2000 from the Amiga at all?
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I'm sure this has been answered somewhere and I apologize if I've missed the glaring obvious, and it's really not a bother to me just more of a curiosity: is it possible to flash the VA2000 from the Amiga at all?
read the 2 posts before yours on this thread ;):whack:
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read the 2 posts before yours on this thread ;):whack:
Activating my Shield of Inthwapability!
I didn't ask about not removing it from the Amiga, I said FROM the Amiga, as in a flash tool within AmigaOS. I suspect the answer is "no" as it would update code currently in use. Since you can boot the Amiga into a standard Amiga screen mode (eg. the ESM,) it would seem it's still booting up as a video card accepting a code upgrade from the USB, then the answer might be "yes."
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@ LoadWB
I accept your shield and I'm assuming the answer is no as the developer has only noted the above technique..at least for now anyhow:rtfm:
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@ Lukas / mntmn[/QUOTE]
just flashed with this latest v1.72 and I only get a blank screen. Can boot up early setup via DVI only, HDMI says connected on my screen but see only black screen ??
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@ LoadWB
I accept your shield and I'm assuming the answer is no as the developer has only noted the above technique..at least for now anyhow:rtfm:
Point being I don't want to assume. I was hoping for a technical answer.
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just flashed with this latest v1.72 and I only get a blank screen. Can boot up early setup via DVI only, HDMI says connected on my screen but see only black screen ??
Do you have a VA2000CX? If not then it's normal that you don't see anything until activating the va2000 Picasso96 Monitor and mntgfx ScreenMode. Did you install the 1.7.2 drivers, maybe reinstalled P96? What does Picasso96Mode say, does it find the card? Does the card show up in ShowConfig?
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Do you have a VA2000CX? If not then it's normal that you don't see anything until activating the va2000 Picasso96 Monitor and mntgfx ScreenMode. Did you install the 1.7.2 drivers, maybe reinstalled P96? What does Picasso96Mode say, does it find the card? Does the card show up in ShowConfig?
No i don't have the VA2000CX..at least not yet as I would love to replace my Indivision AGA Mk2 with it one day. I only have had success with v1.4 firware as all the others don't see my X-Surf-100 board?? I installed Picasso96 & mntgfx screenmode and all working fine with v1.4.
Right now with v1.7.2 I can tell WB loaded up as the HD led flashed as normal and I can tell that 'noclick' was activated BUT I can't see anything at all on either the VA2000 screen or Indivision AGA screen
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Right now with v1.7.2 I can tell WB loaded up as the HD led flashed as normal and I can tell that 'noclick' was activated BUT I can't see anything at all on either the VA2000 screen or Indivision AGA screen
Normally VA2000 should not interfere with the native graphics output. Could you do it step-by-step:
1. Without VA2000 inserted, save a PAL HiRes screenmode (or similar).
2. Delete Libs:Picasso96, Devs:Picasso96Settings, Devs:Monitors/va2000 (or uaegfx or however you called the VA2000 monitor file)
3. Insert VA2000 and boot.
4. Do you see Workbench via Indivision?
5. Run ShowConfig to see if VA2000 is properly recognized (vendor id 28014).
6. Only then install Picasso96 freshly, selecting only "uaegfx" driver
6b. Change BoardType in Devs:Monitors/uaegfx to "mntgfx" and save
7. Copy mntgfx.card from 1.7.2 drivers archive to Libs:Picasso96
8. Copy Picasso96Settings from 1.7.2 drivers archive to Devs:
9. Run Picasso96Mode
10. Can you see the modes? Can you click Test on 1280x720 at HiColor?
If something goes wrong, please tell me at which step.
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@ mntmn
ok finally got some time to try this out and good news is that now I can see my DVI screen from Indivision just fine and there is no conflict with my X-Surf-100 which was the big issue since v1.4 for me so great!
bad news is that when i go to screen mode & choose any of the mntgfx modes I only get a black screen via hdmi?
any ideas? looks like I'm close:hammer:
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bump :hammer:
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bump :hammer:
Hello,
please read the final instructions carefully. Did you try "Test" in Picasso96Mode? Which Mode did you choose? Please provide more details.
Cheers
Lukas / mntmn
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Hello,
please read the final instructions carefully. Did you try "Test" in Picasso96Mode? Which Mode did you choose? Please provide more details.
Cheers
Lukas / mntmn
ok thanks Lukas..looks like I'm real close but something going on with P96 settings perhaps so:
- yes followed instructions so when I goto P96 prefs I see all the modes, I click on 1280x720-hi colour, hit test and test screen looks fine on my monitor, click save and reset A4000
- system boots up but when I go into prefs: screen mode, i also see all the mntgfx screen modes but when I go to try any of them and test I get only black screen as mentioned above..so to clarify i can get into P96 settings ok and test ok but only get balck screen when trying to set same screen modes in prefs: screenmodes
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Do you think you'll see 1280x1024 or higher resolutions with later firmwares?
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klx300r,
OK thanks. Please try FW & Driver 1.8.2 Beta. It is very different because the driver is compiled with VBCC now and the memory model of the card is changed to completely linear, which fixes some P96 Bugs:
http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?p=1192868#post1191613
Cheers
Lukas / mntmn
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Hello again!
Firmware release 1.8.3 is now finished:
http://mntmn.com/va2000/
It brings a de-interlacer ("flicker fixer") for VA2000CX and new linear memory model, which fixes all Picasso96 related bugs and makes it compatible with all games and demos that previously showed only pixel garbage. Enjoy!
Cheers
Lukas / mntmn
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@ mntmn
great news can’t wait to try later tonight !
btw, does this mean I can replace my Indivision AGA with the VA2000CX board ??
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@ mntmn
great news can%&$#?@!%&$#?@!%&$#?@!8217;t wait to try later tonight !
btw, does this mean I can replace my Indivision AGA with the VA2000CX board ??
Yes and no. It will work functionally, but the VA2000CX does not support AGA so you won't get 24-bit.
In most cases you may not even notice. In my younger newb days I had an A2320 in my 4000 and never even realized it wasn't putting out 24-bit. I finally figured it out with some AGA demos and 24-bit paint program, and I still stuck with it.
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@ LoadWB
thanks so much that’s exactly the insight i’ve been looking for!
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Hello again!
Firmware release 1.8.3 is now finished:
http://mntmn.com/va2000/
It brings a de-interlacer ("flicker fixer") for VA2000CX and new linear memory model, which fixes all Picasso96 related bugs and makes it compatible with all games and demos that previously showed only pixel garbage. Enjoy!
Cheers
Lukas / mntmn
OK finally all works fine..THANKS:hammer::pint::knuddel::banana::drink::hammer:
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Will this support Zorro3 DMA in the future ?
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Will this work in an A1200 with a zorro bus board ?
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Yes and no. It will work functionally, but the VA2000CX does not support AGA so you won't get 24-bit.
In most cases you may not even notice. In my younger newb days I had an A2320 in my 4000 and never even realized it wasn't putting out 24-bit. I finally figured it out with some AGA demos and 24-bit paint program, and I still stuck with it.
If it doesn't support AGA modes, would it best be used on a non-AGA machine like the 3000 or 2000 (I know the question sounds really silly)? I have a CV64/3D in my A3000, and I might transfer that to my 4000, and get an MNT for my 3000, instead, and use the CV for AGA/24 bit modes on the 4000. Would this work?
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If it doesn't support AGA modes, would it best be used on a non-AGA machine like the 3000 or 2000 (I know the question sounds really silly)? I have a CV64/3D in my A3000, and I might transfer that to my 4000, and get an MNT for my 3000, instead, and use the CV for AGA/24 bit modes on the 4000. Would this work?
If you really need the 24-bit pass-through then that's certainly a viable scenario. Personally, I can pass on the native AGA for the benefit of HDMI, increased video memory, and massive screen resolution offered by the VA2000.
In fact, I currently have two 4000Ds. One which I have been using as a test-build machine and has the VA2000, the other is my daily-use Amiga and has a Picasso IV. Right now I am considering a PPC purchase for my main 4000D and if I go that route I will swap video cards and dispense of the venerable old PIV. (Not without some reservation or emotion as the PIV has served me well for the past 10 years and made my Amiga experience all the better.)
There is very little I do in a native Amiga screen which requires 24-bit. Even some of the AGA WHDLoad games I think I will get away with just fine.
Or, I could save the PIV and sell the Spectrum 28/24 in the extra 4000D, and put the PIV in my 68060-based 2000. So many options, and ultimately a matter of personal preferences :)
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If you're interested in PPC why not send one of your A4000s down the mediator/sonnet route? Voodoo 3s are relatively cheap and selling the Picasso IV would buy you a sonnet card. It's a cheaper option than sourcing a ridiculously expensive cyberstorm PPC.
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If you're interested in PPC why not send one of your A4000s down the mediator/sonnet route? Voodoo 3s are relatively cheap and selling the Picasso IV would buy you a sonnet card. It's a cheaper option than sourcing a ridiculously expensive cyberstorm PPC.
And where do we buy these Sonnet cards ???
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And where do we buy these Sonnet cards ???
Why, in the same place where you can buy A4000T's for $200 and unicorn horns - "The Shop of Mythical Things"! :lol:
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Why, in the same place where you can buy A4000T's for $200 and unicorn horns - "The Shop of Mythical Things"! :lol:
Search around, ask people, put up Wanted threads. That's what I did. It took a long time but sadly that's life. The wait for a 'reasonably priced' Cyberstorm ppc will take similarly long.
Sorry for going off topic!
On topic, I'll ask again - any chance this card will support 1280x1024 or higher?
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Search around, ask people, put up Wanted threads. That's what I did. It took a long time but sadly that's life. The wait for a 'reasonably priced' Cyberstorm ppc will take similarly long.
Sorry for going off topic!
On topic, I'll ask again - any chance this card will support 1280x1024 or higher?
From his website:
Experimental 1920x1080 Full HD screen resolution if your monitor supports 30Hz.
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Att: A4000 users...want to get this installed this weekend:
Quote:
Originally Posted by klx300r (http://eab.abime.net/images/buttons/viewpost.gif) (http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?p=1203533#post1203533)
can someone please tell me where exactly the va200CX board goes on the A4000 daughter board
thanks!
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Att: A4000 users...want to get this installed this weekend:
Quote:
Originally Posted by klx300r (http://eab.abime.net/images/buttons/viewpost.gif) (http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?p=1203533#post1203533)
can someone please tell me where exactly the va200CX board goes on the A4000 daughter board
thanks!
The bottom slot, closest to the motherboard, and the one closest to the rear of the case is where the CX goes and make sure you have the board facing up and shows the words "Amiga Rear" facing the rear. I would put the graphics card on the slot next to it.
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@ wlemonds
thanks it's working great :hammer::pint::banana:
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Just installed 1.8.3 today in my A4000.
But there is no gfx output on the HDMi port after boot.
I have to soft-reset to make it show something.
Manfred
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Just installed 1.8.3 today in my A4000.
But there is no gfx output on the HDMi port after boot.
I have to soft-reset to make it show something.
Manfred
Also the display goes to sleep mode after a while because there seems to be no signal at all.
Another question: how are the performance improvements progressing?
I think there is still a lot of room for higher speed. :)
Manfred
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You had it working on a previous version? Was the card in the Amiga or outside the amiga when you flashed 1.8.3.
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You had it working on a previous version? Was the card in the Amiga or outside the amiga when you flashed 1.8.3.
Yes, the last version that was on it was 1.7.1 I believe.
I flashed it while still in the Amiga using the procedure described here.
But I should have updated the drivers first because after flashing it would display only garbage.
Anyway, after powering on the Amiga (4000D), I wait 2-5 secs and make a soft-reset, then I get a picture.
Seems like some timing issue to me.
Manfred
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Additionally it seems like the 8 bit screen modes are unstable. They start to flicker and after a while the screen gets black.
Switching back to 16 bit screenmode whcih is used on Workbench it's all good again.
Is there anything I can do to determine what the problem is?
Hmm, all worked pretty well on 1.7.1. So I'll try restoring to 1.7.1 and see if the problem are gone.
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Have you tried emailing the developer? Lukas' email is at the bottom of his product webpage. He's been responsive in the past (though hasn't always responded to the first email.. a followup seems to help). He's working on another project (a DIY laptop), so he might not be visiting this thread consistently.
http://shop.mntmn.com/product/mnt-va2000-amiga-graphics-card-zorro-ii-iii-batch-2-preorder (http://shop.mntmn.com/product/mnt-va2000-amiga-graphics-card-zorro-ii-iii-batch-2-preorder)
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SOOOO finally got a response from their official MNT forum https://community.mnt.re/ (https://community.mnt.re/) and the response is:
"Hi, unfortunately we don’t have any resources to work on VA2000 firmware at the moment. But the firmware and drivers are completely open source, so anyone competent in Verilog and C could add such functionality."
..so any fellow VA2000 users here that are competent in Verilog and C (http://eab.abime.net/images/smilies/spin.gif)(http://eab.abime.net/images/smilies/nervous.gif)
must admit I'm disappointed in MNT for not taking the time to update a product which is only a few years old for their customers but it is what it is
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And what question did you ask?
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And what question did you ask?
asked for MNT to update the firmware for us VA2000 owners so we could use screen dragging with OS3.2 and newest version of P96....was hoping to hear yes but we're busy now type of thing but oh well it's not that the card won't work without it but still would be cool to do some screen dragging on my A4000 with my VA2000 RTG card bought new from MNT a few years ago
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Was looking at the ZZ9000 for my 4000T but without coders to do MP3 arm decoders and so on it will never be done I fear.
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hmm so firmware update for ZZ9000 today for screen dragging on Twitter but no love for VA2000 owners ???
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well what do you know...I tried window screen dragging with OS3.2 in my A4000 with VA2000 and it actually works! only works going off to the sides but it works