Amiga.org
Operating System Specific Discussions => MorphOS => MorphOS -- Hardware requirements and availability discussion => Topic started by: weGuru on August 25, 2009, 11:04:10 PM
-
I saw this on Vesalia for not a big pile of money. Thought i buy one to test out MorphOS. Is it ok to use MorphOS on this one?
Link to what i thought i should buy http://www.vesalia.de/e_efika%5B4851%5D.htm
-
Well, its not the most powerful hardware but the cheapest you can get for testing currently.
-
if you're in the USA its cheaper from directron..
$99
http://www.directron.com/efika.html
-
Thought i buy one to test out MorphOS. Is it ok to use MorphOS on this one?
Yes it's OK. Spec's and expandability are limited, and you can't add more memory than the pre-fitted 128MB, but you can surely have much fun with it as it is! The low cost is probably its most prominent feature! :-)
Vesalia in Europe and Directron in USA has been mentioned, but I would also like to highlight AusPPC (http://ausppc.blogspot.com/) in Australia, who does very nice "custom" casings for the Efika (he also ships internationally).
-
The Efika is a nice machine to play with Morphos on, I got mine from ausPPC. Very pleased with it and shipping didn't take too long. There's also an AROS port and different Linux flavours for it to try out.
-
Hello guys: please excuse my ignorance on this subject, but im interested in that 99 dollars Efika board as well
Just have a couple of questions, hope somebody can put some light here for me:
- Is it possible to use any version of Morphos in this machine?
- What graphic card is recommended for this?
- What kind of case can house this little board? ITX? Custom made?
Any help will be much appreciatted
Kind Regards
Sebastian
-
Whatever you do, don't put a PCI video card in backwards, like I did. :-D
-
Hello guys: please excuse my ignorance on this subject, but im interested in that 99 dollars Efika board as well
Just have a couple of questions, hope somebody can put some light here for me:
- Is it possible to use any version of Morphos in this machine?
- What graphic card is recommended for this?
- What kind of case can house this little board? ITX? Custom made?
Any help will be much appreciatted
Kind Regards
Sebastian
Morphos Efika support was introduced at version 2.0, so it will only run 2.0 to 2.3.
As you really need a low profile card to fit in the Radeon 9250 is preferable.
Custom case due to its none standard form factor, here is an idea of what is possible :- http://lincsamiga.org.uk/wordpress/index.php/members-amigas/macmigas-efika/
Gaz
-
MorphOS 2 runs on it;there is a version customized for the efika on the MorphOS website.
The 9250 video card is common and works well.
Mine is still uncased,using standard PC supply but doesn't need big supply.
-
Morphos Efika support was introduced at version 2.0, so it will only run 2.0 to 2.3.
As you really need a low profile card to fit in the Radeon 9250 is preferable.
Custom case due to its none standard form factor, here is an idea of what is possible :- http://lincsamiga.org.uk/wordpress/index.php/members-amigas/macmigas-efika/
Gaz
Wow! Gaz!!!
AMAZING job!!!
Beatiful!!
Congrats!
Now i want more than before an Efika!!!!
:roflmao:
Thanks for the link!!!
Cheers!!
Sebastian
-
I got my Efika from Vesalia, and MorphOS runs very well on this machine, i used an Ati Radeon 9200P. I used an itx case adapted with some wood tables. Here are some photos:
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika1.jpg
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika2.jpg
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika3.jpg
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika_atras.jpg
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika_interior.jpg
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika_mac.jpg
-
I got my Efika from Vesalia, and MorphOS runs very well on this machine, i used an Ati Radeon 9200P i used an itx case adapted with some wood tables. Here are some photos:
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika1.jpg
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika2.jpg
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika3.jpg
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika_atras.jpg
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika_interior.jpg
http://www.gamshi.com/download/efika_mac.jpg
@balrogsoft: great!!! BTW, are you the spanish Balrogsoft? If so, can you PM por favor? :)
Sebastian
-
Yes i'm the spanish Balrogsoft, i don't know if there are others :)
Ask me whatever via PM...
-
For anyone here that is interested in seeing the Efika running MorphOS2.3, I will be showing it again at AmiWest 2009 this October 16th, 17th & 18th in Sacramento, California. In fact, I have been asked to do a seminar for MorphOS during the show, but will probably just prepare a video presentation and a FAQ of recent MorphOS developments and news. I have requested help from the members of the MorphZone website as I still consider myself a newbie where MorphOS and the Efika are concerned. Any volunteers to put on a seminar for MorphOS at AmiWest and I will gladly step aside and let a more knowledgeable person present the Efika and MorphOS to the attendees of the show.
-
I concur that the Radeon 9250 works with Efika 5200B system. I'll have to check exact manufacturer of my card but I got the AGP version, plugged it into pci-agp adapter supplied with the Efika and had zero problems.
----------
I have been running Efika/Morph for about 6 months now. Simply experimental so far but Morph a nice little OS. My next move will be to jump to Morph2.3.
----------
I have yet to register my Morph because I do not want my registration tied to the Efika board. I am holding out for eventual Mac Mini port of Morph and will register OS on the better machine.
-
I concur that the Radeon 9250 works with Efika 5200B system. I'll have to check exact manufacturer of my card but I got the AGP version, plugged it into pci-agp adapter supplied with the Efika and had zero problems.
----------
I have been running Efika/Morph for about 6 months now. Simply experimental so far but Morph a nice little OS. My next move will be to jump to Morph2.3.
----------
I have yet to register my Morph because I do not want my registration tied to the Efika board. I am holding out for eventual Mac Mini port of Morph and will register OS on the better machine.
You will actually love 2.3. It is very stable now and the speed increased again. Also OWB runs much faster now and frees memory while running. usb works vey well for me, MSDs reach 900kb/s.
But some ppl report from usb probs still.
I like my Efika quite much, but it is also a bit special though.
-
I saw this on Vesalia for not a big pile of money. Thought i buy one to test out MorphOS. Is it ok to use MorphOS on this one?
Link to what i thought i should buy http://www.vesalia.de/e_efika%5B4851%5D.htm
I got mine from Directron with the black metal case and the small power supply.
Anyway, I don't know if there is something wrong with mine, but the USB is totally unreliable. The mouse will freeze typically within 30 minutes. If you plug 2 mice in, typically one the unused mouse will work after the primary one freezes. Then it will eventually freeze up as well. You can hotplug the mice to get it working again, but its not very usable.
The strange thing is media seems reliable if slow.
Next, even if the USB was working perfectly the 1.1 controller speed is really simply too slow...
the 400mhz CPU is fast enough to play most Divx movies at the proper frame-rate with the mplayer port. As long as you don't play from USB media that is.
The 128mb of ram really gives you about 105mb which is enough for most things.
I did upgrade to 2.2 MorphOS and still had the USB issues.
I guess I'll try 2.3, but to be quite honest, Amiga Forever + AmiKit on my Mac mini under Bootcamp is faster, more reliable and can run things requiring Paula/ECS/AGA..
i
-
You will actually love 2.3. It is very stable now and the speed increased again. Also OWB runs much faster now and frees memory while running. usb works vey well for me, MSDs reach 900kb/s.
But some ppl report from usb probs still.
I like my Efika quite much, but it is also a bit special though.
I'm glad to hear that 2.3 is running very well. I'll have to get it running soon. As far as USB, I have trial and errored and run mouse with Efika USB port, on the hub I run keyboard and plug in thumb drives. For a while I ran a CDRW/DVDRW drive on USB hub. Ran very slowly. So I do not use anymore.
I have made a lot of inquiries into Efika design, Freescale 5200B Lite design, and 5200B technical documentation itself. My conclusion is that the 5200B on Efika will recognize 2nd IDE channel just fine. Freescale info indicates that ribbon cables can be used but with length limitation. So basically what I am going to do is convert the 44pin IDE on my Efika to standard 40pin and attempt running hard drive and CD drive. It would be good to get past this limitation. 5200B Lite board had std 40pin header and has no issues.
Other than this, my only complaint is no sound. I believe I have latest firmware but no go so this is a bummer.
-
My conclusion is that the 5200B on Efika will recognize 2nd IDE channel just fine. Freescale info indicates that ribbon cables can be used but with length limitation. So basically what I am going to do is convert the 44pin IDE on my Efika to standard 40pin and attempt running hard drive and CD drive. It would be good to get past this limitation. 5200B Lite board had std 40pin header and has no issues.
good luck with that, you'll need it. do some searching on powerdeveloper forums. there is a reason why the drive plugs directly into the socket without ribbon cable... do not rely on what the freescale pdf's will tell you...
-
Sound works fine on Efika with MorphOS2.1 to 2.3.
-
Hello,
Morph OS version 2.6 is out and I am considering getting an Efika since it has such a reasonable price. I 'have read in the forums that Efika can run Morph 2.5 but can it run 2.6? Has anyone tried this ?
One more thing, what I need in order to have Efika up and running:
- Efika
- Graphic Card
- Power Supply
- HD
- USB flash drive
- keyboard + mouse
- morph os key
- optional case
Thank you :)
-
Sure, 2.6 supports Efika. But I really thought G4 powermacs were cheaper and easier to find, and certainly much better machines in terms of CPU, RAM etc.
-
I got a minimig (4mb + arm ) and I having so much fun with it. That's why I am considering another small board, and morph os will a be a nice add on :)
-
- Efika
- Graphic Card
- Power Supply
- HD
- USB flash drive
- keyboard + mouse
- morph os key
- optional case
Really, that's alot to put together just to be stuck with 128MB of RAM when an old Mac will support gigs of it. I used my Efika about twice before I got bored with it.
-
Hello,
Morph OS version 2.6 is out and I am considering getting an Efika since it has such a reasonable price. I 'have read in the forums that Efika can run Morph 2.5 but can it run 2.6? Has anyone tried this ?
One more thing, what I need in order to have Efika up and running:
Shameless plug for my little site - but no doubt you will get some information. Grabbing the Efikabook from the 'files' section should help as well - furthermore http://www.efika.org is worth a look.
http://www.efikafoundation.com
If you have everything, and all you need is a $99 (USD) Efika board... um... It is a tough call - but I guess it is cheaper. Though good deals can be found for used G4 powermacs and though 2.6 works well with the Efika...I think you get a better experience with a powermac and Morphos.
-
Very difficult to install the MorphOS version in this motherboard, only via "Internet" or with one special pendrive that the Efika recognizes.
-
Sure, 2.6 supports Efika. But I really thought G4 powermacs were cheaper and easier to find, and certainly much better machines in terms of CPU, RAM etc.
Indeed. I'd considered selling my Efika just recently, but now with 2.6 PowerMac support, it's made the Efika worthless! Hahahahaha :D
PZ.
-
Very difficult to install the MorphOS version in this motherboard, only via "Internet" or with one special pendrive that the Efika recognizes.
Not hard at all. Download the file with some other computer & stick it on the USB drive, then install location, choose the USB drive instead of the internet.
PZ.
-
:( little disappointed by what you are writing. Is it really so unstable ?
-
I got a minimig (4mb + arm ) and I having so much fun with it. That's why I am considering another small board, and morph os will a be a nice add on :)
A mac mini is almost just as small, and so much more powerful. And while e-macs and powermacs are bigger, they are just as cheap (if not cheaper) than the Efika. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a Mac G4!
:)
-
I do not consider my Kingston Traveller a "special pendrive". Yet I've installed MorphOS from it on three Efikas.
-
:( little disappointed by what you are writing. Is it really so unstable ?
MorphOS is not more unstable on Efika than on any other of supported hardware. Just 128 MB RAM makes some memory hungry software difficult to use (OWB is a good example).
-
I do not consider my Kingston Traveller a "special pendrive". Yet I've installed MorphOS from it on three Efikas.
I once installed MorphOS on Efika from iPod Shuffle :afro: .
-
:( little disappointed by what you are writing. Is it really so unstable ?
No, it is not unstable. The firmware seems to be a bit picky about usb sticks. My older usb sticks work with the firmware, newer don't. Once MorphOS is booted all my usb sticks do work.
MorphOS works fine on the Efika. The hdd is slow (but with a flash memory it is conveniently fast for normal usage), teh RAM issue is an issue, but IMHO not as bad as some may say. OWB works nice on the board.
But I would only recommend the Efika if you either want to have a ultra low enrgy and 100% silent system (my Efika system draws 14W with 128 MB Radeon 9250) or your main purpose is to tinker around (cafting a case, do seldom things...
If your main purpose is to *use* MorphOS w/o hassle a Pegasos, Mac mini, PowerMac or eMac may be the way to go.
Best is to have an Efika for toying around (and as fall back system) and a G4 for everyday use - at least that is my approach.
-
Really dont see the point on running on MorphOS on such slow hardware. For cheaper than it will take you to put that machine together get a mac mini.
-
I use macs for every day use. Unfortunately I sold my old g4 ibook...
I have a minimig for playing around and it is always connected to my hd tv. I am thinking of same use for the efika board. So far web browsing is out of the question, so what's left?
I plan to buy a sam460 when it comes out for serious OS4.x use.
-
So far web browsing is out of the question
No it's not. I got inspired by these posts tonight & got mine out of the cupboard...hello, posting this from my Efika :D
PZ.
-
Fingers, you are connected through lan ? directly on a router? The browser was installed with Morph os?
-
Really dont see the point on running on MorphOS on such slow hardware. For cheaper than it will take you to put that machine together get a mac mini.
I have to agree with JJ on his point that spending the money on an Efika, for which I own and have a registered copy of MorphOS installed, would be throwing money at an inferior system. I have a Mac Mini G4 1.5 with an unregistered copy of MorphOS and it simply flies when using it. I got the Efika when it was the cheapest option to run MorphOS, but certainly now there are other options with better performance and require less money to get that MorphOS experience.
The Dawg
-
MOS ran ok for me on the efika, sure it lacks 1gb ram but everything ran ok. shrugs. web browsing worked for me just fine too (no flash tho)
I have my efika for sale, I got it to do some AROS dev but was beaten to the punch, its been sitting here doing nothing for ages...
if you live in usa / lower48, I'll see it for $100 flat shipped to your door.
efika, powersupply, hard drive, video card, mos2.5 (128mb radeon 9250 with dvi out) installed (no license key).
if your interested I'll install MOS 2.6 before it ships..
-
MOS ran ok for me on the efika, sure it lacks 1gb ram but everything ran ok. shrugs. web browsing worked for me just fine too (no flash tho)
I have my efika for sale, I got it to do some AROS dev but was beaten to the punch, its been sitting here doing nothing for ages...
if you live in usa / lower48, I'll see it for $100 flat shipped to your door.
efika, powersupply, hard drive, video card, mos2.5 (128mb radeon 9250 with dvi out) installed (no license key).
if your interested I'll install MOS 2.6 before it ships..
Neat offer,
I wish my finacial situation was better. That and the fact that I already put together a Quicksilver Powermac to run MOS on prevents me from considering it.
As to stability, personally I find MorphOS more stable than Windows. The lack of Flash support under OWB is annoying, but if I can I download video and run it under Mplayer (which has Flash plugins that work perfectly).
Since I started using MOS 2.6, I've used another OS only once. It is an OS that can meet most of your daily needs.
-
yakumo9275 I am in Europe and I will to pay taxes for everything outside EU.
Iggy what apps are running in daily basis ?
-
The lack of Flash support under OWB is annoying, but if I can I download video and run it under Mplayer (which has Flash plugins that work perfectly).
With the plugin (http://fabportnawak.free.fr/owb/plugins/swfdec_plugin-1.2.lha) installed OWB does handle some flash content. HTML5 video is preferable for youtube etc. since the overhead is much lower. MPlayer does not have a flash plugin, but with getvideo (http://aminet.net/package/comm/www/getvideo) you can play the content without flash.
-
Fingers, you are connected through lan? directly on a router?
Yep, no configuration required, it just works.
The browser was installed with Morph os?
I'm using OWB 1.9: http://fabportnawak.free.fr/owb/
However, I think MOS 2.6 may come with this version anyway (can't recall my update a few weeks ago?).
I strongly suggest NOT doing the internet installation of MOS if you buy that Efika.
Better to download both required files & do it "locally".
Please advise if you get it & need help with this.
PZ.
-
do you know any e-shops in Europe that I can order an efika ?
-
do you know any e-shops in Europe that I can order an efika ?
http://www.vesalia.de/e_efika.htm
PZ.
-
Well, you don't forget that USB drive has that to be reconigze for the Efika, and some not work with it.
-
http://www.vesalia.de/e_efika.htm
Wow, that's a ridiculous price.
..well, not X1000 ridiculous, but still.
-
Krashan i use OWB 1.3 LITE, is the best version for Efika machines with MOS 2.6. You can view youtube videos (FLV y 3GP with full frame rate) with getvideo and mplayer onthefly with this OWB lite version.
Efika is a great machine with only 128mb ;) or play Final Fight game on OpenBOR with 640x480 resoluition at 50fps :)
-
I had one bad experience including vesalia and an amiga 1200 so I do not really trusted them. I e-mailed vesalia and amigakit asking for availability.
I'd like to comment on this statement. I was really happy about the fact that Vesalia contact me and take some time to investigate what happened back at 2002! For some reason they didn't receive 2 of my e-mails and the order didn't proceed. I prefer e-mail communication over the phone so I didn't call Vesalia to see what's going on. This is my fault. I just want to clear this issue.
-
Wow, that's a ridiculous price.
..well, not X1000 ridiculous, but still.
Defo given the price of second hand Mac hardware, that makes the efika soooo pointless.