**Need Setup HELP** with Classic Amiga 2000 HARD DISK (Bridgeboard)

[wbrejnia]

Here is a clue.

The MS DOS Floppy disk that I have has the "fdisk" command.

I ran it, and it doesn't pick up any disks as below. (Below is MS DOS window in Amiga). THERE IS A 5.25" MS Dos Floppy in there or else it doesn't boot (so PC is fine)



So until that PC side see's the Hard Drive, I see no way the Amiga side could see it. (Even running PCdisk on Amiga side, would only pick up Drive available on PC Side).

"DJmount" as show above runs fine. (NO Error Messages, it enables bridgeboard to work perfectly. And doesn't see any Hard Disk, and that could be fine, just like no Controller Card/HDD)

I played around with the (Controller-HDD) ribbon cables since the picture showed one flipped around. Doesn't help.

I wonder if a Controller driver is needed for the HARD DRIVE to work with the Controller card.

** IDEA#1: I'm thinking is either Borrow a working Controller Card from the 286, maybe even the Hard drive, since that 286 has driver software **
** IDEA#2 Reverse: Put AMIGA's Controller Card & Hard Drive into 286PC. Both with that Same 5.25" floppy and run "Fdisk" **

[wbrejnia]

HERE IS THE 286 PC.

That Controller CARD slot in the Amiga is much shorter, but I haven't looked close enough.
This 286 for it's time was a Fully Loaded Power PC (must have been upgrade since it has a CD-ROM).



I boot it up and refresh my memory.

[wbrejnia]

FYI, on an unrelated note, if you do intend to get this system running again and expanding it into a dual Amiga/PC workstation, you can also extend those last two 8-bit ISA slots into 16-bit by adding the missing connectors. Like this:

Although if you're going to do that I'd look into getting a faster model bridgeboard, as well.

 Good to know, but this project will end at the HARD Drive.
 Then I'll probably put the whole setup up for sale. (Maybe).

[wbrejnia]

SETUP (What I have to play with)
 
 Goes a few Generations eh?
 
 

[wbrejnia]

On cable connections, the best way to be SURE they are connected is to get a pin diagram for each end and check that way. Then you are sure they are connected properly and that issue is resolved, but it is critical component of any solution.

 That's a great idea.  My top priority before I move forward with the rest of your great ideas.

[wbrejnia]

FYI, on an unrelated note, if you do intend to get this system running again and expanding it into a dual Amiga/PC workstation, you can also extend those last two 8-bit ISA slots into 16-bit by adding the missing connectors. Like this:



Although if you're going to do that I'd look into getting a faster model bridgeboard, as well.

 This could be an option.  Later
 
 But what I would be interested in more so, is replacing the Current Ancient Hard Drive.
 
 I have a pile of Hard Drives that I have from replacing most of our 7 home computers (family of 5), with SSD drives.  
 
 I'd like to use them for an AMIGA HARD DRIVE and Possibly and IBM Hard drive.
 
 What are my options for both.  Higher priority would be to have an Amiga Hard Drive.

[wbrejnia]

I have some cabling specs as shown below (Thanks for that link)

I think I should be able to confirm the Controller Ribbon cabling by just looking for the MANY Grounds on each side.
 
 There are only 3 ways (not 4), and [ Hard Drive Connector is slotted so only one way to connect]

[wbrejnia]

I have to say Wbrejnia does the best photos with custom labelling that I have ever seen on an Amiga forum (:

Thanks for the appreciation. I built up the skills from my other Forum Posts (Fish Tank Stuff).
If you think this is good labeling and photos check One of my Tank Threads out. This is my Aquarium Lighting System build (one of many detailed Threads). http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2510779

Anyways, there is a reason I'm trying to document detailed. It help me track my findings in one place, and hoping it will help others too if they ever face similar challenges like me.
 
 Also when/If I sell this Amiga, it will come with a Binder of all my documentation.  All the disks, freshly copied, etc (So the next person inherits a nice complete system).

I wish I could change the "wbrejnia" ID. I did that years ago, and wish it could be "WallyB" since my first name is Wally. Which I use on all other forums. Can a Admin Change that?

[wbrejnia]

On the TOPIC of Photo's and Labeling.
 
 You should get a copy of SnagIt.  It's the best Photo Capture, cropping, labeling, Video All in one tool.  Quick, Easy.  I use at work, and even my kids used at school.  (Worth every penny the few bucks).

[wbrejnia]

Depends on what type of connector they have. I would reckon most if not all would have 40 pin IDE connectors. Legacy (old) A2000 HD controllers are nearly all SCSI.

Even if all the drives you have are SATA type, there are solutions, but let us know what you have before people start recommending "ideal" solutions.

I do have spare Sata drives and also ATA . (WD136BA-00AKA1 is one ATA example).

I rather used the ATA/IDE since SATA's are good for BULK storage even on modern computers since SSD have re-write limits (Price too)

So what in the Amiga and PC do I need for ATA/IDE drive re-use? Some controller cards I guess to start. But want something I can setup easy and find drivers (something proven, no hacking, and can find exactly how to setup).

[wbrejnia]

Here are a few SPARE STORAGE Choices, a Few From my parts Shelf.
 
 
 
 Hard to believe that at work we used to pay $400 for the 8 MB card to keep our Network Hub Configs preserved.

[wbrejnia]

Hmmm. Maybe IDE isn't the way.

Don't want to be looking for old and possibly broken cards, with hard to find drivers. (But I can consider as last resort).

The Other drives are SATA since replace with SATA SSD.
One is 450 GB, so plenty for an Amiga.

Are there better more modern solutions for the A2000 for SATA?
 
 Or what about Compact Flash (seems to be a solution for this)?

[wbrejnia]

And will that IDE card have easy to find drivers?

Would this Compact Flash I found on German Ebay be easier, Cheaper?
http://www.ebay.de/itm/NEU-3-5-IDE-to-CF-Compact-Flash-Hard-Drive-Festplatte-Amiga-4000-3000-2000-/132062592434?hash=item1ebf8b3db2:g:scwAAOSwubRXMdPl
 
 Sorry, I just glanced and didn't know this was IDE to CF. (Not what I need)

[wbrejnia]

Not that I'm going to spend more money on this A2000.
 
 But what about this.
 http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Commodore-Amiga-A2091-SCSI-Card-with-210mb-Harddrive-2MB-of-Fast-Ram-OS-3-1-/222378950299?hash=item33c6d17e9b:g:v8oAAOSw-0xYe7mN

[wbrejnia]

EDIT: Tandem driver is here. Site has quite a lot of support for Amiga hardware;-

http://amiga.resource.cx/exp/tandem

And the nice part is - you can get CD-ROM attached real easy too, easier than A1200 or A600.

Interesting. Thanks.  I'll watch that auction just for fun.

[wbrejnia]

I did a search in my area Kijiji.

Found WebSite. (Thought it was a seller, but some kind of Search Engine)

Anything here useful for me

http://reduto.ca/Amiga%202000?p=scb&gclid=CIaklNjn0tECFdi6wAodOLUANg&search=Amiga+2000

** Never mind, it's just a search front for Ebay and places *
 
 But hey.   Isn't this the Card I have??
 
 http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Western-Digital-Disk-Drive-Controller-WD1002A-27X-ships-worldwide/151135715827?_trksid=p2050601.c100085.m2372&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D35909%26meid%3D6c26b0ca2f004291a1594ab724393169%26pid%3D100085%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D192079037730%26clkid%3D2018258828725410600&_qi=RTM2247628