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Offline mntmnTopic starter

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VA2000 Support Thread
« on: September 08, 2017, 02:41:25 PM »
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
 

Offline gregthecanuck

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2017, 03:27:00 PM »
Congratulations on shipping so many cards!
 

Offline asrael22

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #2 on: September 08, 2017, 05:51:35 PM »
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
« Last Edit: September 08, 2017, 07:39:00 PM by asrael22 »
 

Offline mntmnTopic starter

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #3 on: September 08, 2017, 08:18:15 PM »
Hi Manfred,

Quote from: asrael22;830472

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
 

Offline wawrzon

Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #4 on: September 08, 2017, 09:56:56 PM »
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.
 

Offline asrael22

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #5 on: September 09, 2017, 09:57:25 AM »
Quote from: mntmn;830477
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
 

Offline asrael22

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #6 on: September 09, 2017, 03:47:21 PM »
Quote from: asrael22;830494
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
 

Offline klx300r

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2017, 03:38:14 AM »
@ 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 ;-)
« Last Edit: September 15, 2017, 03:40:15 AM by klx300r »
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Offline Acill

Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #8 on: September 15, 2017, 04:50:42 AM »
Quote from: klx300r;830657
@ 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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Offline asrael22

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #9 on: September 15, 2017, 08:00:13 AM »
Quote from: klx300r;830657
@ 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
« Last Edit: September 16, 2017, 01:19:29 PM by asrael22 »
 

Offline klx300r

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #10 on: September 17, 2017, 10:59:58 PM »
Quote from: asrael22;830662
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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Offline LuKeJerry

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #11 on: September 19, 2017, 04:56:33 PM »
Quote from: klx300r;830657
@ 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
« Last Edit: September 19, 2017, 04:58:57 PM by LuKeJerry »
 

Offline mntmnTopic starter

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2017, 08:29:00 PM »
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
 

Offline LoadWB

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #13 on: September 26, 2017, 11:02:49 PM »
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?
 

Offline klx300r

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Re: VA2000 Support Thread
« Reply #14 on: September 27, 2017, 04:39:55 AM »
Quote from: LoadWB;831060
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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