Amiga.org
Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Esch_ on June 04, 2005, 06:18:15 AM
-
I have an Amiga 500 that I just dug out of the closet and used for the first time in about 12 years. I have a Supradrive XP500 with it and am having problems getting the thing to work right. It worked fine before it went into the closet 12 years ago.
I -think- the biggest problem is that because it's been so long since I've messed with that computer, I don't remember what I need to do to get it running right. I'm sure it works fine, it's just user error on my part. :P
If anyone can help me out I would appreciate it. The computer doesn't recognize the hard drive, and when I put in the Supra Boot disc in place of Workbench, the hard drive sits there with the "busy" light on forever but actually does nothing. I let it sit there for 10 mins while it was busy and it never gets beyond the boot AmigaDOS screen.
None of the jumpers or switches have been touched since the last time I used it, so I know it's set to the way it was before it went into the closet. Also if I put in the utilities disc and run the "park" program, it parks the hard drive with zero problems. So at least the computer knows it's there.
Thank you for your help!
Esch
-
Anyone? :)
-
What kickstart do you have ?? Got any Workbench discs with HDtoolbox ???
-
I'm using the original 1.3.3 Workbench disc that came with the computer, so I suppose that program is not on there? I've tried using the Supradrive boot disc as well as the utility disc that came with the drive, but not having any luck with it. The weird thing is I can park the HD but can't get the computer to recognize it.
As far as kickstart is concerned, you know, it's been ages since I've used this computer. I would start the computer and insert the workbench disc in when it asked, and that would take me straight to the "desktop" screen. I've never actually had to insert the kickstart disc in because it never asked for it. My memory is fuzzy on this, but I thought kickstart was used for the Amiga 1000 and wasn't needed for the 500 and beyond?
E
-
I use an XP500. I had a problem with booting up once. I also have VXL30/32 board installed, and was using a single power supply, that is the XP500 drawing power from the A500's original PSU, via the side expansion bus.
I also have an A590 drive, and so I plugged the PSU from that into the XP500 directly (in the back), and the problems went away. The power jacks are the same for both A590's and XP500's, (and for GVP A530's as well). A normal A500 PSU will not fit.
Does the A500 boot without the SupraDrive attached? This may confirm the status of your PSU. It may also confirm if your WB disk is still good.
I sometimes lost my A590 due to a not fully seated connection between the A500 and the A590 through the expansion bus. A good shove solved that one.
You mentioned something about the drive light staying for 10 mins, while the system appearing to do nothing. This may indicate a problem with the hard drive itself. It may be toast. It may also be simply validating the disk, which may take as long as 20 mins depending on the size of the disk, after which your system may boot up again.
About the Kickstart versions. The A500 does not require the KS disk, as it has ROM 1.2+ chip installed. What is requires is a Workbench Disk, as opposed to most A1000's which required both disks.
If your A500 ROM is KS version 1.2, then you must boot from floppy. If this is the case then you must disable Autobooting on your XP500. The way to tell is to boot your A500 without a floppy and without the Supradrive attached and read the prompt that asks for Workbench (with the picture of the disk). It states the version (1.2 or 1.3).
If you are running KS version 1.3 or higher then you can enable auto-booting, that is boot directly from the Hard Disk without inserting a floppy.
To turn ON autobooting on a XP500, you need to move Dip Switch #4 (on the side of the XP500 case), to the 'DOWN'position. To turn it OFF the same switch must be moved to the 'UP' position.
Hope this helps!