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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: gukumatz on December 01, 2005, 08:40:21 PM

Title: Getting files from Amiga to Mac
Post by: gukumatz on December 01, 2005, 08:40:21 PM
I've had this problem for a while now and i'm stumped.
My various bits of kit are;
1. a 500+ with a 590HD attached.
2. a 1200
3. a PC with Amiga explorer
4. a Mac
I'm trying to get some Octamed files from the 590HD to my Mac. The problems are as follws;
The 500 won't connect to the PC with Amiga Explorer but the 1200 is OK.
The floppy drive on the 500+ is shot to pieces, I've just bought an external floppy drive off eBay, it doesn't work either and some of the files I want to transfer are too big for a DD floppy anyway (some are 1.7 Mb). So copying the files from the 500 to the 1200 via floppy is out of the question.
I've heard that I can connect the 500 to the 1200 directly and copy the files, how do I do it? (please excuse my ignorance, I've searched the net and found nothing about this).
Can I somehow make use of the SCSI connection on the back of the 590 to get to the files. I've read that the SCSI on the 590 is Mac compatible but I don't have a manual for it so the operation of it is a mystery. I have an external Yamaha 8424 burner on the Mac, but don't know if it will work on the 500.
Any help that forum members can provide will be gratefully recieved and put to good use.
Thanks in advance,
gukumatz
Title: Re: Getting files from Amiga to Mac
Post by: fafler on December 01, 2005, 09:07:52 PM
Well, a SCSI controller for the PC or the Mac can't cost more than a few bucks. Get one, take the 590 apart and connect the harddrive to the computer of your choice.
Title: Re: Getting files from Amiga to Mac
Post by: InTheSand on December 01, 2005, 09:58:20 PM
Title: Re: Getting files from Amiga to Mac
Post by: billt on December 01, 2005, 11:02:03 PM
What about something like parnet from 500 to 1200 or maybe even to the? Or a nullmodem serial link and some old-school terminal programs?

I don't know if that could come out cheaper than a PC SCSI card or not, and would be slow as heck in comparison. But might be an option.

I don't suppose you have a SCSI card for the A1200?

Also, since both floppies are shot, that might indicate a bad CIA chip in the A500. You might try swapping them around (there are 2 of them) and see if the symptom moves somewhere else... Or tear apart both Amigas and try the A1200 floppy in the A500? (I don't know if that would work well or not)

Just a few wacky ideas...
Title: Re: Getting files from Amiga to Mac
Post by: gukumatz on December 01, 2005, 11:12:08 PM
Wow! Thanks for the help. I shall be tentatively taking a screwdriver to my 590 when I get back after the weekend. I've never actually looked inside it before so I may be coming back for some more help, depending on how things go. ;¬)
gukumatz
Title: Re: Getting files from Amiga to Mac
Post by: Tripitaka on December 01, 2005, 11:51:02 PM
The old Hisoft Siamese system had some interesting SCSI. It was attached to both the PC and Amiga, thus allowing both to get to any other drives in the chain. Nifty stuff indeed but I have no idea if this principle could work with a Mac. While I'm thinking about it ..Do any other Amigans out there know if the Siamese RTG system is still available from anyone? I doubt it to be honest but as the software is mostly freeware I guess it should be available at least in part. Any help on that would be gladly recieved.  :-D
Title: Re: Getting files from Amiga to Mac
Post by: toca180 on December 02, 2005, 12:06:19 AM
The PC SCSI controler idea will only work if he has a scsi HDD in his 590. What if its the original XT drive?

What drive do you have in your 590?

Robert
Title: Re: Getting files from Amiga to Mac
Post by: benJamin on December 02, 2005, 02:23:43 AM
If you do, and you notice that it's a "Party Mix", keep an eye out for Fred and Wilma while you're there.

Those Amiga guys crack me up.


benJamin

"X-FIles."
Title: Re: Getting files from Amiga to Mac
Post by: gukumatz on December 02, 2005, 02:55:23 AM
After giving the 590 a quick check, it's a Seagate ST-325N SCSI 20Mb
So should I be ok just sticking the drive in my pc and copying the files across via Amiga Forever?