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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: jiffydos on January 30, 2006, 04:33:12 PM

Title: Ramsey, DMAC, Buster A3000 Upgrades
Post by: jiffydos on January 30, 2006, 04:33:12 PM
Hi All,

I am looking to do the DMAC Rev 4 upgrade, Ramsey Rev7 upgrade and Buster Rev11 upgrade.  

I am doing these for 2 reasons.  First, I noticed that my A3640 is running slow and schetchy.  Second, I figure this is why my ZIII Retina card doesn't even show up in the hardware profile... cause of lack of ZIII support in the Old Buster I have.

So... does anyone have these chips available or know a good source?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Ramsey, DMAC, Buster A3000 Upgrades
Post by: Argus on January 31, 2006, 12:20:31 PM
Don't even bother with the DMAC4/Ramsey7 mularkey, you don't need it.  Just get 3.1 ROMs and that should clear up any problems with the A3640, provided you're using at least version 3.1 of the accelerator card (or try putting page mode in the first bank of zips).  As for SuperBuster, Rev. 7 should work with the RetinaZ3.  You'd have a problem if you tried to use more than one Z3 card in the machine, but unless you're putting in a Fastlane or other rare Z3 card, this won't be a problem.  The Rev11SuperBuster is nice and all, but you really don't need it.  Are you sure that the RetinaZ3 is working?  Try it in another machine before you think that Buster is giving you the business.  This is what Dave Haynie said on Usenet anyway, and he designed the A3000 and SuperBuster so I think it's good advice.
Title: Re: Ramsey, DMAC, Buster A3000 Upgrades
Post by: jiffydos on January 31, 2006, 02:43:39 PM
I was starting to question the same thing after I read somewhere that the Retina Z3 should work fine with Buster 7.  

So... now I am really confused.  I put up another post, wondering if maybe the Flash chip might be pooched... and, if so, if anyone knows how to fix such a thing.

Title: Re: Ramsey, DMAC, Buster A3000 Upgrades
Post by: amigagr on January 31, 2006, 04:28:02 PM
as for the ics you can find some here: http://europe.amigakit.com/ and here: http://www.vesalia.de/
Title: Re: Ramsey, DMAC, Buster A3000 Upgrades
Post by: Noster on January 31, 2006, 07:32:21 PM
Hi,

there is no chance to get a DMAC Rev 4, they are sold out.

Noster
Title: Re: Ramsey, DMAC, Buster A3000 Upgrades
Post by: matt3k on January 31, 2006, 08:06:41 PM
Hi Jiffydos,

I haven't used my A3000 in ages but I don't think that buster 11 was required for the ZIII.  I have the ZIII and a Buster 11 and they work perfect together.  If my memory servers I added the buster 11 because my phonepak required it if I didn't have 16bit memory.

Anyways good luck,  I'm actually ebaying my a3000 within a month.  It is loaded if you want to make and offer let me know.  I bought it new in 93, it has all the latest chips, retina ZIII, warp engine 040 at 40mhZ and 64mb ram, gvp phonepak, ariende(sp.) nic, external scsi drive backup device, cd rom, track balls, licence of 3.1, 3000 keyboard, pc keyboard adapter.

Lots of other stuff I can't recall here.  It is in mint shape and runs flawless.

Matt  
Title: Re: Ramsey, DMAC, Buster A3000 Upgrades
Post by: amigagr on January 31, 2006, 08:08:14 PM
my merlin works ok as ZIII without buster 11...
Title: Re: Ramsey, DMAC, Buster A3000 Upgrades
Post by: jiffydos on January 31, 2006, 08:26:38 PM
Does anyone know if it is possible to get a copy of the data on the Flash rom of the Retina Z3?

I am thinking of re-flashing the ROM that I just pulled out of it and seeing if that helps, but I can find nothing (binaries or flash tools) with which to do this.

I have a way of flashing it, by taking it out and putting it in a flash board I have.  But, I still need the data that I need to flash onto it.

Title: Re: Ramsey, DMAC, Buster A3000 Upgrades
Post by: Zac67 on January 31, 2006, 08:37:29 PM
Buster 11 is required for Z3 DMA (SCSI host bus adapter and the like) and for getting rid of timing problems (Phonepak), otherwise a Rev 7 is AOK.
Title: Re: Ramsey, DMAC, Buster A3000 Upgrades
Post by: jiffydos on February 01, 2006, 04:09:12 AM
Anyone out there with a Retina Z3 think they might be able to copy their flash rom and send it to me so I can try to reburn mine?
Title: Re: Ramsey, DMAC, Buster A3000 Upgrades
Post by: Iggy_Drougge on February 04, 2006, 04:37:59 AM
Interesting, I never noticed that there was a flash ROM on the Retina Z3. Did Macrovision ever supply a program for reflashing it or getting its contents? I'd rather do it the software way than by experimenting with a burner.