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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: MickTheLip on November 24, 2006, 12:31:11 AM
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I've just recieved a Cortex 8mb sidecar slotin expansion.I would like to no how I can see or read this extra memory to see if it is working properly?
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Any information in general about this expansion would be helpfull.The Unit has a green light on it which lights up when the 500+ is switched on.So I'm not sure if it need a power suply to the socket on the back of the unit?
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According to the Amiga Hardware Database (http://amiga.resource.cx/exp/cortex580) it does require its own power supply. Have you checked to see whether the SIMM sockets are even populated?
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I've looked inside and there are memory simms in it.I to looked at the Amiga Hardware database.The power light though comes on when I switch the computer on.So what I'm really looking for is a way of checking if the ram shows up on my 500+.Is there a programe or utility that will do this?When I checked inside there were more memory slots available so would I be able to add more memory?
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OOPS! I had not looked at your link for a description.It would appear then that most of the memory has been removed at some point as there are only 2 simms in place.On top of that I did not get a power supply.
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Still need to know how to access the extra memory anyone?Anyone know what power supply voltage wise?How can I tell what size the simms are?In the photograph on the BIG BOOK OF AMIGA HARDWARE it only showed two simms fitted so I presumed the ones in mine were 4MB each.
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Just run SWIV which tells you what size and memory locations are when it boots up.Looks like as your link said that it takes 1MB simms and that only 2MB worth are installed.As the memory is displayed in SWIV I presume it is able to access the memory in the Cortex module without the need for the Power Supply.But Why would it need the Power supply in the first place then or is it incase I make use of the pass through slot?Now in search for 6 1MB simms to bring it up to full spec.
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There really isn't much info out there on this board so it is quite hard. From what I can tell, it looks as though the addional power supply is for use with the passthrough only, however you really don't know what the hardware engineers were thinking when they built this thing so anything is possible. I recall there was an addram program for a few other RAM expansions, but I'm pretty sure that was only used when trying to address more than 9MB RAM. If I find anymore info during my daily browsing, I'll post it here.
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Thanks for your help.As the light for the unit is on when I power up the Computer I feel that the power supply must be for the passthrough slot but if anybody knows different please let me know and also the voltage of the power supply as I'm also looking to add a HDD to my setup.
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MickTheLip wrote:
Thanks for your help.As the light for the unit is on when I power up the Computer I feel that the power supply must be for the passthrough slot but if anybody knows different please let me know and also the voltage of the power supply as I'm also looking to add a HDD to my setup.
In that case, look out for a GVP HD8+, SCSI HDD plus up to 8MB RAM, works an absolute treat :-)
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GVP HD8+ I'm not sure about that they seem to go for really high prices at the moment of looking on EBAY.Last one went for over a £100. I've also heard the memory can be very expensive to as I believe it only accepts GVP simms.Their is one for sale at the moment but without aHDD fitted.What size HDD are you able to use in one of these or is there not the 4GIG limit on SCSI?
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Nope, very early GVPs expansion boards uses standard SIMMs. Thanks GOD for that! :-D
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As already stated, the HD8+ uses standard 30pin SIMMs. You can even use 4MB SIMMs if you have them and you only need two, thats how I have mine setup. The 4GB limit applies to the OS itself, however this can be overcome, not that you'd need to anyway, a 1GB HDD will do you fine. The going rate is high for a reason, they are an awesome piece of kit.
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Seems like I need some 1mb 30 pin simms then.Come in usefull if I did get a HD8 later as well.Anybody got some to sell me?
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MickTheLip wrote:
...Anybody got some to sell me?
Only about a 100 or so :lol:
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So they are fairly easy to get hold of then.
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MickTheLip wrote:
So they are fairly easy to get hold of then.
For the moment, I'd say yes, but that generally applies to 1MB and below. 4MB chips are quite rare though, in their day, nobody could afford them ;-)