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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Marketplace => Topic started by: Everblue on November 13, 2009, 11:41:33 AM

Title: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Everblue on November 13, 2009, 11:41:33 AM
Hi,

I am currently working in setting up an A4000D, and I am considering setting it up as follows, maybe someone can tell me if its possible at all:

A4000D
Indivision (for games)
Mediator PCI 4000Di Busboard (with video card + network card)
Connect Indivision/PCI Video card to same monitor via some sort of switch...

Thanks!
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: tokyoracer on November 13, 2009, 11:44:35 AM
Quote from: Nostromo;529390
Hi,

I am currently working in setting up an A4000D, and I am considering setting it up as follows, maybe someone can tell me if its possible at all:

A4000D
Indivision (for games)
Mediator PCI 4000Di Busboard (with video card + network card)
Connect Indivision/PCI Video card to same monitor via some sort of switch...

Thanks!

The last one is certainly possible if it's a VGA interface. Plenty of VGA switch boxes on fleaBay.
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: tone007 on November 13, 2009, 11:45:53 AM
My money is on "yes," but I've never actually done that combination myself.

I bet someone has.
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: mousehouse on November 13, 2009, 12:10:08 PM
Quote from: Nostromo;529390
Hi,

I am currently working in setting up an A4000D, and I am considering setting it up as follows, maybe someone can tell me if its possible at all:

A4000D
Indivision (for games)
Mediator PCI 4000Di Busboard (with video card + network card)
Connect Indivision/PCI Video card to same monitor via some sort of switch...

Thanks!


Or you could use a monitor with dual inputs such as the IIyama Vision Master PRO 450 ;-)

It has BNC and DSUB connectors and you can switch between them using the menu of the monitor. You need a DSUB->BNC cable for the second connection though...
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Everblue on November 13, 2009, 12:18:36 PM
I guess the other alternative would be to get a Picasso IV - but they hardly grow on trees!
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: J-Golden on November 13, 2009, 12:30:42 PM
The only thing I could see being a problem is if the board for the Mediator rests on or bumps into the Indivision.  Since I have NONE of the items your trying to install, I can only speculate.

Try finding some install guides with pics and scope out where each one goes.  That would be a good start...
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Everblue on November 13, 2009, 12:39:41 PM
How do you get VGA out of the Indivion out of the A4000D? Does it come with a backplate bracket with the vga connector on it?
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: cv643d on November 13, 2009, 12:54:38 PM
You could get a Bmon by Eyetech and connect output to it. Have one myself and put the switch on the back of the A4000.
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Zac67 on November 13, 2009, 05:43:18 PM
Quote from: J-Golden;529396
The only thing I could see being a problem is if the board for the Mediator rests on or bumps into the Indivision.  Since I have NONE of the items your trying to install, I can only speculate.

Try finding some install guides with pics and scope out where each one goes.  That would be a good start...


Looks really tight - the Mediator bridgeboard sits in the bottom slot and is bound to collide with the Indy.
(http://www.elbox.com/products/prod_img/di.jpg)
I guess you could ask Jens, possibly he's tried to fit a 4000Di.
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: wawrzon on November 13, 2009, 05:47:51 PM
an internal automatic switch for indivision/gfxcard is currently being developed on a1k.org. the developer has mediator system himself. it remains open if this ever will be a commercial prodact or diy solution.
http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16232
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: beller on November 13, 2009, 06:10:40 PM
Quote from: Nostromo;529397
How do you get VGA out of the Indivion out of the A4000D? Does it come with a backplate bracket with the vga connector on it?


Indivision, at least the 4000 version I have, came with a VGA connector on a ribbon cable but no backplate.  I'm sure you could add your own, I just haven't bothered.  I ran the cable under another plate to secure it.
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Gulliver on November 13, 2009, 06:15:12 PM
My opinion:
               Buy a pci TV card for your mediator and connect the composite/SVHS output you may have on your Amiga to this card, so you can switch by software, and be capable of using a Picture-in-Picture aproach, so that you may even see both outputs at the same time thru the mediator gfx card!
The only downside is, of course, that the quality of the composite/SVHS is not as good as RGB, but then you will only use native modes for demos and games which dont require great image definition. On the other hand, you would avoid spending $$$ on the indivision.
So this is for me the best solution.

PS: You can buy at an affordable price a composite and SVHS adaptor for amigas at http://www.amigamaniac.com if you dont have these outputs
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Everblue on November 13, 2009, 06:24:02 PM
Well, I dont even have a mediator yet.... the initial cost is high, as high as the price of a Picasso IV I presume, or nearly there. I will try to find a Picasso IV first before going the mediator route.
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Gulliver on November 13, 2009, 06:31:52 PM
Good luck with the Picasso IV, an excellent card, but way too pricey, as it is one of those "Amiga objects of desire" highly regarded and sought after by many Amiga users. :)
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Everblue on November 13, 2009, 06:55:47 PM
How much does it fetch these days? I was thinking 200 - 250 euro.
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Everblue on November 13, 2009, 06:57:17 PM
BTW, an alternative setup would be:

Mediator
Radeon VGA PCI Card
Zorro scandoubler
Both connect to VGA Box straight to the same monitor.
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: tone007 on November 13, 2009, 06:59:08 PM
Quote from: Nostromo;529446
BTW, an alternative setup would be:

Mediator
Radeon VGA PCI Card
Zorro scandoubler
Both connect to VGA Box straight to the same monitor.


Actually, the scandoubler boards aren't Zorro, but are for the video slot which the Mediator board seems to be missing.
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Everblue on November 13, 2009, 07:21:44 PM
Oh, thats another plan gone then.

BTW, I have absolutely no idea why I started this thread in Marketplace.... feel free to move it, mods :P
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Ratte on November 13, 2009, 09:45:08 PM
Hi,

i am working with a indy+mediator+radeon combo.

1. There IS enough room for both ... Indy and Mediator:
http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?p=267099

2. The automatic switch IS working .. and it will be available.
Its realistic, that Jens should produce something equal for comercial use.
If not, I think about OpenSource & DIY solution from the ...
http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?p=280936

... next generation monitorswitch, that i am currently working on.
http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?p=295503

And dont forget to remind the extras, you will miss on a piv!
http://www.amiga.org/forums/showthread.php?t=48423

What about 100MB memory for free ... and the you can use pci sound and networkcards.
And Indy displaying hgfx :D
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Everblue on November 13, 2009, 09:51:42 PM
Interesting, so this confirms that mediator + indivision at the same time is a reality....
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: dangermouse on November 14, 2009, 12:07:16 PM
Can only partially help as I don't have a Mediator but I do run an Indivision AGA in my 4000D with a Retina Z3. The Retina handles my Workbench screen and, if running a game, I hit a button on my KVM, and I'm staring at the game on my LCD monitor.

Works well with my PC connected to DVI on the LCD and my Miggie connected to the VGA input. An Amiga 600 is running composite into the same monitor (24" DELL 2405FPW).
Title: Re: Is this A4000D setup possible?
Post by: Crumb on November 17, 2009, 02:47:01 PM
@Ratte

AFAIK both CGX/P96 use something similar to DPMS to make monitorswitchers switch the display... If both HSYNC/VSYNC are enabled in the RTG side then RTG is displayed, otherwise AGA will be. AFAIK CGX/P96 turn off HSYNC and/or VSYNC signals in the gfx card when amiga screens are being shown.

both Radeon/Voodoo should include a 26pin VESA connector just in case you need extra signals in order to leave cleaner the original signal.

I don't know much about electronics but shouldn't that work without software (taking in account how cgx/p96 already work)?