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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: frl9lk on August 27, 2010, 08:38:13 PM

Title: Resurrecting A2000
Post by: frl9lk on August 27, 2010, 08:38:13 PM
I am working on getting an A2000 running. It boots to 1.3 from the HD. Is there a trick to getting a floppy to function? I am NOT a hardware person so I may be missing something obvious. I have a couple drives -- Amiga compatible (Chinon FB-354)-- they power up, but do not recognize an inserted disk, and the system doesn't seem to be "looking" at df0: on startup. Also, a Commodore external drive that was working on my A1000 last I knew doesn't even seem to be drawing power? Anyway, the Workbench screen does show an icon for df0:??? -- whatever that may indicate. Ideas? Workarounds? Thanks.

On both, the two bottom pins on the right side are jumped. (Six pin array, two rows of three.)

(Also, I have a couple of 4000 MBs -- one had worked for me for years -- is there a domestic repair service? or do I ship to Paris? Pretty sure it's just the batteries -- but beyond my skills with an iron. Thanks again.)
Title: Re: Resurrecting A2000
Post by: Cammy on August 27, 2010, 09:57:48 PM
See if you can find anyone in this thread who can repair hardware close to you. You don't mention where you're from so I can't be more specific (maybe you could enter your location in your profile). http://www.amiga.org/forums/showthread.php?t=53964

Which disk are you inserting into the A2000? Is it Amiga-formatted, like a Workbench disk, or is a blank or IBM-formatted floppy? If it's a blank, try formatting it from Workbench and see if it creates a new, usable disk (usually called Empty unless you label it). If it's a game, which sometimes aren't readable from Workbench, try rebooting your Amiga with the disk in the drive and see if it boots from it.

Good luck with your Amigas, I hope you get them up and running again!
Title: Re: Resurrecting A2000
Post by: frl9lk on August 27, 2010, 10:06:36 PM
I'm in Connecticut, in the US. Disks have all been Amiga formatted, including OS Install disks. They don't mount, even on a reboot. Thanks.

Another detail. HD boots to 1.3, but the rom is 2.0. (I want to get the floppy going, for starters, to install 3 -- I have no idea if this makes a difference...)
Title: Re: Resurrecting A2000
Post by: marcfrick2112 on August 27, 2010, 11:36:45 PM
frl9lk:  The only domestic Amiga repair place that I know of is Ed Jeffries @ Video Lab. Here's his contact info:

Video Lab
6909 Johnson Drive
Mission, KS
66202-2322
Ph. (903) 413-0045

Anywho, He's repaired a 3640, 4000 and 4000T for me some time ago.

Before you call tho... have you tried using a cleaning disk on the drive? Do you have another drive you could try in your 2000?
Another idea.... There are 2 micro-switches near the front left (where you put the disk in) I have a 1010 drive that showed the exact same symptoms. I used contact cleaner and all was well. Be warned tho... you'll prolly need to fully disassemble the drive to get access to those switches.
:hammer:

Again, good luck with getting your miggy going again....
Title: Re: Resurrecting A2000
Post by: Plaz on August 28, 2010, 03:14:35 AM
Try jumper 301 in open and closed position during boot. I can't recall well, but I think it will cause an issue if incorrect for the number of floppy drives you have installed. (1 or 2)

Also try swaping the large CIA chips in their sockets. If the system behaves differently when they're swapped, then one may be bad and need to be replaced. CIA talks to the floppy.

Plaz