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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Ratte on August 31, 2010, 11:15:46 PM

Title: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on August 31, 2010, 11:15:46 PM
Some people might remember my first prototype of a automatic monitorswitch:

http://amiga.erkan.se/index.php/exciting-new-automatic-monitorswitch-from-germany/


After some redesign and betatesting i started a new version:

(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/medium/1_SwitchCR.jpg)
It is full software controlled, no manuell switching needed.
Automatical detection of the used videosource.

Reduced size, can fit inside a standard A1k2-desktop housing if the rf-modulator is kicked off.

Thread on a1k.org (google-translated)
http://translate.google.de/translate?hl=de&sl=de&tl=en&u=http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?p=365604
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: CSixx on August 31, 2010, 11:50:24 PM
Ratte,

Do you make batches of these or do we have to make them ourselves?
I want one :)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: magnetic on September 01, 2010, 02:44:08 AM
Looks promosing man

I think you can generate many sales is you make this board in quantity!
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: joekster on September 01, 2010, 02:47:05 PM
I could really use one! I hope they come assembled and priced right...
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: kolla on September 01, 2010, 03:04:42 PM
I'm definetly in for a handfull :)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: ajk on September 01, 2010, 03:58:41 PM
Does it need support from the CGX/P96 side at all or does it work purely electrically? I don't fully understand what is discussed regarding the parallel port and CIA signals on that thread.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: motrucker on September 01, 2010, 04:23:49 PM
I may well be interested too...
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: RMK305 on September 01, 2010, 06:25:25 PM
Very interested also. I rekon you could shift a good number of these.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 16, 2010, 02:58:38 PM
(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/medium/1_Printed.jpg)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: alexh on September 16, 2010, 03:08:34 PM
What is the maximum rating (in terms of resolution & frequency) of this board? Will it be able to do high resolutions of the Radeon 9200?

You could probably sell to the Atari Falcon community too for use with CT63 + CTPCI
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Xanxi on September 16, 2010, 04:36:31 PM
Very interesting! Thanks for conducting this work :)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 18, 2010, 08:01:28 PM
Quote from: alexh;579734
What is the maximum rating (in terms of resolution & frequency) of this board? Will it be able to do high resolutions of the Radeon 9200?

You could probably sell to the Atari Falcon community too for use with CT63 + CTPCI


Quote from: ic-datasheet

STMAV340 - Low ON Resistance Quad, SPDT, Wide-Bandwidth Video Switch
- supports resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 @60Hz
- 300 MHz video bandwidth


;-)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 20, 2010, 05:15:36 PM
pcbs arrived today ...

(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/medium/2_IMG_5237.JPG)

(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/medium/1_IMG_5235.JPG)

compared to my old version ... funny little switch :D
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: alexh on September 20, 2010, 05:57:53 PM
Thanks for the info. Looking good. Where can I buy the parts to make one then?
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 22, 2010, 12:45:20 AM
first i must make a testrun with the new design ...
(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/large/1_IMG_5270.jpg)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: NovaCoder on September 22, 2010, 01:24:43 AM
Quote from: Ratte;580598
first i must make a testrun with the new design ...
(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/large/1_IMG_5270.jpg)


Hiya Ratte,

Look good but I still don't know why Jens/AmigaKit didn't want to pick this one up???
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: J-Golden on September 22, 2010, 02:08:30 AM
This is really a nice piece of kit!  Please list prices.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: delshay on September 22, 2010, 03:00:50 AM
Quote from: NovaCoder;580600
Hiya Ratte,

Look good but I still don't know why Jens/AmigaKit didn't want to pick this one up???


have not been following your project. when you say automatic switch is this done *completely* in hardware?

or in-order to operate the above unit automatically you need to install software for it to operate automatically?

what are the three contact pins for?
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: kolla on September 22, 2010, 07:36:15 AM
Quote from: NovaCoder;580600
Hiya Ratte,

Look good but I still don't know why Jens/AmigaKit didn't want to pick this one up???


Jens has gotten to the point where he does not allow any "non-Jens" third party hardware inside the Amiga if you want to have your warranty.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 22, 2010, 04:07:40 PM
Quote from: kolla;580623
Jens has gotten to the point where he does not allow any "non-Jens" third party hardware inside the Amiga if you want to have your warranty.


Thats wrong.
Jens and others on a1k.org helped me a lot.
The problem is that a product like this needs a lot of support.
Support must be payed .. the product will get to expensive.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: kolla on September 22, 2010, 06:06:41 PM
Quote from: Ratte;580671
Thats wrong.
Perhaps, perhaps not - I really don't care about warranties anyhow (faster and easier to buy new), but that's the impression I'm left with after reading many of his posts.

Quote
The product will get to expensive.
Ever thought of doing a _really_ cheap version with just the plate and connectors, for people with A1200/A600 who do not need a switch, but just some steady solution for the VGA port from Indivision? That's all I need anyways. :)

Btw - do those holes in the board, they only hold the DSUB connector, or do they match the holes on the motherboard left by the RF-modulator as well?
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: ognix on September 22, 2010, 06:18:57 PM
Wow!
It's looking very good!

That's a must have for every graphic card owner (except for Picasso IV ones), and especially for those with PCI bus boards/cards (still don't have one, but if repair my A4000 I really think I'll go for it).

Let us know price and availability (PCB only, kit, complete solution).
Thanks a lot for your work!
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Templario on September 22, 2010, 06:25:36 PM
My question may seem simplistic, but seeing the pics of your new board I have the surprise the professional quality of the printed circuit/board, how or what you use for that finishing technique? because I'm electronic fan with studies and always I want make this boards, instead of home solutions with copper plate and homemade acid.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: mfilos on September 22, 2010, 06:31:17 PM
Ratte this is awesome news! I can't wait getting a board of yours :)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 23, 2010, 05:50:30 PM
Quote from: delshay;580607
have not been following your project. when you say automatic switch is this done *completely* in hardware?

or in-order to operate the above unit automatically you need to install software for it to operate automatically?

what are the three contact pins for?


the three pins are Select, Vcc , GND, all these lines are going to a 8520 CIA
you need a little tool in the startup-sequence, this tool detects the currently activ screenmode and controles the switch.

http://www.a1k.org/forum/showpost.php?p=280936&postcount=126
early prototype for softwaredevelopment
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 23, 2010, 05:54:53 PM
Quote from: Templario;580693
My question may seem simplistic, but seeing the pics of your new board I have the surprise the professional quality of the printed circuit/board, how or what you use for that finishing technique? because I'm electronic fan with studies and always I want make this boards, instead of home solutions with copper plate and homemade acid.


The PCB is made with "Sprint-Layout" and I have ordered the PCB at "PCB-Pool".
All other stuff is ordered at "Digi-Key" (because they are to only known distributer for the STAMV340-IC)

After soldering i used "LR Kontakt / Leiterplattenreiniger" a PCB-Cleaner ..
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: theformula on September 23, 2010, 07:47:30 PM
omg this is exaclty what i need, my fingers are tired from switching :P
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: mongo on September 23, 2010, 08:53:15 PM
Quote from: Ratte;580854

All other stuff is ordered at "Digi-Key" (because they are to only known distributer for the STAMV340-IC)


Mouser Electronics has them. Cheaper too.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 26, 2010, 02:26:51 AM
testrun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw3WN9BQlHk
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: doctorq on September 26, 2010, 08:23:20 AM
Can two work together? I have a setup with native RGB out, CV64/3D and Voodoo 3 through Prometheus, and it sure would be nice to have it automatically switch between active screens.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: guest7146 on September 26, 2010, 09:31:14 AM
Very nice, I love a bit of home hardware hacking.

Is your project going to be open or closed? I ask mainly because I have an interest in open hardware and, if you've chosen that option, I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about it.

A lot of projects these days seem to be open.  Even those that are being sold by individuals.  I think it's a nice way forwards.

In any case, congratulations on your project!

AH.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: delshay on September 26, 2010, 04:14:28 PM
Quote from: Ratte;580852
the three pins are Select, Vcc , GND, all these lines are going to a 8520 CIA
you need a little tool in the startup-sequence, this tool detects the currently activ screenmode and controles the switch.

http://www.a1k.org/forum/showpost.php?p=280936&postcount=126
early prototype for softwaredevelopment


very impressive and this is what i want to see, more hardware workarounds. i have some other great ideas like wireless control module that plugs into the A1200 motherboard ten pin connector near the mouse port. this ten pin connector is on all A1200 motherboard. i also have a GPRS/3G module with GPS that needs to be install. (wireless internet)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 27, 2010, 11:40:43 AM
Quote from: doctorq;581288
Can two work together? I have a setup with native RGB out, CV64/3D and Voodoo 3 through Prometheus, and it sure would be nice to have it automatically switch between active screens.


Technical no problem, if you control one by SERIAL CTS and the second by PARALLEL SEL from the same CIA.
Software needs to be upgraded, but thats much more complicated than scanning simply for AMIGA and NonAMIGA screenmodes.
All NonAMIGA screenmodes must be assigned to correct graphicscard.
And that point is something difficult .. different graphiccards with different screenmode-ids ... they must be hardwired for this job.
Not impossible, but far away from easy ...
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Crumb on September 27, 2010, 12:18:53 PM
@Ratte

your board looks promising! BTW, a friend of mine had an automatic external switcher on his A3000 with RetinaZ3, it worked with CGX without any special patch, it seems both CGX and P96 set vsync/hsync to a constant voltage level when Amiga screen is active (at least using certain tooltypes), wouldn't be possible to detect when vsync&hsync are in that state in the gfx card?

Wouldn't be possible to give priority to one of the outputs (Amiga) output unless vsync&hsync are set to certain level in the gfx card output? In the worst case I think it would be possible to read the signals from the VGA Feature connector located in many gfx cards (with the exception of CVisionPPC/BVisionPPC)

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Amiga-Hacks/message/1427

"both CyberGFX and P96 have
such a function but realized in a more clever way: a sync signal (V or H) is
set to a costant voltage level when an Amiga native screen becomes frontmost.

But this system is depending on the chipset used by the board: normally all
those support DPMS are able to set the sync signals this way.

There are some commercial switchers available that work this way: the Javosoft
one, the Eyetech one and one for the Retina card.

Strangely this feature is not documented on the RTG manuals."
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 27, 2010, 08:57:02 PM
Quote from: Crumb;581492
...


The Eyetech isnt automatic ... you will have to switch manual.
Still sold by AmigaKit for arround €60,-
http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=50&products_id=565

Javosoft One ... no entry on Amiga Hardware Database, same on Google.

Retina V-Code Switch is limited to the V-Code Module of the Retina.
The V-Code is converting the Retina Image to S-VHS and Composite-Video.
The V-Code Switch is an Extension for the Extension (Sandwitch) for the Retina.
And it works only with 15kHz Modes and needs min. Retina Software V2.2

But for your information ... I allready played with this idea.
Jens also gave me the H&V-Sync hint.
You can see a separate 10pin header on the special Radeon-Switch (next to the extra manual switch connector).
http://www.a1k.org/forum/showpost.php?p=302777&postcount=1 (last picture)
They are delivering H&V-Syncs, Vcc, GND and the Select-Line.

Specialdesign for prototyping this way ... played with the idea of a Maxim-IC, but it is EOL and I dropped the Idea.
On the other side my software is working like CGFX and P96 did it.
I had the chance to talk with Frank Mariak (CGFX) on a PowerDev-Meeting and the way I controlled the switch is identical to the CGFX-way for Cards with inbuild-switches.
We were snooping the same systemfunction ... the only difference is, that Voodoos, CVPPCs, Radeons didnt have a separate signal line for a switch signal.
So I had to take a signal from the CIA 8520 for this.
And the best choose seems to be the CTS-Signal from the Serial-Port, but it is also possible to use the Select-Line from the Parallel-Port.
But I think that there are more Amigas with parallel printers out there, than Amigas with serial modems ... thanks to LAN and DSL.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: zipper on September 28, 2010, 04:40:17 AM
Quote from: Ratte;581585
The Eyetech isnt automatic ... you will have to switch manual.
Still sold by AmigaKit for arround €60,-
http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=50&products_id=565

There was an automatic version for CV64/3D - I have two of them.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 28, 2010, 05:56:25 AM
Quote from: zipper;581678
There was an automatic version for CV64/3D - I have two of them.


Its not automatic without the CV64/3d .. the CV is delivering the switch signal.
How would you do that with a Voodoo or Radeon ???

My solution is still working automatical, even with Voodoo, Radeon, CVPPC, BVision ...
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Crumb on September 29, 2010, 01:07:03 AM
Quote from: Ratte;581585
Retina V-Code Switch is limited to the V-Code Module of the Retina.
The V-Code is converting the Retina Image to S-VHS and Composite-Video.
The V-Code Switch is an Extension for the Extension (Sandwitch) for the Retina.
And it works only with 15kHz Modes and needs min. Retina Software V2.2

My friend was using CGX that's for sure, his box was black instead of white the VCode external box photographs I have seen but perhaps V-Code was also produced in an external black box version and CGX supported it. His Monitor was a 1960 so that would make sense.

Quote
But for your information ... I allready played with this idea.
Jens also gave me the H&V-Sync hint.
You can see a separate 10pin header on the special Radeon-Switch (next to the extra manual switch connector).
http://www.a1k.org/forum/showpost.php?p=302777&postcount=1 (last picture)
They are delivering H&V-Syncs, Vcc, GND and the Select-Line.

Did it deliver better signal quality? It looked very nice too (although current model is delicious)

Quote
Specialdesign for prototyping this way ... played with the idea of a Maxim-IC, but it is EOL and I dropped the Idea.
On the other side my software is working like CGFX and P96 did it.
I had the chance to talk with Frank Mariak (CGFX) on a PowerDev-Meeting and the way I controlled the switch is identical to the CGFX-way for Cards with inbuild-switches.
We were snooping the same systemfunction ... the only difference is, that Voodoos, CVPPCs, Radeons didnt have a separate signal line for a switch signal.

My point was that perhaps there was some chance of generating yourself the "select line" scanning the values of gfx card hsync&vsync signals and enabling it when the values of these signals imply aga output should be enabled instead of using a software patch (don't take me wrong, I don't have a clue about electronic and my questions are pure curiosity, your solution is still very elegant)

Quote
So I had to take a signal from the CIA 8520 for this.
And the best choose seems to be the CTS-Signal from the Serial-Port, but it is also possible to use the Select-Line from the Parallel-Port.
But I think that there are more Amigas with parallel printers out there, than Amigas with serial modems ... thanks to LAN and DSL.

If the hsync&vsync signals change to certain value when an amiga screen is being shown perhaps it may be possible to generate the "select line" using some extra logic (the disadvantage would be that circuit would become more complex). Your approach sounds very reasonable for 68k but for OS4 I guess some stuff could be left out of kickstart layout file so it works like 68k version too. Booting MorphOS may be interesting too... does any of your testers have PPC boards?

All in all your board looks sweet, thanks for taking care of amiga community, many users really need this! :-)


PS: what's that PaulaPlus stuff in one of your videos? :-)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: TjLaZer on September 29, 2010, 05:38:59 AM
I would like to order one for my A3000T with Promethius PCI and Voodoo card!
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on September 29, 2010, 08:57:47 AM
Quote from: Crumb;581822
MyIf the hsync&vsync signals change to certain value when an amiga screen is being shown perhaps it may be possible to generate the "select line" using some extra logic (the disadvantage would be that circuit would become more complex). Your approach sounds very reasonable for 68k but for OS4 I guess some stuff could be left out of kickstart layout file so it works like 68k version too. Booting MorphOS may be interesting too... does any of your testers have PPC boards?

PS: what's that PaulaPlus stuff in one of your videos? :-)


PaulaPlus is a joke .. like the complete DONOP movie. :D

Regarding the H&V-Sync, the idea isnt bad. I loved the idea, too.
But searching for some shematics or ready-to-use DPMS-ICs showed off some problems.
These ICs take a while to switch the signal, DMPS allways waits some seconds before the signal will be switched.
Sitting in front of an Amiga and waiting for arround 5 sec. for a screenchange isnt very funny ...

PPC development isnt possible for me, my CSPPC got lost at Vesalia in 2001.
I have no change to get some HW back (I tried many times).
For those OSes (also 68kDebian or LinuxAPUS) you can add a manual switch, to override the "software" setting.
(1-0-1 switch = software controlled - hardwired aga - hardwired gfx)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Crumb on September 29, 2010, 02:06:17 PM
Quote from: Ratte;581855
PaulaPlus is a joke .. like the complete DONOP movie. :D


oh! what a pity! ;-(

Quote

Regarding the H&V-Sync, the idea isnt bad. I loved the idea, too.
But searching for some shematics or ready-to-use DPMS-ICs showed off some problems.
These ICs take a while to switch the signal, DMPS allways waits some seconds before the signal will be switched.
Sitting in front of an Amiga and waiting for arround 5 sec. for a screenchange isnt very funny ...


Oh I see... then I guess ready to use DPMS-ICs would have to be ruled out since the wait would be too long. A custom circuit would be required that doesn't wait so much time.

Quote

PPC development isnt possible for me, my CSPPC got lost at Vesalia in 2001.
I have no change to get some HW back (I tried many times).


Sad to hear that :-/

Quote

For those OSes (also 68kDebian or LinuxAPUS) you can add a manual switch, to override the "software" setting.
(1-0-1 switch = software controlled - hardwired aga - hardwired gfx)


That would be a very good solution :-) Do you plan to sell the parts and the board as DIY kit?
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on October 01, 2010, 11:44:45 PM
a handfull of samples is finally ready ...
(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/medium/1_MS.jpg)

I promised Amigakit a sample on the "Essen-fair / Germany", alternativ AmigaFuture could print a DIY workshop.

Price for a sample is 85,-Euro + shipping.
I need complete details about the config.
Amiga model
FlickerFixer
Graphiccard

If i get to many requests, i will prefer users who wants to write a review and still have some references.

NOTE: The switch is taking a signal from the serial port. The current MAS-Player software is hw-banging the ports, this can cause problems!
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Franko on October 01, 2010, 11:52:15 PM
Quote from: Ratte;582477
a handfull of samples is finally ready ...
(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/medium/1_MS.jpg)

I promised Amigakit a sample on the "Essen-fair / Germany", alternativ AmigaFuture could print a DIY workshop.

Price for a sample is 85,-Euro + shipping.
I need complete details about the config.
Amiga model
FlickerFixer
Graphiccard

If i get to many requests, i will prefer users who wants to write a review and still have some references.

NOTE: The switch is taking a signal from the serial port. The current MAS-Player software is hw-banging the ports, this can cause problems!


Congratulations on what looks like a very neat and professionaly made device. Just curious to know are you going to produce these yourself, as there are currently certain folk on this site who claim that someone working from home or a garage, can't in this day and age compete or create such products as you seem to be doing. :)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on October 02, 2010, 12:07:43 AM
PCB made with sprint-layout
PCBs ordered at PCB-Pool.com
Most parts ordered at Digi-Key
Everthing soldered by myself
With a good PCB soldering is not easy, but it can be done ;)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: TjLaZer on October 02, 2010, 06:57:50 AM
Quote from: Ratte;582480
PCB made with sprint-layout
PCBs ordered at PCB-Pool.com
Most parts ordered at Digi-Key
Everthing soldered by myself
With a good PCB soldering is not easy, but it can be done ;)


How would this work?  With a A3000T and Promethius PCI with Voodoo card.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: mr_silicon on October 26, 2010, 02:00:58 PM
Neat! I hoped someone would make a switcher like this. I want one!
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on November 01, 2010, 02:30:35 AM

(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/medium/1_msov.jpg) (http://www.amiga.org/gallery/index.php?n=3367)

< TESTRUN > (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw3WN9BQlHk)

1. A1200 - TESTSETUP (http://translate.google.de/translate?hl=de&sl=de&tl=en&u=http://www.a1k.org/forum/showpost.php?p=379310&postcount=129)
2. A1200 - TESTSETUP (http://translate.google.de/translate?hl=de&sl=de&tl=en&u=http://www.a1k.org/forum/showpost.php?p=379958&postcount=140)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: F0LLETT on November 01, 2010, 01:47:32 PM
Quote from: Ratte;582480
PCB made with sprint-layout
PCBs ordered at PCB-Pool.com
Most parts ordered at Digi-Key
Everthing soldered by myself
With a good PCB soldering is not easy, but it can be done ;)


Looks very nice, as I said, Im hoping to get some time this week to give it a test.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on November 10, 2010, 04:36:33 PM
NEW A4000 - TESTSETUP (http://translate.google.de/translate?hl=de&sl=de&tl=en&u=http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?p=381990)
to be continued ...
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: guest7146 on November 10, 2010, 05:06:43 PM
Quote from: Franko;582479
there are currently certain folk on this site who claim that someone working from home or a garage, can't in this day and age compete or create such products as you seem to be doing. :)

Nah that's rubbish talk.  It does get harder to work on projects at home once you start getting into very complex / high speed stuff, but that's mainly because of the cost of the instruments you need.

For cool little projects like this, it's totally feasible to do them at home if you have the knowledge and are that way inclined.

AH.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Phipscube on November 22, 2010, 09:35:57 PM
I can't believe I missed this! Its fantastic Ratte, really great work! Its something i've been wanting for some time for my A1200D project here: -

http://amibay.com/showthread.php?t=8107

I've PM'd you regarding purchasing one of these if there are any left  from your first test batch. I wont be with my beloved machine until the  end of December but I would add detailed info and photos to my ongoing  project thread regarding its function too as soon as i'm back home :)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on November 22, 2010, 09:56:46 PM
thanks to mfilos for the review:

http://amibay.com/showthread.php?p=120581

:)
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: mfilos on November 22, 2010, 10:19:33 PM
No problem @ all my friend!
Thanks for this wonderful piece of hardware that will replace my old but trusted UMON!

Cheers again and thanks once more \o/
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on December 22, 2010, 11:38:47 PM
Specialedition .. Radeon 256MB with "inbuild" monitorswitch - singleslot solution

(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/medium/1_A4k_Ub_0032.jpg)

(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/medium/1_A4k_Ub_0050.jpg)

(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/medium/1_Overview.JPG)

http://www.amiga.org/gallery/index.php?u=4308


http://translate.google.de/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=de&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.a1k.org%2Fforum%2Fshowthread.php%3Fp%3D389386&act=url
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: mfilos on December 23, 2010, 06:08:53 AM
Ratte my friend... Stop being so FULL OF WIN!
Awesome mod and I really love your A4000D. Keep up the good work \o/
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: RMK305 on December 23, 2010, 10:44:41 AM
Is anyone like Amigakit going to pick these up nd produce a batch of them?
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on December 23, 2010, 11:33:33 AM
Send your request to FOLLETT (Amigakit), he own a sample for testing.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: J-Golden on December 23, 2010, 06:02:36 PM
Quote from: Ratte;601114
Send your request to FOLLETT (Amigakit), he own a sample for testing.

Really?!?!?  that is AWESOME news!  I do hope all your work gets you a produced item.  money for you and super cool hardware for US!
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: motorollin on December 23, 2010, 06:14:00 PM
I don't really understand how this works. If the hardware is automatic, what is the software for?

--
moto
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on December 23, 2010, 08:26:43 PM
its a mix out of a big old analog switch and some LSD

sometimes you will see colors and other cool effects  :D



...
the switch is electronic, it needs a signal (low/high) to select one of the both sources
the second part is "switchcontrol", this tool detects every change of the monitorid/screenmode
switchcontrol is providing the electronic with the correct low or high signal, depending on the used screenmode
signal will be given by the 8520-ic
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: motorollin on December 23, 2010, 08:45:37 PM
Ahh ok, so the tool monitors the screenmode and sends the signal through the parallel/serial port to the hardware to tell it to switch. Is that right? How does it work with system unfriendly software which turns off the OS?
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on December 23, 2010, 08:54:26 PM
Just like every other amiga graphiccard (with inbuild switch like cv64, piv, .. ).
There is no difference.

If you use heavy unfriendly software on a rtg-system you can notice sound, but sometimes you can still see your frozen workbenchscreen (rtg).
This is on cv64, piv and all gfxcards with inbuild switches the same effect.

Add a tool like RunAGA to c: and the tooltypes of this demo.
It helps a lot ... (the tool is opening a pal-screen before executing the code).
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: motorollin on December 23, 2010, 09:03:46 PM
But if the OS gets switched off, e.g. by WHDLoad, how is your tool able to monitor the screen mode changes?
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on December 23, 2010, 09:10:55 PM
WHDLoad opens a ECS/AGA screen by OS-functions before giving control to the "game".
Same with demos that uses the example standard demo startup-code (from how to code 7).

If you want to feel better ... I had the chance to talk with Frank Mariak (CGFX) about my solution.
And it turns out, that i used the same way like CGFX did it internaly. SwitchControl is "snooping" the same functions and tables.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on December 23, 2010, 09:17:10 PM
example from ajk (cvisionppc + indivisionaga + automatic monitorswitch)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_aVH1o0eQE
lots of whdload games
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: motorollin on December 23, 2010, 09:32:05 PM
Great stuff - sounds like an awesome solution. I assume that quitting WHDLoad triggers a standard OS function when the RTG screen mode returns?
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on December 25, 2010, 04:59:11 PM
With quiting, WHDLoad switch back to Workbench (depending on your setting, this could be RTG).
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on April 03, 2011, 03:03:43 PM
Its now available as free DIY-workshop.
http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?p=417467

I also asked dealers to produce and sell them, but they are not interested.
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: RMK305 on April 03, 2011, 04:51:21 PM
Did they give a reason as to why they were not interested?
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: doctorq on April 03, 2011, 05:03:10 PM
Odd that the dealers won't produce them, as they are a great addon to a graphics cards without a build in monitor switcher.

Does this mean that if one was in the need of one or two of these switchers, they have to live without or take up one of the DIY jobs?
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on June 11, 2012, 11:35:51 PM
new production soon .. if any interrest

http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?p=526385
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on August 17, 2013, 10:25:38 AM
http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?p=654056

upgrade for indivision-mk2
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on August 27, 2013, 11:32:23 AM
Experimental SwitchControl V1.1.d

http://www.amiga-news.de/en/news/AN-2013-08-00027-EN.html
Title: Re: automatic monitorswitch for any graphiccard
Post by: Ratte on February 16, 2014, 02:17:27 PM
special radeon version

http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?p=706645#post706645

(http://www.amiga.org/gallery/images/4308/1_aiRSwitch.jpg)