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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: chfriend on June 20, 2012, 03:12:01 AM

Title: Merlin RTG card
Post by: chfriend on June 20, 2012, 03:12:01 AM

Hi, someone offered to sell me a Merlin RTG card.  How are these?  I've read they have issues even with the fixes and I eventually want to get an accelerator when I can afford one.  

What is the maximum resolutions with 4MB RAM at 24-bit, 16-bit, etc...

Thanks for any advice in advance.

Title: Re: Merlin RTG card
Post by: Azryl on June 20, 2012, 04:00:54 AM

I think they are based on an early VGA design from Tsenglabs, I believe 16bit at 800x600 is the max. If memory serves me well they have a 8bit, 12bit and 16bit but some weird way to address 24bit colour locations.

It is a weird card with 2 levels of hardware fixes required because the designer never got to finish the design before it was pushed into production :(

Another wasted Amiga opportunity.

If you can, buy a Picasso 2+ or the GVP Spectrum.

I have an A3000 with the GVP Spectrum and it has been great, faultless operation for many years with auto monitor switching on a nice 17inch CRT display.

Az

Title: Re: Merlin RTG card
Post by: Gulliver on June 20, 2012, 04:39:36 AM

I remember it was a very good card to pass a cold winter. It really became very hot during operation.

Title: Re: Merlin RTG card
Post by: Motormouth on June 21, 2012, 01:55:27 AM

You may look at the big book of amiga hardware or amiga hardware database

http://www.bboah.com/index.php?action=artikel&cat=57&id=2443&artlang=en
http://amiga.resource.cx/exp/merlin

It does look like it has some limitations.   However, if the price is low enough and 8-bit resolutions are good enough, (I typically run workbench on my PII+ and CV64/3d in 8bit mode) (note: I do go to higher bit modes for paint or image viewing)

Also It really depends on the price.....  If you can get it cheap enough why not.
Unfortunately DCE and Village Tronic boards have a tendency to be very expensive.

Also, does it have a X-Calibur with it?  S-Video/RGB module might be interesting.......

Do you have other Zorro cards that it might have issues with?

Title: Re: Merlin RTG card
Post by: chfriend on June 21, 2012, 04:06:13 AM

I looked at BBOAH, but it doesn't really tell me much (aka, highest supported resolutions at x bit depth, it just says examples).  It also doesn't list the cards it has issues with.  I currently have an X-Surf card and eventually want to get a processor card so I can jettison the ZIP ram I installed and I've heard it has issues with 060 boards.  The guy offered it to me for $140.  I do not think it has the optional daughterboards, it's just the base 4MB card.

I wish I could find a GVP that was cheaper than the one currently on eBay or a Retina Z3 BLT...

Title: Re: Merlin RTG card
Post by: tone007 on June 21, 2012, 09:38:40 AM

I had one and it worked fairly well for the price I paid (I believe it was $100 or so.)  Better than a Retina Z2, that's for sure.

Title: Re: Merlin RTG card
Post by: zipper on June 21, 2012, 09:50:39 AM

You really can't compare them as Retina Z2 doesn't have Picasso96 drivers.

Title: Re: Merlin RTG card
Post by: tone007 on June 21, 2012, 09:52:47 AM

Sure I can.  The Merlin was useful to me, the Retina was not.

Title: Re: Merlin RTG card
Post by: zipper on June 21, 2012, 10:30:11 AM

That's what I meant - Retina Z2 is mostly useless, with just EGS (or RetinaEmu).

Title: Re: Merlin RTG card
Post by: chfriend on June 22, 2012, 04:24:33 AM

I think I've found a CV64 for a good price.

Just bought the CV64!

Title: Re: Merlin RTG card
Post by: Motormouth on June 23, 2012, 05:03:46 AM

Quote from: chfriend;697471

I think I've found a CV64 for a good price.

Just bought the CV64!

Cool,  This is a nice board..... ;)

Title: Re: Merlin RTG card
Post by: bbond007 on June 23, 2012, 07:16:25 AM

Quote from: chfriend;697471

I think I've found a CV64 for a good price.

Just bought the CV64!

good, thats actually faster than the 64/3D