Amiga.org
Amiga computer related discussion => General chat about Amiga topics => Topic started by: Madshib on July 31, 2013, 01:38:21 AM
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Well, I suppose it happens when you purchase used, vintage hardware. There is the general wear that may not translate in the photo posted, specific conditions of the interior that couldn't be made out, etc. I made a gross error and was just plain 'ol unprepared for the situation I now find myself.
I recently purchased a second(third, fourth, whatever) hand Amiga 1200 from a very accommodating individual who is very far away. Being just generally excited about the prospect of owning one of the few Amiga models I didn't have the chance to own ~20 years ago, I didn't think with my head when I read the post and made the purchase. Coming to some of my senses prior to it being shipped, the person threw in some extras so that I could use it.
The problem is this: The computer is setup to run A flavor of AmiKit 3.9 and was originally sold with an 060 accelerator. The accelerator put it out of my budget, but the sale was split and I just purchased the 1200 with HDD and 3.9 installed. The seller provided five (5) WB 3.1 disks so that I could use the computer. Which one was missing you ask? The Install disk.
Before realizing this, I purchased a CF adapter, PCMCIA transfer kit, and 2 4 gig Sandisk CFs. Once I got everything together, I installed the new CF hard disk in the puter and loaded WB3.1. Discovering the missing puzzle piece after loading and not finding HD Toolbox, I contacted the seller and no dice. I searched the internet for OS 3.1 kits without much luck either. I have adf files of WB 3.1, but no disk drive on my Linux machine.
I tried installing the OS on the CF through the PCMCIA adapter in UAE, but the Amiga still doesn't recognize it. I also tried retyping the startup sequence (as it is on the fresh UAE CF install through Ed in CLI) into the original HDD with 3.9 installed hoping to dodge the out of memory errors and Apollo 68060 prompt. I also renamed the User Sequence to avoid the startup programs(Mui, Miami, Roadshow, etc.) but the machine just hangs. I also attempted to use the PCMCIA CF tooltypes and data to utilize after booting from 3.1 disk, but that doesn't work either. I'm afraid to install it directly to the 3.1 disk as I don't think it'll work, let alone the only way to access Workbench successfully now.
I used this computer exclusively 15 years ago but it seems that it's not as familiar as I thought it would be jumping back into it. I'm not an idiot, just a bit off the path with the solution evading me.
I was really hoping that someone here would be able to provide some alternative as original 3.1 disks seem to be an elusive sort. ANY advice is welcome, just be gentle.
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If I were you I would just grab one of the low cost CF IDE kits from eBay that have WB 3.1 already installed and tested on the CF for the A1200.
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Hi,
You are a bit out of luck on this, I would go to Amigakit and see if they have a set of 3.1 disks to buy. I was going to tell you to just pop in the HD and by using the Install command install the OS from there on a newly formated disk, but this won't work since you have OS 3.9 on the hard drive. Your only hope is to buy a set of 3.1 disks from Amigakit.
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If I were you I would just grab one of the low cost CF IDE kits from eBay that have WB 3.1 already installed and tested on the CF for the A1200.
I was afraid of that option, but seems the most straightforward. I purchased the IDE -> CF kit off of ebay from a good seller. Maybe he'll extend a courtesy since I bought the adapter from him. If there are any other suggestions, I'm all ears. Thanks
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Maybe post where you're located and someone local could send you a 3.1 Install disk?
Aside from that I'm surprised you're not having any luck commenting out any lines in the Startup-Sequence that might involve the now-missing accelerator, but eh, a fresh format is always best. ;)
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@ Madshib
You might try using a USB to CF (I assume you have more than one CF card) adapter and copying your 3.1 WB ADFs to it from your Linux machine. Also copy ADF Blitzer to the CF Card. Then insert the CF card into your PCMCIA adapter - insert PCMCIA adapter into A1200 PCMCIA slot. Transfer (and install?) ADF Blitzer to the working 3.9 and then create the 3.1 WB disks using the A1200 floppy disk... just a thought.
Rog....
PS...even though I have USB in my A1200, there are times when a USB to CF Card Reader comes in real handy! Pop the CF card in the USB Card Reader, copy your stuff, and then pop the CF card into the PCMCIA adapter!
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This would probably help solve your problems too, but it sounds like you've already bought all the right stuff. Here it is anyway:
http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_78&products_id=883
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If you remember how to change the boot settings... Is it hold down the mouse buttons on startup?
Boot from the Workbench 3.1 disk. If the hard drive has come up:
Open Amigashell. CD into dh0:
ed startup-sequence
edit the startup-sequence so it is the same as the one on you workbench 3.1 disk. (you can back it up first)
it will probably be a command like cpu fastrom which is causing it to hang. for the 020 you can do CPU instcache only.
Also check that the addbuffers command isn't too high.
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@ Madshib
You might try using a USB to CF (I assume you have more than one CF card) adapter and copying your 3.1 WB ADFs to it from your Linux machine. Also copy ADF Blitzer to the CF Card. Then insert the CF card into your PCMCIA adapter - insert PCMCIA adapter into A1200 PCMCIA slot. Transfer (and install?) ADF Blitzer to the working 3.9 and then create the 3.1 WB disks using the A1200 floppy disk... just a thought.
Rog....
PS...even though I have USB in my A1200, there are times when a USB to CF Card Reader comes in real handy! Pop the CF card in the USB Card Reader, copy your stuff, and then pop the CF card into the PCMCIA adapter!
The HDD is recognized when I boot from the 3.1 workbench disk hence why I can modify the S: files with Ed, but I can't load into 3.9 as all attempts have been unsuccessful.
What I had just recently tried this fine evening is to extract my 3.1Install.lha file onto the CF and put it into the PCMCIA adapter and into the 1200. The 1200 says it's not a DOS disk. I also tried preparing the CF for file transfer from UAE with a card prep utility on the HDD in the 1200, but it says that it is write protected....
I like your idea though...the Subway is a nice piece of hardware and makes things flexible.
I think the guy I bought th CF from also sells the 3.1 disks. It is probably a good purchase just in the event that I screw something up down the road. I can't find the advert for this sale, but it is indicated in the description of his other posts. I hope he still has them. That is probably the best avenue.
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If you remember how to change the boot settings... Is it hold down the mouse buttons on startup?
Boot from the Workbench 3.1 disk. If the hard drive has come up:
Open Amigashell. CD into dh0:
ed startup-sequence
edit the startup-sequence so it is the same as the one on you workbench 3.1 disk. (you can back it up first)
it will probably be a command like cpu fastrom which is causing it to hang. for the 020 you can do CPU instcache only.
Also check that the addbuffers command isn't too high.
Can I just rename the Startup sequence on the HDD and copy the one from the 3.1 disk over?
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The HDD is recognized when I boot from the 3.1 workbench disk hence why I can modify the S: files with Ed, but I can't load into 3.9 as all attempts have been unsuccessful.
What I had just recently tried this fine evening is to extract my 3.1Install.lha file onto the CF and put it into the PCMCIA adapter and into the 1200. The 1200 says it's not a DOS disk. I also tried preparing the CF for file transfer from UAE with a card prep utility on the HDD in the 1200, but it says that it is write protected....:pissed:
Frustrating to say the least as either side won't work work with each other. Doesn't WB include CrossDos? Shouldn't it recognize it even if booting from disk?
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"I also tried preparing the CF for file transfer from UAE with a card prep utility on the HDD in the 1200, but it says that it is write protected..."
Oh ya! I forgot about that problem! A lot of cheap CF cards do that. If I remember correctly, the card prep utility always does that too. Did you format the CF card FAT32 before copying the files? Ya, CrossDOS isn't going to be "ready to go" from the 3.1 boot floppy unless have PC0: in the DEVS/DOSDRIVER Drawer. Man, you just need someone to pop off a set of WB3.1 floppys to you. Where you located?
"Can I just rename the Startup sequence on the HDD and copy the one from the 3.1 disk over?"
You could try it!
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New Jersey. I'll pay for shipping.
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Well, I suppose it happens when you purchase used, vintage hardware. There is the general wear that may not translate in the photo posted, specific conditions of the interior that couldn't be made out, etc. I made a gross error and was just plain 'ol unprepared for the situation I now find myself.
I recently purchased a second(third, fourth, whatever) hand Amiga 1200 from a very accommodating individual who is very far away. Being just generally excited about the prospect of owning one of the few Amiga models I didn't have the chance to own ~20 years ago, I didn't think with my head when I read the post and made the purchase. Coming to some of my senses prior to it being shipped, the person threw in some extras so that I could use it.
The problem is this: The computer is setup to run A flavor of AmiKit 3.9 and was originally sold with an 060 accelerator. The accelerator put it out of my budget, but the sale was split and I just purchased the 1200 with HDD and 3.9 installed. The seller provided five (5) WB 3.1 disks so that I could use the computer. Which one was missing you ask? The Install disk.
Before realizing this, I purchased a CF adapter, PCMCIA transfer kit, and 2 4 gig Sandisk CFs. Once I got everything together, I installed the new CF hard disk in the puter and loaded WB3.1. Discovering the missing puzzle piece after loading and not finding HD Toolbox, I contacted the seller and no dice. I searched the internet for OS 3.1 kits without much luck either. I have adf files of WB 3.1, but no disk drive on my Linux machine.
I tried installing the OS on the CF through the PCMCIA adapter in UAE, but the Amiga still doesn't recognize it. I also tried retyping the startup sequence (as it is on the fresh UAE CF install through Ed in CLI) into the original HDD with 3.9 installed hoping to dodge the out of memory errors and Apollo 68060 prompt. I also renamed the User Sequence to avoid the startup programs(Mui, Miami, Roadshow, etc.) but the machine just hangs. I also attempted to use the PCMCIA CF tooltypes and data to utilize after booting from 3.1 disk, but that doesn't work either. I'm afraid to install it directly to the 3.1 disk as I don't think it'll work, let alone the only way to access Workbench successfully now.
I used this computer exclusively 15 years ago but it seems that it's not as familiar as I thought it would be jumping back into it. I'm not an idiot, just a bit off the path with the solution evading me.
I was really hoping that someone here would be able to provide some alternative as original 3.1 disks seem to be an elusive sort. ANY advice is welcome, just be gentle.
If you have the 3.1 ADF's then it will be pretty easy to setup your CF using your PC running WinUAE. This is the method I always use if you're installing anything newer than 3.1.
You'll also need some FASTRAM otherwise a stock A1200 is not going to be able to do much, try AmigaKit (http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=aca).
It would also be a good idea to have a look at ClassicWB (http://classicwb.abime.net/), this should give you some ideas.
And this is a great place to get advice http://eab.abime.net/new-emulation-amiga-scene/ (http://eab.abime.net/new-emulation-amiga-scene/)
:)
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New Jersey. I'll pay for shipping.
I would gladly send you a set but I don't have any floppy disks! :(
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The HDD is recognized when I boot from the 3.1 workbench disk hence why I can modify the S: files with Ed, but I can't load into 3.9 as all attempts have been unsuccessful.
But have you done something with the WBStartup drawer on the 3.9 HD? Either rename it so the LoadWB command can't find it, or delete everything inside it. Also try deleting the Prefs/Env-Archive/Sys/wbpattern.prefs file in order to prevent the Amiga from using precious RAM on any backdrops.
Regarding the standard version of HDToolBox on the Install3.1 disk, have in mind that it can't be used directly with CF cards since it needs to be patched first.
Maybe one of my ready-made Amiga911 boot disks could be of interest? This one should be suitable for you: https://www.box.com/s/30snom1sogojovgvfret
It has everything needed for setting up a harddisk (including patched HDToolBox), and it also have the required files for using CF cards via PCMCIA. It is also possible to install Workbench directly from ADF image files after booting the Amiga911 disk. This rather amateurish video shows how it can be done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtRTs2ea1d0&feature=share&list=PLhAsZHVD_BhG1Va0RX80N6HGetw9tc6hD
Just have in mind that some files has to be copied from the Workbench disk upon booting it for the very first time.
You can read more about the Amiga911 disk here: http://amiga911maker.site11.com
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Regarding the standard version of HDToolBox on the Install3.1 disk, have in mind that it can't be used directly with CF cards since it needs to be patched first.
I was able to use the standard HDToolBox on a 3.1 Install disk to prep my CF card in my Mechware card reader. It took a little head-scratching about things like MaxTransfer, but ultimately was able to do it. :)
Oh, just remembered HDInstTools, that's free and you can download it off Aminet, supposed to be a replacement for HDToolBox but I've read a few places online that if you use it wrong it can do a lot more damage than HDToolBox. Ya pays your money and ya takes your chances, I suppose! ;)
http://aminet.net/package/disk/misc/hdinst
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I just made a full set of 3.1 install disks this morning for an A2000 setup I'm restoring. Would be glad to send you copies and I'm not too far away, problem is working 16 hours a day I literally never have time to get to a post office when they're open. :/ Still, there might be something I can do if you're still struggling with this?
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If you still have trouble getting hold of an Install disk, let me know - I'm in the UK but if you can pay postage I'm happy to make an Install disk and post it to you.
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I knew there would be a plethora of options, thank you all. I will start working on it again starting tomorrow.
@panterz
I had no idea that these were things to even look for, I will start loking into this. GREAT input! Thank you
@gizmo
I don't have any floppies atm either as I am waiting for the chance to order some. I didn't want to get overly premature, even though I seem to be almost there, :P Thank you
@novacoder
I have an accelerator on order with 32mb of ram coming in about a month so I can explore more options then(including upgrading the accelerator to 256mb, SCSI, and FPU). In the meantime, BetterWB and the host page has been bookmarked for awhile as I have been monitoring the BB updates, but I wanted to do a fresh install and build up. I will be checking out EAB and hopefully come to some resolution.
@ O_Mike
I'm sorry about your work schedule. I was at the Baltimore Aquarium a week ago and it took about 2 hours to drive there from the Trenton area. I'd imagine Washington is about 2.5 to 3 in lesser traffic. I'll keep this in mind if all else fails.
@spirantho
I just paid postage for the other upgrades from UK so, why not? Maybe I purchased them from you....? :) PM Sent
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PM on it's way.
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Hello all!
I thought I would just let everyone know who provided advice that I was able to setup my 4 gb CF drive. I wanted to thank everyone for their direction and input as it was invaluable. I still need to setup the 20gb drive, but I haven't had too much time the past week so I have been content with getting stuff going on the little drive.
It seems that there are a lot(!) of forums and websites out there dedicating themselves to this particular topic, but it took a combined approach to make it really happen. In fact, I thought it would be nice to post something to let the next guy/gal know what to do without the excessive hunting.
Will post when I get a second, but I just wanted to extend a great thanks to the Amiga community. It is nice to be back!