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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Lurch on July 04, 2015, 08:30:38 AM
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So it has been the week from hell, not sure what is going on with my A1200. All started when I installed a new FastATA. (Brand spanking new from Amigakit)
FastATA would access the HDD, the HDD light would come on and try and boot but would give up after 10-15 seconds and take me to the kickstart screen. Tried to get into the early boot menu but it wont let me.
Tried several reboots no luck getting into the early boot menu. Remove the HDD (leaving the FastATA installed) and I can get in every time which is no good as I wanting to see if it actually detected the HDD.
Use to have a FastATA with this board which worked fine so puzzled.
So removed the FastATA and just had the mediator attached as I was using it to power on the Amiga. The Amiga would then work for a few seconds and turn off, so thought it must be shorting on something. Even though it's been installed in this case and working fine for awhile.
So stripped it down to just the mainboard, indi AGA and FastATA set up the Amiga on a bench outside of the case and I get a black screen. Took out the FastATA and put in the kickstart chips and now I get a quick glimpse of the kickstart screen but it's corrupted looking and then it goes to a purple screen with no picture.
Had a look around and I can't find my original 3.0 ROMs but might try that tomorrow if I can find them.
This is where I gave up, the more I touch the thing the worse it gets. So if I have no joy tomorrow not sure what my next step would be.
I have a bid in on another 1200 motherboard, fingers crossed it doesn't go too high. If it does sad to say but will part it out and sell it.
Oh the caps and timing fixes have been done by Amigakit so it can't be caps.
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Had a lot of problems when I installed 3.5"-2.5" adapter in mine
A1200 , so much so I made a small hole for cable to go through and
made some mounters to keep it in place.
If it got even slightly loose then black screens , reboots , all sort of
strange things.Adapter was just a little too big to fit right and it seemed
to me that once I removed it Amiga stayed in state of shock for a short
period of time :confused:
If it worked before FastATA let it rest then try without it and go from there.
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Yep she is having a sleep at the moment so maybe she will come too again, weird stuff.
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@Lurch Both of my A1200's basically did the same thing over the course of a few years. Long story short, the first thing I thought might be malfunctioning was an add-on. The AT-A1200 in my sig (with a FastATA) first started freezing up when cold. The longer it was on, the more stable it became. But, then after more time passed, the more erratic it became. I just put it aside for a year or so after that.
Next, ahhh, I have another A1200 - good for me! It has a 1B motherboard. Equipped it with an ACA accelerator, Indi MKII, and USB. It started acting up by not allowing the Indi to initialize correctly. All else worked ok but it was just unusable with the Indi problem.
So, yup, I had to come to the realization that I gotta tear these both apart and determine which add-on is malfunctioning. After getting them both apart and stripping them bare and testing with no or swapping add-on's it became clear that both motherboards were the culprit.
The AT-A1200 has a bad CPU and/or RAM. Finally figured this out by getting (after about 8 hours of fiddling) it to FINALLY show me some screen error codes - yellow and sometimes black.
The A1200 - 1B culprit is malfunctioning on board video (I even recapped it! - Arggg). The RGB doesn't give a proper signal and therefor would not initialize the Indi MKII correctly. This is a big difference between the MKI and the MKII.
So, I swapped in the Indi MKI into the 1B mobo and that Indi unit doesn't care about initialization from the mobo and therefore works correctly. Of course RGB is still horked. So, that's the A1200 I'm currently using and at least one is working for now.
In conclusion, It seems to me that the more add-on's you connect to an A1200 - the more current is pulled thru the system and the more likely for a premature motherboard malfunction. A1200's just seem fragile to me. Now, most all my (pricey to me) add-on's are back in there original boxes tucked away for now. I would love to get my AT-A1200 mobo repaired but that's just not in the stars at this time and sending to AmigaKit would cost a small fortune (especially if I sent both for repair). The 1B is working for now so... I'm not desperate at this point LOL.
So anyways, I feel your PAIN!
I'm having lots of fun building my A2000 Toaster system at this time anyhoo - so, that's feeding my Amiga addiction for now! :lol:
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@gizmo350 It's not right LOL Spend time and money on it and it then decides no, I'm not going to work now.
The more addons you get the more the A1200 wants to revolt, one day it can be working 100% next it decides to fall over.
It is like a downward spiral, starts with one thing then something else decides not to work until nothing works.
So now on the hunt for a replacement board, probably be my last Amiga purchase as the budget is dry LOL
The annoying part is my current board has had the caps and timing fixes applied so works great with just about any accelerator. Well did work great.
Finding replacement motherboards is hard work, was hoping Amiga reloaded might be an option but doesn't look promising.
Amigas their name fits them so well.
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Wasn't there some software that checked the system and all the custom chips? Did you have the power supply recapped?
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No old Amiga PSU here, ATX 600W. I've tried another PSU still samething, not sure about getting it to boot.
With the kickstart screen showing corrupted. Might plug in a gotek.
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Hmm, maybe reseat all socketed chips? Grasping at straws here.
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You haven't said anything about your accelerator/RAM expansion. I would pull that and everything else off the motherboard and boot off the internal floppy.
The install the acclerator card libraries
Then add the accelerator with no RAM.
Then add the RAM.
Then add a blank hard drive on the internal IDE and install workbench.
Then add the FASTATA. Then add the hard drive above to it.
Then add the mediator
Then add the indivision.
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No old Amiga PSU here, ATX 600W. I've tried another PSU still samething, not sure about getting it to boot.
With the kickstart screen showing corrupted. Might plug in a gotek.
Did you manage to try a different pair of rom chips yet?
I have a FastATA MkIII with Apollo1260. I remember when I was first building this system, it wouldn't boot with KS3.0 roms, just a black screen. And I can't remember whether it was the FastATA or just the fact that the FastATA was combined with the Apollo, but anyway - 3.1 roms worked and 3.0 roms didn't (black screen). Just something to consider if you decide to test with 3.0 roms. It may have even been with the Apollo1240 not the 1260, I can't remember exactly...
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Did you manage to try a different pair of rom chips yet?
I have a FastATA MkIII with Apollo1260. I remember when I was first building this system, it wouldn't boot with KS3.0 roms, just a black screen. And I can't remember whether it was the FastATA or just the fact that the FastATA was combined with the Apollo, but anyway - 3.1 roms worked and 3.0 roms didn't (black screen). Just something to consider if you decide to test with 3.0 roms. It may have even been with the Apollo1240 not the 1260, I can't remember exactly...
Interesting, haven't found my 3.0 roms. Use to have the original FastATA with 3.1/custom 3.9 roms that use to work so thought it would be a simple case of installing the FastATA.
Only have my 3.9 roms, might have to buy some 3.1 roms and see if it's the 3.9 roms causing the issue.
But more worrying is the corrupt kickstart screen, I have an svideo adapter here so going to hook that up and see what happens.
Hopefully it's not my Indi as I can't afford another one at the moment.
I've stripped it back to just the indi and I get a corrupt kickstart, so svideo adapter next. But might be a case of the board failing.
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Huston I'd like to report that I have a bad feeling about this mission. :(
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So it's not the indi, but it appears to be the kickstart roms. I now get a purple only screen no animated disk.
So going to see if I can find my 3.0 roms, if not try and find some cheap 3.1 roms :-)
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So it's not the indi, but it appears to be the kickstart roms. I now get a purple only screen no animated disk.
So going to see if I can find my 3.0 roms, if not try and find some cheap 3.1 roms :-)
You haven't been having a disco in your room again with that strobe and ultraviolet flouro ? Here's hoping it's the ROMs. Less $ for sure.
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You haven't been having a disco in your room again with that strobe and ultraviolet flouro ? Here's hoping it's the ROMs. Less $ for sure.
How did you know?? ;-) I'm hoping that is the case, I have a bid on a motherboard fingers crossed it doesn't go too high just in case. Touch wood!
If its the kickstarts I'll be a very happy man, just had a quick look nothing local so it might be Amibay or Amigakit :-/
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So after purchasing some new kick roms same issues -
FastATA = Black screen/no life.
No FastATA = Scrambled corrupt boot screen picture.
RGB + Svideo adapter = Black screen/no life.
Conclusion dying/faulty motherboard and possibly a faulty FastATA. (Brand new FastATA from Amigakit)
Back to searching for a new motherboard :-(
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So after purchasing some new kick roms same issues -
FastATA = Black screen/no life.
No FastATA = Scrambled corrupt boot screen picture.
RGB + Svideo adapter = Black screen/no life.
Conclusion dying/faulty motherboard and possibly a faulty FastATA. (Brand new FastATA from Amigakit)
Back to searching for a new motherboard :-(
Hmmm. Sorry to hear Lurch. Hopefully the fastATA is okay at the very least.
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Thanks gertsy, will have to resort to emulators to play anything AGA. Have the A500, but the plus board died so it's just a standard A500 now.
Hardware getting old and finally falling over :-/
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Hey Lurch. I got a second Amiga 1200: An Amiga technologies version. It's been sitting in storage for over 5 years and my main A1200 is running fine. It seems a shame to be sitting doing nothing when there's an Amigan looking for one. If you're interested make me an offer and I'll send it across the Tasman.
It has some uneven yellowing on the case and keyboard but the MB is fine. Well it was last time I used it. Will pull it out and test it if you're interested.
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That would be great, I'm not sure what to offer though from the huge range on pricing I've seen. Pretty keen if it's a live.
Might leave it up to you what price you want to sell it for :-)
It would certainly be going to a good home, I was using the A1200 daily :-(
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Good luck finding a solution to these issues. I'm an ex-1200 owner and even in the late nineties they seemed a lot more flakey once I started going beyond a memory upgrade and a 2.5" HD (tjen the advice was always get an up-rated power suppy).
What's deemed to be the most reliable, stable, dependable classic Amiga workhorse available? I had a 4090 and that seemed worse still...could never trust it for important work. Would eg. a 500+ be more solid/stable than a 1200?
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The Amiga, it's an exercise in frustration at times. When it's working it's great but just around the corner it will stop working again.
Then when it is working and you upgrade hardware or change a line in the startup-sequence it breaks.
Even new hardware from Jens and Elbox have issues, but when people put forth anything bad about these products the defenders shoot you down or they ignore you.
The Indivision AGA MK2 is a prime example, a real bitch to setup. Once setup fantastic. The software for it is extremely bad but of course it sort of works so Jens wont improve on it or even finish it properly.
The rolling of the dice when you push the power button, should be the slogan.
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The Indivision AGA MK2 is a prime example, a real bitch to setup. Once setup fantastic. The software for it is extremely bad but of course it sort of works so Jens wont improve on it or even finish it properly.
That's why I will NEVER get rid on my Indi AGA MKI! :lol:
I wish someone would make an 800x600 monitor driver for the MKI though! :(
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Even new hardware from Jens and Elbox have issues, but when people put forth anything bad about these products the defenders shoot you down or they ignore you.
The Indivision AGA MK2 is a prime example, a real bitch to setup. Once setup fantastic. The software for it is extremely bad but of course it sort of works so Jens wont improve on it or even finish it properly.
The rolling of the dice when you push the power button, should be the slogan.
Any experience with the reliability of the ACA500? It looks like an incredible product, but is it too good to be true?
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That would be great, I'm not sure what to offer though from the huge range on pricing I've seen. Pretty keen if it's a live.
Might leave it up to you what price you want to sell it for :-)
It would certainly be going to a good home, I was using the A1200 daily :-(
Will pull it out tonight to make sure its working. If it's operating D'you want the whole 1200,or just the MB?
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Will pull it out tonight to make sure its working. If it's operating D'you want the whole 1200,or just the MB?
Would be kind of sad to pull it apart, although you could use the case and keyboard for spares?
Always sad when an Amiga is pulled apart. If you are okay with it the MB would be fine, might be cheaper to send?
That's why I will NEVER get rid on my Indi AGA MKI!
Hold on to that puppy and never let it go :-)
Any experience with the reliability of the ACA500? It looks like an incredible product, but is it too good to be true?
Most of his stuff is reliable, the ACA500 is really good. Less hassle than the A1200. Sometimes very tempted to just go with the ACA500. Was going to sell mine to cover the costs fixing the A1200 but in two minds about it.
Most hardware and software feels incomplete though. Like the Indivsion ECS, mine had to be fixed twice for it to work properly with the A500 plus.
I'm just glad Amigakit was helping me out with that! :-)
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Don't forget the compatibility issues with the Rev. 5 NTSC A500 and the ACA500, otherwise that's all I've heard as far as issues. Isn't it sold out now anyway though, and he's working on a "Mk. 2" version of the ACA500? Might be worth researching before plunking your money down. ;)
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Would be kind of sad to pull it apart, although you could use the case and keyboard for spares?
Always sad when an Amiga is pulled apart. If you are okay with it the MB would be fine, might be cheaper to send?
.....
:-)
Agree. But It's probably safer to keep the MB in it's case. Got it out last night turned on okay. Left it running over night. Will let you know how it went tonight. The house didn't burn down last night so that's a good thing. Both the case and keyboard have uneven yellowing as unit was in a video generator case in a retail store. I'm tempted to take the floppy out as a spare.
How is a$100 for the unit minus the floppy plus postage to Orkland ?
If you think that's too much just let me know.
Cheers.
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Agree. But It's probably safer to keep the MB in it's case. Got it out last night turned on okay. Left it running over night. Will let you know how it went tonight. The house didn't burn down last night so that's a good thing. Both the case and keyboard have uneven yellowing as unit was in a video generator case in a retail store. I'm tempted to take the floppy out as a spare.
How is a$100 for the unit minus the floppy plus postage to Orkland ?
If you think that's too much just let me know.
Yep sounds good to me, It will be well looked after. I'll take a photo of it when it's all up and running in its new home :-)
The case should protect the motherboard nicely, although wouldn't want the case breaking. I can always retrobrite it to see if I can remove the yellowing?
Don't need a PSU either :-)
Just let me know the cost for P&P could be a shocker from Aussie. I'll PM you my addy?
Appreciate this so much, I'm like a kid in a lollie store (candy for US).
Don't forget the compatibility issues with the Rev. 5 NTSC A500 and the ACA500, otherwise that's all I've heard as far as issues. Isn't it sold out now anyway though, and he's working on a "Mk. 2" version of the ACA500? Might be worth researching before plunking your money down.
Forgot about that, yeah there is a MK2 so not sure how that is going to turn out. Not sure if I'll spend more money on Jens hardware. Possibly if a 060 FPGA accelerator comes up.
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You weren't joking about the parcel postage. $53 for 4KG. International couriers were $70. For up to 1KG it's $21. So it might be a better option to remove the MB. I'm guessing the MB on its own is around 1KG
BTW it seems to be running fine. I'm just going to look for a test floppy from Aminet to run it again overnight check the sound and everything.
Let me know what you want to do.
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Hi. Sound checks out fine. Left Bubble and Squeak running last night to keep it warm. Running fine this morning. Couldn't resist doing a couple of levels. ;)
So caps are good (or working at least).
Added some pictures so you can see the tan lines. The flash from my phone makes it look worse than it is in "room light". This is the result of the unit being in an enclosure for many years that only exposed the tanned section.
Let me know how you want it posted. If I take the MB out I'll make sure its packaged up as safely as it can be. But probably still not safe enough for a disgruntled Kiwi postal worker. ;)
Cheers
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Thought the postage would be scary, weird that something from the US is cheaper.
Looking good from the photos, interesting how it has tanned LOL. Bubble and Squeak is still a good game, nostalgia is kicking in seeing it.
So worse option I'll be looking at $53, still okay with that. Let me know what you decide on how to pack it.
NZ post can be a pain too, US have it so much better.
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@ Lurch,
Curious on what kind of Power Supply you are running on that A1200, before I would give up on it, I would get it back down to an original A1200 and see if it worked from that point. Then I would add stuff on 1 by 1. From what I am hearing it sounds like an over loaded power supply.
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@smerf interesting, I have the original PSU in a box so might give it ago. I don't think I'll give up on it, when it comes to Amiga hardware I keep on trying to get it working.
Not many around down here anymore.
Will try it tomorrow and let you know.
The current PSU is a 600W Thermaltake that I've been using with it for sometime. Did try another ATX PSU and it wont even turn on. Anyway will try the original :-)
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@gertsy Monies sent :-) Until then I'll drool over the pictures LOL
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@gertsy Monies sent :-) Until then I'll drool over the pictures LOL
It's winging it's way to you now. (Well actually its probably still sitting at the post office at this very moment.) All safely bubblewrapped and packed in a double cardboard Polk Audio box.
Let me know when it arrives.
Cheers and enjoy.
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So thanks to Gertsys generous offer I now have a 100% working A1200. Although as I've mentioned to Gertsy still have issues with the FastATA and Indi.
Without the FastATA installed powers up fine everytime, with it installed it's dead as in black screen.
This is a brand new FastATA too, so not sure what is up with that.
The Indi doesn't give me a display but a tiny grey screen with vertical lines now. Going to try reflashing the firmware on to, lucky I have a nice Amigamaniac svideo adapter so I can get a picture out ;-)
Busy weekend, attempting to refurb some alloy wheels too, deciding what putty to use. I've been googling a few solutions but trying to find black putty to hopefully half the work needed.
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A shame I haven't had the time due to work and now being sent on a waste of time course but I'm itching to have more time to look into getting it all up and running.
But would love to update this thread with some good news, but will have to wait and see. :-(