Amiga.org
Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: Obi-Wan on November 29, 2020, 11:17:20 PM
-
Hi there guys.
I have a couple of questions that I was hoping that you could shed some
light on for me please.
Background:
I have a stock A-1200 and approx 300+ floppy disks that I'd like to transfer
to my main Linux PC.
After a bit of research I have bought a Null-modem cable (it's supposed to
have full handshaking DB-25 tp DE-9).
With a DE-9 to USB to connect to the Linux box.
It then occurred to me, that I also need to display my Amgia on "something"
in order to launch WB, run commands, etc, etc.
However my old Commodore 1084s monitor is long gone.
I currently have the following display devices:
2 x Acer AL 1914 sm
2 x Dell 1908 FPBL (which are provided by work)
2 x Acer AL 1714 sm
All connected via VGA
1 x Sony TV = Sony KDL-40CX523
I have had a quick google, and although its not conclusive
I dont think that these devices would show a 15 Khz signal from my Amiga
Q1. Will any of these devices be able to show images generated by my Amiga ?
(I'm not looking to do any gaming on them, just enought to get into WB
run some commands, and get my floppy disks transferred accross to my
main Linux PC)
Q2. (If these monitors cant display a 15 Khz signal)
What are my next best options please ?
TIA for any help or advice.
-
Hey there Obi-wan.... you''ll either need a scandoubler / flickerfixer
Indivision AGA MK3 for A1200 - https://icomp.de/shop-icomp/en/shop/product/Flickerfixer_Scandoubler.html?flifi_type=A1200%2FA4000T
ScanPlus AGA for Amiga 1200 - https://amigastore.eu/en/703-scanplus-aga-amiga-1200-and-4000d.html
https://www.amedia-computer.com/en/accueil/272-scanplus-aga-for-amiga-1200-4000d.html
or an Amiga RGB to VGA Monitor Adapter - https://amigastore.eu/en/207-amiga-rgb-to-vga-monitor-adapter-modified.html
This route is cheap but keep this in mind: If you connect it to a standard VGA/SVGA monitor, which does not accept 15Khz frequencies, you will be able to display the 31Khz Amiga specifics VGA modes only through the Workbench drivers. Native graphics modes, used by most games, will not be displayed.
That's about it really. I use the unbuffered adapter with an A500 and a 15kHz monitor (the one above says it works with 31kHz also) - it works OK-ish with workbench and it's cheap. Not sure if AmigaKit has anything cooked up.
-
Does the Sony TV has a composite video input?
also, with 300+ disks to transfer you should get a cheap pcmcia adapter kit (adf transfer kit), once you have your display sorted. and make sure you don't stick dirty or rotten disks into the drive. :)
-
@ Obi-Wan
Is the Sony TV a U.K. model? If so, it might have a SCART port and therefore be 15KHz-capable. You can get a SCART cable from Amigakit and other dealers, and probably eBay, too. It *might* also be 15KHz-capable on the VGA port, in which case the RGB to VGA adapter in giZmo’s post will work. Otherwise, a composite cable should work fine, as TribbleSmasher mentioned.
-
Sony KDL-40CX523 manual says it has a one SCART input. I would be a best option. (if it is RGB scart, not a composite scart)
-
if the tv has a composite supporting scart, it is even easer, as almost everybody has one of those laying around in the house somewhere.
-
A BIG Thank you to everyone who has replied so-far
There are some brilliant ideas and suggestions !
@ Matt_H
Yes its a UK Sony, and yes it does have a SCART socket
but looking at the specs online, it doesnt tell me what type it is (component or RGB)
Q3. What type of SCART cable (and/or) connector would I need to connect my Amiga A-1200 to my
Sony TV, please ?
I'm also very much liking the look of that PCMCIA to CF adaptor.
Q4. Are there any Floppy disk cleaning "disks" or systems still available
for a reasonable price ?
I've had a quick look on-line but they are very thin on the ground, or silly prices.
I think that I would speed up the transfers considerably.
-
Since I'm in North America I don't have any direct experience with SCART. For me it's just this mythical, high-quality video connector available on almost everything in Europe (boy, I wish we had it here). So I'm not sure about component vs. RGB SCART, but my guess would be that your TV will work with your Amiga. At any rate, I think this (http://amigakit.amiga.store/product_info.php?products_id=226) is what you'd need. Amigakit sells it in other lengths, too.
As for floppy cleaning disks, I think eBay is your best bet. Probably much easier to find from a random seller than a retailer.
-
Scart can have analog RGB (15kHz), Composite(CVBS), and stereo Audio. If you plan to buy an Amiga RGB-Scart cable, make sure they know what they sell. Scart has signals that tell the TV which of the video modes to use.
the easiest adapter is shown above, just wire up your Composite out from the A1200. Those adapters are very cheap, almost every older game system had one included, well, in Europe at least.
http://www.ianstedman.co.uk/Amiga/amiga_hacks/Amiga_SCART/SCART_cable.png
-
Hi there guys.
I have a couple of updates for you.
So there is good news, and bad news........
Positives:
1. I actually found a SCART to composite lead, and connected it, to my TV and Amiga.
2. The Amiga boots up perfectly !
I can see that purple screen of beauty
3. I gave a bunch of my disks a quick visual inspection, and they appeared to be brand new.
there was no muck or mould on any of them.
Negatives:
4. (I've recently moved, so I still have a lot of boxes lying around).
I've searched through all that I can find, and I have only found
3 small boxes of disks (1x 50 capacity & 2x 10 capacity)
I'm sure that I have a few hundred more disks "somewhere"
5. The internal floppy disk drive appears to be faulty.
(You get the standard "click" noise, however)
I've tried multiple different disks, and the same thing happens.
The drive does attempt to read the disk, however it seems to spin
quickly, and the noise it makes is that its "floating" and moving
quicker than I remember.
So, a bit of a shame really, but I'm immesnley grateful that I can
still continue with my Amiga emulator on my Linux PC for the time being
Thanks for your help so far. It really is apprecaited.
-
It might just be a cleaning or re-adjustment issue with the drive, but this is not for the fainthearted.
-
Another common floppy drive problem is for the disk detection sensor to get dirty. What will happen is that the drive constantly or randomly thinks a disk has just been inserted and will try to read it as such. Obviously this makes disk operations unstable. It’s a very easy fix, fortunately, compared to realignment.
Just inside the drive on the left-hand side you’ll see a little black post. It's supposed to move freely up and down when a disk presses on it. Clean it with some isopropyl alcohol via a q-tip/cotton bud until its movement is fluid again and you should be back up and running.
You might need to take the 1200’s case off to get clear access to the post. If you’re feeling braver, you can also take the top case of the floppy drive off for very easy access and other cleaning opportunities short of realigning the drive.
Also, you’ll get a much better video signal from direct SCART as opposed to SCART-to-composite, but if all you need is any sort of display then you’re all set. :)
-
When a dodgy disk enters the drive it leaves a residue and it will cripple the drive. Happens quite lot to me as I am forever using old disks. What I use immediately is a disk head cleaning kit until the disk starts to run properly again. Also try tapping the disk on the desk a few times and even very gently beding them. Also helps having a high density drive and swapping between. The disk head cleaner generally gets them working. When you here a swish you should never leave a disk in the drive.
https://www.scuzzscink.com/amiga/scuzzblog_december20_1/car_sbd_021220_21.jpg
PS Takes a lot for me to lose a disk.