**Need Setup HELP** with Classic Amiga 2000 HARD DISK (Bridgeboard)

[wbrejnia]

THE BIG TEST (Seagate HD Controller Card in the AMIGA)

It would take me less than 10 minutes to safely move over the Segate Controller with RLL drive and Lotech into Amiga for a test.

But I am



Yes, I am Afraid to find out that things won't work like in the 486 PC since there are many differences.

--> Maybe nothing will work with Bridgeboard BIOS.
--> Maybe C: drive won't Boot
--> Maybe I'll still need to do the CTRL-ALT-DEL hack workaround.
--> Maybe there will be ISA Address conflicts
--> Maybe PC side will work, but Amiga will still have issues with Janus
--> Some other unforeseen problem like (MBR starts acting up again, etc)

OR MAYBE, just MAYBE everything will work perfectly.

I don't want to know right now if it's bad news.
I rather enjoy this ($10) moment of success rather then get into another big rat hole of debugging.

So I'll work on my Fish Tank Aurdino Doser project which I got code finished over weekend for Pump Calibration Algorithm.



All that's left is to code in the dosing scheduler logic.

Then I'll pop in the Lo-Tech and Seagate-RLL drive for Big Test that could end my parts and pieces hunt, so I can really start the put-together Build of the A2000.

Then start the Software installs.

[wbrejnia]

Even chickens need to sleep without tossing and turning (wondering).

I did it with my EYES CLOSED.

Felt like the Longest boot ever!



Pure Seagate Controller Card POWER!! (no Floppy disk in A: drive)  

No Lotech or CTRL-ALT-DEL needed and it will probably work too.

[wbrejnia]

I just HAD to KNOW (yes... DJmount / Format JH0: WORKED!!)



So I ran DJMOUNT and it worked EXACTLY like the Bridgeboard Install Instructions.

->  I was able to run "Format DRIVE JH0: name "amigarll"
-> After Completion the ICON for JH0: appeared and I have an Amiga Hard Drive off the PC Rll-Drive

BUT the Lotech didn't pick up like it did in the 486.
----> I'll need to play around with Jumpers (ISA Addressing) or whatever.

But I've basically proven that my Amiga and Bridgeboard is 100% good.

-> Amiga Bridgeboard with Bootable RLL C: Drive
-> RLL Drive with AMIGA Paritition (ADISK)
-> DJMOUNt and Format to create a Amiga Drive off PC Drive
-> Lo-tech ISA/IDE adapter will work on Bridgeboard (proven to work, in some special Config-Combo setup)

Now I need to put the bit and pieces together for a complete working build.

....Onward

[wbrejnia]

I DID IT !!  

(All things working  [ C: PC RLL Drive] [ D: PC SD Card Drive ] [ JH0: PC RLL Drive Amiga Parition off RLL Bridgeboard] )




I did get worried since after many boots/configs/jumpers, I couldn't get the Lo-Tech ISA/IDE drive to Initialize (even with CTRL-ALT-DEL)

Then I tried that last Workbench that got the Lo-Tech Working with a 5.25" MS DOS Boot Floppy.

Everything booted, Everything Recognized (without the 5.25" Floppy)

Finally, it Time to Have some FUN!! and Build/Pimp up this A2000.

:banana: ( BB PC) NO FLOPPIES needed with AUTOBOOT ) :banana:

(Kickstart 3.1/ AutoBoot / Workbench 3x) is the last piece to solve for an AutoBoot Amiga.
 

[wbrejnia]

Answering all above from PAT..

-->  I can't really confirm if the WD HD Controller Card was Bad.  If I got a MBR nailed in and didn't try a Master Boot Record it worked perfectly.  No idea.  I can tell both controllers struggle on Cylinder 0.  Seagate tried harder (I get a feeling the head need a knock to get on that first track and Seagate controller does drive the HD much more clickety noisy).  All theories no proof.
--> I have both 1.2 and OS3.1 Kickstart ROMS (Planning on getting a ROM Switcher to be able to run anything I wish without taking apart 1/2 the A2000)
--> Yes will now Try 1.3 and then quickly 2.04 or 3.1 (Plan is to have Gotek have them all for a Flavours of Amiga Tour Option)
--> I may go FFS but no need for Linux and those property problems you faced (Gotek HXC with USB can get anything into Amiga)

So much to choose from for my next part of this project.  I really don't know where to begin.  But copying all floppies onto USB Gotek should be done next.

[wbrejnia]

WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY to get LICENSED/LEGIT copy of Workbench 1.3 or OS2.x 3.x?

Everything on this Amiga legit (Freewarem or Abandonware). I have Kickstarts Original 1.2 ROM and bought AmiKit OS3x.

I have workbench 1.2 Original Floppies, Bridgeboard Floppies.

But beyond that Workbench 1.3 was a download a long time ago.

I read that you only need ROM to be WB licensed. Is that correct?

Or do I need to buy Amiga Forever to get proper copies of all workbenches.
 Also where do I download these workbenches/OS if not thru Amiga Forever.

I don't mid spending to be legit, but won't waste money if not needed.

[wbrejnia]

AMIGA Monitor VS (VGA LCD Monitor) ADAPTER on EBay

So as I work on the final build I am thinking of moving the Amiga Setup eventually to my desk (So I can sit instead of stand, etc).

Also the Amiga Monitor is big and Amiga can go under desk.

Getting an new Graphics card or RGB-HDMI converter has price and quality of display drawbacks.

Plus my wife is constantly bugging me about the Radiation (x-Rays) that might be coming from the Monitor (she may be correct after I read the warning on adjusting the verticle position, in the Monitor Manual I found)

So I discovered what appears to be a GREAT SOLUTION.
this AMIGA RGB->VGA/SVGA adapter.
I have a few VGA monitors which would fit on my desk.  (PLUS My Main Large 20" HP monitor has multiple inputs HDMI, Composite, and VGA)
Simply plug in 23Pin connector into Amiga and D-Sub connector into monitor of my choice (with proper sync rate).

Price is great and wondering if this will work.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/322384331078?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Sounds too good to be true.

[wbrejnia]

I did check the monitors I have (Even an old one collecting dust). It's hard to say based on spec how low they will go. Most specify max freq.

So for the price point, Adapter is worth a try. Even if my smallest LCD works that would be better then the Chunky/Deep Amiga Monitor (for Desk Space and x-Ray Safety)

I actually threw out a few CRT monitors (better than Amiga) over last few years. Too bad, I bet one of them would work.

SO WHAT IS THE SOLUTION people use for the Amiga 2000? Not everyone has a Amiga Monitor.

A Zoro Graphics card (Legacy) which is hard to find.

Or something modern like the VA2000 http://shop.mntmn.com/
Very Nice (but Price get me)
 
 I could just wait it out a couple of years and Vampire this Amiga.

[wbrejnia]

Pat,

I not trying to build a computer to do anything other than have a Retro Demo machine:
->> Real retro feel (So Amiga Monitor is Fine, 8088 Bridgeboard is perfect, RLL drive nice touch).
->> Show old games, history of Amiga OS, PC OS, etc
 ->> Using (Real A2000 Keyboard, Mouse and Epyx Joystick adds to the feel).  
 ->> Even throwing in 5.25" and 3.5" floppy is an experience not replicatable elsewhere.

Of course a few modern convinces like the Gotek-USb-Stick, the XT-IDE SD card are a bonus to move software around and boot in many old settings (workbench's ) with EASY flip to each.

Have these Gotek/ISA-IDE cards eliminate the need for Network on Amiga. Even if I did, 68000 just too slow from what I read.
I'm better off putting back that RS232 Card into PC side, and running a Null modem to Amiga side to demonstrate old Serial communication.
(would it be cool to run Amiga Explorer on PC and talk to Amiga within the A2000/Same screen. But I doubt Explorer will work on 8088)

Having a Kickstart Switcher to allow me to Boot WB1.2, old games and also Amiga WB1.3 OS2/3 would be ideal. I am on waiting list for one, since can't seem to find any available.

Ideally a real Hard Disk on the Amiga side would be nice, since I can tell now with things working, the Cross-bridgeboard access to RLL drive isn't that fast. But I haven't tried Cross-bridge access to the Lo-tech SD card yet (if possible via a AMIGA PARTITION on SD card)

And last but not least as you say, memory might be needed for higher OS, and demo higher demanding Amiga SW.

So as I mentioned before, I have my mind set something like this unit... (GVC-Impact A2000+HC+8) which would give me a SCSI amiga Drive and 8 Mb of DMA memory.

(You originally recommended I get a SCSI controller, before I decided on the Lo-Tech Adapter [No regrets, it was frustrating to get fully working, but FUN to see PC fly compared to RLL drive, PLUS removable media is GREAT!!] )

http://amiga.resource.cx/exp/impact2000hc8

So to summarize MY GOAL. I want a demo machine, to experience the Retro Past (Exactly like it was). With ability to expand fun projects within (like LED chasers etc)
Kind of like reading the "Future was Here Book by Maher" and then Experiencing hands on some of the Software described.

Upgrading this A2000 with a Vampire card is the last thing I want.  (I tried WinUAE and it just isn't the same)

[wbrejnia]

Indivision maybe? Flicker fixers was best way to guarantee you could get a picture regardless of screen mode.

I doubt things have changed that much.

No point in me trying to dig up a 15.7Khz OLD Multi-Sync CRT to replace Amiga CRT.

This solution looks best. (And will work on HDMI LCD DISPLAY)

1) AMIGA RGB--> SCART Cable (Amigakit)
http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=226

Easy to build your own, but not easy to find connector.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=amiga+to+scart&tbm=isch&imgil=ohyox5nGKgy4EM%253A%253BtAII9g9wMPWCcM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Feab.abime.net%25252Fshowthread.php%25253Ft%2525253D70944&source=iu&pf=m&fir=ohyox5nGKgy4EM%253A%252CtAII9g9wMPWCcM%252C_&usg=__QkmXEmXEI9pUEyffFZ_cuzqKnMM%3D&biw=1331&bih=747&ved=0ahUKEwiuo873l-3SAhUF74MKHfwfAkQQyjcIPw&ei=nQrUWO7gBYXejwT8v4igBA#imgrc=ohyox5nGKgy4EM:&spf=192


2) SCART to HDMI converter (Model Specificallys support *RGB *)
https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAA0D4C40810&cm_re=scart_to_hdmi_converter-_-9SIAA0D4C40810-_-Product
 
 
 ** HANG ON, after writing this Post ** I looked at back of Amiga2000 (It has Composite Video OUT)  Duh!!

[wbrejnia]

Never mind. I just hooked up Composite.  I never hooked it up Ever.
 
 YOU GET Black and White. Is that correct?

[wbrejnia]

Yes, on A500 or A2000, only B/W greys on phono composite.

That  particular SCART-AMIGA cable was researched by Ian Steadman, "Stedy".  You can build yourself or buy ready made. It has won much praise. I  think for gaming and med res Workbench they are great. If you want  higher graphics res without 24 bit card in Zorro slot, read on.

One  possible solution for TV would be both VGA and SCART from a single  Amiga 23 pin video connector. Lot of pins to switch over though, leaving  them all connected to 2 different sets of TV input can cause feedback  problems with picture. More useful if you have ECS Denise and Agnus  fitted. That gets you Productivity screen modes, 31KHz, but you have to  setup in Workbench Display.

Flickerfixers just WORK. They fix all  the Amigas output into what a 31KHz display expects. Indivision does  that but also includes RTG graphics card. So 2 for price of 1 expansion,  no Zorrro slot used.

What do you want this machine to do? That's the question you must answer.

hmmm.

So this is the Indivision/Flicker Fixer. (VGA Monitor Output,  Multiple res 320x200 -> 1024x768)   (Intrusive [My Board is Rev 4] )
http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=918

Slightly better than the SCART / SCART-HDMI adapter. (which is better with HMDI out, but Standard Amiga Low RES)  (1/2 the price)

I'm STRONGLY leaning toward the SCART-Solution since it's simple to get working (no config work), HW non-intrusive, lower cost, HDMI[more flexible],  and RETRO-Original compatible (ie During Setup, I can switch back to Original Amiga Monitor and no adjustments needed)
---> Plus with SCART converter (you can also hook up to TV/Monitor/Projector both NTSC and PAL).  Not that I need it, but if I sell Unit Separately someday.
---> Totally Transparent to the BASE Amiga HW

[wbrejnia]

I'm normally not an ebay fan but search for GBS8200

It takes the 15k and doubles it to 30k typical VGA monitors will work.

Wow.  There a ton of these modules for sale (China, Malysia,..).  Cheap too (free ship)..
How they make these for so cheap baffles me.  I couldn't get the connectors for that price.

I find it strange that none of the Ads show the picture quality.   Hardly any reviewd, and the couple I found say high failure rates, bad colors, etc (but when working work).

I hate waiting months for things to arrive from China as well.

...and with no case (some ads), no power supply (run on 5V internal, which is fine) and unproven, I'll spend $10 more on  the SCART Module which is available locally and returnable (If I don't  like the quality of display).

[wbrejnia]

I got mine within a week, I think the ship a bunch from china to a local place that holds them then forwards on once they get a sale.

I'd show you mine but it only says "no signal' and then the green screen, but thats not its fault

That doesn't sound good.   "No-Signal" "Green-Screen"
I don't have one of these but it appears the VGA side to your monitor isn't right.
What I read is there are jumpers.  There is are also button that you should be able to cycle through the frequencies.
I read that there is a English Menu, so I would guess that menu should appear on your VGA side once the frequency is matched between what you monitor can handle and what the Card can drive.

Also from the Input side of the card, towards the Amiga, you need to check that the voltages are correct.  I read different votagae like the other adapter I am considering need resistors on a couple of the pins.  I posted the cable diagram link above.

All the best, it should work.  Or it's a broken unit.

[wbrejnia]

Here in Australia 100 3mm LEDs cost me $12.95 (AUD), in china I got a bag of 5000 3mm LEDs for $12..  (I think it was 0.002 cents per led)   of course I purchased several bags just for the heck of it and future electronic projects ha!  
.

Ha ha.
I do overbuy stuff from China, that is why I have everything for each small Amiga Project.

But you bought a few bags of 5000 Leds'.  Wow that's big plans.  
You thinking up building your own RGB jumbotron TV or something
Or maybe an 32" RGB Amiga Monitor     If it's flat after your wiring is done, I'll buy one off you.  I need something to replace my Amiga CRT.

[wbrejnia]

Amiga Forever is the only way to have modern copies of legal workbench...

Else you can buy original disks from privates on internet at very cheap price, even defective ones, and use a functioning copy of pirated disks...

It will work and none will hassle you if you own any real original disks then...

If someone asks you, then you can candidly affirm pirated copies are legit copies of your defective original disks before they broke.

 So it sound like Amiga Forever covers everything for me.
 
 But one last question.  I have original WB1.1, WB1.2 diskettes. (2 copies of each)  Does that mean I would be qualified for upgrades to WB1.3 etc and and licensed?  Probably not.  Also nothing would cover me to OS2.x,OS3.x anyway.