Amiga Explorer Connection Issues

[AmigaEd]

I would recommend that you read this if you haven't already.
https://www.amigaforever.com/kb/14-109

Also, USB to SER adapters can be problematic, especially when interfacing to older hardware on the SER side.
On older hardware the serial port hardware is often looking for more significant voltages than the USB to SER adapter can produce. If I remember correctly, the Amiga 2000 was designed for +10 / -10 VDC on the serial port. See this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-232
Sometimes you can get lucky and the USB to SER will work cause the levels are right on the edge of what is considered a valid level. Other times it won't work no matter what. And still other scenarios like works sometimes and then stops. An additional load on the computer power supply can cause the voltage to dip just low enough that the RS232 signals drop below the "valid" levels. For example, the RS232 works when the floppy drive is not running but doesn't work when it is running.

[AmigaEd]

Definitely go for the "real" serial port on the PC side if that is an option.

The O-scope for sure would be the "tell-all". BTW... many really nice and inexpensive pocket O-Scope options out there. I've carried a BitScope 10 with me for several years now and it has more than paid for itself. There are also other less expensive options out there.

I was looking at the data on the MultiFace3 board and had to laugh a bit when I read this in the specs... "the MC68681 is a 4 MHz version overclocked to 7 MHz in order to reach the 115200 bps transfer rate"

Oh how times have changed... LOL.

[AmigaEd]

I'm a huge DOS dork, 486/Pentium freak, DMA bus boy! Serial Comms nut! Even 10 years ago you couldn't buy a new, cheap o'scope. I - MUST - HAVE - ONE - OF - THESE! :laugh1:

gizmo350, I was mentioning the Bitscope Picoscope 10 purely for its ease of portable use.

If you are looking for something to use on the workbecnh there are also many good options such as the Hantek DSO5202P 200MHz, 2 Channel Digital Storage Oscilloscope (which I have and am very happy with) or there is also the Rigol 1000 Series scopes which I've heard a lot of good things about.

[AmigaEd]

Thanks AmigaEd!!!! Been wanting something like this for a long time! I didn't know they came down in price this much! Ordering a Hantek tomorrow!

Just for the heck of it I compared price to ebay - people on ebay are simply crazy!

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=Hantek+DSO5202P&LH_PrefLoc=2&_sop=16

Again, thanks!

Ha! Yeah Crazy is an understatement. Just want to mention that I'm not associated with Circuit Specialists in anyway but they have treated me right on everything I've bought from them. Make sure you get on their mailing list as they often send out 10 to 15% coupons for any items they sell. This can help when it comes to buying accessories ,etc.

[AmigaEd]

That is excellent news!
Yes, they can be troublesome. I've had trouble in the past, with the USB to Serial adapters both for hobby projects and in commercial applications.