I think OS4 CAN be run on MAC MINI (USABLE)

[skurk]

I have both A1 OS4, the Moana files, and a PPC Mac Mini.  I'll give it a go ASAP and let you know how it turns out.

[skurk]

Drop the period at the end of the URL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHtbB5Xmxf0

I just tried really quick, and got a "load-size too small" (or something) when I tried to boot cd:\\slb.  After checking the CD contents, I saw there's no slb file there at all, but a slb_v2 is present.  boot cd:\\slb_v2 didn't do much good either.

I think I blew it when I created the CD image.  I'm trying again in an hour or two.

[skurk]

Well, I'm struggling a bit here.  I believe it'll work, I just assume I'm doing something utterly wrong.

I mounted the AOS4 CD in Linux and copied all the files to a directory.  I then proceeded to mount the AmigaMini.iso (moana files), and copied those files over the AOS4 files.

After mkisofs and cdrecord, I'm trying to boot the CD on my mini, but without luck.

I'll admit it right now, I've barely touched OF before, so bear with me.

0> setenv boota-device cd:
0> boot cd:\\slb

That didn't work, because the slb file is in the L/ directory.  So I copied the L/slb* to / on the CD and tried again.

0> setenv boota-device cd:
0> boot cd:\\slb

Still the same.  However, if I settle with one backslash (cd:\slb) it starts loading slb, but is unable to continue because it cannot find anything else on the CD.

Trying to open full name cd:\\kickstart\kicklayout, scan handle at 220100a0, devalias cd:\
Loaded size is 0
Couldn't find kicklayout file on CD
No config files found in any supported media/device!

:-/

Any pointers?  Anyone?

[skurk]

Ok, a minor update.  I tried booting the Moana iso alone, and that worked.  Sort of.

However, all I get after booting (option 5, tried the others as well), loading a few modules and pressing any key a couple of times, is a black screen.  No activity.

Maybe my Mini's just not up for it.

[skurk]

Well, I got some input from a couple of users, but I'm still not able to proceed past the black screen.

I changed from DVI to VGA cable (which limits the screen resolution) hoping maybe that was it, but still no go.

My OF is 4.8.9f1 - I'm suspecting that is the showstopper for me.  AmigaMac, the chap behind this hack, says it requires 4.9.4f1.  Maybe a firmware upgrade is plausible?

Anyone else here tested AOS4 on Mac and are willing to share some info?  Or maybe someone "heard of someone" who did it, and happen to know a lot about it?

[skurk]

I also read that the "Moana patched" OS4 requires 64MB graphics memory (VRAM).  Mine has 32M, so case closed in my case

[skurk]

Or Nintendo Wii, for that sake.

But, since there's a claim it already runs on Mac Mini, I think that's more promising and worth persuading.

That, plus the Mini's got all I'm asking for: Affordable hardware, small footprint, and a very low noise level.

If someone would like me to try certain boot tricks on my setup to get AOS4 started, let me know.

[skurk]

Well.. I can't help much, but my results are that on my 1.42GHz/32M/4.8.9f1 mini I get corrupted gfx too, but it works with my 1.5GHz/64M/4.9.4f1. I haven't bothered to play around more, just with couple of straight boots from the same CD.

Wait, AOS4+Moana works on your Mac?

I wonder what ties Moana to that exact OF version.

[skurk]

If you have a Mac Mini and want Amiga, use MorphOS. MorphOS works natively and outperforms OS4. As far as I know, MorphOS can run OS4 apps as well. Hyperion seems a bit flaky to me and I would rather use something I know supports my hardware.

...but MorphOS isn't AmigaOS.  I'm not flaming or anything, I'm just saying that when I want a beer, I don't drink a piña colada.

Anyone know if it possible to dump the 4.9.4f1 OF to file?

[skurk]

Hm, using a G4 mini as media center isn't exactly optimal.

Really?  Why not?

I'm interested, because I've been using my 1.25GHz G4 Mini as a htpc/media center/torrent slave for almost two years straight.

[skurk]

I do not want a macentosh!!

Then.. sigh.. then don't get one.  Sheesh...

[skurk]

You hypocrite.

Take a chill pill and come back tomorrow.