Drivers for Indivision MK2 1200

[Damion]

Just a minor correction (and sorry if I misread anyone here), but AGA does possess a 24-bit color palette, which is supported by the Indivision. Some scandoublers don't, and the loss of definition is obvious under certain circumstances. (The color sphere test images included with PPaint are an easy way to check both the scandoubler, and LCD for complete color representation.)

The Indivision is a scandoubler/flickerfixer, which in simple terms means it modifies the Amiga native video signal to something "understandable" by modern displays. It doesn't really possess the same functionality as an RTG video card. In its intended arena, it scores some major points over older scandoublers--it's highly configurable (a huge plus for good compatibility with various displays) and two, its DVI output renders an absolutely stunning and flawless static image quality (satisfactory scrolling in games requires careful configuration *and* the "right" monitor).

Essentially, it's a nice tool for having the flexibility to use almost any modern monitor. For gaming perfection, it's arguable that something like a 50Hz capable Sony broadcast CRT is ideal, but of course that's also lacking for desktop use.

FWIW, I felt the MK2 Indivision was a huge improvement over its predecessor, and over other scandoublers I've had in the past. The lack of a perfectly synchronized 50Hz mode is the only fly in the ointment as far as I'm concerned. I do agree, an Amiga with some sort of video card is really nice (something I wouldn't do without, either). I didn't experience heat or connectivity issues here. I would consider using some form of a flash drive to keep the heat in check, and thoroughly cleaning Lisa's contacts and try installing again. (I did experience both heat, and contact issues with the original Indivision 1200, and eventually sold it with no regrets).

Finally, the choice of LCD makes quite a difference as to what kind of experience you might have using the Indivision. I've used various Eizo and Samsung units here with good luck, some of them sync down to 50 Hz via DVI or (in every case) HDMI. This is somewhat important, since resorting to using the analog signal produces a small but obvious decrease in picture quality.

[Damion]

Just a few more thoughts, since you mentioned a "shaky" display. In the configuration tool, you might want to select either DVI or VGA, depending on what signal type you're using. Using the VGA signal with an LCD requires some fiddling with the monitor "clock" and "phase" settings (doubt you're doing this, but thought it deserved mention).

The real trick is to learn the configuration tool, which while the not the most intuitive thing ever, is not as difficult as it first appears. Just double check the docs and the EAB thread, and you'll figure it out quickly. (Feel free to fire off any questions here or via PM, too.) The latest software can be downloaded from here: http://wiki.icomp.de/wiki/Indivision_AGA_MK2

[Damion]

You've probably figured out already, the HD cradle won't really fit over the Indivision. You can still rest a hard drive there with a rubber foot or something (done it here), but that's not the best way to go.

I really like the CF adapters from these guys: http://www.mesanet.com/

With one of those, you can easily mount the drive anywhere (Scotchlok or something), and you'd likely not have to worry much about heat in that case. If so, you could always mount a few quiet 40mm fans on either side under the venting of the top case cover with a piece of something in between (blocking the rest of the vents). I really doubt you'll need to do that, though.

[Damion]

Sorry, I assumed you were using a spinning platter drive. Mesa sell high quality adapters (check under "disk emulators," they have a bunch to choose from).

If you're already using a CF drive, I think you're set as far as heat is concerned. You might have to hot-glue a sheet of thin plastic on the underside of the CF setup (something to insulate the contacts), and you could use a bit of 3M velcro (I incorrectly called this "Skotchlok" earlier) to secure the CF setup to the underside of the keyboard. As long as it's relatively secure and no chance of contacts touching, I think you're OK.

[Damion]

Are the artifacts immediate? The well-documented screen tearing issues using higher-resolution screenmodes typically show up only after the machine is on for a while. Do low-res (game) modes look fine?