CompactFlash Loader?

[MarkM]

I'm wondering if there's a way to invoke a command through AmigaDOS (before loading Workbench) to init a compactflash card?  I've looked through the commands and can't find anything.

Doesn't Workbench load some kind of compactflash.device driver?

-Mark

[MarkM]

Hello AmiDude.

Finally, some success.

Since I bought the AmigaForever CD from Cloanto, there was Amiga OS 3.1 on the CD...all 6 disks in ADF format.  I was able to install a fresh OS 3.1 on my A1200!

Now, I'm trying to get the compactflash card to work.  Following your instructions, I downloaded and installed both fat95 and compactflash.device.

When I insert the CF into the Amiga, the icon pops up instantly and says

CF0:NDOS

I've tried to run CardPrep, and it tells me that the card is write protected.  I see no tab or physical switch on the card to un protect it.

On my Mac, I'm able to format it MS-DOS without asking any questions about write protection.

Any ideas?

-Mark

[MarkM]

Sorry it took me so long to reply guys.  We had storms for a couple of days and I didn't turn my Amiga on (yes, even with surge protection!)

I just checked, and yes fat95 is in the L: directory.

I just tried to move (booting into non-startup-sequence AmigaDos) compactflash.loader into the DOSDrivers directory, and now I don't even get the CF0:NDos at all.

Tried to use PrepCard in this state and it says this about the card:

I/O Device: 250ns
Format: N/A
Geometry: N/A
Battery: N/A
Product: CL ATA FLASH CARD LEXAR
TIDALWV
Version 4.1 V1.00

When I click on the "Prepare as DISK", I get the following message:

"Unable to prepare card: Card is write-protected"




Trying to format the card as it appears on the desktop as CF0:NDOS, I get a windows that says:

Format - CF0
Current Information: Device 'CF0'
                     979M capacity
New Volume Name: Empty
Put Trashcan (checked)


979MB?  This card is only an 8MB card.  Think this is foiling it?

Hitting the format gives me a "Couldn't format cylinder 0"


At this point I'm wondering if its the Lexar card itself?  I'm willing to go purchase a newer, bigger card to try and fix this.  Are there only certain types of cards that work?

PS - I did stick this card back into the ancient 1.0MP Kodak DC10 and formatted it (took two times before it would take the format..wierd).  Still CF0:NDOS, trying to format it with Workbench or PrepCard, no luck and it's still showing as 979MB

Thanks,
Mark

[MarkM]

I also wanted to state that I'm using Kickstart ROMS 3.0, if that matters, and Workbench 3.1.

I do intend eventually on KS 3.1 and WB 3.5 or higher, but don't have a 4-port IDE adaptor yet to load on WB 3.5.

[MarkM]

SUCCESS!!!

I have answered my own question.  That answer is:

STAY FAR FAR AWAY WITH LEXAR MEDIA COMPACT FLASH UNITS!

I just got back from Staples Office Supply, where I picked up a SanDisc 1Gb card.  It worked perfectly the first time.  I have already transferred a ton over to it!

Thanks to everyone for their help.  This is what I fondly remember of the Amiga community...a great willingness to jump in and help those in need.

Spread the word:  Lexar Media = BAD for Amiga!