Best 4-way IDE splitter... and limitations of one..

[marcfrick2112]

Hello all, As I am running terribly low on disk space,
I need to look into adding a HD, and while I'm at it,
install my DVD burner...

What's the best idea for a 4-way IDE splitter for an A1200T?
Will I have trouble with OS3.9? Is the second IDE channel bootable?
(just in case I decide to install Linux, or something...)
Does the second IDE channel show up in Early Startup Control?

Any help or clarification would be great...
Thanks, Marc

[Thomas]

Well, regarding a simple 4-way adapter like IDE-fix or EIDE'99, which allows to connect four devices to the existing IDE port:

Will I have trouble with OS3.9?

Make sure you install the latest driver software for the 4-way adapter. OS3.9 itself only sees the first channel, you need the driver software to access the second one.

Is the second IDE channel bootable?

No. You could boot from the first channel, load the driver software resident into memory and then reset, then you can boot from the second channel until RAM is cleared. This works with IDE-fix software at least.

(just in case I decide to install Linux, or something...)

Linux clears all memory, so it does not work with the second channel. And AFAIK it does not have a driver for 4-way adapters.

Does the second IDE channel show up in Early Startup Control?

No.


And regarding alternative controllers like the FastATA1200 (aka Powerflyer) or IDE-Fix Express:

I don't know. It all depends on the firmware of the controller (or if there is a firmware at all).

If the controller only works with installed driver software (like above), then all of the above applies here, too.

Bye,
Thomas

[marcfrick2112]

Thomas, thanks for the info, even if it's not what
I wanted to hear... Ok, just to be sure, I would have
to install Linux on my existing Hard drive (not on the second channel), to get it to work?
Also, regarding OS 3.9 and 4-way IDE adapters, I meant that
sometimes they can prevent OS 3.9 from booting, maybe it's cured
after BB 1&2, but the OS 3.9 did mention something about it...

OK, Thomas, you certainly know more about this than I do, even after nearly 20
years using Amiga's.... Would it justbe simpler to buy a bigger
IDE or SCSI HD and just copy my data over?

[keropi]

I can confirm that the FastATA1200 version, does not show in Early Startup Menu.

[TiredOLife]

All drives connected to the second controller show up in the early startup after a reboot, when using the FastATA interface.

[rkauer]

As far as I know, only Elbox controller have a DVD support to classic Amigas...