**Need Setup HELP** with Classic Amiga 2000 HARD DISK (Bridgeboard)

[Raffaele]

Just because the Amiga is old doesn't make it a fire hazard.  Samsung an Apple phones are more of a fire hazard

Also Amiga have REAL on/off mechanical switch. My MorphOS MacMini is more dangerous as it features only electronic on/off switch.

[wbrejnia]

Raffaelle,

I like that AMIGA version with the double-AMIGA keys.

I actually have old Wireless version like that (not amiga).
But it is PS2 connector.
I still would need converter to go into (amiga Keyboard port, and Amiga Mouse Port)
Correct?

[wbrejnia]

ANOTHER CHECK on Hxc and GOTEK.

Maybe I'm wrong on my assumption in POST above.

It say this is HxC web site information.

-------------------
- "Autoboot" mode -
-------------------

In this mode, the AUTOBOOT.HFE software is used to select the images to load
directly on the computer.
This software is actually available on Amiga, Atari ST and CPC computers.

No LCD and/or extra push button is required to use this mode, but the LCD may help you
to see which disk is actually mounted.

The config and the software file to copy to the root of the flash media for this mode :

http://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/SDCard_HxC_Floppy_Emulator_Manager.zip


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- File images supported                                                   -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Direct support :

- *.ADF (Read / Write)
- *.ST  (Read)
- *.IMG (Read)
- *.HFE (Read / Write)

[wbrejnia]

I mean THIS one...

http://www.5x86.ru/pic/big/1045943.jpg

(System in photo is cyrillic/russian keyboard)

Product info

http://support.logitech.com/en_ch/product/cordless-freedom-navigator

Radio 2.4GHz receiver has both Keyboard + Mouse PS2 connectors (green, violet). If you put the USB dongle (supplied with the system) on keyboard PS2 connector, it transforms itself into USB system.

I paid 17 euro for full functioning used system on Ebay.

Raffaelle, you are HERO again !!!

I went into my Basement Junk Box.

I have this.  (Not sure if still working, and still looking for 2nd Keyboard)

Will this work on Amiga?
How about mouse? But my mouse is good.



(see my wife is wrong for asking me to throw old computer stuff out )

It always comes in Handy!!

[wbrejnia]

Raffaelle,

NO, it doesn't work.

The CONVERTER goes into Amiga, and Keybaord goes into PS2.

I tried regular wired PS2 Keyboard, and it doesn't work.
Garbage keystrokes.

Is there a trick? Different Converter?
 
 After trying adapter, I did a search and it says you cannot USE PS2 keyboard on Amiga.  You need special converted.
 OOOPS!!

[wbrejnia]

PROBLEM with using GOTEK (Cortex VS HxC firmware)

I am having problems using the USB firmware update for the GOTEK.

I think the issue is the fact that the GOTEK that I purchase has the CORTEX firmware flashed on to it.

--> From what I have researched, I think I need to FLASH the GOTEK with HxC firmware first.
--> This means I need to hook up a serial cable to a PC and FLASH it with HxC firmware that I need to purchase for 10Euros from HxC to be properly licensed.

After I FLASH the GOTEK with HxC firmware I then will be able to use the HxC bootloader (FLASHED into GOTEK) for the USB method of doing firmware updates.

However when looking on how CORTEX work vs how HxC works for Floppy images, I'm not sure if I want to go with HxC (quite yet).

The reason for not changing GOTEK firmware to HxC is:

--> CORTEX firmware (reads and writes) *.ADF floppy images files directly from the USB drive.

--> HxC firmware (reads and writes) *.hfe Floppy image files
---------> *.hfe images can be created by converting *.ADF images using a provided (HxCFloppyEmulator windows program) that I THINK coverts ADF files to .hfe files

ADVANTAGE with CORTEX (on GOTEK):
-----> I would rather work with *.ADF files as the Cortex works.
-----> The advantage to using *.ADF files is that is skips the step of having to use AmigaExplorer to convert RAW disk images into *.ADF dos files.
-----> The other advantage is these *.ADF files work nicely in WinUae
-----> I am not sure if there is a method of converting *.hfe file to *.ADF

ADVANTAGE with HxC (on GOTEK):
------> The only drawback I have is the HxC firmware Supports the IC2 LCD display (which I like)

IS MY UNDERSTANDING ABOVE CORRECT?

What confuses me is that this document show that HxC support many images, so maybe my understanding above is Totally incorrect.
http://hxc2001.free.fr/floppy_drive_emulator/

If HxC supports *.ADF file directly off the USB drive, then what is the whole purpose of the *.hfe file format?
I must be missing something.

I am bumping this to bottom, so somebody reads.
 I need confirmation.

[wbrejnia]

Hmm. Maybe HxC on GOTEK will work.

Appears to support ADF (read/write) directly.
And even more like (.dms, .amiga dos)

So may be worth the $10Euros

http://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/SDCard_HxC_Floppy_Emulator_Manager.zip

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- File images supported -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct support :
- *.ADF (Read / Write)
- *.ST (Read)
- *.IMG (Read)
- *.HFE (Read / Write)
The HFE files can be generated from a large kind of files images with this software :
http://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/HxCFloppyEmulator_soft_beta.zip

Indirect image support (With the HFE support) :
KRYOFLUXSTREAM : KryoFlux Stream Loader (*.raw)
AMIGA_DMS : AMIGA DMS Loader (*.dms)
AMIGA_ADZ : AMIGA ADZ Loader (*.adz)
AMIGA_EXTADF : AMIGA EXTENDED ADF Loader (*.adf)
AMIGA_OLDEXTADF : AMIGA OLD EXTENDED ADF Loader (*.adf)
ZXSPECTRUM_FDI : ZX SPECTRUM FDI Loader (*.fdi)
AMIGA_ADF : AMIGA ADF Loader (*.adf)
ACORN_ADF : ACORN ADF Loader (*.adf)
AMSTRADCPC_DSK : Amstrad CPC DSK Loader (*.dsk)
ATARIST_DIM : ATARI ST DIM Loader (*.dim)
ATARIST_STX : Atari ST STX/Pasti Loader (*.stx)
ATARIST_STT : ATARI ST STT Loader (*.stt)
COPYQM : COPYQM IMG Loader (*.dsk)
TELEDISK_TD0 : TELEDISK TD0 Loader (*.td0)
ATARIST_MSA : ATARI ST MSA Loader (*.msa)
ATARIST_STW : STW Loader (*.stw)
RAW_IMZ : IBM PC IMZ Loader (*.imz)
HXCMFM_IMG : HXC MFM IMG Loader (*.mfm)
ORIC_DSK : ORIC DSK Loader (*.dsk)
ATARIST_ST : ATARI ST ST Loader (*.st)
ROLAND_W30 : Roland W30 file Loader (*.w30)
SPS_IPF : SPS IPF Loader (*.ipf)
TI994A_V9T9 : TI99 4A V9T9 Loader (*.v9t9)
AMIGA_FS : AMIGA FS Loader (*.amigados)
PROPHET2000 : PROPHET 2000 Loader (*.img)
RAW_IMG : IBM PC IMG Loader (*.img)
FLP_IMG : FLP PC Magazine image Loader (*.flp)
MSX_DSK : MSX DSK Loader (*.dsk)
FAT12FLOPPY : FAT12/MS DOS Loader (*.fat)
HXC_HFE : SD Card HxCFE HFE file Loader (*.hfe)
VTR_IMG : VTR IMG Loader (*.vtr)
IMD_IMG : ImageDisk IMD file Loader (*.imd)
HXC_AFI : HxC AFI file loader (*.afi)
C64_D81 : C64 D81 Loader (*.d81)
ZXSPECTRUM_TRD : Zx Spectrum TRD Loader (*.trd)
ZXSPECTRUM_SCL : ZX SPECTRUM SCL Loader (*.scl)
THOMSONTO8D_SAP : THOMSON TO8D SAP Loader (*.sap)
TRS80_JV1 : TRS80 JV1 Loader (*.jv1)
TRS80_JV3 : TRS80 JV3 Loader (*.jv3)
TRS80_JVC : TRS80 JVC Loader (*.jvc)
SVD : SVD Loader (*.svd)
NEC_D88 : NEC D88 Loader (*.d88)
X68000_HDM : X68000 HDM file Loader (*.hdm)
RAW_LOADER : RAW Sector loader (*.img)
SNES_SMC : Super famicom SMC Loader (*.smc)
VEGAS6809 : VEGAS6809 image Loader (*.veg)
TRS80_DMK : TRS80 DMK Loader (*.dmk)
TI994A_PC99 : TI99 4A PC99 Loader (*.pc99)
APRIDISK : APRIDISK Loader (*.dsk)
ENSONIQ_EDE : ENSONIQ EDE Loader (*.ede)
FAT12FLOPPY : FAT12/MS DOS Loader (*.fat)
ENSONIQ_GKH : ENSONIQ GKH Loader (*.gkh)
THOMSON_FD : THOMSON FD Loader (*.fd)
CASIO_FZF : Casio FZF file Loader (*.fzf)
DRAGON3264_VDK : DRAGON32 & 64 VDK Loader (*.vdk)
OBERHEIM_DPX : Oberheim DPX Loader (*.dpx)
ENSONIQ_EDM : Ensoniq mirage EDM Loader (*.edm)
EMAX_EM : EMAX EM1 & EM2 Loader (*.em1)
SAMCOUPE_MGT : SAM COUPE MGT Loader (*.mgt)
SAMCOUPE_SAD : SAM COUPE SAD Loader (*.sad)
EMULATORII : E-mu Emulator II / SP1200 dsk Loader (*.emuiifd)
EMULATORII_EMUII : E-mu Emulator II *.eii Loader (*.eii)
EMULATORI : E-mu Emulator I dsk Loader (*.emufd)
CAMPUTERSLYNX : CAMPUTERSLYNX Loader (*.ldf)
BBC_ADL : BBC ADL floppy image loader (*.adl)
BBC_SSD_DSD : BBC SSD & DSD floppy image loader (*.dsd)
FEI : FEI Loader (*.fei)
SYSTEM_24 : System 24 loader (*.s24)
SCP_FLUX_STREAM : SCP Stream Loader (*.scp)
APPLE2_NIB : Apple II NIB Loader (*.nib)
APPLE2_DO : Apple II DO Loader (*.do)
SPECCYDOS_SDD : Speccy DOS SDD File Loader (*.sdd)
ARBURG : ARBURG RAW Loader (*.arburgfd)
GENERIC_XML : Generic XML file Loader (*.xml)

[wbrejnia]

GOTEK is will be Flashed with HxC Bootloader & HxC image installed (I hope)

So after investigation I decided on going with the HxC image (vs the Cortex) on the Gotek, since it would be worth the small effort & cost.  

Two reasons:  

-> Extensive File support for Amiga ( And also usable for the Bridgeboard PC, 360k, 720K 5.25" floppy emulation)
-> Having that 2 Line IC2 LCD for flipping thru floppies will be nice

It took me a while to figure things out.

-> I downloaded the HxC Serial Bridge Software.
-> Purchased a HxC license [10Euro] (which get's you activation for the Bridge to work, via an Email and a Password for he bridge that links to the image server via Internet)

----> I hooked up my Windows XP PC Serial port to the Gotek serial input pin.  
----> Jumpered the Gotek into Burn mode.
----> IPowered up Gotek via Amiga.  

I didn't work at first based on the UART/USB devices that most folks use.
But when I grounded the Gotec to the XP, everything started working.

--> Serial Bridge is downloading the Bootloader, and at 115200 baud transmission the Image is going to take a while.  

I figure there will be a validation at the end as well.  So won't wait anymore.

I hope to see tomorrow if things work.

Here are the details (that I had to piece together to make it work)



It was a bit painful to learn since the material, YouTube vids, etc were not very clear. (At least the ones I found)/

Hoping this will make it easier for the next person.

[darkage]

After trying adapter, I did a search and it says you cannot USE PS2 keyboard on Amiga.  You need special converted.
 OOOPS!!

heres the adapter required -

http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=228

or you can DIY.  (simple small Atmel Mircocontroller project)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhAM-nbyoLM

[wbrejnia]

heres the adapter required -

http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=228

or you can DIY.  (simple small Atmel Mircocontroller project)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhAM-nbyoLM

Darkage, you are the best!!
My fish hate you.

[wbrejnia]

Gotek HxC Bootloader is still downloading
BYTECOUNT=490561531

Brings back memories of dialing up the Bulletin boards for game downloads

[wbrejnia]

Gotek HxC Disk Toggle Button Idea

I'm thinking if the HxC firmware work and I get that LCD display working.  I need to built the unit into the A2000 Case somehow.

And since the Disk toggle buttons might be hidden, I can wire up some eternal buttons beside the LCD.

I got these a while ago for son's school projects.

They are Classic Arcade Game Style.  Will go well with the Retro Theme.

A bit tacky for the A2000 case, but I can install on the side of Case.

[wbrejnia]

I think something is wrong with my Serial Bridge Setup for HxC update.

It's taking too long.  I don't want to stop the download, in case this is normal.

I've never seen a working attempt, but the fact that there is no Tx (Transmit Serial) looks suspicious to me.

Could be my wire setup.



Time to check out some Goolge / YouTube resources.

[wbrejnia]

GOTEK HXC firmware download/update (not working)

HERE IS WHAT is happening.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Hooked up Gotek to Serial Port DB9 (pin-2,pin-3,pin-5)  on a Window XP PC.
[Tx-Rx] [Rx-Tx] [gnd-gnd] (Pc-Gotex)

I ran Serial Bridge.  
--> Checked PC com setting:
-------->  Bits per second [115200]
-------->  Data Bits [8]
-------->  Parity [None]
-------->  Stop Bits [1]
-------->  Flow Control [none]

Logged in via Connect. All good.

Software Bridge:
Status [Link Up!]
Com Port [Com1]
Status [Serial interface set to Com1]

It do a reset on Gotek (jumperJ3(boot0)<-> ( Vcc 3v3) permanent , then briefly (RST->ground)  )

I get a Single byte Tx[1], and it starts downloading Tx[counting up]. Which looks good!!

This goes on forever Tx[615229779] and counting  Rx[1] stays at 1

Been running for 6 hours.   Is this normal. Should there be a Rx-Count?

What could be wrong, or what do I need to do.  Wait more?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

[wbrejnia]

NOTHING comes easy for me.

I think I figured out my problem with FLASHING the Gotek via HxC bootloader.

The Port on the PC is Serial Indeed, but it's RS232 which means Voltages around 12v or possibly higher (to handle those long Serial cables mean for Modems)

These Gotek's want TTL voltage 3.3V, or preferably 5V.

I thought I could get away without getting $2 a USB to UART.  But appears not.
I need one of these https://www.amazon.ca/6Pin-CP2102-Module-Converter-Replace/dp/B01HXLREIE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1488691870&sr=8-3&keywords=usb%2Fuart+ttl

There is a trick where you can use a Audiuno for a UART by jumpering RESET to Ground, and then the Ardiuno Tx,Rx pins become pure TTL serial.
But the problem is Aurdiuno shows up as COM 11, while Serial programmer only picks up standard Com3,4.

So I'm hoping that the local Electronic store that sells Audino will have a USB/Uart tomorrow.

[wbrejnia]

I belong on the front Cover of the Next Dummy book.   And not as a Smart Dummy, but an Idiot.

I should have known RS232 voltages are not TTL Serial.
This is what I should have used if hooking up GOTEK TTL Serial pints to PC Serial RS232 Port.

A RS232 Converter.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/449

Or built my own like this

http://picprojects.org.uk/projects/simpleSIO/ssio.htm


However, as I was looking for the part for Above DIY project, I found a brand new MAX232 Chip in my spare part box.
Left over part from the EEPROM Burner Thesis project.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAX232


I have to be more careful and not blow up my A2000 Motherboard or Keyboard input, or this Retro upgrade project will be over.
--> I tested the Keyboard after hooking up the PS2 Keyboard to Amiga (** all works, nothing Damaged **)
--> I tested the RS232 Port on the Amiga, by hooking of the PC and Amiga Explorer (** all works, nothing Damaged **)
--> I tested the Gotek (** all works, nothing Damaged **)

Hoping I didn't blow the Input on the Gotek Serial Interface.
It works, but may not be upgrade able anymore.  No big deal.