16GB CF won't boot or find 500MB ClassicWB LITE partition) (A1200 2B) - Page 2

MigaTech · 07 March 2018, 14:35

You cannot go wrong by doing this. Firstly having the updated 3.1 ROM's will make life easier. Also, having a complete collection of WB disks including install means you can always set up your own HD's at anytime.

I believe setting up hard drive on the actual Amiga to be a much better process. <Not that it cannot be done using other resources. Just my opinion.

Having 3.1 ROM's installed also means you could upgrade to the later OS3.5 or 3.9. Although both but specially 3.9 demand more memory.

If you are just running the A1200 with a CF and OS3.1 with WHDLoad, then some games would work even with the 2MB chip. Fast Ram makes all the difference and the more you add the better your chances, of loading more from HD.

Setting up a CF SSHD isn't that difficult on the actual Amiga and once you have done it, you probably won't look back on any of this. I suppose Amigakit just want to play it safe with the 4GB version they sell. This doesn't mean you cannot configure your own larger drive later.

Then again do you really need any larger? 4GB can store all the games you ever want and even have space, for some utility programs.

Amiga1992 · 07 March 2018, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by MigaTech

Then again do you really need any larger? 4GB can store all the games you ever want and even have space, for some utility programs.

I used to believe this, but now I have maxed out an 8GB card and I could include more stuff if I had space.
16GB sounds about the right amount if you want to have -everything- WHDLOad and then some more.

MigaTech · 07 March 2018, 16:40

Whoa!! @Akira 8GB seriously? Does all that software work too?

Amiga1992 · 07 March 2018, 17:04

My CD32 HD is 8GB and it didn't fit everything I wanted.
All the Retroplay collection needs more than 8GB to fit fully, if you want things like every single language version of a game.

I scrapped all that and also games that were both available for AGA and non AGA, I chose the AGA instead, and it barely fit in 8GB. Gotta add stuff like an OS and other utilities too.
So at least each of the unique games is there, plus every demo, plus a working operating system.

Daedalus · 07 March 2018, 17:53

If you're updating the scsi.device, you're not using the one in ROM, and therefore the version of ROM makes no difference whatsoever. You can even use large hard drives under OS 2.x if you use a suitable scsi.device patch and filesystem. The 2.x HDToolbox isn't particularly nice to use however, the 3.0/3.1 one is much nicer (but again, no real advantage to using the 3.1 ROM over 3.0). The 3.9 HDToolbox is a massive improvement over the 3.1 one, and is possibly the only reason for needing Kickstart 3.1. If you don't plan on using that, there's little difference for installation purposes. I'm not saying the OP shouldn't upgrade to 3.1 either, just that it doesn't make the installation process any easier.

8-16GB really isn't that big - I outgrew my 8GB hard drive in about 2001 and moved on. I was using my A1200 as my main machine at the time, so it had around 30-40GB of MP3s on one partition alone. It was also my CD burning machine, so I had around 50GB of ISOs on there to, and I used it for a bit of audio editing, which very quickly gets very large once you start dealing with multitrack CD-quality audio, so there was maybe 10-20GB of those project files on it, and all along with all the regular stuff that was much smaller. I liked the newer games that were bigger too, the later games in the Amiga's life could easily take up a couple of hundred MB each (big compared to floppy games anyway). All that stuff is still on the machine, which has been fitted with 200GB of storage since 200GB was a lot. That has remained sufficient since the heavier lifting was moved to other platforms.

If you're limiting yourself to old games, 4 or 8GB is fine. If you want to use CD images (e.g. CD32 games) or play music or edit audio or play the later games, you'll very quickly find that it's far too small.

Amiga1992 · 07 March 2018, 19:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daedalus

If you're limiting yourself to old games, 4 or 8GB is fine. If you want to use CD images (e.g. CD32 games) or play music or edit audio or play the later games, you'll very quickly find that it's far too small.

Exactly. The main reason I find 8GB small right now is that I can't have CD32 ISOs in there.

MigaTech · 07 March 2018, 21:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daedalus

If you're updating the scsi.device, you're not using the one in ROM, and therefore the version of ROM makes no difference whatsoever. You can even use large hard drives under OS 2.x if you use a suitable scsi.device patch and filesystem. The 2.x HDToolbox isn't particularly nice to use however, the 3.0/3.1 one is much nicer (but again, no real advantage to using the 3.1 ROM over 3.0). The 3.9 HDToolbox is a massive improvement over the 3.1 one, and is possibly the only reason for needing Kickstart 3.1. If you don't plan on using that, there's little difference for installation purposes. I'm not saying the OP shouldn't upgrade to 3.1 either, just that it doesn't make the installation process any easier.

To be fair I have never really bothered to install OS3.1 for large drives. I have only ever used OS3.5 and 3.9 with 3.1 ROM's. I find it much easier than pissing about with 3.0 ROM's and OS3.1.

It just seems much easier and after all they are an upgrade on 3.0 ROM's. All this stated, I am going to attempt a large disk install using nothing more than OS3.1 and 3.0 ROM's. Just to see if I can actually make it possible!

People complain about OS3.5 and 3.9 being slower than OS3.1 and so most stick to 3.1. I personally like both OS3.5 and 3.9. It is hard to choose from the 2 as they are better and worse in so many different ways. One thing I can say, is that the HDToolBox in both OS3.5 and 3.9 is a massive improvement over 3.1.

As for the 8GB being completely used up, I guess I wouldn't know as I have a 40GB HDD with OS4.0 in my Amiga. And yes it is nowhere near full.

handsfelloff · 08 March 2018, 15:25

Just a quick update while I wait for the bits from Amigakit (and hopefully a support email from Amgastore.eu) I thought about testing the CF adapter myself. Using a CF IDE pinout

http://pinouts.ru/visual/gen/ide2cf_cable.jpg

All continuity checks passed also no data/address lines shorted to GND. Also power up I see VCC where I would expect it. Looks like the adapter / cable is ok... What about the card I wonder... Anyone know a reliable way to detect the brand model etc of the CF card? This original branding is replaced by Amigastore.eu.

MigaTech · 08 March 2018, 16:41

Most CF cards work with the A1200 and of the many I have used and set-up, all have been OK.

ScanDisk, Kingston are your best models, although even some of those shady ones from China can work too.

I cannot see Amigastore.eu selling you a CF that would not be compatible. If your adapter has an LED and a master jumper on it, check the jumper is closed. Watch for LED activity.

From past experience the only time I ever had a CF not detected, was down to a faulty cable. Although you have already ruled this out.

One other thing, might not be this, but on your A1200 is your internal 44/ATA interface functioning correctly?

handsfelloff · 02 April 2018, 18:07

Hey guys,

Thanks for all of your input. I wanted to share with the thread for future interest the fault was indeed the CF Card which was surprising as it worked and booted perfectly in WinUAE and as mentioned was bought from Amiga specialists as an Amiga compatible card. I literally had exhausted all practical tests and eventually bought a SanDisk Ultra 16GB... and it works perfectly! Moral of this story suspect everything especially the innocent!

Thanks all for your help and interest

Hedeon · 02 April 2018, 23:34

Just out of interest:

The discussion about LoadModule and using it for scsi.device... If the HD is not seen and thus cannot be booted from, how is it suppose to run startup-sequence and execute LoadModule? I am confused?

grelbfarlk · 03 April 2018, 03:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedeon

Just out of interest:

The discussion about LoadModule and using it for scsi.device... If the HD is not seen and thus cannot be booted from, how is it suppose to run startup-sequence and execute LoadModule? I am confused?

The idea is that the 500mb partition should work which then loads the updated scsi.device and/or setpatch runs which allows the next large partition to work. Usually I partition a 32GB CF as HD0: 492mb/ HD1: 1.49GB/ HD2: the rest of drive space.

Amiga1992 · 03 April 2018, 16:13

Yeah what scsi.device cannot see or use is any partition exceeding 4GB and/or beyond the 4GB mark. The first, small partition should be visible by the system.
handsfelloff, glad to see you figured it out. I was pretty sure there was a compatibility issue there. I hope you get a refund.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
ClassicWB lite on a1200 + Apollo 1220 turbo 4MB	king2k	project.ClassicWB	3	02 January 2014 18:15
Strange problem with ClassicWB 3.9 on SFS or PFS boot partition	Tarel78	project.ClassicWB	15	20 April 2012 07:56
A1200 won't boot	jimmer78	support.Hardware	6	09 February 2012 14:58
A1200 won't boot - keeps rebooting	kixs	support.Hardware	15	12 November 2009 01:42
A1200 Won't boot!!!	memothejanitor	support.Apps	3	16 June 2007 19:06

07 March 2018, 14:35	#21
MigaTech Only Amiga !! Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 588	You cannot go wrong by doing this. Firstly having the updated 3.1 ROM's will make life easier. Also, having a complete collection of WB disks including install means you can always set up your own HD's at anytime. I believe setting up hard drive on the actual Amiga to be a much better process. *<Not that it cannot be done using other resources. Just my opinion.* Having 3.1 ROM's installed also means you could upgrade to the later OS3.5 or 3.9. Although both but specially 3.9 demand more memory. If you are just running the A1200 with a CF and OS3.1 with WHDLoad, then some games would work even with the 2MB chip. Fast Ram makes all the difference and the more you add the better your chances, of loading more from HD. Setting up a CF SSHD isn't that difficult on the actual Amiga and once you have done it, you probably won't look back on any of this. I suppose Amigakit just want to play it safe with the 4GB version they sell. This doesn't mean you cannot configure your own larger drive later. Then again do you really need any larger? 4GB can store all the games you ever want and even have space, for some utility programs.

07 March 2018, 16:40	#23
MigaTech Only Amiga !! Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 588	Whoa!! @Akira 8GB seriously? Does all that software work too?

07 March 2018, 17:04	#24
Amiga1992 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: ? Posts: 19,645	My CD32 HD is 8GB and it didn't fit everything I wanted. All the Retroplay collection needs more than 8GB to fit fully, if you want things like every single language version of a game. I scrapped all that and also games that were both available for AGA and non AGA, I chose the AGA instead, and it barely fit in 8GB. Gotta add stuff like an OS and other utilities too. So at least each of the unique games is there, plus every demo, plus a working operating system.

07 March 2018, 17:53	#25
Daedalus Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Dublin, then Glasgow Posts: 6,348	If you're updating the scsi.device, you're not using the one in ROM, and therefore the version of ROM makes no difference whatsoever. You can even use large hard drives under OS 2.x if you use a suitable scsi.device patch and filesystem. The 2.x HDToolbox isn't particularly nice to use however, the 3.0/3.1 one is much nicer (but again, no real advantage to using the 3.1 ROM over 3.0). The 3.9 HDToolbox is a massive improvement over the 3.1 one, and is possibly the only reason for needing Kickstart 3.1. If you don't plan on using that, there's little difference for installation purposes. I'm not saying the OP shouldn't upgrade to 3.1 either, just that it doesn't make the installation process any easier. 8-16GB really isn't that big - I outgrew my 8GB hard drive in about 2001 and moved on. I was using my A1200 as my main machine at the time, so it had around 30-40GB of MP3s on one partition alone. It was also my CD burning machine, so I had around 50GB of ISOs on there to, and I used it for a bit of audio editing, which very quickly gets very large once you start dealing with multitrack CD-quality audio, so there was maybe 10-20GB of those project files on it, and all along with all the regular stuff that was much smaller. I liked the newer games that were bigger too, the later games in the Amiga's life could easily take up a couple of hundred MB each (big compared to floppy games anyway). All that stuff is still on the machine, which has been fitted with 200GB of storage since 200GB was a lot. That has remained sufficient since the heavier lifting was moved to other platforms. If you're limiting yourself to old games, 4 or 8GB is fine. If you want to use CD images (e.g. CD32 games) or play music or edit audio or play the later games, you'll very quickly find that it's far too small.

08 March 2018, 15:25	#28
handsfelloff Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Devon Posts: 10	Just a quick update while I wait for the bits from Amigakit (and hopefully a support email from Amgastore.eu) I thought about testing the CF adapter myself. Using a CF IDE pinout http://pinouts.ru/visual/gen/ide2cf_cable.jpg All continuity checks passed also no data/address lines shorted to GND. Also power up I see VCC where I would expect it. Looks like the adapter / cable is ok... What about the card I wonder... Anyone know a reliable way to detect the brand model etc of the CF card? This original branding is replaced by Amigastore.eu.

08 March 2018, 16:41	#29
MigaTech Only Amiga !! Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 588	Most CF cards work with the A1200 and of the many I have used and set-up, all have been OK. ScanDisk, Kingston are your best models, although even some of those shady ones from China can work too. I cannot see Amigastore.eu selling you a CF that would not be compatible. If your adapter has an LED and a master jumper on it, check the jumper is closed. Watch for LED activity. From past experience the only time I ever had a CF not detected, was down to a faulty cable. Although you have already ruled this out. One other thing, might not be this, but on your A1200 is your internal 44/ATA interface functioning correctly?

02 April 2018, 18:07	#30
handsfelloff Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Devon Posts: 10	Hey guys, Thanks for all of your input. I wanted to share with the thread for future interest the fault was indeed the CF Card which was surprising as it worked and booted perfectly in WinUAE and as mentioned was bought from Amiga specialists as an Amiga compatible card. I literally had exhausted all practical tests and eventually bought a SanDisk Ultra 16GB... and it works perfectly! Moral of this story suspect everything especially the innocent! Thanks all for your help and interest

02 April 2018, 23:34	#31
Hedeon Semi-Retired Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Leiden / The Netherlands Posts: 2,002	Just out of interest: The discussion about LoadModule and using it for scsi.device... If the HD is not seen and thus cannot be booted from, how is it suppose to run startup-sequence and execute LoadModule? I am confused?

03 April 2018, 16:13	#33
Amiga1992 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: ? Posts: 19,645	Yeah what scsi.device cannot see or use is any partition exceeding 4GB and/or beyond the 4GB mark. The first, small partition should be visible by the system. handsfelloff, glad to see you figured it out. I was pretty sure there was a compatibility issue there. I hope you get a refund.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)