4 way buffered IDE adaptor ???

piemmeweb · 03 October 2009, 23:58

Hello,
I heard that there is a special cable that can connect 3 ide hard drives to the single socket of the amiga 4000... it's name is "4 way buffered IDE adaptor" ... anybody can supply a schematic of that cable and if it ineed a special driver?

thanks a lot

prowler · 04 October 2009, 00:24

Hi piemmeweb,

It's rather more than a cable, because of the buffering that it incorporates. You can obtain one of these for €20 here:
http://www.worldlink.it/s-cube/idesplitter.html
It can be used with IDEFix software.

Photon · 04 October 2009, 00:35

--> "Price: 39.000 lire (20 Euro)."

Hehe, lire and yen are always funny to me. Must suck to be a millionaire in Italy and Japan

Photon · 04 October 2009, 00:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Photon

--> "Price: 39.000 lire (20 Euro)."

Hehe, lire and yen are always funny to me. Must suck to be a millionaire in Italy and Japan

piemme: you also need to check that the IDE drives tolerate each other on the same channel - if you can, see if they like each other on a PC with IDE.

Mostly it's harddisks and optical drives that are primadonnas, I think.

prowler · 04 October 2009, 00:40

I got worried when I saw the price in Lire. I hope the site still works for piemmeweb. The 'Order Now' link worked for me. It will be better if he can get it locally.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Photon

piemme: you also need to check that the IDE drives tolerate each other on the same channel - if you can, see if they like each other on a PC with IDE.

Mostly it's harddisks and optical drives that are primadonnas, I think.

That problem is not an optional extra with these IDE splitters, I'm afraid, but a necessary evil.

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 11:01

Thanks to all for the info

Because the price is still in LIRE, probabily the site doesn't still works...

I already have 80GB HDD + DVD-ROM in my amiga 4000, I'd like to add a ZIP but I don't know if it works or not... The 80GB is MASTER, the DVDROM is slave, the ZIP would be??? or need to setup all as a CABLE SELECT?

alexh · 04 October 2009, 11:19

http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/...roducts_id=532

€14.81

meega · 04 October 2009, 11:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

... the ZIP would be???

On the other channel. A 4-way adapter gives two IDE channels, each can have two devices.

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 11:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by meega

On the other channel. A 4-way adapter gives two IDE channels, each can have two devices.

that's ok, I understand now, thanks

prowler · 04 October 2009, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

Because the price is still in LIRE, probabily the site doesn't still works...

Maybe the price in Lire has been left there for reference? I was able to get the "Order Now" link to work, so maybe the site's OK.

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

I already have 80GB HDD + DVD-ROM in my amiga 4000, I'd like to add a ZIP but I don't know if it works or not... The 80GB is MASTER, the DVDROM is slave, the ZIP would be??? or need to setup all as a CABLE SELECT?

The IDE splitter gives you a second channel for connecting another two devices - one as master and/or one as slave. No need for Cable Select.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexh

http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/...roducts_id=532

€14.81

This item, together with the similar EIDE99 at Vesalia, does not mention compatibility with the A4000, whereas the IDE splitter from the Italian site does. Is there actually any difference between them as regards this? They all appear to be very similar devices.

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexh

http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/...roducts_id=532

€14.81

thanks for info, but It will works on amiga4000 + idefix'97?

alexh · 04 October 2009, 11:35

Sorry that was the wrong item

http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/...roducts_id=599

€20.51

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by prowler

Maybe the price in Lire has been left there for reference? I was able to get the "Order Now" link to work, so maybe the site's OK.

The last update is 24 Aug 1999 , I tried to place an order but the form doesn't works properly on the send...

prowler · 04 October 2009, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

thanks for info, but It will works on amiga4000 + idefix'97?

I suggest you have a look at the readme docs in the IDEFix'97 archive on Aminet:
http://aminet.net/package/disk/misc/IDEfix97
Only "your Amiga" is mentioned regarding compatibility, so maybe it's meant to be universal?

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexh

Sorry that was the wrong item

http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/...roducts_id=599

€20.51

That's more like it!

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by prowler

Maybe the price in Lire has been left there for reference? I was able to get the "Order Now" link to work, so maybe the site's OK.

Received now a failure notice from MAILER-DAEMON, the email address had a permanent error, so I assume that I cannot buy it

alexh · 04 October 2009, 11:45

Use AmigaKit, you pay a premium but their service is second to non.

Fingerlickin_B · 04 October 2009, 11:45

From IDEFix'97 doc:

"Amiga IDE port (A600, A1200, A4000, A4000T)"

All good

PZ.

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by prowler

That's more like it!

wow! that's what I'm looking for!!! seem that it have not electronic parts, so i can build it myself... but how to find the connections schematic?

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 11:50

I found a solution (on italian website

)
http://members.xoom.virgilio.it/amig...o_01/4ide.html

it's on aminet, called IDE-DOUBLER
http://aminet.net/docs/hard/4IDE.lha

alexh · 04 October 2009, 11:57

I think I'd rather pay €20 than risk destroying the IDE port on my A4000D

prowler · 04 October 2009, 12:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fingerlickin_B

From IDEFix'97 doc:

"Amiga IDE port (A600, A1200, A4000, A4000T)"

All good

PZ.

Good work, Fingerz!

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

wow! that's what I'm looking for!!! seem that it have not electronic parts, so i can build it myself... but how to find the connections schematic?

Are you certain that the Amigakit device incorporates no buffering? Be careful. A buffered interface will minimize timing incompatibilies between different devices on the same IDE channel.

prowler · 04 October 2009, 12:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

I found a solution (on italian website

)
http://members.xoom.virgilio.it/amig...o_01/4ide.html

it's on aminet, called IDE-DOUBLER
http://aminet.net/docs/hard/4IDE.lha

I would not recommend you build this:

Quote:

Here's to you my little package: 2 pictures to let you build a little
and cheap (not buffered) interface which lets you connect up to
4 IDE peripherals (Hd's and CDRoms 2 per IDE line).
The pictures describe THE SAME interface with different "views".
You can download IDEFIX to let the SO read the added peripherals.
I have still 2 Drivers (Hd's) , so don't write me and ask how to configure
a complex system, I can tell you that it works fine with the principal IDE
line...

- don't use too long flat cables
- I suggest you to buy 2 IDE 40 pins male crimping connectors

REMEMBER: the best thing to do is to let somebody else (a techincian) do such a
work,and a buffered cable is strongly recommended,but my interface is cheap and
easy to build up..anyway remember that it may not work with some particular
Hardware or Software configuration (I don't know which...I have an A1200 with
Blizzard IV 030 50MHz 16M Ram)... see ya!

I am not responsable for any damage this interface may cause to your computer

Go for the AmigaKit device. Their service is excellent. You will not regret it. Order it and you'll see what we (alexh and I) mean.

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 12:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexh

I think I'd rather pay €20 than risk destroying the IDE port on my A4000D

Well, but I have the needed knowledge to make it

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 12:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by prowler

Are you certain that the Amigakit device incorporates no buffering? Be careful. A buffered interface will minimize timing incompatibilies between different devices on the same IDE channel.

Sure, is the same circuit... only a pcb and three IDE connectors

alexh · 04 October 2009, 12:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

Sure, is the same circuit... only a pcb and three IDE connectors

You have no idea what is on the other side of the PCB on AmigaKit! (But I agree it could be nothing)

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 12:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexh

You have no idea what is on the other side of the PCB on AmigaKit! (But I agree it could be nothing)

Why you need to place components where there's a simple schematic?
take a look (carefully) to the photo, there's nothing that can be mounted (except 2 or other diodes) under the PCB, it's simple...

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 12:22

I will try soon to build my 4ide adapter, now I'm hungry and go to the launch

prowler · 04 October 2009, 12:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

Sure, is the same circuit... only a pcb and three IDE connectors

I would suggest that it is unlikely that AmigaKit would offer an unbuffered IDE interface.

Amigakit's picture of the PCB is deceptive. All it shows is a connection diagram. The circuit board likely incorporates a buffered interface as well as the three IDE conectors. There is no power supply connection; the interface derives its supply from the 44-way connection with the Amiga's motherboard.

I have two of the 4-way IDE buffered interfaces for use with my A1200s. If anything, those PCBs are smaller than the A4000 interface, but they are nonetheless buffered interfaces for that.

Don't say you weren't warned!

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 12:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by prowler

I would suggest that it is unlikely that AmigaKit would offer an unbuffered IDE interface.

Amigakit's picture of the PCB is deceptive. All it shows is a connection diagram. The circuit board likely incorporates a buffered interface as well as the three IDE conectors. There is no power supply connection; the interface derives its supply from the 44-way connection with the Amiga's motherboard.

I have two of the 4-way IDE buffered interfaces for use with my A1200s. If anything, those PCBs are smaller than the A4000 interface, but they are nonetheless buffered interfaces for that.

Don't say you weren't warned!

Well, so I will consider the schematic on aminet and "don't said" that it's the same circuit sold on amigakit...

prowler · 04 October 2009, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

Well, so I will consider the schematic on aminet and "don't said" that it's the same circuit sold on amigakit...

That's all I ask. Good man!

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 14:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by prowler

That's all I ask. Good man!

take a look to the 4ide.lha , there's a pcb schematic like amikit 20 euro circuit...
are you still sure that they aren't the same?

prowler · 04 October 2009, 14:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

take a look to the 4ide.lha , there's a pcb schematic like amikit 20 euro circuit...
are you still sure that they aren't the same?

No, of course I'm not sure. I'll admit that the PCBs are the same shape, but that's all you can really tell from those schematics.

The author of the 4IDE schematics himself recommends a buffered interface, and I think you need to bear that in mind.

Of course, if you wish to make sure whether the Amigakit device is indeed buffered or not, you can always PM amigakit.com, who is an EAB user.

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 15:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by prowler

No, of course I'm not sure. I'll admit that the PCBs are the same shape, but that's all you can really tell from those schematics.

The author of the 4IDE schematics himself recommends a buffered interface, and I think you need to bear that in mind.

Of course, if you wish to make sure whether the Amigakit device is indeed buffered or not, you can always PM amigakit.com, who is an EAB user.

It's a good idea to contact amigakit and ask...

but don't forget that A4000 already have buffered IDE port unlike the A1200, so I think that A1200 need buffered 4-IDE adapte, A4000 maybe not...

prowler · 04 October 2009, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

...but don't forget that A4000 already have buffered IDE port unlike the A1200, so I think that A1200 need buffered 4-IDE adapte, A4000 maybe not...

Hey, I didn't know that!

Well, in that case, you are probably right about the similarity between the 4IDE schematics and the Amigakit A4000 IDE splitter. They don't say that it is buffered, after all.

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by prowler

Hey, I didn't know that!

Well, in that case, you are probably right about the similarity between the 4IDE schematics and the Amigakit A4000 IDE splitter. They don't say that it is buffered, after all.

I will build an adapter maybe tomorrow and will test it. I hope in success!!!

prowler · 04 October 2009, 15:52

Good luck with that!

Provided you are careful, and check your work before you connect it to your Amiga, I am sure that you have a very good chance of success!

Don't forget to let us know the outcome.

piemmeweb · 04 October 2009, 16:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by prowler

Good luck with that!

Provided you are careful, and check your work before you connect it to your Amiga, I am sure that you have a very good chance of success!

Don't forget to let us know the outcome.

I'm drawing the pcb, is really simple and cannot damage the mainboard because no passive or active component inside

Stay tuned...

prowler · 04 October 2009, 16:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemmeweb

I'm drawing the pcb, is really simple and cannot damage the mainboard because no passive or active component inside

Just make sure you cut all necessary tracks, don't introduce any shorts between tracks when you are soldering and make sure the diodes are correctly orientated (schematic is clear on this), and you should be okay.

Jope · 04 October 2009, 17:09

I ran a home built two diode IDE splitter on my A4000's IDE port a long time without any problem. The A1200 has an unbuffered port, so a buffered interface is recommended there.

prowler · 04 October 2009, 17:19

That's the tentative conclusion we had come to. Thanks for your confirmation, Jope!

03 October 2009, 23:58	#1
piemmeweb Commodore Lover Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Italy Age: 37 Posts: 128	4 way buffered IDE adaptor ??? Hello, I heard that there is a special cable that can connect 3 ide hard drives to the single socket of the amiga 4000... it's name is "4 way buffered IDE adaptor" ... anybody can supply a schematic of that cable and if it ineed a special driver? thanks a lot

04 October 2009, 00:35	#3
Photon Oldskool Demo Coder Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hult / Sweden Age: 41 Posts: 3,674	--> "Price: 39.000 lire (20 Euro)." Hehe, lire and yen are always funny to me. Must suck to be a millionaire in Italy and Japan __________________ Henrik. Programs Amiga demos, iPhone apps, websites, etc. A1000/512k - A500 2.0/040@28/4M/.5M slowmem/8M/SCSI/CF - A600 portable II 3.1/ACA630/WiFi/CF - 'A1700' 3.1/68060@80/64M/IDE-Fix Express/CF - etc."The difference between PC and Amiga is that 10yo PCs are worth $0. 20yo Amigas are worth a lot, and Amigas that are only 15yo cost a fortune!" If you like Portal 2, try my >> single player and cooperation maps <<

04 October 2009, 11:19	#7
alexh Thalion Webshrine Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oxford Posts: 10,518	http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/...roducts_id=532 €14.81 __________________ Thalion Webshrine

04 October 2009, 11:35	#12
alexh Thalion Webshrine Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oxford Posts: 10,518	Sorry that was the wrong item http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/...roducts_id=599 €20.51 __________________ Thalion Webshrine

04 October 2009, 11:45	#16
alexh Thalion Webshrine Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oxford Posts: 10,518	Use AmigaKit, you pay a premium but their service is second to non. __________________ Thalion Webshrine

04 October 2009, 00:24	#2
prowler Global Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sidcup, England Posts: 8,719	Hi piemmeweb, It's rather more than a cable, because of the buffering that it incorporates. You can obtain one of these for €20 here: http://www.worldlink.it/s-cube/idesplitter.html It can be used with IDEFix software.

04 October 2009, 11:01	#6
piemmeweb Commodore Lover Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Italy Age: 37 Posts: 128	Thanks to all for the info Because the price is still in LIRE, probabily the site doesn't still works... I already have 80GB HDD + DVD-ROM in my amiga 4000, I'd like to add a ZIP but I don't know if it works or not... The 80GB is MASTER, the DVDROM is slave, the ZIP would be??? or need to setup all as a CABLE SELECT?

04 October 2009, 11:45	#17
Fingerlickin_B Amiga Nut Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Belco, Australia Posts: 2,116	From IDEFix'97 doc: "Amiga IDE port (A600, A1200, A4000, A4000T)" All good PZ.

04 October 2009, 11:50	#19
piemmeweb Commodore Lover Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Italy Age: 37 Posts: 128	I found a solution (on italian website ) http://members.xoom.virgilio.it/amig...o_01/4ide.html it's on aminet, called IDE-DOUBLER http://aminet.net/docs/hard/4IDE.lha

04 October 2009, 11:57	#20
alexh Thalion Webshrine Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oxford Posts: 10,518	I think I'd rather pay €20 than risk destroying the IDE port on my A4000D __________________ Thalion Webshrine

04 October 2009, 12:22	#27
piemmeweb Commodore Lover Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Italy Age: 37 Posts: 128	I will try soon to build my 4ide adapter, now I'm hungry and go to the launch

04 October 2009, 15:52	#36
prowler Global Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sidcup, England Posts: 8,719	Good luck with that! Provided you are careful, and check your work before you connect it to your Amiga, I am sure that you have a very good chance of success! Don't forget to let us know the outcome.

04 October 2009, 17:09	#39
Jope - Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Helsinki / Finland Age: 32 Posts: 4,061	I ran a home built two diode IDE splitter on my A4000's IDE port a long time without any problem. The A1200 has an unbuffered port, so a buffered interface is recommended there.

04 October 2009, 17:19	#40
prowler Global Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sidcup, England Posts: 8,719	That's the tentative conclusion we had come to. Thanks for your confirmation, Jope!

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

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Wanted: buffered IDE interface	Merlin	MarketPlace	20	08 March 2008 21:32
4-Way Buffered IDE Interface	DDNI	support.Hardware	8	30 June 2006 11:35
Buffered IDe interfaces for A1200	HardStep	support.Hardware	5	29 May 2006 01:22
Ide fix and buffered interface wanted	magnox	MarketPlace	0	28 February 2006 22:17
A1200 Buffered IDE Interface + Loads More!	Mick_AKA	MarketPlace	0	05 February 2004 01:23