A500 Plus in Checkmate Case - upgrade paths?

MarkT · 02 September 2023, 15:38

Hi,

I've recently built up a system based around an A500 Plus in a Checkmate case. I've done some upgrades to it already: TF536 accelerator, 2MB Chip RAM expansion and a 3.2 ROM. The original floppy drive has been cleaned/serviced and I have a "rigid" type CF-to-IDE adapter with a 4GB card for storage.

I'm wondering where to go next with it. I think I'd like a CD-ROM drive (I have a spare IDE unit already). However, the TF536 I bought doesn't have the IDE buffer chips on it - it was second hand, and foolishly I hadn't read up on it enough before purchasing. That seems to mean just one device can be connected, and then it has to be closely coupled too.

Does anyone know of a good way to get an IDE (or even SCSI) interface that's separate to the TF536? I'm not that comfortable soldering on the SMT ICs necessary to mod the TF card. I'd also prefer to keep the Zorro slot empty in case I can stretch to a ZZ9000 graphics card in future. Before this I had considered a Buddha IDE but those seem to be out of stock everywhere at the moment.

Is there something that can go on the A500 expansion edge connector? Is it possible to combine the TF536 with something like the M508 expansion without conflict? Should I just modify the TF536?! Suggestions welcome!

Lockon · 08 September 2023, 15:18

Hello.
I did something similar - Checkmate with new Rev8 motherboard (2MB CHIP) and A1K 68000TK2 accelerator (030@50 with 128MB FAST). I'm very pleased with IDE part as it can reach 9MB/s on 0 wait states. As everything is on CF card, I skipped CD. Got ZZ9000 which works like charm, including Ethernet. Additional sound card ZZ9000AX for MP3 assisted playback and Denise passthrough.

AndyC · 09 September 2023, 17:00

I'm about to embark on this path - I have the black checkmate case, A500+ with 2MB chip and a TF536 (which I think has the buffer enabled). Have the LG slot loading drive tray and faceplate, so will hopefully get that running without issue. Will also have a clockport adapter on the CPU slot (to add USB and a Solas card). I'll be getting a zz9000 (hopefully!) as well. Whole thing will be finished off with wireless keyboard (Amikey adapter) and wireless mouse/ controller - will be a fantastic wee system if I can get it sorted

02 September 2023, 15:38	#1
MarkT Registered User Join Date: May 2021 Location: North Wales Posts: 42	A500 Plus in Checkmate Case - upgrade paths? Hi, I've recently built up a system based around an A500 Plus in a Checkmate case. I've done some upgrades to it already: TF536 accelerator, 2MB Chip RAM expansion and a 3.2 ROM. The original floppy drive has been cleaned/serviced and I have a "rigid" type CF-to-IDE adapter with a 4GB card for storage. I'm wondering where to go next with it. I think I'd like a CD-ROM drive (I have a spare IDE unit already). However, the TF536 I bought doesn't have the IDE buffer chips on it - it was second hand, and foolishly I hadn't read up on it enough before purchasing. That seems to mean just one device can be connected, and then it has to be closely coupled too. Does anyone know of a good way to get an IDE (or even SCSI) interface that's separate to the TF536? I'm not that comfortable soldering on the SMT ICs necessary to mod the TF card. I'd also prefer to keep the Zorro slot empty in case I can stretch to a ZZ9000 graphics card in future. Before this I had considered a Buddha IDE but those seem to be out of stock everywhere at the moment. Is there something that can go on the A500 expansion edge connector? Is it possible to combine the TF536 with something like the M508 expansion without conflict? Should I just modify the TF536?! Suggestions welcome!

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08 September 2023, 15:18	#2
Lockon Air supremacy Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Rijeka Croatia Posts: 125	Hello. I did something similar - Checkmate with new Rev8 motherboard (2MB CHIP) and A1K 68000TK2 accelerator (030@50 with 128MB FAST). I'm very pleased with IDE part as it can reach 9MB/s on 0 wait states. As everything is on CF card, I skipped CD. Got ZZ9000 which works like charm, including Ethernet. Additional sound card ZZ9000AX for MP3 assisted playback and Denise passthrough.

09 September 2023, 17:00	#3
AndyC Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Dunfermline Posts: 60	I'm about to embark on this path - I have the black checkmate case, A500+ with 2MB chip and a TF536 (which I think has the buffer enabled). Have the LG slot loading drive tray and faceplate, so will hopefully get that running without issue. Will also have a clockport adapter on the CPU slot (to add USB and a Solas card). I'll be getting a zz9000 (hopefully!) as well. Whole thing will be finished off with wireless keyboard (Amikey adapter) and wireless mouse/ controller - will be a fantastic wee system if I can get it sorted

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