AMIGA A2386 SX 25MHz BRIDGE BOARD☆★how much is it worth ?

coze · 21 May 2007, 07:37

I can buy a 2386 bridgeboard for 80$. Do you think it's a good deal ? (not that I need it ...)

http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r37481990

keropi · 21 May 2007, 08:14

bridgeboards are cool!
but this one would be of use if it has 8mb zips (or u can upgrade it to 8MB) and u found a 486slc/50mhz clip-on module... provided u couple it with an ISA vga/sound card, you could play some nice DOS games on the amiga...
but to give you a perfomance rating, my gg486slc50mhz with isa/sound cannot really play pc-DOOM ... it's low framerate sucks.
but u can enjoy wolfenstein games, alone in the dark, lands of lore... infact, all games that use to run on my 386sx/20mhz run OK there, just a little faster...

Zetr0 · 21 May 2007, 13:02

Rather than spending $80 on a 386sx 25mhz system, it would be wrong of me not to mention another way to add pc-compatability to you amiga...

Instead of plumbing for a cbm bridge card why not consider an ISA based SBC (Single Board Computer)

heres a thread that keropi and I disucssed at length
http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=29265

Some Pro's

Drastically reduced price in comparrison (usually under $40)
Greater Processor speeds (from 486 -> k6II500)
More memory to be configured
Indepenent Configuration allowing for
- multiple different operating systems
- Possible use of Siamess in one comftable box

Some Con's

Not a full Janus integration with the amiga
Amiga cannot use the ISA cards
Without a network setup it would be two independent machines
Requires a KVM to have / use both computers
Can require 3 ISA ports for a further sound card and or video card
Not all chasis can provide 3 ISA ports without physical conflict / contact with zorro cards

Some other Limmitations

Some SBC's over hang the ISA card form and may not fit the slot due to obstruction by inline zorro ports.

Some Personal conclusions

Admittedly other than physically there is no system integration at all unless you provide a network where by the two computers could communicate, this could be ethernet or even serial. the beauty of having DOS / Linux / Windows 98 / 2K or XP running alongside in the box with your amiga is almost too much to geek about!.

I have an SBC wich I intend to lump in mine and i look forward to configuring all the OS's for the x86 side and obviously a couple of OS for my amiga. saying that is does require a small cut to be taken from the card, luckly for me that its in an area that is unpopulated and wont be a problem, unlike some other SBC's out there.

Another feature as it was is the KVM configuration. I am in the fortunate position to have 2 spare KVM's one digital (by keyboard) the other physical (by button) I plan to use these in conjuntion with one another so that

1. using the digital between Amiga RTG and Native graphics so at the doulbe tap of ctrl i can change screens. (native is set through an RGB scaler to monitor but KVM in this case)

2. Use the physical switch to swap between the Amiga / PC

Indeed a GoldenGate 386/486 provides a nice seamless integration with an amiga whereby you wont need extra networking but you will still require 1 KVM to switch between the Goldengate and the Amiga, and if you are using a gfx card that isn`t a PIV with auto monitor switcher you may have to use either a second monitor or a 4 port or another dual port cascaded KVM.

either method one chooses.... its all exciting isn`t it

keropi · 21 May 2007, 13:10

if you have goldengate AND the monitor master, left-Amiga+Q switches between amiga (rtg or chipset) and the isa vga ....

Zetr0 · 21 May 2007, 13:12

monitor master ? what is this.... i think i need it.... why are you holding out on me kerpoi-san ?

keropi · 21 May 2007, 13:15

it is just an addon for the goldengates... it connects to their DB9 port, and controls all monitor signals... when u start the gg, it auto-switches to the isa-vga, and l-amiga+Q switches displays... it is really VERY VERY usefull and rare... fortunatelly I found 2 for my 2 gg486's...

http://amigahardware.mariomisic.de/c...cgi?HARDID=801

Zetr0 · 21 May 2007, 13:20

hmm y'know a 4 Port KVM wouldn`t be much trouble at all...

keropi · 21 May 2007, 13:21

but it would not be auto! or being able also to deactivate pc keyb/mouse controls when u switch to amiga side...

Zetr0 · 21 May 2007, 13:25

indeed... this is very true of the goldengate, but an SBC has its own mouse / keyboard so although that monitor master is pretty darn cool, it wouldn`t do for the SBC pc setup

so relegated to KVM's it is then.

Just has a thought, one could modify a regular KVM and bring up a small two wire to a push button (i think some one here did something similar with a bmon

) this method could easly be used on a KVM

keropi · 21 May 2007, 13:35

I did a hack like that...

http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=24421

coze · 21 May 2007, 13:45

well, I'm not into this for playing doom on the poor 386, but to access ISA ports from the amiga side. Now, I'm sure there was a driver at aminet for using a ne2000 card from the amiga side via a2386, but it seems it just disappeared ?

BiL0 · 21 May 2007, 13:46

Sorry for the maybe un-related input. however seems to me that there is no much help in having another card in the Amiga if you need all this to use it.
Plus if it is PC compatibility you need why no get the all PC?
I am sure that you can get a proper Pentium II or even a PIII with less then 40£.
If you look for it you may get it for free.

however just a though and maybe you're on it for a different reason

B

keropi · 21 May 2007, 13:52

having a pc on the amiga and play also dos games is awesome... u get 2 machines in 1 !

coze · 21 May 2007, 14:27

bah, I don't like dos games

missed out on that one ...

hmm can I run alone in the dark with a 386 ? or resident evil ?

Zetr0 · 21 May 2007, 14:29

@Kerpoi

Aye indeed... to keropi-san one must listern

@BiL0
even though i could spend £10 and as you say get an old DEL P2 450 or something close with a case 6gb hdd and rom with gfx and snd... every one has got that or thrown it away....

Release you inner-geek and say.... has this been done before.... I want my PC in my amiga!

m0dder's rulz!

keropi · 21 May 2007, 14:56

u can play alone in the dark 1 and 2, on the 386, 3 might need 486 pc...

Zetr0 : bowdown
next project: hack a nec core-grafx in a 5.25" slot, and display it on the amiga via the paloma vhs/svhs inputs , on a wb window...

Zetr0 · 21 May 2007, 15:04

That would sincerely be awsome!!!!

keropi · 21 May 2007, 15:13

...and easy too!

coze · 21 May 2007, 15:31

ok I found the driver I was looking for ...

http://aminet.net/package/hard/drivr/Etherbridge12

CU_AMiGA · 21 May 2007, 22:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zetr0

heres a thread that keropi and I disucssed at length
http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=29265

OI! Wot about me?!

21 May 2007, 07:37	#1
coze hastala vista winny vista Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: mt fuji Age: 46 Posts: 1,335	AMIGA A2386 SX 25MHz BRIDGE BOARD☆★how much is it worth ? I can buy a 2386 bridgeboard for 80$. Do you think it's a good deal ? (not that I need it ...) http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r37481990

21 May 2007, 13:02	#3
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	Rather than spending $80 on a 386sx 25mhz system, it would be wrong of me not to mention another way to add pc-compatability to you amiga... Instead of plumbing for a cbm bridge card why not consider an ISA based SBC (Single Board Computer) heres a thread that keropi and I disucssed at length http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=29265 Some Pro's Drastically reduced price in comparrison (usually under $40) Greater Processor speeds (from 486 -> k6II500) More memory to be configured Indepenent Configuration allowing for multiple different operating systems Possible use of Siamess in one comftable box Some Con's Not a full Janus integration with the amiga Amiga cannot use the ISA cards Without a network setup it would be two independent machines Requires a KVM to have / use both computers Can require 3 ISA ports for a further sound card and or video card Not all chasis can provide 3 ISA ports without physical conflict / contact with zorro cards Some other Limmitations Some SBC's over hang the ISA card form and may not fit the slot due to obstruction by inline zorro ports. Some Personal conclusions Admittedly other than physically there is no system integration at all unless you provide a network where by the two computers could communicate, this could be ethernet or even serial. the beauty of having DOS / Linux / Windows 98 / 2K or XP running alongside in the box with your amiga is almost too much to geek about!. I have an SBC wich I intend to lump in mine and i look forward to configuring all the OS's for the x86 side and obviously a couple of OS for my amiga. saying that is does require a small cut to be taken from the card, luckly for me that its in an area that is unpopulated and wont be a problem, unlike some other SBC's out there. Another feature as it was is the KVM configuration. I am in the fortunate position to have 2 spare KVM's one digital (by keyboard) the other physical (by button) I plan to use these in conjuntion with one another so that 1. using the digital between Amiga RTG and Native graphics so at the doulbe tap of ctrl i can change screens. (native is set through an RGB scaler to monitor but KVM in this case) 2. Use the physical switch to swap between the Amiga / PC Indeed a GoldenGate 386/486 provides a nice seamless integration with an amiga whereby you wont need extra networking but you will still require 1 KVM to switch between the Goldengate and the Amiga, and if you are using a gfx card that isn`t a PIV with auto monitor switcher you may have to use either a second monitor or a 4 port or another dual port cascaded KVM. either method one chooses.... its all exciting isn`t it Last edited by Zetr0; 21 May 2007 at 13:09.

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21 May 2007, 08:14	#2
keropi . Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ioannina/Greece Posts: 5,040	bridgeboards are cool! but this one would be of use if it has 8mb zips (or u can upgrade it to 8MB) and u found a 486slc/50mhz clip-on module... provided u couple it with an ISA vga/sound card, you could play some nice DOS games on the amiga... but to give you a perfomance rating, my gg486slc50mhz with isa/sound cannot really play pc-DOOM ... it's low framerate sucks. but u can enjoy wolfenstein games, alone in the dark, lands of lore... infact, all games that use to run on my 386sx/20mhz run OK there, just a little faster...

21 May 2007, 13:10	#4
keropi . Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ioannina/Greece Posts: 5,040	if you have goldengate AND the monitor master, left-Amiga+Q switches between amiga (rtg or chipset) and the isa vga ....

21 May 2007, 13:12	#5
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	monitor master ? what is this.... i think i need it.... why are you holding out on me kerpoi-san ?

21 May 2007, 13:15	#6
keropi . Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ioannina/Greece Posts: 5,040	it is just an addon for the goldengates... it connects to their DB9 port, and controls all monitor signals... when u start the gg, it auto-switches to the isa-vga, and l-amiga+Q switches displays... it is really VERY VERY usefull and rare... fortunatelly I found 2 for my 2 gg486's... http://amigahardware.mariomisic.de/c...cgi?HARDID=801

21 May 2007, 13:20	#7
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	hmm y'know a 4 Port KVM wouldn`t be much trouble at all...

21 May 2007, 13:21	#8
keropi . Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ioannina/Greece Posts: 5,040	but it would not be auto! or being able also to deactivate pc keyb/mouse controls when u switch to amiga side...

21 May 2007, 13:25	#9
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	indeed... this is very true of the goldengate, but an SBC has its own mouse / keyboard so although that monitor master is pretty darn cool, it wouldn`t do for the SBC pc setup so relegated to KVM's it is then. Just has a thought, one could modify a regular KVM and bring up a small two wire to a push button (i think some one here did something similar with a bmon ) this method could easly be used on a KVM

21 May 2007, 13:35	#10
keropi . Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ioannina/Greece Posts: 5,040	I did a hack like that... http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=24421

21 May 2007, 13:45	#11
coze hastala vista winny vista Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: mt fuji Age: 46 Posts: 1,335	well, I'm not into this for playing doom on the poor 386, but to access ISA ports from the amiga side. Now, I'm sure there was a driver at aminet for using a ne2000 card from the amiga side via a2386, but it seems it just disappeared ?

21 May 2007, 13:46	#12
BiL0 Zone Friend Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: London / UK Posts: 73	Sorry for the maybe un-related input. however seems to me that there is no much help in having another card in the Amiga if you need all this to use it. Plus if it is PC compatibility you need why no get the all PC? I am sure that you can get a proper Pentium II or even a PIII with less then 40£. If you look for it you may get it for free. however just a though and maybe you're on it for a different reason B

21 May 2007, 13:52	#13
keropi . Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ioannina/Greece Posts: 5,040	having a pc on the amiga and play also dos games is awesome... u get 2 machines in 1 !

21 May 2007, 14:27	#14
coze hastala vista winny vista Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: mt fuji Age: 46 Posts: 1,335	bah, I don't like dos games missed out on that one ... hmm can I run alone in the dark with a 386 ? or resident evil ?

21 May 2007, 14:29	#15
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	@Kerpoi Aye indeed... to keropi-san one must listern @BiL0 even though i could spend £10 and as you say get an old DEL P2 450 or something close with a case 6gb hdd and rom with gfx and snd... every one has got that or thrown it away.... Release you inner-geek and say.... has this been done before.... I want my PC in my amiga! m0dder's rulz!

21 May 2007, 14:56	#16
keropi . Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ioannina/Greece Posts: 5,040	u can play alone in the dark 1 and 2, on the 386, 3 might need 486 pc... Zetr0 : bowdown next project: hack a nec core-grafx in a 5.25" slot, and display it on the amiga via the paloma vhs/svhs inputs , on a wb window...

21 May 2007, 15:04	#17
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	That would sincerely be awsome!!!!

21 May 2007, 15:13	#18
keropi . Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ioannina/Greece Posts: 5,040	...and easy too!

21 May 2007, 15:31	#19
coze hastala vista winny vista Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: mt fuji Age: 46 Posts: 1,335	ok I found the driver I was looking for ... http://aminet.net/package/hard/drivr/Etherbridge12

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