#MS Windows Programs
34 messages in this thread
Is there anyway (hardware or software) to run an MS Windows program on an
Amiga? Just point me in the right direction, vendor name, phone number, etc.
Thanks.
Call Safe Harbor 800-544-6599 and order a CBM 2386 (386SX/25
Bridgeboard). Last I heard they were selling them for $199… it
will install in any Amiga with internal bridgeboard slots
(2000/2500/3000/4000).
How much memory is built into the 386 BB? Can you add more on the card,
or must you have a slot for addon memory?
—Betty
Betty,
My 2386BB came w/one meg and will hold up to 8 meg of on-board ram using
1MB X 4 ZIPs.
Thanks, Michael. Nice that it can go right on the board.
—Betty
Anyone had any luck finding 1M x 4 60ns ZIP's for the 2386 BridgeBoard?
I've called a couple of places and can only get 70ns chips. Would this be
good enough to run the BridgeBoard in Page mode with 0 wait states?
//
\X/ John – K7KB (Flying via AutoPilot)
EMC is still offering 1×4 60ns page mode zips for 18.50.
That is the best price you will find on them (if you can find them)
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
70ns chips are fine for the 25MHz an 20MHz boards. 16MHz boards can get
away with 100ns chips.
Michael,
The 2386BB, it is only a 16-bit card, is this correct? That $199 dollar
price is just too tempting, I believe I must have one now. But I wonder,
is there a C= 486 in the wings, with 32 bitpaths? If I have 8MB of fast
ram and 2MB of chip in my A2000 can I just use a jumper to disable 2MB of
the fast memory (512K only really needs disabling [is this right?]but my
RAM board doesn't work that way) when I need to use the BB, and then
re-enable it when running just the Amiga or AMAX without removing the BB
card and its cards?
Chris
Chris… great questions! Wish I could answer them! <g> I'm going to
leave those to someone who knows the BB's better, ok?
You won't see a 32/32 bit 486 for a LONG time….it wouldn't be zorro 2
compat. unless you converted 16-bit down the line, then you lose the
performance of the 32 bit path….with the 486 33 SLC and 50MHz on the
way…why do you even need a 32 bit data path?
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
Dave,
Good point! I forgot that the A2000 is merely a 16/24 box. Guess, I'm
gonna be getting me a bridgeboard.
Chris
Chris-
Good news, I have a toggle switch on the front of my 2000 that toggles the
2 megs in and out as needed.
Very nice.
–Paul < Motorola Inside >
Paul,
that is good news! Well, I've waited about as long as I can for a BB. As
it has been said, "It's now or never!" <grin>
taking the plunge,
Chris
Chris,
I was able to run a switch to the jumpers on my Supraram 2000 to set
the configuration. I then wrote a short Arex script to act on the
available memory and start my Amiga accordingly. I simply power down,
flip the switch & power up depending on if I'm running my Toaster or
Bridgeboard.
Dick
Betty,
After about 3 years of pondering I've ordered a 386BB from C= today. It
included 1mb of ram. I the 256k type ram is chucked you can get upto 8mb
of zip ram. Cost to me is about #170 and another #200 for 4mb of zip ram.
Now I can get to use all those luverly dos & windows progs.
Pete
Congratulations, Pete. I know you will use it a great deal. I'm
pondering mightily about getting one of them for myself. One problem is
that I really need an extra computer when my grandson comes to visit, so
I'm thinking I might just get a 386 machine instead. But the BB is much
less expensive. Lots to ponder.
—Betty
"But the BB is much less expensive."
Betty,
Not really… look at ALL the costs:
80 – 105 meg Hard drive 200.00
multi function card/controller/ports/VGA 200.00
memory 100.00
386BB 200.00
——————————————————–
700.00
For $700 you can pick up a clone.
The 386sx is still out of the box usable….CGA, shared hard/floppy….
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
Useable, maybe… but not real functional for most.
And the shared floppy (flipper) is out if you have an A-Max II+ card.
Good point, Michael – and the clone can sit on a separate table where the
grandchildren can play with it – and leave MY AMIGA alone!
—Betty
Betty! I'm shocked!
You would expose your grandkids to (shudder) MS-DOS and deprive them of
the Amiga? They'll be in counseling for years. "Yeah, I think it was
Grandma and that PC thing that stunted my development…"
🙂
ANYthing to keep my own Amiga for myself, Denny!
What, ME? Selfish? How dare you suggest such a thing?
—Betty
Maybe what Betty is doing could be considered "scared straight" – see
what happens if you listen to the hoards/peers at school!
Even better point to ponder…!
Now I was all set to take the plunge and buy a BB. Now I have to
reconsider. I found a 486SX 4MB 120MB drive, .28 VGA monitor or $998.
Hmmm, it would be nice having the capability to run some intel sluff.
Chris
Michael,
I've ordered one also!
BTW, I apparently solved my high density drive problem.
Thanks for your help!
Sincerely,
(Mr.) Gayle Lee Fairless
'Perfessor Fearless' from the Rocket City!
Gayle,
I'm glad to hear that. It's about time you gave up the ghost on that XT
conglomeration you've got! <g>
Well, an XT BB does cramp my style a little. Meanwhile, I'll install
Janus 2.1 that I got today from my dealer and work on my multi-serial card
when I feel like it.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
(Mr.) Gayle Lee Fairless
'Perfessor Fearless' from the Rocket City!
Tell me more about the CBM 2386. I have a 2000 with the 286 Bridgeboard
currently and would love to upgrade to the 386SX version. But the $199 sounds
too low, is that a complete Bridgeboard that I can replace my 286 one with?
Will it work with my IBM hardcard?
"…is that a complete Bridgeboard that I can replace my 286
one with? Will it work with my IBM hardcard?"
Yup.
Yes, Yes, Yes it will plug right in, and after setting up the CMOS wilkl
run like a charm…it is about 3x faster then the 286 @ 8 MHz
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
Joe,
If you got a 286 in there now with a floppy drive and hardcard, I would
imagine just switching Bridgeboards is about the most work you'll have to
do, besides installing the software update, and maybe setting a jumper.
Not owning a BB (yet, considering it) I would think that would be it.
Chris
Yes, it is a complete 386 board!