#BB ISA Bus Questions
9 messages in this thread
I have been having troble with my IBM side on my A2000 for some time. I think I
have a bad PowerGraph Multifunction card, that does my IDE hardrive interface,
my bus mouse and my serial port and my SVGA. I am thinking about buying a new
multifunction card, but am considering another option.
I have noticed that on the A2000 motherboard, while two of the IBM are XT only,
the motherboard runs exist and I believe holes exit (filled with solder) such
that the xtra connector to bring the slot up to AT standard can be installed. I
am thinking about the possibility of getting someone to add these connectors so
I can have enough AT slots to buy separate AT cards for the stuff listed above.
Has anyone done this before and with what results.
I am also thinking about just buying a AT video card and an XT IDE controller
and an XT serial card, but I want to be driving a 28.8 baud modem and I would
like reasonably fast HD access and I am not sure what limitations XT cards
would have in this regard. Any comments on this?
._ _ _ INTERNET: mshea@math.arizona.edu
| | |ichael _>hea COMPUSERVE: 76665,3360
The motherboard is set up to accomodate 4 AT slots, you simply pull out the
motherboard, insert the connectors ( the holes are open, not solder filled )
and solder them in place. I did both of my A2000's, got the connectors from
Radio Shack ( 98 pin AT slot connectors, you trim off the part you need with a
hacksaw ).
I run a GSI 32 card ( IDE/Floppy/Ports ) in slot 1, ATI video card in slot 2,
BridgeBoard in slot 3 and a SoundBlaster SCSI in slot 4. Everything works
perfectly. The connectors take about an hour total to install.
Gary,
Excellent. I think I am going to do this.
._ _ _ INTERNET: mshea@math.arizona.edu
| | |ichael _>hea COMPUSERVE: 76665,3360
Uh…. it depends on your 2000 as to whether the AT extension socket's
holes are filled. I have 2 2000's one is filled, one open. I've been
planning to add the connectors to my spare machine (the filled one
natch!). I've also got this little extension card that plugs into a 16-bit
slot and has 3 extra sockets on one side & 2 on the other. I've been
chompin' at the bit to try that & end up with 6 slots.
-Jim
MOS via Autopilot & Amiga
Hi Jim,
Which extension card do you have? Several of my readers have tried various
ones, usually successfully.
I believe earlier 2000's didn't have the holes — later ones did.
Marion Deland
CROSSINGS – Newsletter for Amiga/PC/Mac compatibility
Marion,
The extension card I have is something I bought from a guy at one of those
traveling computer trade shows. Cost me a whole 4 bucks. 🙂 It's marked
with a "made in Taiwan" and "CTK-CS035AS" silkscreen, but that's all I
know about it. It's only about 2 inches tall, so if it works, I'll have to
leave the case off the 2000, and have the cards hanging in mid-air. I did
consider putting it on top of a diagnostic type extender & cut a hole
through the case. Then put a box on top of the 2000 for the cards… but I
figured that would be asking for trouble.
You're probably right about the holes. My main 2000 is a 6.2 machine which
has open holes. The spare is a 4.2 which is solder filled.
-Jim "A bigger Hammer"
MOS via Autopilot & Amiga
Michael,
Lots of people have soldered in the AT connectors — they work fine. If you're
not into soldering, Dave Cinege at EMC promises to do it for you.
You'll probably find it difficult to get a new multifunction card — there
aren't many around anymore now that PCs are sold with more slots. Dave used to
carry one, you might want to ask him.
You should subscribe to CROSSINGS — we cover all this stuff:)
Marion Deland
CROSSINGS – Newsletter for Amiga/PC/Mac compatibility
Marion,
Thanks for the reply. I have a friend (an old C64 and now Amiga hardware
hacker) who is going to help me put in the new connectors. I am sure I am going
to go this route now.
I have been meaning to subscribe to crossings, especially as I am thinking
about getting a Mac emulation going to. Could you send me a trial newletter to
take a look at?
._ _ _ INTERNET: mshea@math.arizona.edu
| | |ichael _>hea COMPUSERVE: 76665,3360
"A trial issue of CROSSINGS"
Sure. (I'm surprised I haven't already sent you one.) Just leave me your
postal address by e-mail, and I'll get one out to you…
Enjoy those extra slots!
Marion Deland
CROSSINGS – Newsletter for Amiga/PC/Mac compatibility