#OS 3.1 Available!
6 messages in this thread
Hey, finally someone to pop some questions on!
I've been thinking of getting the Retina Z3, but need to know some things. Does
this version come with an "auto switchbox" that changes from the Retina display
to the standard Amiga video signal and back? (I know the Picasso II and GVP's
Spectrum boards have this feature, but the original Retina did not…) You
mentioned DPaint AGA works on the Retina with 256 colors; how about HAM8 modes?
Also, since I'd be putting this in an A3000, (and you probably have an
A4000…) does the manual say if the Buster chip has to be the new Rev-11?
Thanks in advance, Keith.
Keith, I have mine installed in an old 3000 with the busted Buster. The
only problems I have encountered are with the blitter mode. But there is
no built-in bypass. They're supposed to offer an accessory one. I'll be
uploading a full review after another week or so of heavy use. It was a
little tricky to set up (for me, at least). The documentation sucks. But
it works wonderfully with everything except maybe some games. As far as
HAM8, the Retina display and paint programs can load them, but the WB
emulator can't create HAM-8 screens. But since HAM-8 graphics can be
displayed as 24-bit I don't find it a problem.
If you have any other specific concerns feel free to ask.
DJ
DJ,
I've been considering a 24 bit board … would I be correct in assuming
that it would be difficult to use its increased resolution without
purchasing a 17 in monitor?
-sja
Steve, a 17" or better monitor is needed to take advantage of the high
resolutions available, like 1024×768 and up. These give you an awesome
desktop. I have a Retina Z3 I use at 1120×740, and running Toolmanager,
Magic WB and Magic Menu gives an unbelievably beautiful and efficient
desptop hard to match in ANY platform. I only wish I had a 21" instead of
a 17"! Running them on a 15" or less will make your eyes (and monitor)
most unhappy.
DJ
> Running them on a 15" or less will make your eyes (and monitor) most >
unhappy.
It doesn't hurt the 14 inch monitor that is spec'd to sync to those
rates… I have a 14" at work that I normally use at 1024×768. It also
goes up higher than that, but only with 16 colors.
Bob Comer — AmigaDOS and OS/2, the only way to compute!
Cheyenne, Wyoming U.S.A.
I have two A3000 with Retina Z3's. So the Buster problems doesn't seem to
have any major impact on the Retina Z3.
Autoswitch is not on the board nor did I ever need it as the Emulation
does work nicely and all my software runs on it. However, if you want to
display planar saved animation files, you have to convert them to chunky
first in order to speed things up or switch monitors. I don't need that
sort of stuff and most monitors matching the output quality of the Retina
III have to input plugs. For instance, if I need to use the Amiga output,
I simply switch from BNC (Retina III) to VGA (Amiga) input on my monitors
front panel.
However, if you still think you need something automatic, there is an
external autoswitch box available for the Retina since 1-2 months here in
Germany. I forgot the name of the company so maybe someone else can help
me out here. It's not MS selling that automatic switch…
— Wolf Faust, Am Dorfgarten 10, 60435 Frankfurt, Germany —