#SCSI Blues
5 messages in this thread
I have a NEC CDR-25BJ connected to my A1200 which is equiped with an A1230
Series II/A1291 scsi combo. I am using the ASIM CDFS ver 2.0. I get the
following when I try to boot:
System Error gvpscsi.device unit nnn incorrect status &47/$47
The unit number (nnn) varies depending on which device number dip switch
setting on my CD Rom I use. The requestor will not go away unless I turn off
the CD drive. After booting, if I switch on the drive, the system error
returns. If I run GVPSCSICtrl it reports:
unit = 1, disconnect = off, ready
This leads me to believe that the SCSI is installed OK , but it is having
trouble reading the drive? CD0: will mount if I turn on the drive until I get
the error message then turn it off, finish booting, then check "info". Though
no icon will appear at anytime for CD0:.
When I use either ASIM's SCSI_inquire or SCSI_prefs the gvpscsi.device will
show "no devices available" if I go through the "switch on/switch off" routine
to get CD0: to mount.
Below is the DOS driver entry located in the DEVS:dosdrivers dir.
/************************************************************/ /* AsimCDFS
MountList entry — C1993 Asimware Innovations */
/************************************************************/
Device = gvpscsi.device
Unit = 1
Buffers = 0
BufMemType = 5
Mask = 0xffffffe
Flags = 0
FileSystem = l:AsimCDFS
DosType = 0x662dabac
GlobVec = -1
Reserved = 0
LowCyl = 0
HighCyl = 999
Mount = 1
Surfaces = 1
BlocksPerTrack = 32
Priority = 10
StackSize = 5000
Below is an excerpt from the ASIM install disk CD_Rom_Drives file.
CDRom drive comments: ———————
NEC – The CDR-35 drive has an extremely non-standard SCSI interface.
So far, we have found no SCSI controller that can operate with
this drive connected. Hence, we do not recommend the CDR-35
at this time.
– We cannot recommend the NEC CDR-25 due to various
incompatibility problems with Amiga SCSI controller cards
Naturally, I didn't read this until I had already waited a couple of weeks
for the A1291 and was ready to install every thing! 😉
I called an Amiga rep from Creative Computers and he insists that the
drive/software bundle is compatible as they have "sold hundreds" of the kits.
I would certainly hope that he is right, as it was marketed as a package deal.
The CC rep suggested that I could have a bad drive and I could get it replaced.
I would like to explore other possiblilties before going throuth the hassle of
returning the drive to (possibly) no avail.
If you could possibly offer any assistance I would be very greatful. ASIM
have promised an updated driver since las Saturday. As of today it has not been
uploaded to their BBS. I will hold off on sending the CD-rom drive back until I
have exausted all other possibilities.
Mark,
I had the same setup (and problems) as you. After struggling for a month
I finally gave up and sent the 1291 and the CD back to Creative. They told
me when I bought it that they would work together. They don't. I tried two
different models of CD reader and a hard drive on the 1291 and never got
any of them to work. I ended up buying a SCSI+ from Expansion Systems and
a Toshiba 3401 from Creative. The combo works flawlessly. You'll pay about
$150 more for the drive, but the double speed CD is amazingly fast. I had
the CDR-25 running on my A500 and it is slow as s**t. You are just one of
a long line of people on here that have had the same problems trying to
get the 1291 to work.
Best,
—Mike—
Mike
Thanks for your input. I was already starting to face the inevitable.
Here's how things break down:
ASIM have promised me and updated driver – still haven't seen it.
GVP haven't answered my latest query.
Creative Computers say it's software related. "We have solds hundreds of
the combos and they work fine."
I have never experienced problems with tech support before. Then again I
haven't had to bother before, either!!
Lesson one: You get what you pay for.
Lesson two: When talking to a hardware guy your problem is
software.
Lesson three: When talking to software guys your problem is
hardware.
Bottom Line: I have an $89 paper weight.
Things that should be done away with:
Customer support calls that the customer supports ! $$$
Phone mail systems. I want a warm body on the other end
of the line when my state of the art computer accessory
isn't so state of the art.
I guess everything would be different if the folks I have talked to weren't
so nice. I haven't given up yet! I guess I am too @#$% stubborn.
BTW, the A1291 StingRay I have is rev.2 No jumpers or anything. ASIM seem
to think it will work with the updated driver. CC have been very helpful. And
if all else fails they will let me return the drive.
One question.. The A1291 attaches to the A1230 accellerator. How did you
get a different SCSI on your 1200? The main reason I went with the GVP system
was the all in one solution. Besides, the price was pretty good. The cheapo
CD reader was a temporary set up for me anyway. I am very concerned that I
might have problems with a different drive [like you did].
Mindless in Monterey, CA
MRB <<<)
Mark,
My 1291 was a Rev. 2.0 also. I think the first versions worked better.
The SCSI+ plugs into the internal IDE port and exits the same way the 1291
does. I too have a 1230 in place and an internal HD. Everything works
fine. For further info call Expansion Systems at 1-510-656-2890. They have
two *human* techs there that will be glad to answer all your questions.
They will tell you straight out though that the CDR-25 is not standard and
will *not* work with the SCSI+. This may have changed though. They will
tell you some drives that they have tested and will guarantee to work.
Hope this helps.
Best,
—Mike—
Mark,
I've had very similar problems with my A1291 and various SCSI devices,
however the ONLY thing that works correctly is an Apple CD-ROM, GVP as yet
(four months after having purchased the 1291) have not been able to remedy
my fault.
Kevin
Flying AutoPilot from Surrey in the UK