BridgeBoard Alternative?
8 messages in this thread
I'm trying to figure out how I can get both my AMIGA 2000 and an IBM clone
on my limited desk space (as an alternative to a Golden Gate 486. You get
a lot more for your money with an IBM clone)
I've already got a monitor switchbox and serial port switchbox (for my 286
Bridgeboard). A parallel port switchbox is no problem either. The only
thing I'm not sure of is the keyboard.
Two questions.
1. If I plug the Amiga 2000 keyboard into the IBM clone and run the JANUS
keyboard driver on the clone will it read the Amiga keyboard like the
286BB does? Or can I go the other way. That is, use the IBM keyboard on
the AMIGA 2000?
2. Has anyone seen a keyboard switchbox or know of any SPECIAL
requirements in constructing such a beast? (I'm thinking a 15 pin
switchbox modified with keyboard connectors should work).
Ronnie,
I would think that because the Janus software is designed to work with
the bridgeboard on the Amiga buss, that trying to run it on a clone would
result in nothing because the clone wouldn't know what to do with Janus calls.
However, I do think someone made (makes) an adaptor which allows the Amiga to
use an IBM keyboard (but not the other way.) It's probably also likely that
the Amiga keyboard wiring isn't compatible with that on a PC clone.
Ronnie,
While an Amiga A2000 keyboard and an IBM clone keyboard are electricaly
the same (same pinouts), the scan codes are not. That is, the on-keyboard ROM
that says if you press the <whatever> key the keyboard sends a specific code
that the computer understands as meaning <whatever> key was pressed. Those
codes are different on the IBM and the Amiga.
That's why, as part of your Janus software…on the Amiga side, you've
got a file of scancodes and translations…..so when you hit an Amiga key…the
proper scancode is sent to the IBM side.
But I guess my big question is…why are you doing this at all, you've
already got the answer. You've got an Amiga with a BB inside, if you need a
faster BB….you can get a 486 BB and probably less than a stand-alone clone
(although they're pretty cheap these days).
Don
Actually, the prices I'm seeing locally are much less than a 486
Bridgeboard. A 33 MHz 486 with 4 MB of RAM and a 170 MB (non-doubled)
of harddrive, is going for $1099 here with a SVGA monitor. Wander
down to a Circuit City sometime if you doubt the figure.
I'm currently recommending that potential IBM compatible
purchasers hold off a couple of months or so until the industry
restructures itself. Of course, it may never do such, but at least
they will save a few hundred bucks in the interim.
I actually did try to purchase a 486BB. I waited more than 5 months for
one (2 1/2 months for a 386BB to become available and 2 1/2 to have it
converted to a 486BB) and then finally gave up.
The only 486BB currently available is the Vortex. Messages here indicate
a problem with the serial ports. The 286BB (Janus) has a bug with the
AMOUSE driver and the multiI/O board I have, though functional, does have
wierd IRQ's for the second serial port which makes it very limited in what
software will operate with it.
For $1000 I can get a 486 Vortex with a Cyrix SLC 25MHz, 2MB RAM, no hard
drive, no floppy drive and no software. (Price quote from TriState
Computers)
For the exact SAME PRICE I can get a COMPUDYNE IBM clone with an Intel
486SX 33MHz, 4MB RAM, floppy drive, 170 MB hard drive, MS DOS 6, Windows
3.1, a Super I/O board with serial ports that work properly and a mouse
that also works properly. (Advertisement in PC Magazine, Sept 28, 1993,
p.170)
In my opinion the Vortex is maybe a $600 value compared to the clone. So
that's $400 to save desk space (if I keep my A2000) and then still have an
inferior product (slower with buggy serial ports). I can't justify it.
I have a Vortex 486SLC bridgeboard installed in my Amiga 3000. I have used it
for several weeks now, running Windows 3.1 and other software. I have had no
problems with using the Amiga's serial port with it. I have mainly used
Window's Terminal, but also have used an old version of ProComm. I have
noticed problems with ProComm unless I slow the board down slightly (1 wait
state option in the setup program.) However, I think that this is due to old
software which was intended for old hardware. I have had no problems
whatsoever with Window's terminal (it even multitasks correctly under Windows).
In general, I like the board. I bought a bridgeboard to make it easy to
transfer files between the Amiga and MS-DOS (I have a SyQuest connected to the
3000, and am able to use it with both the Amiga and the Vortex board.)
However, a separate system IS cheaper and is probably the correct choice for
most people. Vortex should really lower the price of its board.
-David Cattell
David,
Do you have a separate video card on the PC side? That seems to make a big
difference–not so much data crossing over.
The problems I have had have been primarily with CIM, which is sensitive, but
because of them I have doubts about recommending the GG for anyone who really
needs the serial port.
Marion
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Ronnie…
About the only way you could use the same keyboard for both is if you get a
Northgate Omni keyboard, which has dip switches that can be set for the Amiga.
But you'd have to keep resetting them and rebooting–the switches would
probably wear out fast.
I'd get a separate keyboard for the clone, plus a keyboard drawer to sit under
the clone. It all seems a little baroque to me…
Marion
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