CompuServe Thread

#A3000/Syquest problems

12 messages in this thread
#43310From: TIM STONISDec 13, 1991 9:45 PM
Donavan, I came in a little late to this thread, but I think that you have the smae problem that I had when I tried to hook up a Mirror (mac) external syquest drive. It worked a few times using the external connector and then it randomly stopped working. So, I tried hooking it up to the internal connector and it worked. (I think this is the same as your setup now) So I called Commodore and although they wouldn't fix the SCSI problem because it was a 3rd party drive, I got my motherboard replaced for parallel problems. (Again similar to your situation) Anyway, as it turns out, there is some sort of error in the system software that renders the external SCSI port useless. It is a random bug and they don't know exactly how it works. So they told me to wait for the chip upgrade, and that's where I am now… I have yet to get the new ROMS… I've lost $500 if these new chips don't work… Maybe I should just get a mac (Maybe NOT! 🙂 ) -Tim
#43343From: Donovan WattsDec 14, 1991 4:46 AM
Thats interesting about the system software error. Did Commodore tell you that? I'm pretty mad about this whole external SCSI problem with the Amiga. I haven't gotten the new ROMS yet either. When and if you do get them, definately let me know if they remedy the problem. If so, I'll get them right away. I wasn't planning on getting them until you said they might fix the external SCSI problem. I somehow doubt they will though. >>DonovaN
#43603From: TIM STONISDec 16, 1991 9:54 PM
Yes, Commodore told me that when they came to repair it… I thought I had a problem (with only my system.) But, it turns out it is with all. They told me the new system software will fix it…We'll see I probably won't get the ROMS installed until late January becaue I'm at colleg and I'm going on break away from my baby… -Tim
#43550From: Mark SterlingDec 16, 1991 12:03 PM
I have a 44mb Syquest attached to the external SCSI port of my A3000/25 and have had zero problems with it. The termimating resistors are not installed on the motherboard. The Syquest and a tape drive are in an external case with power supply. The Syquest is next to last (sans resistor packs) and the tape drive is last on the chain with packs installed. Benn using it for a month or so with good results and norandom problems evident. My A3000 was made late in 1990 and so is definitely not the latest rev. ….Mark 74335,1677
#43604From: TIM STONISDec 16, 1991 9:57 PM
Hmmmm….I don't know I only know what they told me…I'll wait and see. Otherwise I'll break open the case… -Tim
#43640From: Donovan WattsDec 17, 1991 2:44 AM
I assume you have an internal HD. Does that have resistors on it? Did you take the resistors off your motherboard? >>DonovaN
#43643From: daniel wolfDec 17, 1991 4:17 AM
apparently the motherboard should NOT have resistor pack terminators when using an external drive setup. The 3000 controller is BETWEEN the internal drive (which should be terminated) and the external port (the last drive on which should be terminated). That's why CBM left 'em off the motherboard – to simplify adding external drives without opening up the 3000 to remove terminators from the MB.
#43668From: Donovan WattsDec 17, 1991 12:16 PM
But CBM left the resistors ON my latest motherboard (This is the third one I've gotten from Gold Service). My first motherboard had them soldered in. I don't remember if they came on my second motherboard or not. I'm going to pull them myself but I surely won't tell them I did. >>DonovaN
#43964From: daniel wolfDec 20, 1991 5:36 AM
curiouser and curiouser. i wouldn't pull 'em unless you're putting on an external drive. thanks for the info. what was wrong with the earlier two MB's?
#43970From: Donovan WattsDec 20, 1991 12:22 PM
I think I will pull them because I want to connect my external Syquest externally. Right now I have it strung to the HD through my case. The first mb was replaced because of my external SCSI problem. The second was because I had some video jitters on random parts of the screen. Each mb has been a newer model which looked much cleaner than the previous so I'm very happy. >>DonovaN
#44119From: daniel wolfDec 22, 1991 5:58 AM
as a dealer, glad to see Gold Service doing right by you. Also have had one customer's MB replaced for similar reasons – random crashes on an A3000/16/50. Gold Service is terrific.
#43671From: Mark SterlingDec 17, 1991 1:25 PM
The internal Quantum 105S has resistor packs installed. The 3000 came with a Q40S with resistors installed but NO packs in the sockets on the motherboard. Worked OK then and works OK now. ….Mark 74335,1677