#A4000 slot starvation
29 messages in this thread
I'm trying to figure out how to mount Video Toaster, AmiLink,
Fastlane SCSI adaptor and Studio 16 cards in the same A4000.
Yes, there are four slots – but the daughterboard on the Video
Toaster comes up just to about the level of the second slot – and the
screwheads attaching the daughterboard actually overlap the slot.
Anyone have an idea on how to configure things so I can safely use
all four slots in the A4000? Replace the screwheads on the
daughterboard? Put non-conductive material between the boards going
into slots 1 and 2 and just cram them in?
Jerry,
I sure wouldn't cram ANYTHING in! Get you one of the external slot expansion
boxes…
Jerry
Yeah, Jerry, that was my first take: cramming was not a wise way to go.
I haven't seen any ads, though, for expansion boxes for the A4000 that are
actually shipping. Have you?
Jerry
<< I haven't seen any ads, though, for expansion boxes for the A4000 that
are actually shipping. Have you?
>>
No, but I'll admit that I haven't looked. If I need to add _anything_
else, I'll be forced to look, since the Toaster and my two TBC IV's
have all the available slots occupied or covered…
I think I saw something about DCTV coming out with an expansion box – but if
I remember correctly, it's only for video cards.
Four slots seems pretty small, doesn't it?
Jerry
Yeah, 4 slots is fairly limiting, but there'll probably be a tower version of
the 4000 at some point that offers more slots, not that it'll do _us_ any
good…<g>
Jerry
Well, it sounds as if there are at least two products coming to market in
short order that will solve the problem. (Hopefully they'll even work. <G>)
I guess the DCTV prodct is going to sell for $700 – $800, but it promises to
allow you to be able to mount up to four video cards and switch select them.
The other case doesn't seem to have any video slots, just PC and Zorro, and
has an MSRP of $369.95.
Now the question is what's the likelihood of wanting another card to occupy
the video slot? Is it worth what amounts to a $300 or more insurance policy?
– sigh – One way or another, I can see another few hundred dollars floating
out of my pocket real soon now. <G>
Jerry
Jerry,
For my use, I don't see the need for an extra video slot…
Jerry
Although it's not yet shipping, Digital Creations Video Slot Box is
supposed to be shipping in the first part of January, priced at
$800-$1000. Four Video slots,three PC/AT slots, 230 watt power
supply, two 5.25" and 3.5" bays. All this according to them on the
phone on 12/11/93 – Steve Abdu
Thanks for the info, Steve.
Sounds like it may be a delayed holiday present for me. <G>
I thought it was only the four video slots. One thing I have to check,
though, is the accessibility of PC/AT slots. I read the ad only briefly (an
enclosure with Brilliance), but it said they were switch selectable – and
hopefully that only meant the video slots.
Jerry
Thanks for the info, Steve.
Jerry
For those expansion cards that are just looking for a warm home and free
utilities (power), you might want to consider a simple PC case with power
supply and mother board. The mother board can be passive (no electronics to
speak of) or some old 8088 board. Most TBCs, vectorscope/waveform cards, and
D/A and sync generator (ie Toast Timer) cards are only there for those basics.
First, though, you need to be sure of any need for a control link to those
cards. I recall that the DPS line of products use the serial port, so that
should be able to run over to your "slave" chassis.
Bruce
Good idea, Bruce, but I'm not sure it will work for me.
I have the AmiLink, Studio 16 and Faslane SCSI cards . . . do you think that
any of these would work in the configuration you suggest?
Jerry
J.
PMFJI.. your SCSI card will need to reside in the amiga, since it uses the
amiga data bus to commiunicate with the machine's Input/Output instructions.
At these prices, it almost seems like you could pick up a used A2000, hook up a
B&W composite monitor and move your Sunrize and TBCs into it. Does the SunRise
need an accelerated Amiga? Thiw would presuppose that you have a dedicated HD
for the Sunrize Digital files. If you don't, you could at least move the DPS
type stuff over and have software/serial control of them from the 2nd Amiga
screen.
I'll have to check the specs on the Studio 16. My TBC's are mounted
externally. At this point, all I need is a slot for the Studio 16.
Jerry
please let me know if the Studeio 16 will work an a bare bones Amiga. Brian
I'll do my best, like maybe even read the manual. <G>
Jerry
Hi, I just got myself a Studio 16 and was wrestling with the same dilemma,
put it in the 4000 or the 2000. My dealer suggested, if at all possible,
to put it in the 4000 with the faster processor and more RAM.
The specs say it will work on a 2000 with a min of 3MB RAM. So you can put
it anywhere you want. But I guess if you want to get the best possible
performance, it's best to give it as many resources as you can.
I've put mine in the 4000 and so far it works very well.
Barbara
Bruce,
Yeah, I'm aware of the power-only needs for most of those cards; in fact, I'm
using 2 Personal TBC IV's right now; mounted in my 4000, but wholly controlled
by the RC-2000 remote control. In fact, for a time they were mounted in my
Amiga, and a serial cable was run from the back of the first TBC over to my PC,
where I was using DOS software to control 'em…
Jerry
one reason to use more video slots is so u can have opal vision anda toaster i
want to get a slot expander so i can get the toaster OUT of teh 4000 (my tbcs
are in teh PCsolutions box) so i can get an implant in
RE: External slot boxes
I just got an ad yesterday from Heifner Communications for the "new improved"
Toaster Cozzy 4000. I belive that it offers two video slots in a small foot
print, 5 output black burst & seperate power supply. It indicates that it is
shipping and retails for $449. I am not affiliated with them but thought I'd
pass on the info.
Matt
I know there are options other than Digital Creations and Heifner.
Do you have a phone number for Heifner Communications?
Jerry
Heifner Communications, Inc.
4451 I-70 Dr.NW
Columbia, MO 65202
(800) 445-6164
Matt
Thanks, Matthew!
Jerry
Jerry,
As you have seen posted, Digital Creations is coming out with the Video
Slot box. With it you will be able to move your Toaster into the box.
The Slot Box, I believe, comes with a single card for the Amiga's video
slot — with connects the VSB's video cards to the Amiga. I believe you
can buy additional cards so you can move the VSB from machine to machine.
The FastLane will take another slot, so that will leave you with two slots
in the Amiga. Three video slots in the VSB, along with 3 pc/at slots that
get power and ground only.
There is also the Toaster Toolbox, which has 8 pc-style slots, with
internal power. $369.95 from Desktop Video Systems.
Sparkey >>> "Serving up more than toast!"
Thanks, Joe. My inclination is to go with the DCTV box. Hope it's available
soon.
Jerry
I've been waiting on the Video Slot Box for awhile. I'm now using my
2500 as the side box for my 4000/Toaster. Could use the extra video slots
too — my Opal box has a nice layer of dust :-).
Sparkey >>> "Serving up more than toast!"
Don'cha just love it when you have all these neat toys and can't use them?
<G>
Jerry