#Amiga 386 BB and Windows
13 messages in this thread
Please Help:
I bought a 386 bridgeboard based on magazine articles marvelling at
the wonderous ways the 386 BB ran Windows apps such as Word for
Windows. Of course I had the usual problems just getting the thing
to boot up. I finally got it working and tried to install windows
3.1. It flailed because it apparently does not like the CGA
emulation of the BB. So, I bought a VGA video adapter. Windows did
load and it looked might pretty on my VGA monitor. However, using
the virtual Amiga drive to load windows was reminiscent of the way the
old C64's used to load… PLEASE WAIT (meaning go do your tax return
or change the oil in your car while I load your app). It became
clear that I had to install a dedicated hard disk and controller to
run windows and its apps. I bought an IDE controller and opened my
Amiga 2000. To my horror (actually what I was saying was "typical
commodore") there was only ONE 16 bit expansion slot and the video
card is using it. The remaining 2 slots are useless 8 bit slots.
So my question is:
HOW THE HEC DO YOU RUN WINDOW APPS WITH ONLY ONE 16 BIT SLOT
AVAILABLE???!!!???!!!???
Thank you in advance,
DRV
Have a technician add sockets to the 8 bit slots to make them into 16
bit slots. The traces are present on the more recent versions of the
board… or
get a multi-io board (if you can find one) that includes IDE control,
VGA, and more (a popcorn popper too, as I understand). These have
been listed recently in the classified section. I don't know if any
are available new anymore.
Good luck.
Bill
You might try using an XT type hardcard if you want to use the remaining the 8
bit slots. I thought that IDE controllers were short slotted, (they fit in the
8 bit slot) in which case you shouldn't have any problems. BTW if you had
called the Microsoft Download service you could have downloaded the necessary
video drivers to install Windows using the BB built in CGA emulation. Initially
this is what I did and it worked fine, I later resolved myself to run Windoze
in VGA mode so I got a SoundVision card with SVGA, Adlib sound, CD ROM
interface and I'm now sharing the 1960 monitor between the Amiga and BB
session. This works great and the only drawback now is that I'm short on space
on the Hardcard even with the MS DOS 6.2 Doublespace set ON. Catya,
How does Windows look in CGA?
Marion
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The best way I can describe how Windows looks in CGA mode is to instruct you to
run the DOSSHELL utility and change the Display Option to Low Res graphical.
Pretty much, the same look, more or less. The reason that CGA Windows was
appealing was that I could run FoxPro for Windows,.. but to be honest, you
would much rather run Windows under a true VGA mode (or greater). But for
experimentation purposes, it's weird seeing Windows run on your BB side without
the aide of a VGA monitor… Catya,
Like a vic-20.
Thanx for the input, Clarence.
Can't find a multi function board anywhere. will look into finding a
soundvision card.
I better warn you first… the SoundVision card which was made by Cardinal
Technologies is no longer available though Cardinal still honors any warranty
for any existing card(s) out there. I got mine from a guy whom I saw
advertising the product on the Internet. I figure he must have bought the
remaining inventory or something. My personal experience with the card so far
has been very pleasant after I ironed out some glitches with the help of the
Cardinal tech support. In any case, if you are still interested, I'll get back
to you with the name and phone number of the seller. Also, you might look into
the Thunder Vision card which basically offers the same thing as the
SoundVision, (SVGA, Adlib/Soundblaster sound) this card is advertised is most
magazines for about $140.00. The SoundVision has SVGA, Adlib/Gold sound, CD ROM
interface, Midi IN/OUT, and a joystick port for $120.00. Leave me E-mail if
still interested.. Catya,
David,
Did you try Elite Micro Computers at 908-541-4214 for their
multifunction card? I have one myself but need a monitor capable of
displaying VGA modes before I can use it.
Sincerely,
(Mr.) Gayle Lee Fairless
'Perfessor Fearless' from the Rocket City!
via AutoPilot 1.03a
I bought an 8-bit IDE controller and it's speedy enough to handle most
stuff, even Windows. But you could convert the 8-bit slots to 16 bits, or
even pop for an expansion cage (even PC folks run out of slots sometimes,
so these cages have appeared in recent years allowing you to add ISA slots
to an overloaded machine). Also, you can save slots by getting a
multifunction card — VGA, IDE, floppy I/O, parallel/serial ports all on
one card.
Thanx for the input Ron, am having trouble finding a multi function i/o card
though.
Look for a Winstorm board. Vortex sells them for their BB.
Who needs a Clone when you got an Amiga!
Motorola and Intel inside :*)
You might also try Software Link (White Plains, NY — [914] 683-2512). They
had a few STB Powergraph boards recently.
Marion
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