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From: Info-Atari16 Digest <INFO-ATARI16@SCORE.STANFORD.edu>
Subject:      Info-Atari16 Digest V87 #138
To: Alen Goldberg <ALEN@WISDOM.bitnet>

Info-Atari16 Digest   Monday, March 23, 1987   Volume 87 : Issue 138

This weeks Editor: Bill Westfield

Today's Topics:

                         Re: Working 4 meg ST
                   Re: Adding another Hard Drive??
     Re: ST/020 DMA, and Disk driver bug. (ATARI - please read!)
                       Re: a 68010 for your st?
       Single Sided/Double Sided Drives was (Re: 520 in Canada)
                       Re: a 68010 for your st?
                       DSDD Floppy disk drives
                   Re: Adding another Hard Drive??
              Atari ST system and related items for sale
                     Re: Bad monitor, Bad service

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: 17 Mar 87 20:16:46 GMT
From: atwell@utah-cs.arpa  (Bart L. Atwell)
Subject: Re: Working 4 meg ST
To: info-atari16@score.stanford.edu

The address for Tech-Specialties is:

    tech-specialties
    909 Hodgkins
    Houston, TX 77032
    USA

    ph. (713) 590-3738. (call between 4 and 7 p.m. Central Time)

They are selling the 4 meg upgrade for the ST (I believe they have one for
the 1040 as well as the 520).  They also have a DMA->SCSI interface.

They seem very eager to get product ideas from customers (would be customers?)
so if you have requests for hardware devices that you think would be
interesting to have, be sure you let them know.

Of course, I have no connection to Tech-specialities except as a customer.

Bart
atwell@cs.utah.edu

------------------------------

Date: 17 Mar 87 20:14:00 GMT
From: apollo!weber_w@eddie.mit.edu  (Walt Weber)
Subject: Re: Adding another Hard Drive??
To: info-atari16@score.stanford.edu

In article <659@atari.UUCP> dyer@atari.UUCP (Landon Dyer) writes:
>> in article <901@chinet.UUCP>, cabbie@chinet.UUCP (Richard Andrews) says:
>>> ............................................Is there a patch that I can do
>>> to the handler to enable the second drive? ..............................
>>>
>The Adaptec controller will indeed support more than one drive.
>The current AHDI.PRG hard disk driver does not support more than
>one drive per controller.

The Berkley MicroSystems hard disk driver supports the capability.  I am
 presently
running two Maxtor 1065's off of an Adaptec, and it works quite nicely, thank
 you.

That gives my li'l ol' 520  8 partitions of approx. 14Mb each.  I'm now backing
 up
from one hard drive to the other, and my floppies are FINALLY getting a chance
 to
rest.   The backup procedure is not straightforward, however (Carefully
 straddling
the 40-folder limit with your source foot and destination ...... :-).

In addition, when you deal with BMS, you also get a clock on the controller,
 which
eliminates all problems with cartridge-mounted clocks or piggybacked KBD chips,
 etc.

--
Walt Weber               PHONE: (617) 256-6600 x7004
Apollo Computer          GENIE: W.WEBER
Chelmsford, Mass.   COMPUSERVE: 76515,2423

------------------------------

Date: 15 Mar 87 21:31:16 GMT
From: mcvax!ukc!reading!onion!minster!martin@seismo.css.gov
Subject: Re: ST/020 DMA, and Disk driver bug. (ATARI - please read!)
To: info-atari16@score.stanford.edu

In article <645@atari.UUCP> dyer@atari.UUCP (Landon Dyer) writes:
>> While I'm talking about Hard disks, has anyone else noticed that the disk
>> Rwabs operation (read/write sectors), takes a sector number which
>> is a 16-bit number!!!! This is the most UTTERLY STUPID thing I have seen
>...
>Deja vu, eh?  Let's try this again, a little more constructively:
>

I would like to thank Landon for his swift, and enlightening response to
my panic-stricken article. I havn't tried this yet, but it all makes
sense, and gives every prospect of solving the problem for me.

I only wish the documentation I have (dev system, abacus, etc), was as helpful,
and easy to understand as his response!

Now I can also rest, sure in the knowledge, that someone at atari has seen
my request (clarified nicely by <sorry I can't remember the name>@rochester)
for a REAL SCSI interface.

    Martin

usenet: mcvax!ukc!minster!martin
surface:
    Martin C. Atkins
    Department of Computer Science
    University of York
    Heslington
    York Y01 5DD
    ENGLAND

------------------------------

Date: 17 Mar 87 19:30:53 GMT
From: cbmvax!daveh@RUTGERS.EDU  (Dave Haynie)
Subject: Re: a 68010 for your st?
To: info-atari16@score.stanford.edu

in article <682@viper.UUCP>, john@viper.UUCP (John Stanley) says:
>
> I've been discussing this with a small group of Amiga users.  They are having
> the same problems upgrading to 68010's as we are.  Aparently there
> is either an alternate "kick-start" disk for use with 68010 Amigas and/or
> there are some people experimenting with a method of detecting the different
> CPU's and booting the correct Amiga os based on what's in the machine.
>
>   Either way, it means they have two different operating systems for the
> different cpus.  This is a major problem all users wanting to upgrade are
> going to have to face regardless of the machine (ST or Amiga) they're using.

WRONG!!! The Amiga works just dandy with a 68010, 68020, etc.  No alternate
KickStart or other major modification is necessary (well, of course, you'd
need some interface hardware for a 68020).  The Amiga's OS was designed from
the start to support any of the 680xx chips running at any speed, and knows
which chip is in the system, and provides processor independent ways of doing
the things that cause problems in other OSs.

There are two major problems with running the 68010 or 68020 on a system that
was originally intended for the 68000.  The first of these problems is the
use of the 68000's MOVE from SR instruction.  The newer processors allow this
instruction only in Supervisor mode so an operating system running in User
Mode can't see the "S" bit and tell that its really not in Supervisor mode,
where most OSs like to be.  The 68010 give you a MOVE from CCR instruction
to access the condition codes.  The Amiga's Exec provides a processor
independent function, "GetCC()", which allows a program to get condition
codes from any processor.  A (very) few developers have ignored this;
fortunately for any application that does ignore this and uses the MOVE from
SR, its a small matter to install an exception handler that'll trap the
exception this causes, read the condition codes via GetCC(), and then resume
normal operation.

The other big problem when upgrading processors is the fact that the newer
processors store much more information on their exception stacks than the
68000 does.  The 68010, for instance, stores information on the internal
processor state to support instruction continuation necessary for virtual
memory systems.  Unfortunately, lots of 68000 programmers like to play
around with what's on the stack after an exception.  If you switch from a
68000 to a 68010, there's going to be different stuff there, and if your
program depends on that stuff, it'll probably die with the 68010 or 68020
in place.  The Amiga's ExecBase structure contains a field that tells a
program the type of processor in use; thus, any exception handling code can
use this to examine exception stacks in a way appropriate to the processor
currently in use.  Unfortunately, this is a much more complicated problem
than the MOVE from SR problem, so there's no real way to fix programs that
don't watch out for other processors in place other than rewriting the
offending code (this if of course true for all 68000 systems, not just the
Amiga or Atari).  All of the Amiga's OS software works on any processor,
and probably more than 95% of all commercial and public domain software are
well (the Amiga ROM Kernal Manual talks about 68010 and 68020 compatibility
right on the 5th page of its preface; all the developers work from this
book).

> John Stanley (john@viper.UUCP)
> Software Consultant - DynaSoft Systems
> UUCP: ...{amdahl,ihnp4,rutgers}!{meccts,dayton}!viper!john
--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dave Haynie     Commodore Technology              // /|  ___   __   __   __
  {ihnp4|caip|rutgers}!cbmvax!daveh          |\  // /_|     | /  \ /  \ /  \
Commodore rarely admits to knowing me,        \\// /  |  +--+ |  | |  | |  |
  much less sharing my personal opinions.      \/ /   |  |___ \__/ \__/ \__/

------------------------------

Date: 16 Mar 87 20:53:24 GMT
From: tektronix!cae780!leadsv!pat@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU  (Pat Wimmer)
Subject: Single Sided/Double Sided Drives was (Re: 520 in Canada)
To: info-atari16@score.stanford.edu

When I finally got my hands on a Double Sided Drive, it was in a
Single Sided case.  It has a stamp on it to the effect that it was
properly converted.  It almost seems as if Atari has dropped the
Single Sided Drive (why did they ever have them?).  Maybe they are
clearing out their 520 and 1040 ST's as well?

Pat

------------------------------

Date: 17 Mar 87 22:41:34 GMT
From: oyster@unix.macc.wisc.edu  (Vicarious Oyster)
Subject: Re: a 68010 for your st?
To: info-atari16@score.stanford.edu

<Ever wonder why certain questions get answered faster in the "wrong"
 newsgroup?>

In article <1569@cbmvax.cbmvax.cbm.UUCP> daveh@cbmvax.cbm.UUCP writes:
>All of the Amiga's OS software works on any processor,
>and probably more than 95% of all commercial and public domain software are
>well (the Amiga ROM Kernal Manual talks about 68010 and 68020 compatibility
>right on the 5th page of its preface; all the developers work from this
>book).

   And if I had an Amiga (well, even if I didn't) I could bop on down to the
local B. Dalton's and pick up a copy for a few bucks.  Unfortunately, I own
an ST, so I have to rely upon sketchy 3rd-party documentation, or sketchy
first-party documentation for a mere $300.  There is hope, though; sometime
in the next several months we may be able to find out at least when we
could *expect* the cleaned up, official documentation (by Christmastime again?).

[I don't *really* regret having the ST-- I only like a couple of the Amiga's
features.  Documentation, though, is one of those things the Amiga has that
the ST doesn't.  BTW, does anyone know if ST schematics are available from
SAMS yet?]

------------------------------

Date: 17 Mar 87 01:34:00 GMT
From: tektronix!reed!iscuva!michaela@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU  (Michael Albo)
Subject: DSDD Floppy disk drives
To: info-atari16@score.stanford.edu

Does anyone know of the availability, source and price of a raw floppy
disk drive that I could use to replace my SF-354 Atari drive. I just
find the $200+ price tag of an SF-314 unreasonable when all I want is
to replace the one I am using now. I only wish Atari had let those of
us with fairly old ST's purchase them with available double sided
drives at the time we purchased them.

thanks

Michael Albo

------------------------------

Date: 17 Mar 87 23:04:38 GMT
From: imagen!turner@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU  (D'arc Angel)
Subject: Re: Adding another Hard Drive??
To: info-atari16@score.stanford.edu

in article <685@viper.UUCP>, john@viper.UUCP (John Stanley) says:
+---------------------------------------------------------
+
+ In article <659@atari.UUCP> dyer@atari.UUCP (Landon Dyer) writes:
+  >
+  >one drive per controller.  And naturally, Atari does not
+  >encourage or condone such modifications to the hardware....
+  >
+
+ Well, I suppose that's suppost to be helpful??
+
+ People are asking serious questions about how to expand their storage
+ and all you can say is "Atari doesn't encourage it...."?
one more time... this time with your brain engaged. I have never
seen, nor do i think that i will ever see, a company that encourages
users to open up their hardware and hack away at it. The legal
ramifications are that if the company in any way, shape, or form
condones such behavior then they are liable for any damage done by
the user.

Can you say "tongue in cheek" ? Landon can...

i think i'm getting crotchity in my old age

--
---------------
C'est la vie, C'est la guerre, C'est la pomme de terre
Mail:    Imagen Corp. 2650 San Tomas Expressway Santa Clara, CA 95052-8101
UUCP:    ...{decvax,ucbvax}!decwrl!imagen!turner      AT&T: (408) 986-9400

------------------------------

Date: 18 Mar 87 00:42:25 GMT
From: ihnp4!ihlpf!gjphw@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU  (Wyant)
Subject: Atari ST system and related items for sale
To: info-atari16@score.stanford.edu

    We have recently upgraded our Atari 520ST system by purchasing someone
 else's 1040ST system.  This has left us with several duplicate items and a lot
 of software for sale.  We are willing to sell these items as a package or as
 individual selections.  For those who are interested but living outside of the
 Chicago area, we can send you what you want COD by UPS.

                         ------------------------------

 hardware:

 520ST color system  (520ST console with 512K RAM, Atari color monitor,
 double-sided disk drive, owner's manual) - $774.00

 software included - BASIC, Neochrome (drawing program), First Word (word
     processor), LOGO, ST-Writer (word processor).  Also, Flash (very good
     terminal emulator), DEGAS (excellent drawing program), Cornerman by
     Michtron (similar to Sidekick), and five (5) public domain disks:

 1. Uniterm 1.7a and arc program disk

 2. disk of pictures for Dr. Who and Star Trek characters (includes latest TINY
    routine for viewing and scaling)

 3. cartoon disk of Warner Brothers and Disney characters (uses TINY)

 4. AEGIS Animator demonstration disk (files must be unarced)

 5. utility disk containing Apple II and Atari 8 bit emulators plus other
    utilities

 6. Boffin demo disk - a working prototype of a word processing routine which
    can handle graphics as well

 An Abacus book titled "Presenting the Atari ST".

                         ------------------------------

 A second double-sided disk drive is available for $179.00.

                         ------------------------------

 software (all are retail versions with original disks):

          Mark Williams C - $89
          Megamax C - $110
          Final Word - $55
          PC-Intercomm - $45
          DBman - $65
          Infocom Wishbringer - $16
          ST-Copy - $15 (400K SS and 800K DS disk formatter included)
          Regent Base - $45 (latest GEM version)
          Art Gallery I, II (for Printmaster) - $14 each
          Naverone Timekeeper - $31
          Music Studio - $32 (includes 2 PD disks of 90 songs)
          Express Letter Processor - $10

                         ------------------------------

 Miscellaneous items:

      Mouse Mat - $6
      Epyx 500xj joystick - $12

      Books:
         COMPUTE's Atari ST Programming Guide - $12
         SYBEX Programmer's Guide to GEM - $14
         Abacus GEM Programmer's Reference Manual - $13
      Magazines:
         STart (winter '86) - $2
         Analog (July '86) - $1
         Antic (May, Aug, Sept, Oct '86) - $1 each
         ST Applications (Nov '86, Jan '87) - $2 each
         COMPUTE! Atari ST (with disk, unopened, Feb, April '87) - $8 each

                         ------------------------------

    We have over 120 public domain disks for the Atari ST in our library.  Our
 user group (Kendell County Atarians) charges $2.50 per SS disk or $3.50 per DS
 disk, postage included.  If you are interested, call and ask about this.


                                           Gail Wyant
                                           (312) 554-2657

                                               or

                                           Michael Fanelli
                                           DECmail: phdvax::fanelli

                                               or

                                           Patrick Wyant
                                           AT&T Bell Laboratories
                                           Naperville, IL
                                           *!ihnp4!ihlpf!gjphw

------------------------------

Date: 17 Mar 87 22:50:16 GMT
From: dayton!viper!john@RUTGERS.EDU  (John Stanley)
Subject: Re: Bad monitor, Bad service
To: info-atari16@score.stanford.edu

In article <1987Mar13.141548.24430@gpu.utcs.toronto.edu>
 pete@gpu.utcs.toronto.edu (Peter Santangeli) writes:
 >
 >    My monitor developped a glitch a little while ago that takes the form
 >of the image shifting left to right or right to left at random interval and
 >random distances. The distance is usually less thatn 5 mm and the entire image
 >usually shifts, though occasionally I also notice horizontal spikes and wave-
 >ering.

I had a similar problem with the first machine I got.

 >    I took my monitor to Atari service here in Toronto, and they said it
 >would take 2-3 days. 7 days later, they told me it was done. I went out to
 >pick it up: all there was was a note:No problems, must be with computer.
 >  This seemed wierd to me as my color monitor has NEVER given me problems.
 >Anyways, I took in the whole system. 5 days later. "couldn't find the
 >problem".
 >  Damn! I thought. must be interferance. (though I had checked that). SO
 >I set the stupid thing up at WORK. same problem. I took it home, and
 >UNPLUGGEEVERY APPLIANCE AND ELECTRICAL DEVICE IN THE HOUSE.
 > ***SAME PROBLEM***!!!!

The problem I had occured durring heavy load periods when the line voltage
dropped in my area.  Unpluging your whole house wouldn't make much of a
difference one way or another.  The service center you went to may have
in a different power distribution area even if it was a block away...

 >    These guys are either BLIND or just plain aren't willing to spend the
 >time to find the problem. Frankly, I am EXTREMELY PISSED OFF. I spent over
 >$2000 on atari equipment. Yah, the software isn't great, I can live with that.
 >I CAN'T LIVE WITH RUDE AND INEFFECTIVE SERVICE.

Don't go blaming the service guys when they can't recreate the problem.  It
took bribing a friendly service tech into coming to my place to figure out
the cause.

 >    So, I ask the net, has ANYBODY had the kind of monitor problems I have
 >been having? I guess I am forced to open the damn thing up myself and fix it.
 >Let's hope I don't electrocute myself (for atari Canada's sake!)

I certanly hope you haven't zapped yourself before you read this.  The
problem turned out to be a random glitch in the vidio shifter chip
control registers.  The solution was to replace the chip...

---
John Stanley (john@viper.UUCP)
Software Consultant - DynaSoft Systems
UUCP: ...{amdahl,ihnp4,rutgers}!{meccts,dayton}!viper!john

------------------------------

End of Info-Atari16 Digest
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