Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
Umm ... nice idea. I've got a Compact Flash card in a pocket computer. Nice devices ! Pity that they are not 'hot swapping', though, as you suggest. Although they are very useful as a permanent second drive :-) My backup QL has an 8MB RomDisq from Tony Firshman. Nice as a small semi-permanent hard drive - all the most commonly used programs and files on my suystems are in that, instantly available, with no trailing hard disk cables etc and no wasted space. I'm sure this would be a good idea for for a Qx0 system. Especially if it was a commonly available device like a Psion one or a smartmedia or compactflash. -- Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.soft.net.uk/dj/index.html
Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
Dilwyn Jones wrote: Umm ... nice idea. I've got a Compact Flash card in a pocket computer. Nice devices ! Pity that they are not 'hot swapping', though, as you suggest. Although they are very useful as a permanent second drive :-) No hot-swapping doesn't mean should be permanent. Just power off, change media (easy like a microdrive change), reboot. Since reboot takes only seconds, this is not a very big issue. BTW, if some software-issues can be solved, hot-swapping seems also possible, even if it is not fully specified. My backup QL has an 8MB RomDisq from Tony Firshman. Nice as a small semi-permanent hard drive - all the most commonly used programs and files on my suystems are in that, instantly available, with no trailing hard disk cables etc and no wasted space. I'm sure this would be a good idea for for a Qx0 system. Especially if it was a commonly available device like a Psion one or a smartmedia or compactflash. That's exactly what I already have for my Q40. With the added advantage of 64 MB (for about 50 UK pounds) or more, and higher read/write speed. (As always) things need time and I currently have work of much higher priority, so I must hope for patience before I can give public suggestions on which adaptors/devices to use and maybe which tricks to apply. Peter
Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
In article [EMAIL PROTECTED], Peter Graf [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Umm ... nice idea. I've got a Compact Flash card in a pocket computer. Nice devices ! Pity that they are not 'hot swapping', though, as you suggest. Although they are very useful as a permanent second drive :-) No hot-swapping doesn't mean should be permanent. Just power off, change media (easy like a microdrive change), reboot. Since reboot takes only seconds, this is not a very big issue. Yes, we are just lazy :-) ... a power down is not a problem with pocket computers. BTW, if some software-issues can be solved, hot-swapping seems also possible, even if it is not fully specified. That did seem a good suggestion. My backup QL has an 8MB RomDisq from Tony Firshman. Nice as a small semi-permanent hard drive - all the most commonly used programs and files on my suystems are in that, instantly available, with no trailing hard disk cables etc and no wasted space. I'm sure this would be a good idea for for a Qx0 system. Especially if it was a commonly available device like a Psion one or a smartmedia or compactflash. That's exactly what I already have for my Q40. With the added advantage of 64 MB (for about 50 UK pounds) or more, and higher read/write speed. (As always) things need time and I currently have work of much higher priority, so I must hope for patience before I can give public suggestions on which adaptors/devices to use and maybe which tricks to apply. The RomDisq is great on a QL, yet the potential of the CompactFlash is an interesting outcome now that you are using one with a Q40. -- Malcolm Cadman
RE: Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
It is safer to use atari-fdisk from Linux for that, alternatively you could replug the 2nd drive to become the first. I will email you the newest Linux tools for partitoning and formatting. Richard, would you email those to me too please. thanks, Ian. -Original Message- From: Richard.Zidlicky Sent: 10 July 2001 09:44 To: ql-users Cc: Richard.Zidlicky Subject: Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question On Mon, Jul 09, 2001 at 10:13:14PM -0700, Timothy Swenson wrote: Ok, before I do something stupid and accidently format my main HD, can someone refresh me on getting a second HD going on the Q40. I know to use MKPART_EXE, but I'm worried that it will default to the main drive and not the secondary drive and then there goes my data. It is safer to use atari-fdisk from Linux for that, alternatively you could replug the 2nd drive to become the first. I will email you the newest Linux tools for partitoning and formatting. Bye Richard Visit our website at http://www.ubswarburg.com This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message which arise as a result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a hard-copy version. This message is provided for informational purposes and should not be construed as a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or related financial instruments.
Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
Richard Z. suggesting using atari-fdisk and qxltool to get the Syquest up and running. I used atari-fdisk to partition the drive (1 partition). I used qxltool to format the disk. I first tried something like this: qxltool -W /dev/hdb1 0 label This got an error during format (unknown error 1771094350). So, I used 127 instead of 0. I then had to run the fix-geometry command in qxltool to get that set (32/16). When I try to access the disk in SMSQ/E, it does not see it. I set WIN_DRIVE 3,1,0. Using the WIN_DRIVE$ command I get 1,0,1 (which is correct). But when I copy a file from win1_ to win3_, it shows up on win1_ as win1_win3_.. Anybody have any ideas? Now for my other adventure (see next message). Tim Swenson
Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
On Mon, Jul 09, 2001 at 01:24:16AM -0400, ZN wrote: [snip] I wonder if dual channel IDE controllers are supported on the Q40, if so, that may solve your problem, you could have all the devices hooked up permanently. both SMSQ and Linux support at least 2 IDE controllers, I use 2 of them right now. If you are looking for dual controllers, avoid those that claim to solve all your problems with disks larger than xx MB or have any BIOS onboard unless it can be safely switched off. Those typically require a special BIOS initialisation before they start working.. you would have to run Conqueror from floppy to init the HD. Bye Richard
Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
At 09:06 PM 7/9/2001 +0200, Peter Graf wrote: BTW I am successfully using CompactFlash as removable media for Q40/Q60. Seems a very nice thing! Smaller than a QL microdrive cartridge, silent, portable, and works under Q40 SMSQ/E and QDOS Classic *without* new drivers! I use a special PCMCIA/CompactFlash-IDE adaptor. But attention, not all CompactFlash-IDE adaptors work. There are also differences between CompactFlash cards. This needs further investigation. CompactFlash has the disadvantage not to be well-suited for hot-plugging. You have to switch off your machine when you change media. Fortunately the Q40/Q60 boots quite fast... and needs no shutdown under SMSQ/QDOS. How about letting us know exactly which model adapter you are using? Are there any that you have tested that have failed? I'd like to see a web page the covers all of the different hardware that people have tried on the Q40. If we know exactly which ones work and which ones fail, I'd be more willing to go further with the Q40 than just relying on blind luck. I don't want to spend a week going to Fry's trying all sorts of cards seeing which ones work or not. BTW, I CompactFlash (aka Digital film) on the PC. The driver on the PC does not require a reboot when changing CompactFlash cards. It senses when a new one is put in or one is taken out. I'm using a little USB-based adapter called Jump Shot made by Lexar (same folks that make the CompactFlash cards). The CompactFlash card is viewable from inside My Computer but it does not have a drive letter assigned to it. I'm guessing the Adapter that Peter is using makes the CompactFlash look just like a HD or floppy. Tim Swenson
Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
In article [EMAIL PROTECTED], Timothy Swenson [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I want to bounce an idea off the collective. I just picked up a Syquest EZ-Flyer 230 (EIDE) with about a dozen disks. I've already got two IDE devices on my Q40 (HD and CDROM). I'm thinking about putting in the Syquest in the Q40 and only hooking it up when I needed it (mostly for backup). An excellent device ... in my opinion. I have a SCSI one ( 230Mb ) hooked up to my RISC OS system. Don't restrict yourself just to 'backup'. I use mine just like a standard hard drive ... i.e. run any software you like from it. I even 'turn off' my main hard drive, which is also an external SCSI, and use the SyQuest as the main hard drive :-) ... it has the advantage of being both quick and quiet. Essentially I would turn the Q40 off, crack the case, switch the power and IDE cable from the CDROM to the Syquest, turn on the Q40 and go about using the Syquest. I'd reverse the procedure to get the CDROM back. There should still be a spare cable for a second hard drive, even if you have a CD-ROM in place ( ? ); or there is a doubler cable available ... thinking 'PC' ... I don't know how the Q40 is in this hardware sense. Does this sound like a good idea? Has anybody tried the Syquest on the Q40? Probably ? BTW, I got the Syquest free, so if I can't use it on the Q40, no problem. A friend of mine is moving from an apartment in San Francisco to an RV (where he'll travel and find jobs in different towns). He was giving most of the stuff in his apartment to friends. Besides the Syquest I got a boat-load of 80's records. I know if I kept him as a friend for the past 20 years it would pay off :-). Well, if the SyQuest is free, you have a wonderful device to use on any machine that you care to put it on ! I am looking out for another one myself :-) ... IDE ... parallel port ... or SCSI. PS - 135Mb disks also work fine in the 230Mb drive that you have now got. So, build up a library ! -- Malcolm Cadman
Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
In article [EMAIL PROTECTED], Peter Graf [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I want to bounce an idea off the collective. I just picked up a Syquest EZ-Flyer 230 (EIDE) with about a dozen disks. Sounds OK. At least the 135 MB one has been reported to work with Q40. I've already got two IDE devices on my Q40 (HD and CDROM). I'm thinking about putting in the Syquest in the Q40 and only hooking it up when I needed it (mostly for backup). How about a second IO card for two more IDE drives? Ah ... thanks for the confirmation to Tim. I thought it should be OK. BTW I am successfully using CompactFlash as removable media for Q40/Q60. Seems a very nice thing! Smaller than a QL microdrive cartridge, silent, portable, and works under Q40 SMSQ/E and QDOS Classic *without* new drivers! I use a special PCMCIA/CompactFlash-IDE adaptor. But attention, not all CompactFlash-IDE adaptors work. There are also differences between CompactFlash cards. This needs further investigation. CompactFlash has the disadvantage not to be well-suited for hot-plugging. You have to switch off your machine when you change media. Fortunately the Q40/Q60 boots quite fast... and needs no shutdown under SMSQ/QDOS. Umm ... nice idea. I've got a Compact Flash card in a pocket computer. Nice devices ! Pity that they are not 'hot swapping', though, as you suggest. Although they are very useful as a permanent second drive :-) -- Malcolm Cadman
Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
BTW, I CompactFlash (aka Digital film) on the PC. The driver on the PC does not require a reboot when changing CompactFlash cards. It senses when a new one is put in or one is taken out. I'm using a little USB-based adapter called Jump Shot made by Lexar (same folks that make the CompactFlash cards). The CompactFlash card is viewable from inside My Computer but it does not have a drive letter assigned to it. This is because the Jumpshot is essentially an USB adapter cable. ONLY Lexar Media cards can use it, because these cards actually have USB built in - and this technology is a Lexar patent. The Jumpshot is nothing more than a piece of cable connecting the proper pins on the card to the USB port. As USB is hot-pluggable, and the card has on-board USB, hot plugging is not a problem - but, as I said, ONLY for Lexar cards. Other cards do NOT have this feature. CF cards can be hot-pluggable, the required hardware is practically trivial. The real problem with CF hot-plugging is that most adaptors use the CF as a standard IDE drive, so it is the software that ultimately prevents hot-plugging, because the existence and size of the hard drives are only checked at system bootup time. It does not expect the whole drive to be removed, and a new one, possibly of different size, to be connected! Note that removable media such as Syquest, ZIP, LS120 is different in this respect. When there is no media, these still look like a hard drive to the computer, but return a 'no media' error. With a CF, when it is removed, there is nothing to return errors, because there is nothing there at all. In some cases there are other problems, such as removing a CF card that was a master drive with a slave attached. I'm guessing the Adapter that Peter is using makes the CompactFlash look just like a HD or floppy. Every CF card MUST have IDE compatibility mode to be considered fully CF compliant. The card is made to act as a standard IDE drive by connecting one single pin to ground (IIRC). All that is really needed from that point on, is a way to wire the 50-pin CF conector to a standard IDE and power supply cable. This however does not mean that all CF cards will work in the IDE mode. Some are not fully compliant, mostly older and smaller capacity cards, or cards that use the same form factor but are proprietary and bear the same name as the digital camera or PDA they belong to. General purpose CF cards should be fine. IBM makes tiny 1 hard drives that generally fit the CF card form factor, but are slightly thicker. This is known as CF Type II. These drives (called Microdrive - immagine that! :-) ) should also work with an appropriate adaptor, and currently come in 4 sizes, from 160Mb to 1Gb. Nasta
Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
Ok, before I do something stupid and accidently format my main HD, can someone refresh me on getting a second HD going on the Q40. I know to use MKPART_EXE, but I'm worried that it will default to the main drive and not the secondary drive and then there goes my data. I also remember that the manual that came with the Q40 was not quite right on the WIN_DRIVE command or something like that. BTW, I found that I had to pull out the CD to get the Syquest to fit. Since the HD is at the bottom of the drive holder (just under the floppies) and the Syquest was at the top (just over the CD), the IDE cable was not long enough to reach both. No big deal as it's a 3 minute swap job (I never put the screws on the case). Thanks, Tim Swenson
Re: [ql-users] Syquest and Q40 question
On 7/8/01 at 6:38 PM Timothy Swenson wrote: Essentially I would turn the Q40 off, crack the case, switch the power and IDE cable from the CDROM to the Syquest, turn on the Q40 and go about using the Syquest. I'd reverse the procedure to get the CDROM back. You should have no problem as long as you turn off the power to everything before changeing the cables over from CD to Syquest and back. AFAIk the EZflyer, just like the EZdrive looks to the system just like an ordinary hard drive, as long as there is a cartridge in it at the time the system checks for hard drives. I wonder if dual channel IDE controllers are supported on the Q40, if so, that may solve your problem, you could have all the devices hooked up permanently. Nasta
