Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi, Please see the quoted message at the bottom of this message. All clear now, I had not read the Q40_FAT32 file. It looks to me that in SMSQ/E now on a Q60 in eproms, that I can add upto 4 QWA container files and assign them with the new WIN_DRIVE command. Since the QWA files must exist in the in the first 16 entries of the FAT32 partition, a selection of 4 from 16 files is available. The list of QWA files can be listed with the CARD_DIR$ function. Sorry for being a little thick here, but this looks a major development on the Q60 front. Regards, Derek On 24/04/2020 18:43, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: > Hi, > > I'm not sure I follow. > > Regards > > Wolfgang >> Hi, >> >> Just to clarify, does SMSQ/E v3.36 mount the QXL.WIN files correctly. >> --- >> Regards, >> >> Derek >> ___ >> QL-Users Mailing List >> > ___ > QL-Users Mailing List > On 23/04/2020 09:22, Thierry Godefroy via Ql-Users wrote: > On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 09:16:36 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: > >>> Sadly, this change totally broke secondary partitions support for Atari >>> partitioned hard disks. >> >> Just to make sure, this change broke things in 3.36 only, not in 3.35? > > Yep. v3.35 works like a charm in this respect, and I actually reverted to > it for now... > > Regards, > > Thierry. > ___ > QL-Users Mailing List > ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi, I'm not sure I follow. Regards Wolfgang > Hi, > > Just to clarify, does SMSQ/E v3.36 mount the QXL.WIN files correctly. > --- > Regards, > > Derek > ___ > QL-Users Mailing List > ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi, Just to clarify, does SMSQ/E v3.36 mount the QXL.WIN files correctly. --- Regards, Derek ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Fabrizio Diversi via Ql-Users wrote: > - As a slave I have a 4 GB Toshiba SD HC with a CF adapter Type II. Ah! Very good idea! With the right passive CF-IDE adapters, those might not suffer the same problem as the SD-IDE converters, which allow no slave. Also they are quite compact. Thanks for pointing to that! Peter ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 22:02:36 +0200, Fabrizio Diversi via Ql-Users wrote: > this is the "device" I use on the Q60: > https://www.amazon.fr/Syba-SD-ADA45006-Interne-lecteur-m%C3%A9moire/dp/B0036DDXUM > The device can fit 2 CF, the master on one side, the slave on the other. Probably just another controller-less adapter, but with two slots for master and slave, and consequently without Master/Slave/Cable-select jumper, which would be superfluous. > - As a master I have an IBM microdrive (1gb) Ah yes... IBM Microdrives are not CF (memory) cards; they are 1" micro hard disks, so it is not a surprise it works like a charm when plugged on an IDE port (they were designed for it, and some even got a 40 pins IDE connector to plug directly into the connector of a motherboard). Sadly, brand new Microdrives cannot be found any more, or at astronomic prices only, and as a mechanical device, they are not more reliable than an old 3.5" or 2.5" PATA IDE drive... See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microdrive > - As a slave I have a 4 GB Toshiba SD HC with a CF adapter Type II. Any pointer on such an adapter ?... That could be a good solution if it indeed can plug in IDE to CF adapters and let us use a SDHC card. Such an adapter would have an IDE controller inside, which would also explain why it works fine. Thierry. ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi, this is the "device" I use on the Q60: https://www.amazon.fr/Syba-SD-ADA45006-Interne-lecteur-m%C3%A9moire/dp/B0036DDXUM The device can fit 2 CF, the master on one side, the slave on the other. - As a master I have an IBM microdrive (1gb) divided with 2 QLWA Atari partitions each 512mb. The MD is used only to boot new SMSQ/E, then in the boot with a win_drive 1,1,0,0,'QLWA.WIN' I link the disk on the slave partition - As a slave I have a 4 GB Toshiba SD HC with a CF adapter Type II. The SD is divided with 2 (2GB) partitions FAT32 where I have all my QXLs.WIN . I choose a SD instead of a CF to facilitate data exchange with Q68. All works fine with last SMSQE(b) 3.36 on Q60 Fabrizio On 23/04/2020 14:14, Thierry Godefroy via Ql-Users wrote: On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 13:37:15 +0200, Fabrizio Diversi via Ql-Users wrote: On 23/04/2020 13:08, Thierry Godefroy via Ql-Users wrote: Err... I do need the corresponding sources, so that I can patch them (I need a delay on boot for the hard disk, else it won't cold-boot on it) Very interesting, is a common problem using compressed SMSQe Rom with normal HD ? It is a problem with my HD (a 60Gb Maxtor) and my Q60 @ 66MHz: SMSQ/E boots so fast (from the ROM) that the HD does not have enough time to spin up (after a cold start or a software reset) and be ready by the time SMSQ/E tries and reads win1_boot, so SMSQ/E gives up on booting on the HD... Could be this a value parametrized ? I just coded a (very quick) and (totally) dirty 5s delay loop in the Q40 HD init code. The *proper* fix would require waiting in a loop (that would timeout after 10s or so) for a HD to show up and report as being ready on the IDE port(s). This won't need any parameter, but perhaps a disabling flag in the SMSQ/E config block, for people not using any HD (or IDE drive) and booting only from floppy (disabling that feature would allow for faster boot on floppy). Well I am curious to know what you did, can be this module published ? Patch attached. I already reported the issue and transmitted the patch to Wolfgang as well, a few months ago. I suppose I'm the only person affected (with perhaps the only known configuration regrouping a low spinning drive and a fast (overclocked) Q60)... I can vouch for this fact that, sadly and while implementing a "full IDE" compatibility mode, the Compact Flash cards (their "reader" is actually just a controller-less CF connector to PATA IDE connector adapter) are totally unreliable when used on an IDE bus, be it from SMSQ/E or Linux: they *might* seem to work, at first (at least some brands might look like they do), and as long as you copy files in a raw on a blank medium, but as soon as you start deleting files and writing others (i.e. for random access, and with fragmentation), you get immediate medium corruption ! it is more easy to find on the market CF to IDE adapter, only for my Q40 I ordered recently from Amazon (should be here next week) an SD/IDE adapter: Kalea Informatique - Adaptateur Convertisseur IDE 3.5" 40Pin vers SD Card. I let you know . I already did that, months ago... Tried with 32Gb CF cards made by Transcend (first write on blank QXL.WIN works fine under SMSQ/E, then rewrites corrupt the whole media) and SanDisk (not working *at all* with the adapter). Note that both CF cards (totally) fail under Q60-Linux as well (so it's not SMSQ/E's fault). On Q60 I have a single adapter CF to IDE, similar to 2.5 inch HD enclosure, that can hold 2 CF, one per side, master and slave. It works. Lucky you ! Feel free to provide the community with the brands and models (especially the CF card brand/model, since this is the only thing which truly counts for a controller-less IDE/CF adapter). Also, perhaps your "2.5 inch HD enclosure" is in fact equipped with an actual IDE controller (is there any IC on its PCB) ? Thierry. ___ QL-Users Mailing List ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hmm, I remember (from my Atari times) that I had my QLWA partition as the 2nd one of the Megafile. Wasn't it configurable in SMSQ/E, where it has to look for a BOOT? Cheers...Ralf Am 23.04.2020 um 16:11 schrieb Thierry Godefroy via Ql-Users: On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:39:39 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: I just coded a (very quick) and (totally) dirty 5s delay loop in the Q40 HD init code. The *proper* fix would require waiting in a loop (that would timeout after 10s or so) for a HD to show up and report as being ready on the IDE port(s). This won't need any parameter, but perhaps a disabling flag in the SMSQ/E config block, for people not using any HD (or IDE drive) and booting only from floppy (disabling that feature would allow for faster boot on floppy). I'll put this into the next version. Should the check be made on all 4 possible disks, or only on the one in target 0? I doubt there are many systems with the boot drive on another target than 0... So, unless someone speaks against it now, I suggest you go the easy route. :-D Well I am curious to know what you did, can be this module published ? Patch attached. I already reported the issue and transmitted the patch to Wolfgang as well, a few months ago. I suppose I'm the only person affected (with perhaps the only known configuration regrouping a low spinning drive and a fast (overclocked) Q60)... Unless I'm mistaken, nobody else raised that with me. I must have mislaid your previous fix, could you send it to me again? It is attached to the message you just replied now... I also sent it in my personal email to you, dated Mon, 7 Jan 2019 13:49:28 +0100, with subject "Re: QXL.WIN sur carte SDHC". Attaching the "quick and dirty" patch again to this message. But as I wrote, it's in no way a proper fix (it simply introduces a 5s delay, which happens to be needed and to suffice for my overclocked Q60 and my brand/model of HD). Regards, Thierry. ___ QL-Users Mailing List ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Thierry Godefroy via Ql-Users wrote: > Attaching the "quick and dirty" patch again to this message. FYI, the list doesn't allow attachments, so they are filtered out. Cheers, Marcel ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:39:39 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: > > I just coded a (very quick) and (totally) dirty 5s delay loop in the > > Q40 HD init code. The *proper* fix would require waiting in a loop > > (that would timeout after 10s or so) for a HD to show up and report > > as being ready on the IDE port(s). This won't need any parameter, but > > perhaps a disabling flag in the SMSQ/E config block, for people not > > using any HD (or IDE drive) and booting only from floppy (disabling > > that feature would allow for faster boot on floppy). > > I'll put this into the next version. Should the check be made on all 4 > possible disks, or only on the one in target 0? I doubt there are many systems with the boot drive on another target than 0... So, unless someone speaks against it now, I suggest you go the easy route. :-D > >> Well I am curious to know what you did, can be this module published ? > > > > Patch attached. I already reported the issue and transmitted the patch > > to Wolfgang as well, a few months ago. I suppose I'm the only person > > affected (with perhaps the only known configuration regrouping a low > > spinning drive and a fast (overclocked) Q60)... > > Unless I'm mistaken, nobody else raised that with me. > > I must have mislaid your previous fix, could you send it to me again? It is attached to the message you just replied now... I also sent it in my personal email to you, dated Mon, 7 Jan 2019 13:49:28 +0100, with subject "Re: QXL.WIN sur carte SDHC". Attaching the "quick and dirty" patch again to this message. But as I wrote, it's in no way a proper fix (it simply introduces a 5s delay, which happens to be needed and to suffice for my overclocked Q60 and my brand/model of HD). Regards, Thierry. ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi, >> Very interesting, is a common problem using compressed SMSQe Rom with >> normal HD ? It isn't so much the fact that the ROMs are compressed, I just sped up the Qx0 boot time whilst I was at it. >> Could be this a value parametrized ? > > I just coded a (very quick) and (totally) dirty 5s delay loop in the > Q40 HD init code. The *proper* fix would require waiting in a loop > (that would timeout after 10s or so) for a HD to show up and report > as being ready on the IDE port(s). This won't need any parameter, but > perhaps a disabling flag in the SMSQ/E config block, for people not > using any HD (or IDE drive) and booting only from floppy (disabling > that feature would allow for faster boot on floppy). I'll put this into the next version. Should the check be made on all 4 possible disks, or only on the one in target 0? >> Well I am curious to know what you did, can be this module published ? > > Patch attached. I already reported the issue and transmitted the patch > to Wolfgang as well, a few months ago. I suppose I'm the only person > affected (with perhaps the only known configuration regrouping a low > spinning drive and a fast (overclocked) Q60)... > Unless I'm mistaken, nobody else raised that with me. I must have mislaid your previous fix, could you send it to me again? Wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 14:57:11 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: > > I can vouch for this fact that, sadly and while implementing a "full IDE" > > compatibility mode, the Compact Flash cards (their "reader" is actually > > just a controller-less CF connector to PATA IDE connector adapter) are > > totally unreliable when used on an IDE bus, be it from SMSQ/E or Linux: > > they *might* seem to work, at first (at least some brands might look like > > they do), and as long as you copy files in a raw on a blank medium, but > > as soon as you start deleting files and writing others (i.e. for random > > access, and with fragmentation), you get immediate medium corruption ! > > Yes. > > BUT: > I have noticed more than once that, strangely enough, if you use the CF > Cards with a DOS partition scheme, and FAT32 formatted partitions with > QXL.WIN container files, then this works much better (normally > flawlessly) - on the same machine, with the same CF card, in the same > adapter and position. > > For example, copying the content of my main QXL.WIN file (formatted to > 200MB) from the SD card to the FAT32 formatted CF card, under SMSQE, > worked like a charm. drvchk and drvlink revealed no problems... > > With a direct QLWA disk, it is really hit and miss (I managed, once, to > compile SMSQE - but that is only a 25 MB file) and mostly miss rather > than hit... Atari partitions were always unreliable... Well, my experience would prove you wrong: I always used the CF cards with FAT32 partitioning, never in QLWA... and yet, they did get corrupted after a *first* flawless (file to file, using my good old TGBack_exe utility) backup from my HD to the CF card. After the first full HD backup succeeded with all three SMSQ/E partitions (it was with the Transcend 32GB CF card), I was happy, and replaced the HD with the CF card reader, and then proceeded to compile a SMSQ/E binary from sources on the CF card. BANG ! Full medium corruption (the CF card could not even be re-read from a card reader on a Linux PC: I had to repartition it and reformat it). I did several attempts, with or without a slave drive (a CD-ROM drive or the HD) on the same IDE port as the CF card, each time with the same result: first write on blank QLX.WIN (on a FAT32 CF card partition) is fine, then corruption as soon as I delete/rewrite files. With Q60 Linux, it was even worst and I could not even successfully partition a CF card under it. I later searched on the Web for similar experiences with CF cards and old computers, and found a few references on ATARI forums, some of them reporting better results with a SanDisk CF card... I bought one and tried it, and it's even worst than the Transcend (not working *at all* on the IDE port, while working 100% fine in a CF card reader in a PC). I suppose the issue is with how fast (or rather slow) the CF cards answer to the IDE controller. The timings are likely very relaxed in CF cards (and probably not very constant, when the NAND must be erased/rewritten, which are slow operations), and it might clash with the faster/tighter timings of the genuine IDE controllers. My conclusion is: do not loose your time with CF cards ! :-/ > > I might have found a solution, and I recently ordered a PATA IDE to > > SATA adapter (with master/slave jumper) and a SD card to SATA adapter. > > I should receive them by mid-June (COVID allowing), and will then > > report my luck (or lack thereof) with this setting... > > I'll be most interested to hear about that. You can count on it. ;-) Thierry. ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi, > > Thanks in advance for publishing them. Sent via PM. > I can vouch for this fact that, sadly and while implementing a "full IDE" > compatibility mode, the Compact Flash cards (their "reader" is actually > just a controller-less CF connector to PATA IDE connector adapter) are > totally unreliable when used on an IDE bus, be it from SMSQ/E or Linux: > they *might* seem to work, at first (at least some brands might look like > they do), and as long as you copy files in a raw on a blank medium, but > as soon as you start deleting files and writing others (i.e. for random > access, and with fragmentation), you get immediate medium corruption ! Yes. BUT: I have noticed more than once that, strangely enough, if you use the CF Cards with a DOS partition scheme, and FAT32 formatted partitions with QXL.WIN container files, then this works much better (normally flawlessly) - on the same machine, with the same CF card, in the same adapter and position. For example, copying the content of my main QXL.WIN file (formatted to 200MB) from the SD card to the FAT32 formatted CF card, under SMSQE, worked like a charm. drvchk and drvlink revealed no problems... With a direct QLWA disk, it is really hit and miss (I managed, once, to compile SMSQE - but that is only a 25 MB file) and mostly miss rather than hit... Atari partitions were always unreliable... I ** believe ** that this is due to the fact that direct QLWA disks (with no partitioning scheme) or QLWA files on Atari partitions are always addressed as CHS (cylinder/head/side) whilst I made it so that FAT32 partitions are always addressed via LBA. I intend to try what happens when QLWQ and Atari partitioned CF Cards are also addressed via LBA, and whether that doesn't solve the situation Unfortunately, I haven't had time to make conclusive tests on that yet, though. The changes to SMSQE to test this are trivial, but then this needs to be tested extensively, and that takes time. (I would also have to come up with a scheme to distinguish between CF cards and real hard disks, to keep the CHS access for them). > > Sadly, I did not find a single SD card to IDE adapter that could be > configured on a master/slave IDE port, i.e. they all grab the "stand > alone" role and forbid using a second IDE drive as a slave (or master). Yes, that's true. In part, that's also why I think that having several partitions on SD disks can be useful. > I might have found a solution, and I recently ordered a PATA IDE to > SATA adapter (with master/slave jumper) and a SD card to SATA adapter. > I should receive them by mid-June (COVID allowing), and will then > report my luck (or lack thereof) with this setting... > I'll be most interested to hear about that. Wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Fabrizio Diversi via Ql-Users wrote: > it is more easy to find on the market CF to IDE adapter, only for my Q40 > I ordered recently from Amazon (should be here next week) an SD/IDE > adapter: Kalea Informatique - Adaptateur Convertisseur IDE 3.5" 40Pin > vers SD Card. I let you know . They work, but have the problem of not allowing a slave device on the same connector. Peter ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Thierry Godefroy via Ql-Users wrote: > Sadly, I did not find a single SD card to IDE adapter that could be > configured on a master/slave IDE port, i.e. they all grab the "stand > alone" role and forbid using a second IDE drive as a slave (or master). Same here, unfortunately. Except that, it seems a nice alternative with the full possible speed. Peter ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: > The Qx0 uses the UV erasable 27c1024. > I don't remember whether other types of EPROM, especially EE ones will fit. The 27C4096 fits. Nowadays, most of them are OTP though. Peter ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 13:37:15 +0200, Fabrizio Diversi via Ql-Users wrote: > On 23/04/2020 13:08, Thierry Godefroy via Ql-Users wrote: > > > Err... I do need the corresponding sources, so that I can patch them > > (I need a delay on boot for the hard disk, else it won't cold-boot > > on it) > > Very interesting, is a common problem using compressed SMSQe Rom with > normal HD ? It is a problem with my HD (a 60Gb Maxtor) and my Q60 @ 66MHz: SMSQ/E boots so fast (from the ROM) that the HD does not have enough time to spin up (after a cold start or a software reset) and be ready by the time SMSQ/E tries and reads win1_boot, so SMSQ/E gives up on booting on the HD... > Could be this a value parametrized ? I just coded a (very quick) and (totally) dirty 5s delay loop in the Q40 HD init code. The *proper* fix would require waiting in a loop (that would timeout after 10s or so) for a HD to show up and report as being ready on the IDE port(s). This won't need any parameter, but perhaps a disabling flag in the SMSQ/E config block, for people not using any HD (or IDE drive) and booting only from floppy (disabling that feature would allow for faster boot on floppy). > Well I am curious to know what you did, can be this module published ? Patch attached. I already reported the issue and transmitted the patch to Wolfgang as well, a few months ago. I suppose I'm the only person affected (with perhaps the only known configuration regrouping a low spinning drive and a fast (overclocked) Q60)... > > I can vouch for this fact that, sadly and while implementing a "full IDE" > > compatibility mode, the Compact Flash cards (their "reader" is actually > > just a controller-less CF connector to PATA IDE connector adapter) are > > totally unreliable when used on an IDE bus, be it from SMSQ/E or Linux: > > they *might* seem to work, at first (at least some brands might look like > > they do), and as long as you copy files in a raw on a blank medium, but > > as soon as you start deleting files and writing others (i.e. for random > > access, and with fragmentation), you get immediate medium corruption ! > > it is more easy to find on the market CF to IDE adapter, only for my Q40 > I ordered recently from Amazon (should be here next week) an SD/IDE > adapter: Kalea Informatique - Adaptateur Convertisseur IDE 3.5" 40Pin > vers SD Card. I let you know . I already did that, months ago... Tried with 32Gb CF cards made by Transcend (first write on blank QXL.WIN works fine under SMSQ/E, then rewrites corrupt the whole media) and SanDisk (not working *at all* with the adapter). Note that both CF cards (totally) fail under Q60-Linux as well (so it's not SMSQ/E's fault). > On Q60 I have a single adapter CF to IDE, similar to 2.5 inch HD > enclosure, that can hold 2 CF, one per side, master and slave. It works. Lucky you ! Feel free to provide the community with the brands and models (especially the CF card brand/model, since this is the only thing which truly counts for a controller-less IDE/CF adapter). Also, perhaps your "2.5 inch HD enclosure" is in fact equipped with an actual IDE controller (is there any IC on its PCB) ? Thierry. ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi, On 23/04/2020 13:08, Thierry Godefroy via Ql-Users wrote: On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 12:10:13 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: I don't feel it necessary to release a new version of SMSQE for this. Err... I do need the corresponding sources, so that I can patch them (I need a delay on boot for the hard disk, else it won't cold-boot on it) and burn Very interesting, is a common problem using compressed SMSQe Rom with normal HD ? Could be this a value parametrized ? Well I am curious to know what you did, can be this module published ? the resulting re-compiled ROM in the Q60 EPROMs... Thanks in advance for publishing them. On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 12:03:58 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: My advice: get rid of the CF reader, I have had nothing but trouble with them. I can vouch for this fact that, sadly and while implementing a "full IDE" compatibility mode, the Compact Flash cards (their "reader" is actually just a controller-less CF connector to PATA IDE connector adapter) are totally unreliable when used on an IDE bus, be it from SMSQ/E or Linux: they *might* seem to work, at first (at least some brands might look like they do), and as long as you copy files in a raw on a blank medium, but as soon as you start deleting files and writing others (i.e. for random access, and with fragmentation), you get immediate medium corruption ! it is more easy to find on the market CF to IDE adapter, only for my Q40 I ordered recently from Amazon (should be here next week) an SD/IDE adapter: Kalea Informatique - Adaptateur Convertisseur IDE 3.5" 40Pin vers SD Card. I let you know . On Q60 I have a single adapter CF to IDE, similar to 2.5 inch HD enclosure, that can hold 2 CF, one per side, master and slave. It works. Not so with SD cards. Sadly, I did not find a single SD card to IDE adapter that could be configured on a master/slave IDE port, i.e. they all grab the "stand alone" role and forbid using a second IDE drive as a slave (or master). I might have found a solution, and I recently ordered a PATA IDE to SATA adapter (with master/slave jumper) and a SD card to SATA adapter. I should receive them by mid-June (COVID allowing), and will then report my luck (or lack thereof) with this setting... Thierry. ___ QL-Users Mailing List Regards Fabrizio ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 12:10:13 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: > I don't feel it necessary to release a new version of SMSQE for this. Err... I do need the corresponding sources, so that I can patch them (I need a delay on boot for the hard disk, else it won't cold-boot on it) and burn the resulting re-compiled ROM in the Q60 EPROMs... Thanks in advance for publishing them. On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 12:03:58 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: > My advice: get rid of the CF reader, I have had nothing but trouble with > them. I can vouch for this fact that, sadly and while implementing a "full IDE" compatibility mode, the Compact Flash cards (their "reader" is actually just a controller-less CF connector to PATA IDE connector adapter) are totally unreliable when used on an IDE bus, be it from SMSQ/E or Linux: they *might* seem to work, at first (at least some brands might look like they do), and as long as you copy files in a raw on a blank medium, but as soon as you start deleting files and writing others (i.e. for random access, and with fragmentation), you get immediate medium corruption ! > Not so with SD cards. Sadly, I did not find a single SD card to IDE adapter that could be configured on a master/slave IDE port, i.e. they all grab the "stand alone" role and forbid using a second IDE drive as a slave (or master). I might have found a solution, and I recently ordered a PATA IDE to SATA adapter (with master/slave jumper) and a SD card to SATA adapter. I should receive them by mid-June (COVID allowing), and will then report my luck (or lack thereof) with this setting... Thierry. ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi > Sadly, this change totally broke secondary partitions support for Atari > partitioned hard disks. > This is fixed now. I don't feel it necessary to release a new version of SMSQE for this. FTB, if you need/want this rom, contact me by mail, I'll sent it to you. Have fun. Wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi, The Qx0 uses the UV erasable 27c1024. I don't remember whether other types of EPROM, especially EE ones will fit. the programmer you mentioned in your email to me seems OK. > I am finishing my process of updating my Q40 / Q60, I have installed a > new case, a new modular Atx power supply, replaced classics HD with > CF/SD readers, eliminated floppy and lastly I would like to update the > ROM with the latest version of smsqe. My advice: get rid of the CF reader, I have had nothing but trouble with them. Not so with SD cards. Wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi, > Especially for sharing with the Q68, the new feature is useless, as it > does not exist there. > Which just means that I'll have to implement it on Q68 as well... Wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
yes, you are right. What i meant in my previous email is about what i plan to do, I am not saying anything against Atari partition, it is up to the user decide what to do. I read again, Peter, your previous email, and In case we (Wolfgang:-)) cannot find a solution, I vote in favor to switch back to 335 functionality in this respect as you suggested. Let me take the opportunity to repeat here the post i put on the forum, so that some of you can find a kind answer...:-) Hi, I am finishing my process of updating my Q40 / Q60, I have installed a new case, a new modular Atx power supply, replaced classics HD with CF/SD readers, eliminated floppy and lastly I would like to update the ROM with the latest version of smsqe. I have already created, using the compressed version of SMSQE by Wolfgang the LO and HI parts ready to be burned in the 2 eprom. Now I need your help in find out the exact model of the eprom to use: M27C1024-xxx but what model/brand ? and where to find them (eBay) ? UV or OTP? Can you suggest me which model of eprom programmer to buy and which model of UV lamp to cancel the eprom? Can I reuse the existing Roms erasing and reprogramming them ? Many thanks Fabrizio All the best Fabrizio On 23/04/2020 11:39, Peter Graf via Ql-Users wrote: Fabrizio Diversi via Ql-Users wrote: New configuration I am approaching is to burn new ROM able to load SMSQ/E 3.36 directly without need of at least one atari partition and then have a single CF/SD (1 or 2 partition, doesn't care) to be able to load until 8 QXL.WIN and to have the freedom to share them with Q68. Especially for sharing with the Q68, the new feature is useless, as it does not exist there. Peter ___ QL-Users Mailing List ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Fabrizio Diversi via Ql-Users wrote: > New configuration I am approaching is to burn new ROM able to load > SMSQ/E 3.36 directly without need of at least one atari partition and > then have a single CF/SD (1 or 2 partition, doesn't care) to be able to > load until 8 QXL.WIN and to have the freedom to share them with Q68. Especially for sharing with the Q68, the new feature is useless, as it does not exist there. Peter ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi all, I am taking the decision to abandon at all Atari format partition on my Q60/Q40. I never had a special passion for mkpart/drvchk/drvlnk because I never fully understand the logic behind and this is my limit obviously . New configuration I am approaching is to burn new ROM able to load SMSQ/E 3.36 directly without need of at least one atari partition and then have a single CF/SD (1 or 2 partition, doesn't care) to be able to load until 8 QXL.WIN and to have the freedom to share them with Q68. I think, that QXL.WIN on FAT32 could be considered the new standard, my humble opinion obviously Fabrizio On 23/04/2020 11:02, Peter Graf via Ql-Users wrote: Thierry Godefroy via Ql-Users wrote: On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 09:16:36 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: Sadly, this change totally broke secondary partitions support for Atari partitioned hard disks. Just to make sure, this change broke things in 3.36 only, not in 3.35? Yep. v3.35 works like a charm in this respect, and I actually reverted to it for now... For me the question is: Where is even the slightest practical benefit of the new feature? Up to eight QLWA containers can be used without it. I know it is hard to abandon code, after time was already invested, but in this case I'd vote for it. All the best Peter ___ QL-Users Mailing List ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Thierry Godefroy via Ql-Users wrote: > On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 09:16:36 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: > >>> Sadly, this change totally broke secondary partitions support for Atari >>> partitioned hard disks. >> >> Just to make sure, this change broke things in 3.36 only, not in 3.35? > > Yep. v3.35 works like a charm in this respect, and I actually reverted to > it for now... For me the question is: Where is even the slightest practical benefit of the new feature? Up to eight QLWA containers can be used without it. I know it is hard to abandon code, after time was already invested, but in this case I'd vote for it. All the best Peter ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
On Thu, 23 Apr 2020 09:16:36 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: > > Sadly, this change totally broke secondary partitions support for Atari > > partitioned hard disks. > > Just to make sure, this change broke things in 3.36 only, not in 3.35? Yep. v3.35 works like a charm in this respect, and I actually reverted to it for now... Regards, Thierry. ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi, > Sadly, this change totally broke secondary partitions support for Atari > partitioned hard disks. > Just to make sure, this change broke things in 3.36 only, not in 3.35? Regards Wolfgang ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
On Sun, 19 Apr 2020 07:52:43 +0200, Wolfgang Lenerz via Ql-Users wrote: > The Qx0 can read container files from the first four FAT32 partitions > and has some new card related keywords (see extras_new_Q40_FAT32_txt) Sadly, this change totally broke secondary partitions support for Atari partitioned hard disks. On my Q60, the first 3 (Atari) primary partitions are used for SMSQ/E volumes (the rest is for Linux) and only the first one is still (thankfully) automatically recognized on boot, but the two others cannot be "mounted", i.e. WIN_DRIVE 2,0,1 that used (and ought) to assign the second primary partition of the first IDE hard disk to win2, simply assigns the first partition (the boot one) to win2... Reading extras_new_Q40_FAT32_txt I saw there are now 4 parameters to WIN_DRIVE, but using WIN_DRIVE 2,0,0,1 does not change the result at all... Any clue as to what went wrong (in the code, or in the documentation) ? Regards, Thierry. ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi, No need to use CD ROM disks, as I have a PC with an SD Card reader on it in the house... I insert the 32Gb SD Card into the reader and copy the QWA container file (QXL.WIN file) to it and insert the SD Card into the Q68 SD Card reader Slot 2, mount the SD Card and read the files. Or connect Q68 via SerNET to QPC2 and read the files over the network. CD-ROM disks not required, they only hold 650mb. Also there are no USB drivers for the Q68 or any QL computers. Regards Derek On 19 April 2020 09:16:56 BST, simon629--- via Ql-Users wrote: >You No the Removable Win File is a Removable SD a Well The Next thing >needs to come out is CD-Rom Support so If they have to Computers in >the house Like a PC and LIKE a Q68 and If you a Portable USB CD Rom >Drive you could of unplug it from the PC and plug it it to the Q68 >and install All your QL Software from a CD-Rom-Q68 That will Be the >Next BIG BIG BIG Think to come out >On Sunday, 19 April 2020, 08:37:47 BST, Peter Graf via Ql-Users > wrote: > > Hi Wolfgang, > >> SMSQE 3.36 is out. You can get it as usual on wlenerz.com/smsqe > >Many thanks for your maintainance work, covering so many different >machines. > >Not that I actually use the Q68 FAT driver, but by chance I noticed a >configration issue. The "Fat1_ is on card =>" entry exists, but can not >be selected. ("Fat2_ is on card =>" and higher numbers work.) > >> For the Q68, cards need not be initialized for normal access (a >> CARD_INIT might still be necessary for the CARD_xx commands). > >I have not enough evidence to actually blame this feature, but would >recommend a little caution. I had strange issues two times, since I >tried it instead of just rebooting. In both cases, problems appeared in >connection with overwriting existing files. I had to concentrate on >other stuff, so I didn't actually investigate. Reverting to a backup >image cured it. Could be just coincidence with something else. > >> The >> keyboard may be handled via interrupts, which may help with certain >> USB-PS/2 adapters (this needs your FPGA to be updated, though). SER >> works again correctly. > >Please note that the mentioned FPGA update not just adds keyboard >interrupt support, but also lowers the rate in which the PS/2 ports are >sampled. At the moment we wait on more testing. Since the Q68 has no >field update for the FPGA, persons who have those (not fully PS/2 >standard conforming) adapters should ask Derek. > >All the best >Peter >___ >QL-Users Mailing List > >___ >QL-Users Mailing List --- Regards, Derek ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
You No the Removable Win File is a Removable SD a Well The Next thing needs to come out is CD-Rom Support so If they have to Computers in the house Like a PC and LIKE a Q68 and If you a Portable USB CD Rom Drive you could of unplug it from the PC and plug it it to the Q68 and install All your QL Software from a CD-Rom-Q68 That will Be the Next BIG BIG BIG Think to come out On Sunday, 19 April 2020, 08:37:47 BST, Peter Graf via Ql-Users wrote: Hi Wolfgang, > SMSQE 3.36 is out. You can get it as usual on wlenerz.com/smsqe Many thanks for your maintainance work, covering so many different machines. Not that I actually use the Q68 FAT driver, but by chance I noticed a configration issue. The "Fat1_ is on card =>" entry exists, but can not be selected. ("Fat2_ is on card =>" and higher numbers work.) > For the Q68, cards need not be initialized for normal access (a > CARD_INIT might still be necessary for the CARD_xx commands). I have not enough evidence to actually blame this feature, but would recommend a little caution. I had strange issues two times, since I tried it instead of just rebooting. In both cases, problems appeared in connection with overwriting existing files. I had to concentrate on other stuff, so I didn't actually investigate. Reverting to a backup image cured it. Could be just coincidence with something else. > The > keyboard may be handled via interrupts, which may help with certain > USB-PS/2 adapters (this needs your FPGA to be updated, though). SER > works again correctly. Please note that the mentioned FPGA update not just adds keyboard interrupt support, but also lowers the rate in which the PS/2 ports are sampled. At the moment we wait on more testing. Since the Q68 has no field update for the FPGA, persons who have those (not fully PS/2 standard conforming) adapters should ask Derek. All the best Peter ___ QL-Users Mailing List ___ QL-Users Mailing List
Re: [Ql-Users] SMSQE 3.36
Hi Wolfgang, > SMSQE 3.36 is out. You can get it as usual on wlenerz.com/smsqe Many thanks for your maintainance work, covering so many different machines. Not that I actually use the Q68 FAT driver, but by chance I noticed a configration issue. The "Fat1_ is on card =>" entry exists, but can not be selected. ("Fat2_ is on card =>" and higher numbers work.) > For the Q68, cards need not be initialized for normal access (a > CARD_INIT might still be necessary for the CARD_xx commands). I have not enough evidence to actually blame this feature, but would recommend a little caution. I had strange issues two times, since I tried it instead of just rebooting. In both cases, problems appeared in connection with overwriting existing files. I had to concentrate on other stuff, so I didn't actually investigate. Reverting to a backup image cured it. Could be just coincidence with something else. > The > keyboard may be handled via interrupts, which may help with certain > USB-PS/2 adapters (this needs your FPGA to be updated, though). SER > works again correctly. Please note that the mentioned FPGA update not just adds keyboard interrupt support, but also lowers the rate in which the PS/2 ports are sampled. At the moment we wait on more testing. Since the Q68 has no field update for the FPGA, persons who have those (not fully PS/2 standard conforming) adapters should ask Derek. All the best Peter ___ QL-Users Mailing List