Sinphaltimus Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Apollo Team has developed a registration process for distributing updates and news - they need your help proving out the system with x-amount of registrations- please register your vampire card as soon as you can. http://register.apollo-accelerators.com/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Would love to, but my Vamp is currently bricked! Serial number not on the board itself, correct? Need to extract it using their utility when_the_thing_is_working. Waiting to hear back from someone on the Apollo team with the .jic file needed to restore it and in the meantime, have a USB Blaster on the way. Whee! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Feralstorm Posted August 19, 2017 Share Posted August 19, 2017 Be happy to - when the one I ordered arrives somewhere between days and years from now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eightbit Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 Would love to, but my Vamp is currently bricked! Serial number not on the board itself, correct? Need to extract it using their utility when_the_thing_is_working. Waiting to hear back from someone on the Apollo team with the .jic file needed to restore it and in the meantime, have a USB Blaster on the way. Whee! Just out of curiosity, how did it brick? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 Machine reset itself in the middle of the Core 2.5 update. 2.7 coming out soon, so will try that with my shiny new USB Blaster that's supposed to arrive soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinphaltimus Posted August 25, 2017 Author Share Posted August 25, 2017 How does one go about getting 2.5? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 How does one go about getting 2.5? Look here: http://apollo-core.com/knowledge.php?b=4¬e=7067&x=1&z=Ur_PrN ...the reason I tried to install it was to get rid of the MiniMon error upon startup when running ApolloOS. Can just remove it from your WBStartup also. Let us know if your Vamp gets bricked in the process like mine! Direct link: http://apollo-accelerators.com/files/GOLD2.5/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinphaltimus Posted August 26, 2017 Author Share Posted August 26, 2017 I'm wary to even try with this...I don't have a USB Blaster. Also it notes that it is the same core as Goldv2 - so this just flashes the kickrom? There are two coices available - AplloKick and alternative. I dunno, this makes me nervous. GOLD2.5 Experimental build - We are not responsible for any data loss - Do not try without having USB Blaster nearby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinphaltimus Posted August 26, 2017 Author Share Posted August 26, 2017 OK, I'm on 2.5 - no bricking occurred. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 OK, I'm on 2.5 - no bricking occurred. Which file did you use? The first one or the second, which is an executable that says something about alternative Kickstart? Upon boot up, does it actually state Gold Core2.5? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinphaltimus Posted August 26, 2017 Author Share Posted August 26, 2017 I used the first one - not the exe and yes, my Vampire splash screen states 2.5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 I used the first one - not the exe and yes, my Vampire splash screen states 2.5 Finally reflashed the core, installed 2.5 and registered my Vamp. While it's no longer a brick thankfully, I'm still getting the MiniMin crash upon startup. Asks if I want to Suspend or Reset? Thought 2.5 was supposed to take care of that... you experiencing the same prob? Might have something funky or commented out in my Startup-Sequences, but with all the tweaking in troubleshooting, not sure what would affect that. Will run SnoopDOS when activating MiniMon next I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinphaltimus Posted August 30, 2017 Author Share Posted August 30, 2017 (edited) Y Finally reflashed the core, installed 2.5 and registered my Vamp. While it's no longer a brick thankfully, I'm still getting the MiniMin crash upon startup. Asks if I want to Suspend or Reset? Thought 2.5 was supposed to take care of that... you experiencing the same prob? Might have something funky or commented out in my Startup-Sequences, but with all the tweaking in troubleshooting, not sure what would affect that. Will run SnoopDOS when activating MiniMon next I guess. Yes, I am still having that issue. I trouble shot it with the devs on IRC and they came to realize something they dubbed as "interesting and duly noted" - with ApolloOS r43 and Goldv2.5, there is no vampire.resources on the system using SnoopDOS/Resources. This was discovered when troubleshooting why MiniMon was still crashing for me after the upgrade. So no fix yet. And no further information available. Although I haven't been poking and prodding either. Edited August 30, 2017 by Sinphaltimus 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Cool, thanks for getting back to me so quick. Finding answers for some of this stuff, unless you really peek and poke around, can be quite elusive. Glad I'm not the only one having this particular issue then. It's been fun playing around with this. Compatibility is fairly high for the most part. I had installed an Indivision ECS recently and love the option to either play using the same LCD screen since my model has both DVI/HDMI and VGA in, so only need to switch between analog and digital going through the menu OR my 20" Sony CRT (no comparison as CRT always wins with these games). Too bad no button for input in the LCD monitor for convenience, but guess I should be happy it works as well as it does.BUT... have now discovered the Indivision Flash tool is not compatible with the Vampire. One too many FPGA's I figure as the FF/SD is not even recognized at all. And nothing happens when you execute the config program. Thought it was because I was running ApolloOS, but nope. Switched to 3.9 and the same thing. Could maybe be the custom Apollo Kickstart too I guess. Probably why they have a Gold Core2.5 with Kickstart 3.1... for increased compatibility with certain stuff. Might just have to flash that .exe next and see if that gets me nowhere fast. Have the USB Blaster all figured out, so I can go about this flashing business with confidence! haha 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eightbit Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 (edited) The Vampire must be taking over Denise in one way shape or form. If the Indivision flash tool does not see the board that that means the Indivision ECS Config tool won't either. Are you using it with or without the Denise chip? Edited September 6, 2017 by eightbit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 The Vampire must be taking over Denise in one way shape or form. If the Indivision flash tool does not see the board that that means the Indivision ECS Config tool won't either. Are you using it with or without the Denise chip? With Denise... wanted my ECS productivity modes that I never really use! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eightbit Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 (edited) I think it might be because when you are using the Vampire you are mostly using a "simulated Amiga". It must be providing simple communication to the denise chip to allow legacy output and it is just not enough to interface with the ECS board the way the real Amiga does....at least that is my far fetched guess. It is cool that the VGA is still working with the ECS, but not so cool that you cannot use the config tool to adjust the image settings, enable scanlines, flash update it, etc. When you try to launch the flash tool are you in "legacy" (on the Denise video output instead of the HDMI) mode? Not that I think that would make any difference as it should still be "active" when the machine is on, but worth a look. If anything you might have to remove the Vampire temporarily if you want to access and flash the ECS. The latest update is v1.15 and I updated mine a while ago. It is supposed to improve power draw so that can't be a bad thing http://wiki.icomp.de/wiki/Indivision_ECS Funny thing is that the update is over five years old, and the board still ships with v1.01 firmware! Well...at least the last three I purchased... Edited September 7, 2017 by eightbit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinphaltimus Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 (edited) Is it possible to run the utility from a bootable floppy? when you boot from a floppy everything comes out of the RGB port (No HDMI) so doing so may allow your configuration util to run. Edited September 7, 2017 by Sinphaltimus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Just tried both of your suggestions... booted into 3.1 legacy from floppy, but the Indivision config tool still does not work. Seems to load, then nothing. The flash tool pops up, but the Indivision ECS is simply not recognized. Says "not available". Interestingly enough though, when I boot into legacy mode, exiting out of the flash tool no longer causes the computer to reset. The HDMI screen immediately goes out though and its monitor switches to power save mode. I re-ran the tool program thinking maybe now the HDMI side was totally disabled and would allow access to the Indivision ECS, but nope. Same result: not available. BTW: When I removed the Vampire and re-installed the 68k, I flashed my board with the latest firmware 1.15, but it still says 1.10 at startup. Verified I am indeed running 1.15 as when I re-run the Flash Tool, it says so. So the splash screen showing 1.10 must indicate the revision of the actual Indivision unit or it's bugged. -update- Installed a Kipper A2000 Fast Slot adapter for my Vampire today and ran the ECS Config and Flash tools, but same result: does not recognize the board at all and I cannot adjust any of its settings. Oh well, not like I need to really putz around with it anyway. Set to scanlines and verified all is well with my monitors, so it's all good. Would be nice if the issue gets addressed at some time though. Need to set up an account on the Vampire forums so I can report my findings for the team. The Fast Slot adapter is nice because now I can get at the CF card without having to unplug all the cabling and remove the power supply/drive sled. Will also be leaving the Jtag cable connected to the Vampire and hanging outside of the computer now, so when (not if) something goes wrong with a flash, can get right at that too. Did find I had to purchase a right angle HDMI adapter though, as the cable sits too high without one. Hopefully that'll be here within the week. Always something! ugh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eightbit Posted September 13, 2017 Share Posted September 13, 2017 (edited) BTW: When I removed the Vampire and re-installed the 68k, I flashed my board with the latest firmware 1.15, but it still says 1.10 at startup. Verified I am indeed running 1.15 as when I re-run the Flash Tool, it says so. So the splash screen showing 1.10 must indicate the revision of the actual Indivision unit or it's bugged. That is normal...its not a bug. Jens forgot to change the version number and never fixed it If you launch the flash tool again now that it is flashed you will see it is actually 1.15. So, you are updated Edited September 13, 2017 by eightbit 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eightbit Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 My vampire is coming finally. I finally received the email after eight months. My plan is to install into my only Amiga...the 2000. I expect I will have questions 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 My vampire is coming finally. I finally received the email after eight months. My plan is to install into my only Amiga...the 2000. I expect I will have questions I recommend a Fast Slot adapter... this way, you can actually reach the CF card and other connections without removing the drive sled. Also saves your 68k socket from getting damaged by the Vampire's machine pins. http://www.amiga.org/forums/showthread.php?p=831420#post831420 ...also bought a right angle adapter for the HDMI port (needed if you use HDMI and want to close the computer lid), thin HDMI extension and a microSD extension cable for access through the rear. Oh, and a 2.5" IDE to CF card adapter. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eightbit Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 (edited) Well, I am not so worried about the machine pins damaging a socket. I know people say it can happen, but the Indivision ECS has machine pins and we plug that into the Denise socket I think if you plug it in once and leave it you'll be ok. But, I will definitely look into the adapter just because that is pretty cool. So I guess the first question is about the kickstart. I am hearing online that the KS rom should be removed if you use the vampire. Is that correct? Also, if you use the slot adapter do you need to remove the 68000? Or just leave it? And what about the OS? I see people showcasing really high quality workbench desktops. What version are they running? What version are you running? I have been using WB 2.1 for everything up until this point. And, can you add links to the adapters and cables you purchased (such as the microSD extension, right angle HDMI adapter, etc)? That would help greatly! Edited October 9, 2017 by eightbit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eightbit Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 And I forgot to ask for the link for the USB Blaster you purchased as well. Good thing to have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 Yes, you need to remove Kickstart. My revision 6.2 A2000 wouldn't boot with it in. Not sure about the 68000 when using the Fast Slot adapter. Think the 68000 is automatically disabled whenever anything is inserted into the slot. When you see fancy Amiga Workbenches, they're almost always some flavor of 3.1 or better. People customizing the hell out of the cosmetics with different icons, backgrounds, etc. There's always ClassicWB if you don't want the trouble and hassle of tracking everything down, but I'm using ApolloOS with my Vampire. You'll have to read up on how to install these things. All the ancillary stuff, I just bought on eBay: HDMI right angle: http://www.ebay.com/itm/HDMI-Male-to-Female-Right-Angle-Connector-Adapter-90-Degree-Extender-1080P-HDTV/141542756928?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 HDMI flat cable: https://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=Super+HD+4K+Ultra+HDMI+Flat+Cable+2V+Male+to+Female+HDMI+Extension+Cord+Support&_id=252604432855&&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2658 USB Blaster: http://www.ebay.com/itm/altera-Mini-Usb-Blaster-Cable-For-CPLD-FPGA-NIOS-JTAG-Altera-Programmer/292202636787?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 microSD extension: https://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=Micro+SD+Extension&_id=262806792582&&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2658 CF adapter: https://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=CF+Compact+Flash+Merory+Card+to+Vertical+2.5%22+IDE+Hard+Disk+Drive+HDD+SSD+YG&_id=122198452479&&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2658 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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