SpicyChronos

Hi all. Okay, here's the scoop. I would like to try and get another HDD hooked up to my Supra/KPI interface, since my poor Xebec drive died. But I have a few old SCSI HDD's laying around, and would like to know how to tell if the drive supports 256Byte sectors. *i'm guessing that's what I need for this interface* I know I won't be able to use the full size, but I think the EPROM has it set to a 10Meg drive, with 1 720K fake floppy and two equal size 5 meg partiitons. I'm just wanting to make sure that it wasn't a futile attempt. Thanks all. -Spicy

Yes.. like that... and something else.. like my 800XL... I've done a lot of google searches, and still can only stumble on the hardware modification FAQ a lot, but not much else. I had a hard time locating the US doubler installation instructions with pictures. But I finally figured it out from the text. Well hopefully this might inspire more 8-bitters to dig through old docs, etc.. and get some of this knowledge on here. -Spicy

Hi all, I've now moved on from my old SCSI HDD fiasco, and now into trying to improve / hack / etc... some of my 8-bit stuff. My 800XL has been hacked at a log time ago, and I don't remember what the heck the hacks did. It does have the APE 4-in-4 OS, 256 Wizztronics memory upgrade, and I added a switch for compatibility with ramdisks (128 or 256K) and something to do with the video output to change it to monochrome for sharper text reading. I recently installed a US Doubler for the 1st time, and its working great. I've also modified the drive # switches, by moving them up to the front of the drive under the mechanism. I've also added the write protect switch w/the LED. But it took me a LONG time to research the write protect switch mod, and I can't seem to find other modifications out there. I remember being on a BBS and there were tons of documents on how to do this and that. But with the power of the internet, it seems like the information has disappeared. I suggest we collaborate and create a sticky or some other depository of information for these mods. I know we have a sticky for restoration, but this I'd like to see for hardware mods. I'm going to document how I did my mods, and include photos, and try to be descriptive as possible, so in the future, other people will be able to do it. Thanks for your time. -Spicy

Hi all, I've now moved on from my old SCSI HDD fiasco, and now into trying to improve / hack / etc... some of my 8-bit stuff. My 800XL has been hacked at a log time ago, and I don't remember what the heck the hacks did. It does have the APE 4-in-4 OS, 256 Wizztronics memory upgrade, and I added a switch for compatibility with ramdisks (128 or 256K) and something to do with the video output to change it to monochrome for sharper text reading. I recently installed a US Doubler for the 1st time, and its working great. I've also modified the drive # switches, by moving them up to the front of the drive under the mechanism. I've also added the write protect switch w/the LED. But it took me a LONG time to research the write protect switch mod, and I can't seem to find other modifications out there. I remember being on a BBS and there were tons of documents on how to do this and that. But with the power of the internet, it seems like the information has disappeared. I suggest we collaborate and create a sticky or some other depository of information for these mods. I'm going to document how I did my mods, and include photos, and try to be descriptive as possible, so in the future, other people will be able to do it. Thanks for your time. -Spicy

I'm using a 1GB CF card with my setup. I do have a 512MB, but that's being used in my NAS server as the boot drive. I'm also using a 6GB Toshiba HDD as well, now that's overkill! But the drive was free and it works great! -Spicy

WOW! Me wants one!!! That was freakin' fast. what X factor was that at? since it was above x3? -Spicy

I have been looking for another exact model of the HDD. but no luck. they seem to be rare drive nowadays. I can't even find a data sheet on the drive anywhere. *sigh* -Spicy

Please give a moment of silence for a old 10 megabyte HDD. Yes the Xebec 4000 10MB HDD has passed away. I took the old beast out back and put a slug through her platters. I've given up on getting the data off. I know when I'm beat, and I'll go into the corner now and lick my wounds. DanWinslow, I'll be sending back the interface shortly. Thanks again for letting me borrow it. Algie, thanks again for providing the BIN images for the interface. And everyone else that tried to help out. R.I.P. Born Dec 20, 1985 Died April 6th, 2007 Xebec 4000 -Spicy

Somewhat a success... I was able to get the programmer working, using an older version of the software. I was able to read the 27C256 chip. Unfortunately in my haste to think it was a empty eprom, I went and used my improvised UV eraser on the 2732. Well the chip does erase, and report that it's empty. before I wasn't even getting that. So I burned the two different BIN files that Algie provided. but I don't get anything. SpartaDOS just farts a lot, and nothing. So I'll have to wait till the morning to get DanWinslow's interface and try again. Algie: Where did you find these BIN images? Thanks. -Spicy

Hey all I missed the UPS package today, so they'll come tomorrow, thanks again DanWinslow. I received my willem multi eprom programmer, but I'm having trouble reading any type of eprom. I have two to read right now. a 27C256 and my 2732A from the interface. the 27C256 came from a Apple II SCSI card I had laying around. I've tried the Windows (XP and 98SE) and the DOS version of the software, followed the jumper settings, etc. I think I'm getting something with the DOS version, but I don't know if the jumper settings are right. They differ from the Windows Version. The Windows version is 0.98D5 and the DOS version is EDE MAY 10/99 B0.992 1.0 Freeware When I was getting a read, it looked like the data was repeating itself. the same bytes over and over with the DOS version. The Windows version would just show 00, 90, 80 a lot. I'm off to do some more research on this. If anyone has experience with the Willem programmer, please chime in. Thanks All! -Spicy

Hey all.. An update.... I'm waiting on an EPROM programmer. I Hope this thing works.. it's one of those Wilem types. I'll dump the EPROM and compare it to one of the images that Algie provided. I have tried hooking up another HDD to the interface, and it does the same as the one i'm trying to recover. It will send some sort of start command but nothing else. If the interface is working right, I should be able to format the drive(s) , etc... but nothing, any DOS I try says drive not available. So I'm waiting on the EPROM programmer, and DanWinslow's interface to test with. I'll keep everyone informed as I get more information. Thanks all. -Spicy

Thanks Algie! now all I need is a eprom burner, i'll read out my old eprom, and compare it to the ones you have in your message. Thanks!

I found it, Google is your friend. -Spicy

Do you have a web site, or e-mail address for this EPROM reader/writer? -Spicy

Okay, Whew! I figured it out how to add images... -Spicy

All, I'm not sure how to get the images as thumbnails in a post, but under the Gallery at the top of the page, I have added about 8 images of various chips, etc. of the KPI-Interface (Supra) -Spicy