Magic Knight Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 (edited) Hi, Ive been unable to prepare my sd card on the Spartados X setting on the cart. (im looking to load ATR's) See here: Im using a 800XL with 64k and no mods. (a 4GB flashcard - not the superfast ones btw - low cost slower type) Does this only work with Ultimate or am i doing something wrong? Ive tried 2 different cards (although thats not the issue here from what comes up). From Lothareks video and here - it see's the card but doenst know what capacity is at this stage. The memory part looks the problem? Any suggestions? as i may be not the only one finding this, (the xex loader is great and makes this worth buying alone) thanks Rich Edited March 9, 2013 by Magic Knight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candle Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 it has hard times if it have to work with configuration with only 64k of base ram solution would be to automaticly preconfigure your card in such case, splitting available space in half, and creating few sdx compatible partitions i'll talk to Jon about that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greblus Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 (edited) I also had only 64kb Atari at the moment i got my Side from Zaxon. IIRC i used Altirra to create Side disk image and then transferred it to cf card using dd under Linux. Another option would be to create the image of a preconfigured card for you to copy it to the card (dd on unixes or cygwin, but surely there is dd for windows systems of some sort). Edited March 9, 2013 by greblus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flashjazzcat Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 SDX driver requires extended RAM to be useful in my opinion. Anyone who asserted differently is living on another planet. With a MEMLO of $2A5C you're not gonna be running much of anything in the way of programs. That's a hard fact of life... there's only so much in the way of buffers and drivers we can cram into the base RAM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magic Knight Posted March 9, 2013 Author Share Posted March 9, 2013 (edited) SDX driver requires extended RAM to be useful in my opinion. Anyone who asserted differently is living on another planet. Understood, As my question was based on whether 64k was enough, this is clearly apparent that it is below minimum requirements thanks for the info. Edited March 9, 2013 by Magic Knight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Allan Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 Since this is a Side2 newbie thread I'll ask here. Is it correct that side2 carts can load only xex, obj, binary files and not .BAS, BASIC files in the SIDE Loader program? Allan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flashjazzcat Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 (edited) Since this is a Side2 newbie thread I'll ask here. Is it correct that side2 carts can load only xex, obj, binary files and not .BAS, BASIC files in the SIDE Loader program? Just binary files and disk images (the latter if you use the SIDE/U1MB combo). Understood, As my question was based on whether 64k was enough, this is clearly apparent that it is below minimum requirements No problem. Sorry if I sounded ratty, but I've been asked this question several times and evidently there are conflicting opinions on the issue, even at the "management" level. I'll add a rider to the SIDE page on my website to the effect that the soft-driver is likely to raise MEMLO to impractically high levels on a stock 64KB machine. You might get away with it with virtually no other SDX drivers referenced in CONFIG.SYS, but really this is a sub-optimal set-up. It's my opinion that SpartaDOS X - though it runs in 64KB - is best suited to a machine equipped with expanded memory anyway, especially if the DOS is to be used at anything other than the most basic level. Many SDX drivers require extended RAM. In short: impossible to fit a full pint into a half-pint glass. I could spend (waste) more time writing a version of FDISK which runs when MEMLO is above $2800 or whatever, but to what end if hardly any other software will run with such a set-up? Note that no such issues exist with the U1MB/SIDE combo. The IDE driver is then in ROM and does not intrude on user memory space. Edited March 9, 2013 by flashjazzcat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magic Knight Posted March 9, 2013 Author Share Posted March 9, 2013 Im beginning to understand more how SDX works now - thanks Jazzcat for he insight I plan to get ultimate at some point for many reasons as well as this one for sure. It hadnt occurred to me that the cart wouldnt be able to load atr without the disk support. (being a files based type) XEX obviously now being a self enclosed package for loading makes it look easy (and low demanding in memory). Am i correct that the xex loader part of the cart (switch-up) would tack on the SDX loading part for running games and still need above 64k? (assuming i had a suitable side2- formatted card).? rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roydea6 Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 Just a quick question about which SDX to boot SIDE2 or ULTIMATE .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen J. Carden Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 I need to change the sdx image in my SIDE 2 Cart. Does anyone have a tool or utility to do this. Stephen J. Carden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marius Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 Hi Stephen, Wat you need is the SDX Imager tool. You can find that here: http://sdx.atari8.info/index.php?show=en_addons Greetz. M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon375 Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 OK, I got my SiDE 2 cart and have 3 computers with U1MB installed and working in them. I have been having a few problems with the configuration that maybe you folks would be so kind to give me a hand with. Here are the ones that I havent been able to figure on my own. #1 - I realize by reading through this forum that I need to flash an updated PBI driver into my U1MB to get the .atr loader to work. My problem is that I cant get that to work, when I try to import the PBI rom into the ROM builder, it spits out an error "PBI ROM File Signature Mismatch" and it doesnt load in. I have tried ver 0.32 and 0.34, both give the same error. #2- I know how to use the SDXImager program to mod SDX, but how do I actually flash it back into the cart? The only flasher I have gotten to work is the one for the U1MB, is there a different version to flash the SiDE2 cart? #3- Just a general comment about the cart itself. It is a really nice looking and professionally built thing, but somebody should have measured the cart slot in a 1200xl a bit better. The thing barely fits in and when you do get it in, there is absolutely no way to access the switch. It is a really really tight fit. I had to remove some of the plastic cartridge assembly on my 1200 because I was afraid of breaking something with the amount of force it takes to get the cart in. #4- I have had times where I got my SiDE2 all set up (FAT32 & APT) and the next boot it comes up as unformatted. I havent figured out what causes this yet, but it has been finals week at my college so I havent really had the time to get methodical with testing it yet. Is this a known problem, or am I correct in thinking it is probably something wacked in my configuration of it? #5-Even with the issues I have had, I still think this is the most awesome thing I have bought for my Atari in years. I know it is going to be better still once I get some of these issues laid to rest, I just need some help before I go bald tearing my hair out. Thanks in advance 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roydea6 Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 (edited) #1 Answer: Use the most current version of The RomGenerator by AtariGeezer... #2 Answer: Use the most current version of The RomGenerator by AtariGeezer... If you have Ultimate don't flash the Side2 Cart. #3 Answer: I agree about the 1200xl this is the reason I have not installed Ultimate into my 1200xl. Metalguy66 has a cartridge port extender but he is probably out of stock.. #4 Answer: Create with Jon's latest Fdisk your APT partitions back out to SDX command prompt and use the format command to format the partitions then reboot and check if Partitions are there if they are then shut off Atari and pull the CF card to format in a PC. and put you game.xex's onto the fat32 portion of the CF card. #5 Answer: Sorry I am already Bald. But I do agree that it is awesome time for Atarians.. Edited March 26, 2013 by rdea6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8bit-guy Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 (edited) #1 Answer: Use the most current version of The RomGenerator by AtariGeezer... #2 Answer: Use the most current version of The RomGenerator by AtariGeezer... If you have Ultimate don't flash the Side2 Cart. #3 Answer: I agree about the 1200xl this is the reason I have not installed Ultimate into my 1200xl. Metalguy66 has a cartridge port extender but he is probably out of stock.. #4 Answer: Create with Jon's latest Fdisk your APT partitions back out to SDX command prompt and use the format command to format the partitions then reboot and check if Partitions are there if they are then shut off Atari and pull the CF card to format in a PC. and put you game.xex's onto the fat32 portion of the CF card. #5 Answer: Sorry I am already Bald. But I do agree that it is awesome time for Atarians.. so to modify config.sys , autoexec,bat, in side 2 if i have ultimate, i 'm not supposed to touch side itself? i don't understand Edited March 26, 2013 by 8bit-guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flashjazzcat Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 (edited) When you're using SIDE with the Ultimate 1MB PBI ("SIDE Hardware" in the BIOS screen), the SIDE cart is just a set of dumb registers. Everything is driven by the PBI ROM inside your Atari. So no - you don't need to flash or otherwise mess with the SIDE cart. Just ensure the SIDE switch is in the "loader" position (this disables SDX on the cart, and and allows the PBI ROM to prevent the cart's XEX loader from booting every time you turn on the machine with the cart installed). The PBI ROMs are signature checked by The ROM Generator, as Roy says. The signature check algorithm isn't public information and there's no reason to make it so - hence use of the recommended editor is... erm... recommended. As for the 1200XL issue: it peeves me somewhat that the second revision of the SIDE cart is no less corpulent than the first, and I'm afraid that - since my primary machine is a 1200XL and I use SIDE2 with it - I'll have to physically widen the cartridge tunnel with a flat file. I'd just leave the case off the SIDE2 as I've previously done, were it not for the fact that the OSS 5-in-1 cart is just as wide, and naturally cannot be used without the case. If the general trend is towards the use of these cartridge cases, the cart tunnel will have to be modded. Unfortunate but unavoidable. PS: The fact I still have quite a lot of hair is a source of constant surprise to me. Edited March 26, 2013 by flashjazzcat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8bit-guy Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 When you're using SIDE with the Ultimate 1MB PBI ("SIDE Hardware" in the BIOS screen), the SIDE cart is just a set of dumb registers. Everything is driven by the PBI ROM inside your Atari. So no - you don't need to flash or otherwise mess with the SIDE cart. Just ensure the SIDE switch is in the "loader" position (this disables SDX on the cart, and and allows the PBI ROM to prevent the cart's XEX loader from booting every time you turn on the machine with the cart installed). The PBI ROMs are signature checked by The ROM Generator, as Roy says. The signature check algorithm isn't public information and there's no reason to make it so - hence use of the recommended editor is... erm... recommended. As for the 1200XL issue: it peeves me somewhat that the second revision of the SIDE cart is no less corpulent than the first, and I'm afraid that - since my primary machine is a 1200XL and I use SIDE2 with it - I'll have to physically widen the cartridge tunnel with a flat file. I'd just leave the case off the SIDE2 as I've previously done, were it not for the fact that the OSS 5-in-1 cart is just as wide, and naturally cannot be used without the case. If the general trend is towards the use of these cartridge cases, the cart tunnel will have to be modded. Unfortunate but unavoidable. PS: The fact I still have quite a lot of hair is a source of constant surprise to me. so as this is a newbie help topic: when i exit basic to spartados i loose content read down here in another thread that i have to modify autoexec.bat tried creating one in my first partition, but nothing changed how can i do it from the ultimate 1 mb pbi driver? easy please... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon375 Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Thanks for answering my questions so quickly. Where do I find these more recent versions of The ROM builder and FDISK? I think I have already tried every version I could find, with no luck. Is there a central place where all these updated files are available for download? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariGeezer Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 (edited) Thanks for answering my questions so quickly. Where do I find these more recent versions of The ROM builder and FDISK? I think I have already tried every version I could find, with no luck. Is there a central place where all these updated files are available for download? The ROM Generator can be downloaded here: http://www.fiftyonef...ator/Dwnld.html and followed here: http://atariage.com/...00#entry2706832 Edit: FJC's page is here: http://www.atari8.co.uk/apt/tools/default.html Jay Edited March 27, 2013 by AtariGeezer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon375 Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Thanks for the links! Unfortunatly, something happened to my U1MB during this process and the SDX doesnt boot anymore, which means unless I can find a DOS version of the flasher, I am screwed. Not sure what happened, but when I try to boot with SDX enabled it just makes the farting noise and hangs, doesnt finish booting. The SDX in the side2 still works, but the flasher wont work with that version. Not sure where to go and what to do from here, but gotta fix my U1MB before I can get anything else working. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariGeezer Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Thanks for the links! Unfortunatly, something happened to my U1MB during this process and the SDX doesnt boot anymore, which means unless I can find a DOS version of the flasher, I am screwed. Not sure what happened, but when I try to boot with SDX enabled it just makes the farting noise and hangs, doesnt finish booting. The SDX in the side2 still works, but the flasher wont work with that version. Not sure where to go and what to do from here, but gotta fix my U1MB before I can get anything else working. When you flashed your U1MB, did the flasher report any problems while flashing? Also, what ROM did you use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marius Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Thanks for the links! Unfortunatly, something happened to my U1MB during this process and the SDX doesnt boot anymore, which means unless I can find a DOS version of the flasher, I am screwed. Not sure what happened, but when I try to boot with SDX enabled it just makes the farting noise and hangs, doesnt finish booting. The SDX in the side2 still works, but the flasher wont work with that version. Not sure where to go and what to do from here, but gotta fix my U1MB before I can get anything else working. When you put a disk in Sio D1: (no harddisk connected) and you MAKE SURE it is in SpartaDos format, and MAKE SURE there is a standard config.sys on that disk, is SDX still hanging then? Is there a chance that the config.sys on the CAR is false? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roydea6 Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Thanks for the links! Unfortunatly, something happened to my U1MB during this process and the SDX doesnt boot anymore, which means unless I can find a DOS version of the flasher, I am screwed. Not sure what happened, but when I try to boot with SDX enabled it just makes the farting noise and hangs, doesnt finish booting. The SDX in the side2 still works, but the flasher wont work with that version. Not sure where to go and what to do from here, but gotta fix my U1MB before I can get anything else working. This sounds like to don't have DEVICE SPARTA in your config.sys file.. Can you get to the BIOS screen HELP+RESET keys... press 'C' while holding down the shift key.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russg Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 When you're using SIDE with the Ultimate 1MB PBI ("SIDE Hardware" in the BIOS screen), the SIDE cart is just a set of dumb registers. Everything is driven by the PBI ROM inside your Atari. So no - you don't need to flash or otherwise mess with the SIDE cart. Just ensure the SIDE switch is in the "loader" position (this disables SDX on the cart, and and allows the PBI ROM to prevent the cart's XEX loader from booting every time you turn on the machine with the cart installed). The PBI ROMs are signature checked by The ROM Generator, as Roy says. The signature check algorithm isn't public information and there's no reason to make it so - hence use of the recommended editor is... erm... recommended. As for the 1200XL issue: it peeves me somewhat that the second revision of the SIDE cart is no less corpulent than the first, and I'm afraid that - since my primary machine is a 1200XL and I use SIDE2 with it - I'll have to physically widen the cartridge tunnel with a flat file. I'd just leave the case off the SIDE2 as I've previously done, were it not for the fact that the OSS 5-in-1 cart is just as wide, and naturally cannot be used without the case. If the general trend is towards the use of these cartridge cases, the cart tunnel will have to be modded. Unfortunate but unavoidable. PS: The fact I still have quite a lot of hair is a source of constant surprise to me. 1200XL. Rather than file out the cart port, how about finding a RT8? It has a pass thru on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flashjazzcat Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 1200XL. Rather than file out the cart port, how about finding a RT8? It has a pass thru on it. Yeah - got an RT8 - that's a good idea. I'd considered making some kind of short cartridge extender as well. Makes it a little difficult to get the dust-cover back on the machine, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8bit-guy Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 so as this is a newbie help topic: when i exit basic to spartados i loose content read down here in another thread that i have to modify autoexec.bat tried creating one in my first partition, but nothing changed how can i do it from the ultimate 1 mb pbi driver? easy please... anyone ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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