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[Astral]

http://torlus.com/floppy/index.php?en

Check out the SD based floppy emulator in the link. I think there'd be a good number of people interested in purchasing one of these.

So I'm starting this thread to get an indication of how many would be interested in purchasing an SD based floppy emulator if a run of them is made. Of course, I understand price will be a factor.

I can then direct the author to this thread to give them a good indication, and they (someone else?) can decide on doing a run of them. Sound like a good idea?

To start - I would buy at least one.

[alexh]

For other systems other than Amiga, yes. But Amiga has WHDload which removes the real need for this.

[desiv]

Originally Posted by alexh

For other systems other than Amiga, yes. But Amiga has WHDload which removes the real need for this.

Not totally. Depends on what the "need" is.

If you have a HD and WHDLoad handles everything you need, then fine.

But I'm not sure what the compatibility is for this compared to WHDLoad.

If you have an Amiga 500, to use WHDload, you need a HD and FAST RAM (I believe).
Now, there are other benefits to having those, but they come at a price.

If you can get this for the same or less than the other, it might be worth considering.

Just some food for thought..

desiv

[Splurge]

Originally Posted by alexh

For other systems other than Amiga, yes. But Amiga has WHDload which removes the real need for this.

Agreed. I would definitely get one if it had support for x68000.

[Everblue]

Count me in if cheap enough.

[HyAmi]

I'd want at least one. Depending on the price maybe more. Perhaps a DIY to keep the price low?

[Pyromania]

Looks like a cool homebrew hardware project.

[cv643d]

alexh: How do you install Workbench on your Amiga with WHDload for example?

Yes you can mount it in UAE, but this is a much cleaner solution IMHO - to be able to run any disk you have in ADF-format on a real Amiga without writing it to a floppy.

WHDload is great, but it can be trouble getting games to run for example if you do not have the "right" hardware.

I would be very interested in such a device with no need to connect to PC.

[rkauer]

In my opinion, people who just have an A500 will take a lot of advantages of this device.

People here who bought one of those babies simply put their A1200s in semi-retirement since playing with the A500 is better!

Also, A500 IDE/SCSI controllers are very expensive and memory expansions (but the internal A501) are expensive, too.

In a final note, to make a decent WHDLoad machine based on one A500 you need:

1- Fast memory (at least 2Mb, better 4Mb, 8Mb is excellent);

2- HD controller. SCSI is widely available for A500, some few IDE ones. For SCSI then an ACARD board, plus a Compact Flash adaptor and the CF itself;

3- Optional 3.1 ROM to be able to run ECS games on the A500 (ECS Denise is not necessary, just the 1Mb Agnus).

All those bits and bobs costs money. So you can't have the HD-expanded A500 for less than 200USD!

The floppy emulator wins!

[alexh]

Originally Posted by desiv

If you have an Amiga 500, to use WHDload, you need a HD and FAST RAM (I believe).Now, there are other benefits to having those, but they come at a price.

I understand what you're saying. But that price is considerably less than a stand alone floppy disk emulator (based on the €80 price of the much simpler USB variant)

Originally Posted by cv643d

but this is a much cleaner solution IMHO

Cleaner solution? What are you some sort of girl?

Originally Posted by cv643d

WHDload is great, but it can be trouble getting games to run for example if you do not have the "right" hardware.

Vast majority is fine. But true, compatibility will be higher.

Originally Posted by rkauer

Fast memory (at least 2Mb, better 4Mb, 8Mb is excellent)

Vast majority of slaves do not need this amount of memory. But more is always better. An A500 hard drive interface is going to include a fast RAM interface.

Originally Posted by rkauer

Also, A500 IDE/SCSI controllers are very expensive and memory expansions (but the internal A501) are expensive, too.

Now you are just making this **** up!

1) A500 SCSI controllers are cheaper than €80 by a long way
2) Only stand alone RAM expansions are expensive. The ones built into the SCSI controllers (GVP HD8+, A590 etc.) are cheap.
3) As I've said time and time before, cheapest upgrade for A500 is an A1200.

Originally Posted by rkauer

Optional 3.1 ROM to be able to run ECS games on the A500

?? do you just wake up in the morning and decide I'm going to make up facts or is there some truth behind this statement?

Originally Posted by rkauer

So you can't have the HD-expanded A500 for less than 200USD! The floppy emulator wins!

OMG you're right. I'm going to rush out and buy one right now. Oh wait a minute.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=200399265751

Cant win all the time

[kolla]

Cranky Sunday morning?

I already got USB floppy emul for bootstrapping situations, but also a more permanent solution would be nice. I'm definetly interested

[alexh]

Originally Posted by kolla

Cranky Sunday morning?

It just gets my goat up when people choose a side to an argument and then try and make the facts fit that decision.

Examine the facts you have, make an informed decision, analyse any extra facts which come along, review your decision.

These things are pretty cool and as I said if you a non Amiga platform (which is not already enabled in some way) especially multiple platforms it is probably the smart buy.

[desiv]

Originally Posted by alexh

OMG you're right. I'm going to rush out and buy one right now. Oh wait a minute.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=200399265751

Cant win all the time

That just makes me cry!

We don't see those type of prices here in the U.S.

Last A590 I saw on e-bait (and they don't come up that often) went for well over $100. And that's without FAST RAM. In that same time span, I haven't seen any GVPs.

And the A1200 as the upgrade for the 500 is true, but there are two issues there.
1: Some people might prefer the A500.
2: 1200's aren't as easy to come by in in some places either. I know I can get a PAL model from Amigakit for $145 or so + shipping.

But, if someone can come out with a product like this (we are talking like with but with SD or some other type of memory for this thread) for some of us here in the boonies, there's probably a market for it.

I'm still holding out for a less expensive 1200, and I'll keep waiting...

desiv

[Tripitaka]

Originally Posted by desiv

That just makes me cry!

We don't see those type of prices here in the U.S.

Last A590 I saw on e-bait (and they don't come up that often) went for well over $100. And that's without FAST RAM. In that same time span, I haven't seen any GVPs.


desiv

LMAO, It may be a pain for you buyers in the US but it's just as bad if your a UK seller. I've got an A500 HD+ spare.....mmmm....looks like I should sell it on ebay in the US huh.

[alexh]

Originally Posted by desiv

I know I can get a PAL model from Amigakit for $145 or so + shipping.

You could get one from eBay UK for $50 + shipping, less if you did a "swap" with someone over here for something only available in the US cheaply.