@database "AORM.FAQ.Hardware.guide" @node FAQ.Hardware "Frequently Asked Questions" @$VER: 2.112 @toc AORM.FAQ/Main @prev AORM.FAQ.Emulators/FAQ.Emulators @next AORM.FAQ.Kickstart/FAQ.Kickstart @Index AORM.Index/Index Hardware @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.glossary} Glossary @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.1.01} If I purchase an Amiga, what additional hardware will I need? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.1.02} Can I use Macintosh, IBM, or C64 hardware with the Amiga? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.1.03} How do I access IBM hardware in my expansion slots? Comparisons @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.2.01} What is the difference between the A500, A500+, and A500 Plus? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.2.02} Will an A500 bus peripheral work on the A1000? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.2.03} Is the CDTV PCMCIA port compatible with the A600/A1200 PCMCIA port? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.2.04} Will a hard drive from one computer work with another? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.2.05} What is the difference between the A2000, A2000HD, and A2000HDA? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.2.06} What is the difference between the A600 and A600HD, or A1200 and A1200HD? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.2.07} What is the difference between the A3000/16, A3000/25, and A3000UX? Usage @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.3.01} Why does my hardware become so hot? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.3.02} Why does the mouse make a rattling noise or stumble? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.3.03} Should I use a surge or spike suppressor? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.3.04} Is it good to leave the computer on all day long? @{" " link FAQ.Hardware.3.05} How much energy does a computer system use? @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.Glossary "Hardware Glossary" @version 2.106 @toc main - Glossary - Accelerator - A hardware device that increases the speed at which a computer operates and decreases the time required for software to operate a given task. Character Generator - A software and hardware combination that is capable of placing text on a video screen. Chromakey - A device that overlays graphics on top of video, such as weather map displays during news broadcasts. CPU Slot - An expansion slot designed to provide simple upgrades to the Central Processing Unit for faster computer operations. Daughterboard - An expansion board that plugs into a main processor board. Device - A piece of hardware used as part of a computer and a software program that references that piece of hardware. Display Enhancer - The A3000's built in deinterlacer hardware. Display Independent Graphics - The ability for the operating system to access any graphics board through a specific device driver. DMA - Direct Memory Access from a hardware device to RAM, bypassing the CPU. Dot Matrix Printer - A printer that uses a small grid of contacts to print characters onto paper. Driver - A software file that defines how to use a hardware device such as a printer. DSP - Digital Signal Processor, an integer based math coprocessor used for speech recognition, audio control, and serial port control. Floppy Disk - Any disk that is made out of flexible disks, made out of materials such as kevlar. Floppy Drive - Any hardware that accesses floppy disks. Floptical - A removable storage disk capable of storing 20 megabytes of data on one 3.5" disk. Hard Disk - A disk that is made out of a rigid, inflexible material. Hard Drive - Any hardware device that uses disks that are not flexible or bendable. Hardware - Electronic computer devices. Hz - Hertz, the rate at which a chip cycles per second. I/O - Input and output. IDE - A format for hard drive expansion buses. Impact Printer - A method of printing to paper that requires physical contact between the printer head and the paper. Input - Data given to hardware or software. Joystick - A handheld device that allows the user to direct activity using a small directional keypad or stick controller. Jumper - A hardware connection which is adjustable by the user, often by moving a small pin on a motherboard or expansion card. Keyboard Garage - An area under the A1000 that provides room to store the keyboard. Laser Printer - A device that prints text or graphics to paper using light beams, much like a photocopier or FAX machine. Memory - The area where data is stored temporarily in order to work with programs and any software. MIDI - A music and audio based expansion bus. MMU - Memory Management Unit. Modem - A hardware device used to send data between computers, often over telephone lines. Monaural - An audio output format that allows only one channel of output, consisting of all available outputs combined. Monochrome - A video mode allowing only two colors. Mouse - A handheld device used to control the sprite cursor on the screen, by placing imaginary screen coordinates on a tabletop surface. Multiscan - A type of monitor capable of syncing to a wide range of frequencies. Multi Serial Board - A hardware board that contains one or more serial ports that may be used to connect to multiple computers. Multisync - A type of monitor capable of syncing to a wide range of frequencies. NLQ - Near Letter Quality, the best capable printed output from a given printer. NTSC - A North American television broadcast standard, also used in parts of Latin America and Japan. NULL Modem - A cable or adapter that allows two computers to connect using standard serial ports and terminal software. Some lines from the serial ports are crossed. Numeric Keypad - The area to the right of most keyboards, designed to simplify numerical data entry. Optical Character Recognition - The process of understanding handwritten or typed characters, on a printed page, using computer software. Optical Mouse - A mouse that uses beams of light to detect movement. This requires no moving parts and has more reliable and stable motion. Output - Data received by hardware or software. Oversampling - The technique by which data is read multiple times, in order to use the average of the data or that which appears more often. Repetitive oversampling leads to more reliable results. Overscan - The area surrounding the visible screen that is unused or available using the Overscan preference program. PAL - A primarily European television broadcast standard, also used in New Zealand and Australia. Pass Through - A hardware interface which is duplicated on an expansion device such that multiple devices may be used on a single expansion slot. PCMCIA - An expansion bus using small credit-card like memory storage units. PIN1 - The first pin on a drive cable that matches with the red colored pin of the interface ribbon. Plotter - A hardware device, much like a printer, that draws images using felt pens of various sizes and colors. Power Down - The process of turning off a computer. Power Up - The process of turning on a computer. Also the name of CBM's promotional upgrades. Printer - A hardware device that outputs a file to paper. RGB - Red, Green, and Blue color data. RKM - ROM Kernal Manual, the documentation for the Amiga operating system and hardware. RMA Number - A number assigned to a customer and a product in the event it is returned for repair or replacement. ROM - Read Only Memory. Permanent data storage area of computer chips. RTG - Retargetable Graphics, allowing any graphics board to have direct support by the operating system. SCSI - A format for hard drive expansion buses. SCSI II - A new format for improved hard drive performance. SECAM - A primarily European television broadcast standard. Shielding - Metal plating used to protect computer components from heat or other interference. Sidecar - An expansion method using an internal edge connector for external hardware, such as the IBM emulator for the A1000. Signature Case - One of the first Amiga 1000s shipped, containing the signatures of the various people involved with developing the Amiga. SIMM - Single Inline Memory Module used to store multiple chips on one small daughterboard. Single Frame Controller - A device used to accurately record video animation images to a video tape recorder, such that frames may be individually placed or overwritten. Socketed Chip - A chip that is placed on the motherboard by inserting it into a small holder, which allows the chip to be removed easily. Spike Protector - A device that attempts to protect electrical devices from bursts of electricity in the electrical system. Stereo - The use of two channels, a Right and a Left, to output sound, simulating multiple sound sources. Surface Mounted Chip - A computer chip that is soldered to a motherboard and cannot be removed easily. Surge Protector - A device that attempts to protect electrical devices from bursts of electricity in the electrical system. Tablet - A tabletop hardware device that allows a user to draw to the screen by pressing a pen to the sensitive tablet surface. TBC - Time Based Corrector, used to synchronize video inputs. Throughput - The amount of data transferred. Time Base Corrector - A device used to stabilize a video signal. Toaster - A video product designed by NewTek. Toner Cartridge - An ink cartridge used by a laser printer to print text or graphics onto a piece of paper. Trapdoor - Internal expansion bus on the A500, A600, and A1200 allowing cards to be added beneath the keyboard without opening the computer's case. Video - A visually displayed sequence of images, and the processes involved with producing and displaying such images. Video Slot - An expansion slot that permits access to video devices and Zorro slots simultaneously. Video Toaster - An Amiga hardware device used in video production. Zorro Slot - An expansion slot in 16 BIT or 32 BIT wide data paths for adding hardware to a computer. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.1.01 "Hardware Questions 0.170" @toc FAQ.Hardware 1.01 If I purchase an Amiga, what additional hardware will I need? Generally, the only additional hardware required is a monitor or television to be used as a display device. The Amiga comes with all the necessary hardware to provide a fully working system. Some models do not include hard drives, however are fully capable of operating from floppy drives since Amiga software occupies less disk space than software for other formats. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.1.02 "Hardware Questions 2.028" @toc FAQ.Hardware 1.02 Can I use Macintosh, IBM, or C64 hardware with the Amiga? In general, most external IBM peripherals can be used with the Amiga, and most internal IBM cards depending on what Amiga you are using. However, fewer Macintosh and C64 equipment may be used. Note that some hardware listed require specific Amiga controller boards. IBM¹ IBM² MAC C64 External Hard Drives x x x Internal Hard Drives x x x x Floppy Drives x Optical Drives x x x CD ROM Drives x x x Keyboards x x Mice x x Joysticks x x Drawing Tablets x x x Monitors x x x Hand Scanners x x x x Desktop Scanners x x x x Video Digitizers x Audio Digitizers x Dot Matrix Printers x x x x Laser Printers x x x x External Modems x x x Internal Modems x Graphics Boards x Audio Boards x Motherboard Upgrades Processors and Coprocessors x x Accelerator Cards RAM Expansion x IBM¹ is available on the A500, A600, A1000, and A1200. IBM² is available on the A1500, A2000, A2500, A3000, and A4000 using a bridgecard. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.1.03 "Hardware Questions 2.028" @toc FAQ.Hardware 1.03 How do I access IBM hardware in my expansion slots? There are two ways to access internal IBM compatible expansion cards. This is by using an IBM emulation that supports access to the Amiga's ISA slots, or by using a bridgecard. SLOTS DRIVES XT AT 3.5" 5.25" A500 1¹ A600 1¹ A1000 1¹ A1200 1¹ A1500 2 2 2 1 A2000 2 2 2 1 A2500 2 2 2 1 A3000 2 3 A3000T 4 4 3 A4000 3 4 1 A4000T 4 4 1 ¹Requires removing the existing Amiga floppy drive. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.2.01 "Hardware Questions 0.170" @toc FAQ.Hardware 2.01 What is the difference between the A500, A500+, and A500 Plus? The A500 contains either KS1.2 or KS1.3. The A500+ contains KS2.04 with the ECS chipset and is only available in Europe. The A500 Plus is an A500 with a special set of software packages and is similar in hardware to an A500. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.2.02 "Hardware Questions 0.170" @toc FAQ.Hardware 2.02 Will an A500 bus peripheral work on the A1000? Most peripherals for the A500 external bus work fine on the A1000, however they will have to be placed backwards such that the back of the peripheral is facing the front of the computer. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.2.03 "Hardware Questions 0.278" @toc FAQ.Hardware 2.03 Is the CDTV PCMCIA port compatible with the A600/A1200 PCMCIA port? The CDTV has PCMCIA v1.0, while the A600s and A1200s support PCMCIA v2.0. It is unlikely that any hardware will be compatible with either systems except the most basic peripherals such as RAM expansion cards. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.2.04 "Hardware Questions 2.028" @toc FAQ.Hardware 2.04 Will a hard drive from one computer work with another? Most Amigas use one of two types of hard drives; SCSI or IDE. These drives can be shared between other computers provided that the computer has a compatible controller and space to place the drive. SCSI¹ SCSI-II¹ IDE¹ SCSI² SCSI-II² IDE² A500 x x x A600 x x x A1000 x x A1200 x x x A1500 x x x A2000 x x x A2500 x x x x A3000 x x x x A3000T x x x x A4000 x x x x A4000T x x x x x ¹Denotes capabilities of computer as shipped. ²Denotes capabilities using add-on hardware. NOTE: SCSI-II controllers are capable of accessing normal SCSI devices. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.2.05 "Hardware Questions 2.052" @toc FAQ.Hardware 2.05 What is the difference between the A2000, A2000HD, and A2000HDA? The A2000 may have seen more variances than any other machine. Besides the A1500, A2500, and Video Toaster Workstation, all based on the A2000, there have been certain packages designed to appeal to the expanding hardware markets. The A2000HD includes a hard drive and a SCSI controller, not found in the A2000. The A2000HDA also adds and accelerator along with a hard drive. This is much like the A2500, and may have been created to convince confused buyers who are looking for an A2000 video system. Many people may not have realised that the A2500 is actually an A2000 with a hard drive and accelerator. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.2.06 "Hardware Questions 2.052" @toc FAQ.Hardware 2.06 What is the difference between the A600 and A600HD, or A1200 and A1200HD? The HD denotes that the machine is equipped with a hard disk. The non-HD machines do have IDE hard drive controllers, although you may require a special controller kit in order to access it. Almost any 2.5" or 3.5" drive may be used, and users are urged to use only 2.5" or smaller drives. 3.5" drives would only fit if the floppy drive is removed. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.2.07 "Hardware Questions 2.052" @toc FAQ.Hardware 2.07 What is the difference between the A3000/16, A3000/25, and A3000UX? These computers are all basically the same. There are only a few differences in the actual computer hardware. These systems are fully capable of sharing the same expansion equipment and software if configured the same. The A3000/16 has a 16MHz processor, which is slower than the 25MHz processor in the A3000/25 and the A3000UX. Also, the A3000/16 has a 68881 FPU as opposed to the 68882 FPU found in the other machines. The A3000/16 cannot be upgraded to an A3000/25 since the CPU and FPU are both surface mounted. The A3000UX comes bundled with UNIX software as opposed to AmigaDOS and the Workbench. Out of the box, it cannot run Amiga software. However, it can be modified to run Amiga software. The ROM used in the A3000UX is different than that in the others. The A3000UX most often comes with a larger hard drive than the other machines, to make up for the space required by UNIX. All three models are shipped with different amounts of RAM and disk space. They have been known to ship with 2-6 megabytes of RAM, with drive sizes between 40 and 210 megabytes. Memory and hard drives can be swapped between all machines, although the UNIX and Amiga software cannot be used unless the proper ROM is present. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.3.01 "Hardware Questions 0.170" @toc FAQ.Hardware 3.01 Why does my hardware become so hot? Hot equipment is often the sign of a bad power supply or a bad internal fan. Some chips also use a heat sink, such as with 68040 accelerators. Many hardware expansion boards may also require a large amount of power and will heat up. Also, some A4000's were shipped with the internal fan reversed. If you have an internal fan that sucks air in, you should have the fan reversed by a dealer so that it blows air out. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.3.02 "Hardware Questions 0.170" @toc FAQ.Hardware 3.02 Why does the mouse make a rattling noise or stumble? Mice need to be cleaned on a regular basis. This can be done with no tools whatsoever, however a small brush such as a tooth brush, and some sort of think instrument such as a toothpick may come in handy. If you have an optical mouse, you need only follow steps 1 and 2. 1. Using a small toothbrush, scrub the belly surface of the mouse, making sure to avoid peeling the rubber shoes or any of the adhesive padding. If your mouse has a dirty belly, it will most likely stumble. 2. With the same brush, brush off your mouse pad with long straight strokes, or with quick short hard strokes. Be sure to remove as much dust from the mouse pad as possible. If you do not have a cloth mouse pad, try whiping a plastic mouse pad with a moist cloth, mking sure not to use the pad until it is dry. 3. Remove the ball from the belly of the mouse by rotating the door until the arrows match up. Inside you should see three small dials. Remove all dust from these dials. Then rotate the dials slowly and scrape any dirt that has built up on the surface. The dirt will most likely be centered on the dials where it contacts the ball. 4. Using again a dry cloth, or your finger, remove the dirt from the surface of the mouse ball by rubbing it gently. Occasionally the mouse will have a lot of built up dirt if it hasn't been cleaned. Replace the ball and close the door by rotating it. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.3.03 "Hardware Questions 0.278" @toc FAQ.Hardware 3.03 Should I use a surge or spike suppressor? Throughout the day, the electrical current in the wires suffers from power spikes. Although most are minor, every so often there is a major spike which may be noticeable when lightbulbs flicker. Most spike protectors are designed to stop these from damaging your equipment, or to shut off when there is a power overload. A good spike protector is very valuable. Whenever there is an electrical storm or a blackout, any expensive equipment should be unplugged from the outlets for two reasons. If lightning strikes, the surge will seriously damage the entire electrical system if the area is grounded poorly. Second, after a blackout, when the energy is turned back on there will be a very large power surge that equipment should not be exposed to. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.3.04 "Hardware Questions 0.278" @toc FAQ.Hardware 3.04 Is it good to leave the computer on all day long? Every time the computer is turned on, there is a small surge of power to get things going. This surge slowly weakens the electrical components. If the computer equipment is used for long periods of time, or on a daily basis, it may be better to leave the system on all the time, as far as how long it will take before parts wear out. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ @node FAQ.Hardware.3.05 "Hardware Questions 2.028" @toc FAQ.Hardware 3.05 How much energy does a computer system use? Many computer owners receive criticism from others based on how much energy a computer system requires. Roomates argue that it consumes too much energy, parents argue higher electrical bills, etc. Now it is time to defend yourself properly. The best way to determine power usga eis to purchase meters which measure usage at each electrical outlet, available from electrical suppliers such as Radio Shack. WATTAGE¹ Hard Drive 2 Alarm Clock 5 A500 - A1200 40 Monitor 80 Light Bulb² 80 - 200 Stereo³ 150 - 400 A1500 - A4000 130 A3000T, A4000T 200 Microwave Oven 450 - 600 WATTAGE¹ is estimated, since many Amiga models are shipped with various power supplies. Light Bulbs² may be available in various wattages, including but not limited to 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, or more. Stereo³ equipment various from 150 to 400. Generally, the more equipment, the greater the power usage. @endnode +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+