First steps with the ATW800/2

[JezC]

I'm interested in programming the board and TRAMs (and even external Transputers eventually) - just not had any time for it yet.

:dualthumbup:

I did a fair bit of programming them in Occam 2 in the 80s & 90s and then a bit with C after that (university and then at work) so I hope some memories are in there somewhere!

Cool. We can compare notes then :) I'm just a newbie with this.

Yes... though I need to update the card (mine is from the original batch) and then replace the PSU in my Mega ST before I can fit the couple of TRAMs I have to my ATW800/2...

I might try to install the TDT s/w on an old PC to refamiliarise myself with it...or even fit my ISA Transputer card and use the TDS to compile on the Transputer...

That 'just' needs my to get an old PC working... :roll:

[rubber_jonnie]

Folks, I'm glad about the conversation this has kicked off, I won't necessarily reply to all the latest comments but please keep things going :)

[rubber_jonnie]

OK then, so @Steve has kindly supplied me with a pair of TRAM boards. First off thank you sir :) they look great.

IMG20260606140319.jpg

I've lined up the dots on the TRAM boards with the silk screen but am nervous about plugging it in so busy looking for photo's that show me correct orientation.

Looking at the main PCB it is clear they are plugged in in different orientations:

IMG20260606141146.jpg

And the TRAMs do have a white dot that I aligned with the arrow on the ATW800/2:

IMG20260606141153.jpg

But some of the online images don't seem to match very well.

I certainly don't want to fry this stuff!!!

[dml]

You're correct- they sit in opposite directions. The corner tab (usually a white triangle on the silkscreen - but maybe Steve painted them more clearly for you?) points at the equivalent marker on the ATW800/2 slot.

BTW when you do fire it up, you should be able to confirm the TRAMs are seen/available by running rspy from the mupfel shell in the ATW800_2 package directory.

Also .... (!!!) if/when you get tempted to lift the PGA chips out of the sockets - e.g. for an upgrade later on - be aware the ICs have spacer rings on all 4 corner pins. So don't use a multi-finger MC680x0/486/Pentium style PGA chiplifter tool or you can lever the corner pins off the chip. Lever from the sides, avoiding the corners. :)

[rubber_jonnie]

You're correct- they sit in opposite directions. The corner tab (usually a white triangle on the silkscreen - but maybe Steve painted them more clearly for you?) points at the equivalent marker on the ATW800/2 slot.

BTW when you do fire it up, you should be able to confirm the TRAMs are seen/available by running rspy from the mupfel shell in the ATW800_2 package directory.

Also .... (!!!) if/when you get tempted to lift the PGA chips out of the sockets - e.g. for an upgrade later on - be aware the ICs have spacer rings on all 4 corner pins. So don't use a multi-finger MC680x0/486/Pentium style PGA chiplifter tool or you can lever the corner pins off the chip. Lever from the sides, avoiding the corners. :)

Thanks and I have been able to confirm they are visible with RSPY :)

IMG20260606145539.jpg

And I did create a map file that seemed to do something:

IMG20260606152916.jpg

has recommended


But I would like to be able to use X under all CPUs if at all possible.

@Steve has recommended your raytracer and I will give it a go, but my time is a bit erratic due to some ingoing family issues sadly.

[dml]

But I would like to be able to use X under all CPUs if at all possible.

Probably Steve is your source here to dig into that one. I think he has done this at some point (I didn't try it).

@Steve has recommended your raytracer and I will give it a go, but my time is a bit erratic due to some ingoing family issues sadly.

No hurry for that. It's useful as a test at some point for the slotted CPUs but it's also potentially a time sink :)

Family comes first in any case.

[rubber_jonnie]

But I would like to be able to use X under all CPUs if at all possible.

Probably Steve is your source here to dig into that one. I think he has done this at some point (I didn't try it).

@Steve has recommended your raytracer and I will give it a go, but my time is a bit erratic due to some ingoing family issues sadly.

No hurry for that. It's useful as a test at some point for the slotted CPUs but it's also potentially a time sink :)

Family comes first in any case.

Thanks. I will bug @Steve when I have a moment.

[Steve]

I've just been using gig92's Helios boot selector: https://www.atari-forum.com/viewtopic.p ... 15#p484715

You copy all files except the .prg to helios13\users\root, then run HELBOOT.PRG. Once it's loaded to the terminal and you want to startx, you need to type 'startx.net' when using multiple transputers.

[rubber_jonnie]

I've just been using gig92's Helios boot selector: https://www.atari-forum.com/viewtopic.p ... 15#p484715

You copy all files except the .prg to helios13\users\root, then run HELBOOT.PRG. Once it's loaded to the terminal and you want to startx, you need to type 'startx.net' when using multiple transputers.

Thanks @Steve I'll take a look. I did see startx.net and realised it was for multi CPU, but the HELBOOT.PRG is new.

[PhilC]

I finally added myself to the he wait list / sub list for the fifth batch