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Post by c64stuff on Apr 20, 2022 16:02:24 GMT
"Does anybody know where to buy that floppy-shaped USB memory stick? It's really cool for the A500!!!"
Not sure I think Retro Games LTD was just sending those out with some initial batches of the A500 to some like reviewers. But somebody on eBay is selling A500 branded USB sticks. Saw a white one with the red name and logo. Not sure if they come in any other colors. No games on it just the label to go with your A500.
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Post by shadowtrance on Apr 20, 2022 18:26:39 GMT
"Does anybody know where to buy that floppy-shaped USB memory stick? It's really cool for the A500!!!" Not sure I think Retro Games LTD was just sending those out with some initial batches of the A500 to some like reviewers. But somebody on eBay is selling A500 branded USB sticks. Saw a white one with the red name and logo. Not sure if they come in any other colors. No games on it just the label to go with your A500. The floppy usb stick was a pre-order bonus at some retailers. eb games in australia i know for sure because i got mine there. I've seen a few mentions of other places in the UK and Ireland.
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Post by c64stuff on Apr 20, 2022 22:24:10 GMT
Oh ok that would make sense because I saw some early reviewers were just sent a regular USB stick from Retro Games LTD with the extra games package on it while others had that 3.5" floppy USB.
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Post by c64stuff on Apr 20, 2022 22:29:57 GMT
My street fighter 4 TE arcade stick (xbox 360) works like a charm with the amiga mini. So I'm wondering if the config text file on the A500 has more controllers in it to increase compatibility out of the box than the mini and maxi had or if it's the same one? I would guess it's got more included to work with things like it's CD32 style controller and mouse, but I know they updated the mini and maxi firmware to also be compatible with those too. It might be a lot of controllers people tried with the mini or maxi early on that didn't work without tweaking the config file now work with them, if they included all configs the A500 has to be compatible with what seems like a wider range of gamepads without needing to mess with editing the config file? If it's not an wider more inclusive config file on the mini and maxi I wonder if it's the same configuration format and it would be possible to just copy that text file off the A500 and replace it on the mini and maxi. They probably learned from their mistake when many were complaining they couldn't get their favorite controller to work on the mini and maxi maybe and made it recognize a wider variety of stuff on the A500? I just wonder if the updated mini/maxi firmware also includes all that?
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Post by craip on Apr 23, 2022 7:37:26 GMT
do we know for certain is SDL1 or SDL2 is used with the A500 mini? SDL2 would be needed for 2 mouse support in games like Lemmings.
Also has anyone tried with the ol.usa config trick doing something like setting a specific key mapped to opening a new telnet session or opening SSH etc?
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Post by jj0 on Apr 23, 2022 8:01:12 GMT
do we know for certain is SDL1 or SDL2 is used with the A500 mini? SDL2 would be needed for 2 mouse support in games like Lemmings. It uses SDL2: ___ _ ___ _ _ _ | _ \___| |_ _ _ ___ / __|__ _ _ __ ___ ___ | | | |_ __| | | / -_) _| '_/ _ \ | (_ / _` | ' \/ -_|_-< | |_| _/ _` | |_|_\___|\__|_| \___/ \___\__,_|_|_|_\___/__/ |____\__\__,_|
RedquarkSix - THEA500 Mini
redquarksix login: root login[1009]: root login on 'ttyS0' # ls -l /usr/libSDL* ls: /usr/libSDL*: No such file or directory # ls -l /usr/lib/libSDL* lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 20 Apr 5 2021 /usr/lib/libSDL2-2.0.so.0 -> libSDL2-2.0.so.0.9.0 -rwxr-xr-x 1 root root 693004 Nov 12 2021 /usr/lib/libSDL2-2.0.so.0.9.0 lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 20 Apr 5 2021 /usr/lib/libSDL2.so -> libSDL2-2.0.so.0.9.0 lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 26 Nov 4 15:05 /usr/lib/libSDL2_image-2.0.so.0 -> libSDL2_image-2.0.so.0.2.3 -rwxr-xr-x 1 root root 91776 Nov 12 2021 /usr/lib/libSDL2_image-2.0.so.0.2.3 lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 26 Nov 4 15:05 /usr/lib/libSDL2_image.so -> libSDL2_image-2.0.so.0.2.3 lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 25 Nov 4 15:05 /usr/lib/libSDL2_ttf-2.0.so.0 -> libSDL2_ttf-2.0.so.0.14.1 -rwxr-xr-x 1 root root 21868 Nov 12 2021 /usr/lib/libSDL2_ttf-2.0.so.0.14.1 lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 25 Nov 4 15:05 /usr/lib/libSDL2_ttf.so -> libSDL2_ttf-2.0.so.0.14.1 #
How do you configure key mappings to execute linux-side commands?
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Post by c64stuff on Apr 23, 2022 17:17:58 GMT
Build your own A1200 Maxi with this kit! The A500 mini installed in a Amiga 1200, with working keyboard! Also runs Workbench. Those new Amiga replacement mechanical keyboards look fantastic.
He's using the new version 2 of the Keyra interface board to connect the A500 mini to the keyboard. He does an incredible job of doing things like mounting several USB ports at the disk drive opening using a USB hub and all the A500 mini USB ports and power button line up nicely on the back of the Amiga 1200 too without altering the case or the A500 mini board. Even mounted the keyboard without doing any case modifications so everything is reversible for the A500 mini and the Amiga 1200 case. I just wish he hadn't painted the case. That should only be done to aftermarket cases.
Info on the kit he has available is in the video description for doing everything you see. Very nice job!
Only thing I would have done different is make the Atari style joystick ports on the Keyra available for use by plugging extension cables into them and running them to the original joystick port openings on the Amiga case. You can buy or 3D print plates for those two joystick ports for plugging them into, or just hot glue a couple metal Atari ports to the openings inside the case.
Then you could use Atari compatible joysticks or other stuff you used on real C64 or Amiga hardware. There's something about about using the real joysticks you used back then that modern USB imitations just can't match.
You could do this by plugging a dongle into one of the external USB ports but compatibility of those on the mini and maxi has been hit or miss. I'm assuming the Keyra board probably doesn't have this compatibility issue with the A500 mini? It at least doesn't have any issues when using the joystick ports when it's plugged into a raspberry pi.
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Post by c64stuff on Apr 24, 2022 3:29:59 GMT
I haven't been checking for new A500 videos much in the last few days, but I did happen upon this review that has over 31 thousand views in just one day from somebody I never knew had such a following.
The channel seems to be more modern gaming coverage so it's nice to see somebody introducing the Amiga to people who might not know much about it, and he does a fairly decent job covering the groundbreaking impact in graphics, sound, and ability the Amiga had in it's day, but one thing I'd disagree with is the thought that the A500 mini doesn't come with the best of games the Amiga had to offer.
I think it's got a pretty good starting base of games. When there are literally thousands of games out for something like the C64 or Amiga, of course you're likely to find a mini doesn't have the games you were hoping for. At least it gives you the ability to load them off USB right out of the box. Not many other mini consoles allow that.
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Post by c64stuff on Apr 24, 2022 15:19:27 GMT
Fix games running too fast.
Testing keyboards including compact and wireless ones.
Run workbench 3.2 on the A500 and also create config files to set the A500 up as a Amiga 500, 1200, etc, so games run properly that can't always be done with the on screen available settings Retro Games LTD gives you.
Alternative Amiga emulation setups to the A500 mini.
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Post by jj0 on Apr 24, 2022 18:22:04 GMT
do we know for certain is SDL1 or SDL2 is used with the A500 mini? SDL2 would be needed for 2 mouse support in games like Lemmings. It uses SDL2: ___ _ ___ _ _ _ | _ \___| |_ _ _ ___ / __|__ _ _ __ ___ ___ | | | |_ __| | | / -_) _| '_/ _ \ | (_ / _` | ' \/ -_|_-< | |_| _/ _` | |_|_\___|\__|_| \___/ \___\__,_|_|_|_\___/__/ |____\__\__,_|
RedquarkSix - THEA500 Mini
redquarksix login: root login[1009]: root login on 'ttyS0' # ls -l /usr/libSDL* ls: /usr/libSDL*: No such file or directory # ls -l /usr/lib/libSDL* lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 20 Apr 5 2021 /usr/lib/libSDL2-2.0.so.0 -> libSDL2-2.0.so.0.9.0 -rwxr-xr-x 1 root root 693004 Nov 12 2021 /usr/lib/libSDL2-2.0.so.0.9.0 lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 20 Apr 5 2021 /usr/lib/libSDL2.so -> libSDL2-2.0.so.0.9.0 lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 26 Nov 4 15:05 /usr/lib/libSDL2_image-2.0.so.0 -> libSDL2_image-2.0.so.0.2.3 -rwxr-xr-x 1 root root 91776 Nov 12 2021 /usr/lib/libSDL2_image-2.0.so.0.2.3 lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 26 Nov 4 15:05 /usr/lib/libSDL2_image.so -> libSDL2_image-2.0.so.0.2.3 lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 25 Nov 4 15:05 /usr/lib/libSDL2_ttf-2.0.so.0 -> libSDL2_ttf-2.0.so.0.14.1 -rwxr-xr-x 1 root root 21868 Nov 12 2021 /usr/lib/libSDL2_ttf-2.0.so.0.14.1 lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 25 Nov 4 15:05 /usr/lib/libSDL2_ttf.so -> libSDL2_ttf-2.0.so.0.14.1 #
How do you configure key mappings to execute linux-side commands? Turns out there is an easy way to run Linux commands from the Workbench on Amiberry, see thec64community.online/post/11221/thread
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Post by c64stuff on Apr 28, 2022 14:39:44 GMT
A500 controller latency, compatible controllers testing, Amiga joystick mod, miscellaneous other mods, USB floppy drive.
Easy mod for A500. ADF, Workbench, Amiberry Config, Doom.
Using the A500 with a CRT and Retro32 A500 mini floppy disk inserts.
A500 mini unlock tutorial for ADF and HDF support.
A500 versus Amiga 500 with Gotech drive game testing.
A potential speed fix for games running too fast.
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Post by c64stuff on Apr 28, 2022 17:22:14 GMT
"Does anybody know where to buy that floppy-shaped USB memory stick? It's really cool for the A500!!!" Not sure I think Retro Games LTD was just sending those out with some initial batches of the A500 to some like reviewers. But somebody on eBay is selling A500 branded USB sticks. Saw a white one with the red name and logo. Not sure if they come in any other colors. No games on it just the label to go with your A500. The floppy usb stick was a pre-order bonus at some retailers. eb games in australia i know for sure because i got mine there. I've seen a few mentions of other places in the UK and Ireland. I think Retro Recipes mentioned in his latest video where he installs the A500 board in a Amiga 1200 case that the little USB floppy disk is going to be available for purchase but it's sold out right now. I may have heard him totally wrong because I was distracted by a conversation with somebody during that part of the video but I think that's what he said. I posted that video in this thread a few days ago.
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Post by c64stuff on Apr 28, 2022 19:03:58 GMT
Somebody on eBay is selling USB sticks for the A500 mini that are designed to look like the Amiga RF modulator. Pretty cool. There's also another with the A500 logo and one branded for The C64. I'd rather see one for both machines that is designed to look like the C64 disk drive and the external Amiga drive.
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Post by c64stuff on May 8, 2022 18:38:47 GMT
Some new videos that might be of interest.
Retro Games LTD has announced another new firmware update will be coming soon. Among other things it will add more controller compatibility. Which reminds me. I read where somebody said if you're using a controller plugged into the A500 that had issues or worked fine at first but then didn't later, if the controller has a rechargeable battery in it the A500 power supply you're using may not be able to handle the extra amp draw to keep it charged. Try using a powered USB hub to plug the controller into.
Connecting the A500 to an old CRT monitor using composite. It looks like they only plugged in one of the RCA audio connectors. Remember the Amiga is stereo so be sure to use both if your monitor is stereo. If it's not then use a stereo to mono rca cable adapter to combine the two into one port, or better yet use a set of PC speakers so you can hear it in stereo.
Modifying a USB floppy drive to present it's self as a serial device and work with hardware emulation setups of the Amiga running things like Amiberry and possibly the A500 too? If not RetroRecipies already did a video using a floppy drive with the C64 mini and maxi so the way he did it should work with the A500 too.
Additional mod to fix games running too fast on the A500.
PandoryMod mod to run native RetroArch and ScummVM! straight from the A500 games menu. Once it's tweaked they say it will be released as free and open source.
AGS2 mod to run tiny launcher, games, demos, tweak the hardware settings to run stuff better that is still having issues on the stock firmware, set up player two controls, etc.
Run AmigaInside on your A500. Demonstrates utilities and productivity software such as System Benchmark, text editors, graphics tools, music trackers, music players, copy tools, etc.
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Post by c64stuff on May 12, 2022 22:23:46 GMT
Retro Games LTD has released a new firmware update for the A500. Before you do it you might want to read some of the comments below it of people having issues now with certain things. There's supposed to be another update tonight to fix a few of these bugs. Somebody also mentioned that it prevents you from using mods like you could do with the prior firmware too.
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Post by c64stuff on May 16, 2022 13:18:09 GMT
The perfect modern monitor for your A500 or C64 mini. My Retro Computer LTD, who owns the right to manufacture original Commodore computer cases and now also has the right to use the Commodore name too, is going the be making Commodore branded LCD monitors with stereo speakers built in. It's definitely got the nostalgia look! I'm sure it's probably just going to be HDMI input but you can easily buy an inexpensive S-Video to HDMI adapter to plug original Commodore 64 hardware into it, and I doubt it will have scanlines or other retro gaming screen settings but there are video adapters out there that have these screen options. Of course if you're using a A500 or C64 mini or some other form of emulation setup those options are already built into the emulator. Look in the description for the specs on the monitor and further Kickstarter details.
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Rhialto
BASIC
VICE contributor
Posts: 9
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Post by Rhialto on May 29, 2022 11:22:38 GMT
(oops)
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Post by c64stuff on Jun 1, 2022 13:38:23 GMT
Team Pandory has posted a guide to installing PCUAAE and Pandory on the A500. It also covers why it's important that it allows you to switch between firmware versions without actually permanently installing the latest version because if you do permanently install it you'll lose the ability to do many of these multiple platform emulation mods and other things like enhanced Amiga hardware configuration tweaking to run stuff better.
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Post by aneira on Jun 5, 2022 19:26:04 GMT
Edited
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Post by c64stuff on Jun 17, 2022 14:52:07 GMT
Three Atari style joystick to USB adapters tested on the A500 Mini and other hardware, both commercially available and DIY options to make one.
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Post by c64stuff on Jun 20, 2022 2:37:48 GMT
This video delves extensively into the question of if the A500 Mini, that he converted into a maxi with real case and keyboard, can replace original Amiga hardware in form and function. Absolutely the best and detailed in depth video yet on this I've seen so far.
Don't know why anybody would ever want to slum in the gutter by running Windows or Apple for that matter on their Amiga, but here's how to do it on your A500 Mini.
Best mod hack for the A500 Mini? And testing viewer suggestions.
Is AGS2 worth installing on your A500 Mini?
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Post by c64stuff on Jul 11, 2022 13:51:07 GMT
New kit to add floppy disks to your A500 and stickers for the disks along with the proper Commodore logo to the A500 case.
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Post by c64stuff on Aug 2, 2022 16:54:39 GMT
Some new add-ons for the A500 mini to add both function and the retro form and look of original hardware.
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Post by c64stuff on Aug 13, 2022 18:06:29 GMT
How to use a real 3.5" USB floppy drive with the A500 mini...
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Post by c64stuff on Aug 28, 2022 0:39:55 GMT
Retro Recipes puts out a show on a regular basis detailing retro news, products, etc, and in this one they celebrate the C64 at 40 years old. Around the 19 minute mark they also unbox a new Atari joystick to USB dongle that is compatible with the C64 and A500 Mini along with the C64 Maxi.
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Post by c64stuff on Aug 28, 2022 12:58:38 GMT
New release of Pandory Mod now works with the latest A500 mini firmware update and also has a ton more features and content.
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Post by c64stuff on Sept 9, 2022 14:21:43 GMT
How to add more cores to Pandory on the A500 mini.
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Post by c64stuff on Sept 11, 2022 14:40:39 GMT
How to change controller configurations and do other things like change options to speed up games in Pandory.
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Post by c64stuff on Sept 21, 2022 19:26:44 GMT
How to add bios files for different platforms in Pandory on the A500 mini..
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Post by c64stuff on Sept 23, 2022 23:49:53 GMT
How to add ScummVM games to Pandory on the A500 mini.
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