XT-IDE AT/x86 version: Unable to configure ports and addresses?

[T-Squared]

Since I have my Compaq Portable III in easy working order again, I want to try using XT-IDE as a pair of option EPROMS (note the missing "E") in the extra chip sockets provided on its motherboard. (That is, if it has the capability to do so.)

The only problem is, I can't configure anything for the "AT"/"ATL".bin files in DOSBox. (My plan afterwards is to split the bytes into high and low parts, then burn to respective EPROMS) It only gives me "Flash to EEPROM" and "Save BIOS back to original file" options. Is there something wrong, or does it configure automatically when starting up in an AT/386/486 system?

 

[Eudimorphodon]

That's weird. It's been a couple years but I don't remember having any problems configuring the XT version of XTIDE in an emulator after reading in an arbitrary .bin file.

 

[T-Squared]

...configuring the XT version of XTIDE...

I said AT version, for 286 and up.

 

[Eudimorphodon]

I said AT version, for 286 and up.

Sure, but I'm wondering why they would make it different. You're saying when you start it in DosBox you *only* see the flash/save BIOS options, no "Load BIOS from file"?

 

[Eudimorphodon]

... so, no, cannot reproduce, at least with r625, downloaded just now. I can load the "IDE_AT.BIN" file and seem to have no problems navigating the config menus. (IE, it works just like the XT versions.) Are you sure you're using matched versions of the configurator and bin files?

 

[T-Squared]

Huh, it seems you were right. My copy of the configurator was from 2020.

 

[Eudimorphodon]

First rule of xtidecfg club is don’t mix your versions.

 

[Ruud]

Will the EPROMs be in the range that is checked by the BIOS for external ROMs? I had this problem with my Commodore ATs and hacked the BIOS to include that part of the Fxxxx range that held XUB. Just a tip.

Good luck!

 

[T-Squared]

Will the EPROMs be in the range that is checked by the BIOS for external ROMs? I had this problem with my Commodore ATs and hacked the BIOS to include that part of the Fxxxx range that held XUB. Just a tip.

Good luck!

AHA! SOMEONE ELSE DID IT (AND THEY'VE INCLUDED THE PATCHED BIOS)!!! https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?t=62482

 

[Eudimorphodon]

It's kind of weird the machine has option rom sockets but doesn't scan for extensions in the range covered by them? Maybe they had some proprietary idea for adding ROM extensions?

 

[T-Squared]

OH BABY!!!!



IT WORKS!


I just ordered the cables and IDE adapters today (these of which I will attach to a 3D-printed frame later), but on a whim, I decided to try getting XT-IDE onto 27C64 EPROMS. Turns out they read just fine!

I'll update this with a newer version later, but MAN... this just made my night.

 

[Eudimorphodon]

It's definitely nice that it works in the option ROM area; it's kind of a bummer that 286s usually burn the whole E-page on nothing.