ICD AdSCSI ST host adapter software update 8/19/91 -------------------------------------------------- This file documents the ICD AdSCSI ST host adapter software. These utilities are packaged with all ICD ST Hard Drive Systems and ICD ST host adapters and WILL ONLY WORK WITH AN ICD HOST ADAPTER in your system. They are all Copyright 1987-1991 by ICD, Inc., and are provided for our ICD ST host adapter customers only. Companies using this software with their products must include an ICD ST host adapter as part of that product or they will be in violation of United States and/or International Copyright Laws! If you have any questions: ICD, Inc. 1220 Rock Street Rockford, IL 61101-1437 Voice: (815) 968-2228 BBS: (815) 968-2229 FAX: (815) 968-6888 Orders: (800) 373-7700 NO TECH SUPPORT on this number!!! The ICD BBS always has the latest versions of the ICD ST host adapter software, as well as various handy utilities, etc., all yours for the downloading. Our BBS has a US Robotics 9600 baud HST modem and is usually up 24 hours a day. Support and updated files are also available on GEnie (ICDINC) and CompuServe (76004,1600). Suggestion: make a printed copy of this file for future reference. +---------------------------------------------------------------+ This documentation only includes changes made to the ICD AdSCSI ST host adapter software since the latest manual was printed. The latest manual has the number 36-90 in the lower-right corner of the back cover. If you would like to receive the latest manual and the latest software on disk, send $15 to ICD (Canadian customers send US $20 and overseas customers send US $25). +---------------------------------------------------------------+ Changes to the ICD AdSCSI ST host adapter software since the latest manual was printed: - ICDBOOT will now work without an ICD host adaptor connected to the system. An ICD host adaptor is still required for the use of the utilities such as HDUTIL, ICDFMT, etc. This feature was added so that people using an ICD tape backup system on an Atari TT or Mega STE can continue to boot their internal HD even with the tape drive disconnected. This is also for users of the Atari Stacy who do not wish to carry an external hard drive with them. When booting without an ICD host adaptor present, the ICD caches will be disabled, resulting in performance similar to the hard disk drivers from other companies. IMPORTANT NOTE: even with this new capability, this software is only for use by people who OWN an ICD host adaptor. - This release now fully supports the Atari TT SCSI port as well as the ACSI port. For the most part, hard drives connected to the SCSI port of the TT can be treated just like drives connected to the ICD AdSCSI host adapter. The primary difference is that the devices connected to the ICD AdSCSI are numbered 0-7 and the devices connected to the TT SCSI port are devices 8-15. Since the TT itself is a SCSI device, it uses one of the device numbers. The ICD software sets the TT to SCSI ID #7 (device 15), so that number is not available for any other devices. Drive letters are assigned to devices attached to the SCSI port before those attached to the ACSI/DMA port. Keep in mind that an ICD AdSCSI host adapter is still required to use the ICD host adapter software on the TT. - Due to changes in the boot sector, you should run HDUTIL to install the latest boot sector and ICDBOOT.SYS. On the TT, the boot sector that gets installed is different on a drive connected to the SCSI port than one connected to the ACSI port. - COPYFIX.PRG has been updated to fix a bug which caused compatibility problems with several applications. There should no longer be any problems with it. - All programs have been tested and modified as necessary to present a proper display in the Atari TT's new graphics modes. Be advised, though, that any programs which didn't work in the ST's low-resolution also will not work in TT low-res (256 color mode). - Several minor bugs have been fixed. Because of this, it is advisable that you always use the latest version of the ICD AdSCSI ST host adapter software. - When using the ESC key to disable the booter options, only the caching gets disabled. The TOS buffers are still allocated so that BGM partitions can be accessed. If you need the additional memory, use HDUTIL to disable the buffers and reboot. - Simple statistics on the cache effectiveness are maintained and can be checked with CACHEHIT.TOS. +---------------------------------------------------------------+ Changes to files on the distribution diskette: ADSCSI.CPX version 1.x This is an extension for Atari's Extensible Control Panel (XCONTROL). See the file ADSCSI.TXT for additional information. BOOTFIX.TOS version 2.x This has been updated to support drives attached to the TT SCSI port as well as the ACSI\DMA port. There is no need to run this program if you have formatted with ICDFMT.PRG version 4.62 or later as this bit is automatically set when formatting or partitioning. *** CAUTION *** After running BOOTFIX be sure you NEVER format a Seagate drive using a version of ICDFMT.PRG older than 4.62. Doing so will cause you to get four bombs on power up. The reason for this is not known. If you do this the solution is to turn off the offending hard disk, run ICDFMT.PRG version 4.62 or later and let it go through to the 'No SCSI devices found' dialog box. Then power on your hard drive and after letting it initialize, click on RESCAN. Then go through a format or partition operation and all should be OK again. This caution does not apply to Quantum Drives. CACHEHIT.TOS version 1.x This program displays the effectiveness of the caches. It displays the percentage of reads which were satisfied by the cache, and the percentage of writes which updated entries already in the cache. This can be used to determine what cache settings are the most efficient for your system. It's important to note that this only gives statistics for the cache buffers, and not the TOS buffers. The TOS buffers are maintained by the operating system and can't be checked. The ICD AdSCSI ST host adapter manual explains the TOS buffers in more detail. CACHEOFF.PRG version 1.x CACHEON.PRG version 1.x These programs are used to enable and disable the write cache function of ICDBOOT. Users of the Supercharger PC emulator must turn off the write cache before running the Supercharger intialization program or the Supercharger will NOT be able to write to the hard disk. Turning the cache off this way does not reduce memory usage. CFGCBOOT.PRG version 2.x This program configures COLDBOOT.PRG to skip selected ACSI/DMA devices. See section on COLDBOOT.PRG (below) for additional documentation. CLDEMO.PRG version 4.xx This is a demo version of our CLEANUP ST program. It will locate bad sectors, corrupted files/directories, bad FAT tables, collisions between multiple files, bad directory names, invalid allocation chains, and other defects. The working version of CLEANUP ST allows you to correct these defects and recover as many files as possible. The working version of the program is available direct from ICD for US $29.95. Send Attn: CLST Order. Orders outside the USA need to add US $5 for shipping and handling charges. See CLDEMO.DOC for more complete documentation. COLDBOOT.PRG version 2.x This has been updated to support devices attached to the TT SCSI port as well as the ACSI/DMA port. Versions 1.30 and later of ICD COLDBOOT.PRG are configurable to allow skipping of the ACSI/DMA ID of the Supercharger from Talon Technologies. To configure COLDBOOT run CFGCBOOT and specify the ID(s) you wish to skip when doing a coldboot. The Supercharger is normally shipped as ID 3. This should only be necessary for those users who do not have Quantum, Seagate, or other drives which autoboot upon power-up, and who are also using the Supercharger. COPYFIX.PRG version 1.5 This has been updated to fix a bug which caused compatibility problems with several applications. There should no longer be any problems with it. DESKTOP.PRG version 3.xx This program (formerly a desk accessory) has been updated to be compatible the Atari TT and all TOS versions. See DESKTOP.DOC for a more complete explanation of changes since previous versions. HDPARK.TOS version 2.x This has been updated to support the TT SCSI port. This program replaces MAKEPARK.PRG. See HDPARK.DOC for complete documentation. HDPARTS.TOS version 2.xx This program displays various statistics about each hard drive partition on the system. For the most part, this information will only be of use to people who have some understanding of disk structures. HDUTIL.PRG version 4.x There is now an option to set the bootup screen resolution in ICDBOOT (it previously defaulted to medium resolution on a color monitor). This has been updated to support the TT SCSI port. This affects several functions: - Setting a hard disk for auto-booting will result in either TT-SCSI boot sectors or ACSI/DMA boot sectors being written to the drive based on which port the drive is connected to. If you ever move the drive to the other port, you will have to reinstall the boot sector with HDUTIL. - It is possible to disable scanning of any of the 16 devices. The device number of the TT itself will never be scanned, regardless of the button settings. HOST.TOS version 1.xx This is a utility to tell you what kind of host adapter you have connected to each hard drive on line. Note that it is not always possible to differentiate between AdSCSI Plus ST, AdSCSI ST, and AdSCSI Micro ST host adapters. This is particularly true when multiple host adapters are connected. It is also not possible to differentiate between one of ICD's original STHA boards and one of those made by another manufacturer. These items do NOT have signatures. We are merely seeing which ones do full SCSI commands and which ones have ICD real time clocks. ICDBOOT.PRG version 5.x.x Now supports MS-DOS formatted/partitioned hard disks. Can now be used without an ICD host adaptor present. An ICD host adaptor is still required to install the booter and to use the various other utilities. The caching will be disabled when running without an ICD host adaptor. This has been updated to support devices connected to the TT SCSI port as well as devices connected to the standard ACSI/DMA port. Full SCSI arbitration is supported on the SCSI port, which offers great potential. A few other minor bugs were fixed, so it is advisable to use this version even if you don't own a TT. ICDFMT.PRG version 5.xx This program can now format drives connected to the TT SCSI port as well as the ACSI/DMA port. As with the other software, the devices attached to the SCSI port are numbered 8-15. ICDFMT.DAT This file is constantly updated to include more hard drive models. (See additional documentation below) ICDTIME.PRG version 2.x IDCHECK.PRG version 2.x This has been updated to check devices connected to the TT SCSI port as well as the ACSI/DMA port. When running on a TT, the left-hand column shows the devices attached to the SCSI port (including the TT itself) and the right-hand column shows the devices attached to the ACSI port. RATEHD.PRG version 2.x This has been updated to test drives connected to the TT SCSI port as well as the ACSI/DMA port. See RATEHD.DOC for complete documentation. TIMESET.PRG version 1.5 WHEREIS.TOS version 1.x +---------------------------------------------------------------+ The ICDFMT.DAT File ------------------- The ICDFMT.DAT file contains information about ST506/412 compatible hard drives only (not drives with embedded SCSI controllers). The ICDFMT.PRG gets data about SCSI embedded drives by doing an Inquiry and Mode Sense to get the necessary data directly from the drive. To add a drive, enter the following information about your drive in the EXACT same format (position sensitive) as the others listed as follows: a. The letter 'd' to indicate a drive b. The name of the drive c. The number of heads on the drive d. The number of cylinders on the drive e. The cylinder number at which to start using reduced write current (if not sure, then just put same number as # of cylinders) f. The cylinder number at which to start using write precomp (if not sure, then just put same number as # of cylinders) g. The parking cylinder (usually 40-50 cylinders beyond the last cylinder). h. The step rate; normally 2 (unless very old). 0 = 3ms non-buffered step for older drives (ST506) 1 = 28us buffered step rate (ST412 and maybe others) 2 = 15us buffered step rate (Almost all new drives) Presently we support 98% of all hard drives and SCSI controllers that can be used on the Atari ST. Some may not work on the ST at all. If in doubt, try it, or you can call or write our technical support department. +---------------------------------------------------------------+ Miscellaneous Notes ------------------- Connecting Supra/Atari Drives: Supra drives are initially set to SCSI=0, LUN=0, so if you want to boot off your ICD drive, you may wish to change the ID of the Supra drive. Alternatively, you could set the SCSI ID of the controller or drive in your ICD drive to a different value and boot off the Supra drive. Contact ICD Technical Support for assistance if necessary. Atari SH204 drives are also set to SCSI=0, LUN=0, BUT they have a bug in their hardware. They respond to ALL LUN numbers causing havoc to the system. A provision in the drive handler has been made to only see LUN=0 with a SCSI ID of 7. Therefore you will need to set the 3 position dip switch in your SH204 to ID 7 (flip all three switches to the other position). Atari Megafile (SH205) drives are set as SCSI=0, LUN=0. The SCSI ID # is changeable inside the box. It uses a combination host adapter/controller board but can be formatted with our software as an Adaptec 4000 for their 20 Meg and Adaptec 4070 for the 30 and 60 Meg drives. Clock Battery: If the clock is way off or seems to return crazy times, the battery may be low. For a replacement battery, send $5.00, unless your host adapter is in warranty. If it is in warranty, call us and we will send a batter at no charge. A new battery socket is available for an additional $3.00. Soldering is usually required with older original ICD ST Host Adapters. The newer units already have the socket installed and replacing the battery is a very simple operation. We will install battery and/or socket for $20 when unit is out of warranty. Host Adapter Mounting: There are four mounting holes on the board; mount it as you see fit. ICD makes a mounting bracket kit for the host adapter which you can probably use in your application. It is called the ST/MK and is US $8.95 plus S & H (contact us to order, or for more information). Using Multiple SCSI ID's and Host Adapters: When using multiple SCSI ID's and host adapters a few rules apply: - Power up the device closest to the computer first (plugged in). Then power up the next out in the chain and continue in this fashion until all devices are powered. Now BOOT the computer. - SCSI ID #0 will be the first device seen and will provide the booter and AUTO folder for the system. It will be assigned as C, D, E, etc. The next SCSI ID found will provide the next partitions beginning after ID #0's and so on. It does not matter physically where these drives are in the daisy chain except for power up procedures. The SCSI ID #s also do not need to be consecutive although that is recommended for proper software support by other companies. Setting Up Your AUTO Folder For Programs Which Use GDOS: It is usually necessary to have GDOS be the last file in the AUTO folder. Since the ST displays files in sorted order, the only way to insure this is to create a JUNK folder, copy all files except GDOS to it, delete the AUTO folder, and recreate it. Then copy all files back to the AUTO folder from JUNK, delete JUNK, and finally copy GDOS to the AUTO folder. To avoid these problems try G+PLUS from Codehead Software. Setting Up Your Hard Drive To Boot pc-ditto From A Partition: First, set up the partition to boot with the HDUTIL program. Create a JUNK folder on another drive and copy ICDBOOT.SYS to it. Now run the pc-ditto program's formatter which sets MS-DOS to boot. Finally copy ICDBOOT.SYS back to the root directory of your boot drive. Now when you boot, the ICD Boot Program will run...then pc-ditto will boot. CAUTION: If you disable autobooting with HDUTIL, you will probably destroy your pc-ditto boot information as well. What To Do When You Get "Locked Out" Of Your Hard Disk: Installation of certain .ACC files may cause you to bomb every time you boot and you can't access your hard drive to remove or rename the offending file! To cure this: turn off the hard drive, place the ICD AdSCSI ST host adapter disk in Drive A, and boot. Turn on the hard drive and let it come up to speed. Double click on ICDBOOT.PRG in the AUTO folder of the disk. Install an icon for Drive C: and double-click on it. Now you can rename the offending .ACC file to some other extension, and then you will be able once again to boot from your hard drive. If this doesn't work, call ICD, and we will help you regain access to the hard drive. Suddenly your hard drive won't auto-boot: Something has trashed partition information or corrupted the ICDBOOT.SYS file. First try re-running HDUTIL and resetting the boot drive. If this doesn't help, or if the Boot dialog shows no hard drives, something has wiped out your partition sector. Try running Cleanup ST to try and save the partition. Alternatively, you you can rewrite partition info using the ICDFMT.PRG. To do this, run ICDFMT and select PARTITION. Re-enter your partition information (of course you have kept a record of this). Make sure all partitions are enabled (check mark under "On"). Select REWRITE PARTITION INFO ONLY at the bottom left side of the dialog box. Be careful here! This is one place you want to be ABSOLUTELY SURE that your information is 100% correct. +---------------------------------------------------------------+