GUIDE: Installing SCSI2SD on SASI X68000 systems EXTERNALLY ..

[leonk]

The following information is correct as of December 2017.  Keep in mind that my setup is unique to me and might not work for you.  My goal here is to have a working external solution as I have multiple X68K and would be easier to move the device between them.  Some systems don't even support internal HD without a lot of hacking (Compact, Red Zone, etc.)

NOTE: Consider this the up-to-date version of this document: https://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=x68000:hard_drive_on_sasi_machine

PreReq:

- SCSI2SD V5.0b
- 50 pin to 25 pin SCSI adapter (purchase at same time as SCSI2SD)
- (optional): 3D printed case for the 2 units
- SASI X68K system (I own the original model with 2MB in total)
- External cable:
  - My X68K has a SCSI-1 external Centronics (CN-50) connector.
  - I needed a standard CN-50 to 25 pin SCSI-1 cable (25 pin cable is male)
- Power:
  - any microUSB 5V cellphone charger will work
- MicroSD card:
  - Verified working with an 8GB card that was purchased at same time as SCSI2SD
  - Verified working with an old 1GB card as well

Software setup:

1) Create system boot disk that will install SASI boot loader into SRAM:

- Download the SASI boot disk from the above URL (SxSI V5 with DMA patch Translated by Eidis)
- write it to 5.25 1.2MB floppy using XFloppy 1.1 in Windows 98 (or find a friend that can create this boot floppy for you)

2) Install SASI boot loader
- boot the floppy
- At the A prompt type:
     cd sxsi
     bootset.x
     Enter: ED0100    (this is the memory address in SRAM for the boot loader)
     Enter: 5         (wait 5 seconds before searching for SCSI boot devices)

- Next, we change the "BIOS" settings.  There is no BIOS on X68K, but there is a utility
  to update boot settings called SWITCH.  The comprehensive manual can be found here:
  https://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=human68k_manual:system:switch
- At the A prompt type:
     switch.x
     with arrow keys, scroll down to BOOT and press ENTER
     Use spacebar to set it to: ROM $ED0100
     - Old documents state that it should be set to STD which is WRONG.
     - You are telling it to start the SASI boot loader!
     Press Enter, and scroll all the way to the bottom
     Press Y to save settings

3) Create Hard Drive image on micro SD card:
- Download WinImage and install
- Download latest x68000 hard drive image from the x68000 FTP site (search for x68000v4.zip)
- unzip drive image and launch WinImage
- Make sure microSD card is now plugged into your computer (e.g. SD external card reader)
- from the "Disk" menu select "Restore Virtual Hard Drive image on Physical drive..."
- select the card reader
- make sure you're able to list all files
- navigate to where you opened x68000v4.zip and select X68000_V4.HDS
- It will take a few minutes to write the image to the micro SD card

Hardware setup:

1) Update and configure the SCSI2SD device
- download the following files from the SCSI2SD web site (http://www.codesrc.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=SCSI2SD)
   
   firmware_bundle-v4.7.01.scsi2sd
   scsi2sd-util.exe

- connect the SCSI2SD device via a microUSB cable to your computer and launch scsi2sd-util.exe
- from the File menu select "Upgrade Firmware..."
- select the above firmware file and let it update
- click on "Load from device" button
- On "General settings" tab:
     Startup delay = 0
     SCSI selection Delay = 255
     all options should be disabled
- On Device 1 tab:
     Device is enabled
     SCSI ID = 3
     Device Type = Hard Drive
     SD card start sector = 0
     sector size = 512
     sector count = 2048000
- click "Save to device" button
- click "Load from device" button to verify the settings have been stored

2) Put it all together
- 50 pin to 25 pin converter plugs into SCSI2SD
- MicroSD card plugs into SCSI2SD
- SCSI cable connects between X68K external hard drive port and SCSI2SD
- Power is connected to SCSI2SD from outlet via microUSB port
- make sure there is no floppy in X68K and power on the system

Enjoy!

FYI: Except for the Floppy disk writing, all the Windows specific items were all done in Windows XP, running in VMWare, on my MacBook Pro. 

[gojirien]

Oh great,  thanks for your work !

[samaron]

I am curious.... I see several sources say that SCSI ID 3 needs to be set, or it will not work. This only applies to SASI machines? On my XVI the SCSI2SD v5.0b works completely fine with SCSI ID 0 (both internally and externally).

[neko68k]

AFAIK with SASI/SxSI ID's 0 and 1 don't work with SCSI2SD. ID 2 should work, from what I've heard.

[leonk]

Thanks guys!  I believe the missing part in the Wiki is setting the partition size to 1GB in the SCSI2SD Windows config utility.  Once that was done, everything else worked great!

The bootloader searches for SCSI devices, finds one on 3 and writes "IPL" next to it.  I'm not sure why 0, 1 or 2 will not work on SASI.  I just never tested it.  ID 7 is hardcoded to the machine and can't be changed.  Whomever wrote the SASI bootloader is a genius.  What a great piece of software!

[Max]

here I am Leonk, I got my scsi2sd working once then I got the error I posted with pic and reading here it seems a sram problem, maybe i need to replace the sram battery and/or perform some operations...could you help me figure it out?...I followed your prodecure here and everything was great then once i had to start my Sharp again the error message appeared so maybe due to the lack of battery all the procedures in the sram etc....were not stored definitely......if it is so, I'll rush and buy a battery to be replaced soon hope that it is an easy work to do....

the scsi2sd was successfully plugged to my pc with Win7-64 OS and I updated the version of the firmware on the scsi2sd correctly as shown in the guide....I even played a game with no errors/issues....!!!

my model is Sharp cz653c in case which battery am Isupposed to buy to correctly replace the old one?..
many many thanks indeed...

[leonk]

The SASI driver is copied into SRAM.  If the battery is weak, then the SRAM is cleared and the required SASI driver is erased.  The driver fools the SCSI2SD to think it's connected to a SCSI computer!  It's required.

The same battery is used across all X68K.  An ML2032 rechargeable battery inside a standard CR2032 holder will work great.

[vanpeebles]

Do you have a link to the 50 pin to 25 pin adapter you used?

[leonk]

right now this is the only place that has supplies.  I paid for DHL shipping and it got here in 2 days.

https://www.itead.cc/scsi2-50pin-to-scsi1-db25-adapter.html

[Max]

Do you have a link to the 50 pin to 25 pin adapter you used?

sure here you are https://www.itead.cc/scsi2-50pin-to-scsi1-db25-adapter.html

[Max]

right now this is the only place that has supplies.  I paid for DHL shipping and it got here in 2 days.

https://www.itead.cc/scsi2-50pin-to-scsi1-db25-adapter.html

ah great leonk I suggested the same..... ...I didn't realize you wrote that link here....

[Max]

The SASI driver is copied into SRAM.  If the battery is weak, then the SRAM is cleared and the required SASI driver is erased.  The driver fools the SCSI2SD to think it's connected to a SCSI computer!  It's required.

The same battery is used across all X68K.  An ML2032 rechargeable battery inside a standard CR2032 holder will work great.

as I suspected so I need to buy a ML2032 rechargeable battery and replace my old one definitely, right?....
If so I'll do that as soon as I get the battery, first hoping to find it easily and secondly to find where it is located in my sharp cz653c....I do not want to dismantle it all......hope it is in an easy to  find place inside.......

just one more thing: after replacing the battery I'll perform the sasi driver operation using the master v2 floppy again in order to get it stored in the sharp ram then I'll boot it and voilà it will work or I need to perform any other kind of operations....
thanks so much Leonk!!

update: I have just found a shop close to me that sells ML 2032 T26 Maxell, standard size 2032, 3v 65mAh would be ok?

   

[vanpeebles]

Adapter ordered, do you have a link for the cable too? 

[leonk]

Yes.. that is the correct battery.  But you will now need to order a coin cell / battery holder.  Some soldering is required to get it installed.
To verify it is the battery, you can do the full install again; just don't turn off the computer.  It should boot again.

vanpeebles: what system do you have?

[Max]

Yes.. that is the correct battery.  But you will now need to order a coin cell / battery holder.  Some soldering is required to get it installed.
To verify it is the battery, you can do the full install again; just don't turn off the computer.  It should boot again.

vanpeebles: what system do you have?

so I cannot replace it in its battery holder, I'm obliged to buy a new coin cell....
Can I bypass the soldering operation? I'm a noob and moreover I have no tools at all....furthermore i do not want to damage my Sharp...pls tell me there is a way to replace the battery and get it worked all the same....

I'll verify that it is the battery as soon as I get home tomorrow and I'll be back here but...it seems a sram error message so.....anyway hope that as i wrote to you, it does exist a way to just replace the battery....

[Max]

Adapter ordered, do you have a link for the cable too? 

may be this one https://www.amazon.com/Db25-Male-Cn50-25-conductors-Cable/dp/B00E3EGOK4/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1515538785&sr=1-3&keywords=centronics+to+50+pin

[leonk]

the existing battery is not in a holder. it is soldered in. sorry

[neko68k]

@leonk

would you mind updating the wiki with all your new info?

[leonk]

I don't mind. But is the wiki open to external editors??

[neko68k]

you should be able to use your forum login on the wiki. lmk if you have issues and I'll inform the authorities

[vanpeebles]

vanpeebles: what system do you have?

It's a Pro II desktop, with what I call the large centronics socket on the back 

[Max]

vanpeebles: what system do you have?

It's a Pro II desktop, with what I call the large centronics socket on the back 

so as I did you can do the same plugging the cable I posted the link about....go for!!

[Max]

the existing battery is not in a holder. it is soldered in. sorry

Oh my God so I MUST use a soldering iron and then solder the new battery holder...no way out!!!
I actually hope it 'll be easier than expected....

[Max]

the existing battery is not in a holder. it is soldered in. sorry

Oh my God so I MUST use a soldering iron and then solder the new battery holder...no way out!!!
I actually hope it 'll be easier than expected....

Last important question: once I have installed the new battery do I have to perform some operations using my Master v2 floppy disc ( like formatting sram and/or sth else) or I need another one to be created?..or better Nothing at all to be done, it''d be perfect but I'm afraid sth will come up for sure....If so could you please link me here the xdf file so I'll make my own floppy as I own a 5.25 FDD in my old pc....thanks

update: I'm having trouble in finding thr battery this one here seems to be already placed in its coin cell do you think it is the good one for me?      http://it.farnell.com/maxell/ml-2032-t26/cell-lithium-coin-rechargeable/dp/3032012?MER=sy-me-pd-mi-alte     

[leonk]

eBay is your friend.  It should like like a regular CR2032 battery, but will fit inside a coin holder.  If all else fails, I buy mine from console5.com.  He sells them for Sega CD but it works great inside an X68000.

Before you go down that route, did you confirm that re-running the bootloader installation and rebooting fixed the SCSI2SD direct booting for you?  When the battery dies, it clears the SRAM and the system resets to it's default settings.  This is not an issue for most people, but is here because you need the SASI driver to emulate SCSI for SCSI2SD to work.  In addition, if you have more than the default amount of RAM, you need to use SWITCH.X to set the correct amount of RAM every time.  A battery will save it for you.

[leonk]

@leonk

would you mind updating the wiki with all your new info?

Done!  Enjoy ..

https://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=x68000:installing_scsi2sd_on_x68000_externally

[vanpeebles]

vanpeebles: what system do you have?

It's a Pro II desktop, with what I call the large centronics socket on the back 

so as I did you can do the same plugging the cable I posted the link about....go for!!

Ok, I ordered that one Thanks!

[Max]

eBay is your friend.  It should like like a regular CR2032 battery, but will fit inside a coin holder.  If all else fails, I buy mine from console5.com.  He sells them for Sega CD but it works great inside an X68000.

Before you go down that route, did you confirm that re-running the bootloader installation and rebooting fixed the SCSI2SD direct booting for you?  When the battery dies, it clears the SRAM and the system resets to it's default settings.  This is not an issue for most people, but is here because you need the SASI driver to emulate SCSI for SCSI2SD to work.  In addition, if you have more than the default amount of RAM, you need to use SWITCH.X to set the correct amount of RAM every time.  A battery will save it for you.

I'm going to check it as soon as I get time so to make sure about it once and for all. So what you have said it means that if the battery is completely dead I'll need to perform the operation through the floppy Master and Switch.x too each time I reboot because the battery cannot save it anymore.....!!!
To all extents this annoys me much so I had better change battery if the issue is caused 100% by it....
The model of the battery you are mentioning is not a rechargeable one, would it be okay all the same ( It's easier to find it) or It's better the rechargeable one ML2032 T26??...I need to clear this doubts in order to go and do the right thing only once moreover I have never soldered in my life ( even it's not that hard) so I'll pay attention doing it.....!
Any coin cell holder would be okay too?...Do you suggest one in particular?
tks mate

[leonk]

If I were you, I would go through the process and make sure it works again. This will confirm the problem is with the battery and not something else.

If battery, ML2032 is all you need (not sure what T6 is) and battery holder. ML2032 is same size as the very common CR2032 so any battery holder for CR2032 will work on ML2032. Have a friend that is good with soldering help you. don't cut corners on a $1000 computer.

[Max]

If I were you, I would go through the process and make sure it works again. This will confirm the problem is with the battery and not something else.

If battery, ML2032 is all you need (not sure what T6 is) and battery holder. ML2032 is same size as the very common CR2032 so any battery holder for CR2032 will work on ML2032. Have a friend that is good with soldering help you. don't cut corners on a $1000 computer.

yes, I see!!!  Everything you wrote to me here is true!! I'll check it again and then proceed to the soldering operation with care!
I'll be back here when I accomplish my task!
Cheers

[Max]

I have just checked my scsi2sd and it works correctly so it is a sram error definitely! I actually noticed that the clock in the main menu reports 2016  I played Dracula and Madstalker successfully but  launching some games it says LHES: press any key to return....maybe as the sram battery is down the system does not recognize the 2mb ram  that is installed?...moreover how can I verify my ram and other settings to be sure they are correct and so to lauch all the games? I read 90% of games start without any issues....The image I put into my micro sdcard has been taken from the download here and it is the V.4 so i thinks the last one, any suggestions on putting the right image ( perhaps some games are corrupted)....Then I'll proceed and change the battery...!

Ps: when I'm in the game which button/yey am I supposed to press to return to the scsi2sd menu?

[vanpeebles]

The battery is knackered in my desktop Pro II, everytime I use it, I have to fire up the OS disk first and set the memory to 6mb. 

[Max]

The battery is knackered in my desktop Pro II, everytime I use it, I have to fire up the OS disk first and set the memory to 6mb. 

mine is completely down and I must replace it anyway how can you set the ram, the clock etc? Do you know which parametrs shoud be set so not to have issued with games?  I actually do not know any command to be used in the main menu except scrolling up/down and launch the gamefrom the start bat!

[Max]

the guy who sold me the Sharp Pro II told me it has 2mb ram....I know it is possibile to upgrade it but where could I find it?

[repoMan]

If you want to fully check your RAM, download memtest68k from here. Write it back to a floppy and let the tests run over the 2MB.

About the RAM required for games and extra details, check this thread. You'll find that having 2MB and launching the games found into "Games" folder from the DOS prompt, all of them must work. The only thing I'm not sure is how they detect the amount of installed RAM, if they autodetect it or simply they read the SRAM config, if this is the case, you'll definitely need the battery...

Ps: when I'm in the game which button/yey am I supposed to press to return to the scsi2sd menu?

If you mean the LHES menu, AFAIK the only option that works is pressing RESET button

the guy who sold me the Sharp Pro II told me it has 2mb ram....I know it is possibile to upgrade it but where could I find it?

Having already 2MB you've half of the work done, now you only need one of the RAM upgrades listed in the X68000 FAQ, PRO column.
You can stack at least two full 4MB cards to sum a grand total of 10MB, if I'm not wrong the max amount is 12MB; but if you can add only a 4MB expansion you won't need more RAM.
Check Yahoo auctions or maybe here in this forum there's anyone willing to sell you a spare one...

[Max]

I'll test my RAM with that program, thanks repoMan!!! For the button to be pressed I meant the one while I'm in the game and I want to change and play another one, I always press the reset button but it seems so stupid!! maybe there a  way to come back to the game list but I don't actually know it!

for the ram do you suggest me upgrading? and if so how much do I have to add considering my actual 2mb?...I suppose I should find sth on ebay or give me your opinion if any other place would be better...

[repoMan]

Don't feel stupid, games usually don't offer a way to exit back to Human; so it's not Eidis image's or LHES fault, it's simply not available. Use RESET and feel happy to have such button

I'll say try to upgrade to 6MB, that amount must be enough for the 99% of games even when launched from LHES. The RAM upgrades in eBay are extremely rare, your best bet is checking Yahoo auctions (they're pricey but common) or asking in this same forum.

[Max]

Don't feel stupid, games usually don't offer a way to exit back to Human; so it's not Eidis image's or LHES fault, it's simply not available. Use RESET and feel happy to have such button

I'll say try to upgrade to 6MB, that amount must be enough for the 99% of games even when launched from LHES. The RAM upgrades in eBay are extremely rare, your best bet is checking Yahoo auctions (they're pricey but common) or asking in this same forum.

you are right!! Ok, I'll search for that maybe here ...Hope its installation in the Sharp will be easy....
Thanks a lot mate!

[Artemio]

Thanks a lot for the information, it was a breeze to install.

Just wanted to mention that version 5.1 can be ordered with a DB25 port, and thus the CN50 to 25 adapter is not necessary.

[spud]

The CN50 is for connecting to the Sharp, not the SCSI2SD if I'm not mistaken...