How to install FreeMiNT - simple step by step guide

[Robbizz]

I downloaded the first link (freemint-1-19-f0073cd7-02060-tt_falcon_clones.zip) at https://tho-otto.de/snapshots/freemint/bootable/

I zipped it and then transferred via serial cable to my Falcon. So from there I unzipped it and installed it. I do this with everything (demos, games, etc.) and it has always worked. I performed the procedure a second time, making a new download, but the error returns.

Where are the log files? I was looking for them but I can't find them.

I also tried to rename the XDD, XFS, XIF files and then enable everything from the menu but still I get the same error.

[czietz]

Counting the number of bombs gives exception number 13 = coprocessor protocol violation. This would not happen in normal operation. Is the FPU known to be working without errors? When in doubt, try the test program from https://www.atari-forum.com/viewtopic.p ... 85#p410785.

[Robbizz]

Counting the number of bombs gives exception number 13 = coprocessor protocol violation. This would not happen in normal operation. Is the FPU known to be working without errors? When in doubt, try the test program from https://www.atari-forum.com/viewtopic.p ... 85#p410785.

Well it seems that the fault lies with the FPU.
I have found that my FPU is a MC68882 N25A. So 25 Mhz. I read here somewhere in the forum that for the Falcon you should have a FPU that runs faster. Running the test doesn't pass it, so rather than stating that my FPU is bad, I think it's not compatible with the minimum clock required by the Falcon. What model of FPU should I buy? Is an N40A (I think it's 40Mhz) enough?

[Rustynutt]

Falcon only sends a 16MHz clock to the FPU, stock. Won't matter the rating of the 68882.
I'd download the schematics and carefully ring out the clock from where a clock patch usually is installed to the clock input for the FPU.
The way the pins on the PLCC IC's are rolled over on the bottom side, they can become dislodged and short.

[mikro]

So it was a hardware fault after all. I can't stress it enough - people, do use memory protection, it uncovers bugs like this very easily.

Unfortunately, the usual practice is to say "nah, something's wrong with FreeMiNT, disable MP and have fun". Terrible, terrible advice.

[wongck]

well... would you want someone to try Mint and get crashes and not try again?

I am not sure Robbizz is going to do now, need to find a faster FPU to use Mint?

For me, If MP on.... crashes.
If MP off.... no crash... then it's not FreeMint since it is working in different mode.
Sure it is mostly as Joska pointed out, corrupted bin or an hardware issue.

[Robbizz]

So it was a hardware fault after all. I can't stress it enough - people, do use memory protection, it uncovers bugs like this very easily.

Unfortunately, the usual practice is to say "nah, something's wrong with FreeMiNT, disable MP and have fun". Terrible, terrible advice.

I knew that sooner or later I would see freemint on my desktop! Never give up Thanks for the support you gave me. Is fantastic! Open multiple programs together then ..... !!!!

[Robbizz]

well... would you want someone to try Mint and get crashes and not try again?

I am not sure Robbizz is going to do now, need to find a faster FPU to use Mint?

For me, If MP on.... crashes.
If MP off.... no crash... then it's not FreeMint since it is working in different mode.
Sure it is mostly as Joska pointed out, corrupted bin or an hardware issue.

I would start with the simplest test, namely the corrupt bin. Maybe in my file transfer stage, something is not working right. What's your way to transfer files from pc to Falcon?

[wongck]

https://www.atari-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=97&t=37588
I normally transfer using network, a simple FTP server on my windoze and AFTP on my Atari.

USB thumb drives works but I seldom use it as the USB card is not properly secured down and I burned a PCI slot previously using it when it rocked. So I removed it for fear of it burning the rest of my PCI slot.

[stormy]

Thanks to cziets diagnosing the amount of bombs being the FPU the problem is almost certainly solved, there are many fake FPUs on eBay - no joke! Almost 90 percent would be fake. You need to just get a good FPU. I know Exxos sells genuine tested FPUs in his store, go get one.

[joska]

Unfortunately, the usual practice is to say "nah, something's wrong with FreeMiNT, disable MP and have fun". Terrible, terrible advice.

+1

[DarkLord]

Thanks to cziets diagnosing the amount of bombs being the FPU the problem is almost certainly solved, there are many fake FPUs on eBay - no joke! Almost 90 percent would be fake. You need to just get a good FPU. I know Exxos sells genuine tested FPUs in his store, go get one.

Can testify to this, first hand. I've got a 50mhz 68882 on my Pak 68/3 board in my STacy and didn't even
know I had a problem until I started running some of the benchmark programs that were making the
rounds a few months back. I kept getting a few errors and with the help of other (more knowledgeable)
Atarian's, and running FPU specific software, was able to figure out that mine was a "bad" one.

[Robbizz]

You will surely start laughing (or crying). I bought that FPU where it did not allow me to start FreeMint, on ebay. And we have seen that it doesn't work. Meanwhile, I forgot that I had bought some MC68882 50Mhz on Aliexpress. As it happens they arrived today. I tried with this FPU and it worked. It passed all tests using FPUTEST under Falcon of course. I would like to understand if it is because this is a 50 Mhz or has nothing to do with it. Is there any way to deeply test (as FPUTEST does), an FPU under Atari STE, MEGA STE that you know of?

[Robbizz]

https://www.atari-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=97&t=37588
I normally transfer using network, a simple FTP server on my windoze and AFTP on my Atari.

USB thumb drives works but I seldom use it as the USB card is not properly secured down and I burned a PCI slot previously using it when it rocked. So I removed it for fear of it burning the rest of my PCI slot.

Really interesting thanks! I think it's even faster than the serial

[stormy]

I would like to understand if it is because this is a 50 Mhz or has nothing to do with it.

Nothing to do with the clock... the Falcon only runs the FPU at 16mhz. The fake chips are just that.. complete fakes, with faulty internals.

[wongck]

Nothing to do with the clock... the Falcon only runs the FPU at 16mhz. The fake chips are just that.. complete fakes, with faulty internals.

Those may not be fake but are rejects.

I was working for a semiconductor company previously and they are suppose to scrap parts that are walking wounded ( i.e. used for burn-in testing / accelerated aging testing ) but was "taken" out of scrap by someone to resell at local chip shop. Not sure if they caught the culprit but the police raided several local shops and recovered some of the chips. No they are not motorola FPU.

These type of practice happens everywhere and not only for chips but any products such as clothings. Many reputable clothing company get their goods from Asia, and we can get cheap original "rejects" easily, some even on the street stalls.

[DarkLord]

You will surely start laughing (or crying). I bought that FPU where it did not allow me to start FreeMint, on ebay. And we have seen that it doesn't work. Meanwhile, I forgot that I had bought some MC68882 50Mhz on Aliexpress. As it happens they arrived today. I tried with this FPU and it worked. It passed all tests using FPUTEST under Falcon of course. I would like to understand if it is because this is a 50 Mhz or has nothing to do with it. Is there any way to deeply test (as FPUTEST does), an FPU under Atari STE, MEGA STE that you know of?

Couple of interesting links/message threads:

https://www.atari-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=40516

https://www.exxoshost.co.uk/forum/viewt ... &hilit=fpu

HTH's.

[marss]

Hi,
How to avoid this cache problem?
Thanks

[marss]

and replace these dots with normal letters ?
Thanks

[foft]

For the cache problem, there is already a line in the standard mint.cnf. Something like FILE_CACHE_SIZE. Uncomment it.

[marss]

Thanks

[mikro]

The dots is a feature of your desktop. Either find an option to disable it or switch to another desktop.

[marss]

Fs_cache_size=4096
I Guess it is this one?