Buddha is a top-class IDE controller for Amiga computers with Zorro slots. It has been for 27 years now, and the IDE interface remains relevant for backing up harddrives, using CD- and DVD drives (readers and writers), and CF cards, as a cost-effective way to replace an SSD.
Buddha Plus One adds a few features to the extremely successful design:
- two IDE ports
- one CF card slot
- 1MByte of fast memory
- GUI-based settings tool
- elaborate LED concept
- higher speed
- multiple measures to prevent wrong installation
The two IDE ports and the CF card slot are non-conflicting. This means that you can use up to five mass-storage devices at the same time, and if that's not enough, you can add more Buddha controllers to the same computer.
Added memory
While the combination of a mass-storage controller and memory on the same card is not a new invention, the 1MByte of true 0-wait state fast memory of the Buddha Plus One controller does not conflict with existing memory cards. If you are expanding a system that has already maxed out it's 8MByte of Z2 space (no matter if it's fastmem, a PC bridge card or RTG graphics), Buddha Plus One will still add 1MByte of memory, without using any of the precious Z2 expansion space. A2000 users can choose to map the memory to one out of two addresses: The legacy "trapdoor memory" address $c0.0000, where it adds compatibility with old software titles (especially for machines that have been expanded to 1MByte or 2MBytes of chip ram), or to the normally-unused address space at $a0.0000. A3000 and A4000 users can only use address $a0.0000. Memory is not available if installed in a Zorro expansion of an A1200.
Robust against installation errors
Buddha Plus One has a long heritage and we've learned from numerous support cases of the past decades that in the heat of the moment, you may accidentally plug in the card the wrong way round. For the first time in Amiga history, we're presenting mechanical and electrical measures to either prevent wrong installation, or to keep the controller safe from harm if you manage to plug in the card the wrong way round. Just flip the card around and it'll work as if nothing bad ever happened.
Easy configuration
While previous versions of the Buddha controller could only be controlled with command line tools, Buddha Plus One introduces a GUI that is provided in the ROM of the controller, so no software installation and/or download is required. This GUI will even work with Kickstart V1.3!
Elaborate LED concept
The original Amiga computers only have a single HD LED. Buddha Plus One will unite all access-LEDs (including onboard IDE/SCSI accesses) into a single one without soldering or complicated configuration steps. Two LED cables are included with Buddha Plus One, making LED wiring easy without soldering, and without the need to drill holes for additional LEDs into precious original cases. The LED output will automatically sense how many LEDs there are in a row (one in case of A2000/A4000 or two in case of the A3000), and the LED input of Buddha Plus One will accept any polarity.
Quick boot support
The Amiga can start blazingly fast. Amiga users are so used to having a usable desktop within seconds after switching on that every single additional second is already a reason to be worried. Buddha Plus One gives the user various options to skip unnecessary wait times: The maximum time that Buddha will wait for a drive to spin up can be set in the graphical startup menu. Unused ports can be switched off, and if you have an onboard IDE/SCSI controller that you're not using any more, it can also be switched off in the Buddha Plus One configuration, saving several ten seconds of boot time.
Improved speed
Let's face it: Buddha has never been a speed demon. The Z2 bus with it's 7MHz and 16 bits has it's limits, and that's in the neighbourhood of 2.3MBytes/second, measured with a medium-speed 68020 or 68030 CPU. However, there's two special cases where Buddha Plus One adds significant transfer speed: First, an un-accelerated A2000 would struggle to reach 800KBytes/s with a 7MHz 68000 CPU on previous versions of the Buddha controller. Buddha Plus One now adds hardware acceleration that improves transfer rates with 68000 CPUs by about 35%. Buddha Plus One with a 7MHz CPU beats the "magical" 1MByte/second barrier by a large margin. The second special configuration where Buddha Plus One can add speed is in the Z4 board for an A1200 computer. Z4 boards are also known as "Elbox Z4" or "Winner Z4" Boards, and they sport a "Fast-Z2" mode that can add up to 50% to measurable transfer speed. We recommend to only activate this mode if only CF cards or DOMs are used. Stability with long IDE cables may not be given.
Extended software installation
Buddha Plus One comes with a DOM (disk-on-module) pre-installed. This DOM contains our automatic partition/install tool and licensed copies of Amiga OS 1.3, 2.1 and 3.1. Partitioning and installing a CF card or harddrive has never been easier! Even if you have lost your OS installation floppies or your floppy drive is defective, you can bring your Amiga to life within minutes. If a CD ROM drive is found, drivers and file system are also automatically installed, letting you install more software or Amiga OS V3.2 from CD (Amiga OS3.2 is available separately in this shop). If there is any version of the X-Surf networking card in your computer, you can continue to install a TCP/IP stack and network GUI. This will break the vicious circle of having to transfer software to the Amiga in order to install a transfer method for software.
Scope of delivery
- Buddha Plus One
- LED extension 24cm
- LED connection cable 24cm
- instruction manual (English/German)
Pictures show accessories and computers that are not in the scope of delivery.
