On Line
Rob Hays
December 1994
	The Small Computer System Interface is a marvelously
adaptable method for adding all sorts of devices to your
computer. Better known by its initials SCSI (pronounced scuzzy),
this interface either comes standard on, or can be easily added
to, any model Amiga. However, its very versatility sometimes
causes problems, and this month we will take a look at several
pieces of software available for downloading that can make your
SCSI life much easier.

Just the FAQs

	Before undertaking any journey into unknown territory, it is
best to obtain all the information you can on the subject. The
file SCSI_FAQ.LHA is an excellent place to start. This archive
contains two text files that were put together by Johnathan Vail,
and currently being maintained by Gary Field. By the way, faq is
a common Internet abbreviation, which stands for Frequently Asked
Questions. The files SCSI1.FAQ and SCSI2.FAQ ask and answer more
than 50 questions, which run the gamut from the simple "What is
SCSI?", to more esoteric questions concerning termination
resistors for specific hard drives.
	Proper termination of SCSI devices is critical to their
proper operation, and yet termination remains more of an art
than a science. Some people will tell you to terminate only the
last device in a chain of devices, others say the first and last,
others say none of the above. These text files not only contain
information about these subjects, they also include phone
numbers of different companies that manufacture these devices,
and listings of many Internet sites where more detailed
information can be obtained.

SCSIMounter

	If the SCSI device you add to your Amiga is a removable hard
disk, such as a SyQuest, you may find the program SCSIMounter a
great help. These removable drives use a cartridge that can be
physically removed from the drive itself, allowing for easily
transportable files and an infinite-capacity hard drive. When a
cartridge fills up, just insert a new one for more storage. Like
any hard drive, they can be partitioned and formatted to suit
your needs. Unfortunately, if you have more than one cartridge,
and they are not partitioned identically, your system will not
respond properly to a cartridge change unless you re-boot.
SCSIMounter corrects this problem, and others.
	Written by Martin Blatter in Switzerland, this freely
distributable program allows you to mount or unmount any
partition on any SCSI device attached to your system. It will
also allow you to mount a SCSI device that was not attached when
you booted your system. All functions can be controlled through a
graphical interface (figure 1) or through the command line.
Program requirements are simple; an Amiga with a SCSI host
adaptor that supports the Commodore Rigid Disk Block and SCSI
Direct standards, and Kickstart 2.0 or higher. Documentation is
included both in AmigaGuide and ASCII text formats. SCSIMounter
is currently at version 2.03, and if you use a 2400bps modem, the
32,128 byte file can be yours in less than three minutes.

SCSIUtil

	If you have a CD-ROM drive attached to your Amiga, Gary
Duncan and Heiko Rath offer the program SCSIUtil. This program
provides low-level control of CD-ROM drive functions such as
starting or stopping the drive motor, reading specific sectors,
etc. Audio functions are also included to read 16 bit raw audio
data, or convert it into 8 bit audio. This is another freely
distributable package, and is squarely aimed at the advanced
user. Operation is command line only (figure 2), and if you would
like to experiment, the source code is included in the archive
package. At 50,816 bytes, the archive will download in a bit over
four minutes.

Scrammer

	If your Amiga is a 3000 or 4000, the program Scrammer from
Giuliano Peritore of Italy gives you control of and information
about several important system functions. When started, Scrammer
opens a small window on your Workbench filled with gadgets.
Clicking these will open other windows with information on your
Amiga ranging from chip versions and speeds, to SCSI devices
attached (figure 3). One of the parameters that Scrammer allows
you to adjust is the amount of time the system will wait at boot-
up before checking the SCSI bus for drives. Some hard drives take
a lot longer than normal to spin up to operating speed when power
is applied. If you have one of these, you probably have to re-
boot your system after a cold start before that drive is
recognized. Detection of the type of ram chips installed and a
ram test function, among others, are also included.
	Currently at version 37.3b, Scrammer is copyrighted, but
freely distributable. The 33,408 byte archive includes AmigaGuide
format documentation in English and Italian, and should transfer
to your system in less than three minutes.

Where to Look

	The file SCSI_FAQ.LHA I found only on GEnie, as file #23424.
The SCSIMounter program is file #17999 on GEnie, is in the
AmigaUser Forum on CIS as SCSIMT.LHA, and is on Portal as
SCSIMOUNT.LZH. The SCSIUtil program is file #22849 on GEnie,
SCSIUT.LHA in AmigaUser, and SCSIUTIL2.0.LHA on Portal. Scrammer
is on GEnie as file #23779, SCRAM.LHA in AmigaUser, and
SCRAMMER.LHA on Delphi.
	Remember to check for later versions on your favorite
system, and always do a keyword search. Just because I did not
find a certain file on a particular system, does not mean you
won't find it later. The file areas of the major on line services
tend to cross-pollinate each other as users upload files to them.


Who You Gonna Call?

	What follows are the first three responses to my request for
information concerning local Amiga BBS's. If any of these are
near your location, give them a call.

NAME:			New Excelsior BBS
PHONE:			(909) 884-1747
SPEEDS SUPPORTED:	1200-38,400
HOURS:			24
CONTACT:			R.Dewey Mullins III
				P.O.Box 3791
				San Bernadino, CA  92413-3791

NAME:			Anchor & FLUX
PHONE:			(313) 453-5370
SPEEDS SUPPORTED:	2400-28,800 8-N-1
CONTACT:			James R. Gillespie
				jimmer@be0968.be.ford.com

NAME:			Awesome Ami BBS
PHONE:			(512) 443-0900
SPEEDS SUPPORTED:	up to 28,800 8-N-1 Full Duplex
CONTACT:			Dale Frameli
				3707 Manchaca Road
				Apt. 279
				Austin, TX  78704

Where To Find Me

		R.Hays5		on GEnie
		RHAYS		on Delphi
		72764,2066	on CompuServe
		Rob Hays		on Portal
	InterNet users, the quickest response will probably occur if
you use: R.HAYS5@GENIE.GEIS.COM

	For U.S.Mail:
		Rob Hays
		P.O.Box 194
		Bloomington, IN 47402
	Please include a SASE if you need a personal reply.

	If you run an Amiga specific BBS, send me the information
callers will need to access your system. Phone number(s), modem
speeds, software settings, etc. As a service to the Amiga
community I will include the information I receive in this column
from time to time. Send the info to any of my addresses above.

	That is all for this month. Happy Holidays, and see you on
line!
