goettsch@sunbayer32.informatik.tu-muenchen.de wrote:

> When I run for a short time the linux-68k kernel (console output also in 
> "native ST-HIGH") I see that the output on my VGA-monitor is on the above 5/6 
> of the screen ok (640x400 = ST-HIGH) but the lower 1/6 rest (80 Pixel of
> 640x480 = Falcon standard resolution) looks somewhat odd (wild pixels or lines
> duplicated from above). I think this will be same on NetBSD console output. 
Strange... Is this a Falcon hardware bug? ST-HIGH runs fine on my TT.

> But this leads me to the same question as on the linux-installation:
> !!	Why are only ST-Modes supported on a kernel NEVER running on ST ???  !!
> 
> I mean it makes no sense to use a mode which belonges to an old machine
> which cannot run NetBSD because of the processor. But this is not so important.
First of all, it is definitely _not_ the only mode supported. All the ST and
TT videomodes are supported. I didn't try TT-HIGH because I do not have the
right monitor for it. There are 2 ways to change the console video mode:
 1 - Change the compiled-in defaults by means of recompilattion or the
     binpatch program
 2 - Use the iteconfig program. You can select another video mode from the
     command line. You can also change colors this way. So it is possible
     to change video mode in your '.profile'. Unfortunately, in the current
     kernel this works only once :-( I haven't had time to trace that bug
     yet, too busy putting up installation stuff.
Now to the 'why' of choosing ST_HIGH as a default. Simple, it uses only
32Kb of memory instead of 153Kb. This memory has to be reserved because it
should reside in ST-memory because the video DMA address is only 24-bits.
There is no way (that I know of) that the kernel malloc can be told to return
an address in this region :-( Because NetBSD/Atari supports virtual consoles
by means of <alt><Fx>, with a standard of 2 virtual consoles, a default
TT-resolution means a (pre)reservation of +/- 320Kb, while the default of
ST-HIGH costs only 100Kb.
> What resolutions are the TT-Modes ? Perhaps one of them is 640x480. Then it can
> perhaps used as better one for the Falcon.
TT-MEDIUM is 640x480.
> 
> >>
> X11 is planned but totally not working in this stage of the port :-(
> The port is binary compatible with the Mac and Amiga ports. So in time it
> shouldn't be too hard to get X running. With luck, only the server has too
> be Atari specific because of specific screen handling.
> << 
> I also hope so. Let's see what the future brings :) Who one is working on it 
> (if already someone) ? 
No. I am afraid that I am currently the only one working on the Atari-port.
You're welcome to join...

> For Mint, X11 (monochrom) works fine. The server reads its screen resolution 
> from the video register (or the os, i don't now exact). But the effect is that
> the server runs at any resolution, which is set by BLOWUP before.
> As an ideal goal (but in the later future) this may also be possible under 
> NetBSD.
> 
> >>
> > After this information of situation, I will ask you for contact.
> > You wrote that you can't test it on a Falcon -- if you want I can be
> > a beta (or alfa ?) tester. Perhaps we can exchange our experiences.
> Seems like a good idea! I hope to put up boot and install floppy later
> this week or early next week. I'm very curious if it will boot in the
> Falcon.
> <<
> Me too ! :)
> But my important question:
> 	How can I get the software or the floppies ?
> Will you put them on a server or will you send it. Have you a connection to
> the internet ?
> 
It will be put on sun-lamp:~ftp/pub/NetBSD/arch/atari, the exact location
will show-up on the mailing list. I just finished building the GENERIC kernel
yesterday evening, the installation guide is nearly finished. I think that
the installation guide + a floppy containing the generic kernel & the
bootloader will show up tomorrow. The install-fs will follow...

Leo.