ScuzzBlog: Diaries April 2020
Entry 28th April 2020: Post 01: Eureka Communicator II - CD32.
Eureka Communicator II - CD32.
One of the biggest disappointments with the Amiga 1200 has to be
the lack of CD support. Whilst it eventually became easier to fit
the CD-ROM via the Squirrel, it would have been way simpler to
have had the CD32 podule or sidecar as envisaged when they first
released the CD32. For one it would have looked a lot better.
The Amiga 1200 really needed the CD-ROM and the first thing I
fitted to the 1200 once I had the Blizzard SCSI KIT was the CD.
It made a massive difference to how I used the computer, and with
CD file systems being pretty easy to cross manage across PCs it
gave me a massive data storage transfer across platforms.
I never was interested in the CD32 as a console. I only ever
wanted my Amiga 1200 to work as my games machine. The A1200 was
a one stop shop for me when it came to games, data storage, paint
and word packages. The Amiga being computer and OS as one, made
the usage of software and games just so straightforward. It was
because of the dreadful compatibility issues with the PC and
games that caused my to buy a PlayStation 1. I have never been
able to get that all in one feeling with any computer post the
Amiga 1200. And the A1200 with the CD, better graphics and
internet would have been the natural evolution for the product.
When I came across the SX32 and the gadget featured here today
for the CD32 I thought it would be a great step up for the CD32.
Sadly the size of the CD32 and the relatively slow transfer
rates makes for less than a satisfactory solution. The Eureka
Communicator II on the face of it sounds like the perfect add-on
for the CD32 to accompany the A1200, but in truth the CD32 will
always be a TV box style console.
I haven't ever tested the Communicator II and have no real
desire to do so. I have CD support for a number of my Amigas
and I would always struggle finding space for the CD32. Added to
the fact I just do not trust that plug in on the side of the
Eureka. Just looks like its going to get snapped off.
I would think the Communicator II is pretty rare. Not valuable
but just rare as I doubt many purchased them in the day. It is
an interesting gadget though not that practical.
Communicator II
Serial cable with RJ11 (telephone type) connector
Data transfer up to 210000 bps
Evidently more reliable than the Communicator I
Compatible with ISO-9660 CD standard
Keyboard connectors for the A2000 and A4000
LED status lights
MIDI and keyboard connectors as standard.
Connects to the AUX on the CD32.
Comment: Side connector is very poor. Not sure whether mine has
been snapped. It is not hanging out but I could pull the thing
out without any problem. The plugging in and plugging out on
the CD32 just is going to break the connector. That is why I
chose not to use the thing in truth. Dreadful design.
The CD-ROM has a full version of Workbench on the CD and so my
guess is that you can boot into Workbench using the CD. There
is also a shortcut on the CD32 controller for Workbench.
Eureka Communicator II - CD32.
Pictures from the A4000/040 always poor .. Sorry !!
Showing the contents of the Communicator II CD.
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