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The standard connector for desktop computers is 40 pins. For laptops, they shrunk the connector but added four more pins, so they could eliminate the power cord. The first 40 pins are identical on both types. The uA1-C has one of each. If you are planning on using a 2.5" drive, it will

plug right into the 44 pin header. If you're only using larger "desktop" drives, use the 40 pin header. If you want more than two bigger drives, you will need an adapter. All of the adapters I've seen so far are for plugging a laptop drive into a desktop machine.

I wanted to plug a regular IDE cable into the mini connector on the board. The adapters are passive connectors, so they can be used either way. Just unplug the power connector on them and plug them into the 44 pin header on the micro board. I chose a small, molded connector from the same vendor as above. A1netusa.com sells the "H-AD32" for $3.75

There is no keying on this adapter, on either side. This makes it possible for a misconnection. Following these steps carefully should insure a properly connected drive.

First, determine which end of the adapter is which. The power leads connect to pins 43 and 44 of the adapters "big" side. You'll notice that pins 41 and 42 are missing. Plug the "little" end of the adapter directly into the board. Be very careful to make sure it is centered in the 44 pin connector. The end of the connector with the missing pins and power leads should be away from the processor, and closest to the power LED.

Now you can prepare the "Big" side of the adapter. Most IDE cables have one pin "keyed" to prevent plugging in backwards. ("Keyed" means that one pin is missing, and the receptacle for it is plugged so that it fits only one way). Line up your IDE cable with pin one (Red stripe) closest to the processor.. If it won't plug in you'll have to clip one pin from the adapter. Be sure to get the right one!

Biggest opportunities for mistakes, and their cures:

1> Plugging the adapter into the board backwards.. The molded "R" and "B" are on the end furthest from the processor.

2> Plugging the adapter into the board off-center. Do a careful visual inspection.

3> Keying the connector wrong.. Pin one of the cable is closest to the processor.

Be careful on this one.. Mine worked first try, but I was sweating all the way.

Sadly, paying top dollar for your MicroAmiga board does not mean you get everything you expect. There were a few things that are normally supplied with a motherboard that do not come with this one.

Most motherboards that I have bought come with an "ATX I/O Shield" that fits that specific board. This is a square plate that snaps into the back of most cases and provides the holes that the connectors poke through.

In approximate order from left to right, Keyboard and Mouse, 2 USB's and an ethernet jack, Parallel, VGA, S_Video and Composite Video, then the gameport and audio output jacks..The pattern of these connectors on the micro is unusual, because of the S-Video and composite video connectors where the second com port used to go. Most folks will take a common shield

with the two COM port openings and hack the second hole with a dremel or pair of snips to make it fit. This works, but looks a bit messy. I searched high and low to find the correct shield. I do not believe there is one being made. What I was able to find is a "mostly right" shield with no second COM port opening. I paid nine bucks for it, a dear price for such a simple plate. I'll be taking it to a machinist friend to get it punched with the correct holes.

Since I'm trying to be complete, another "missing" item, which seems trivial, were the nut connectors on the back for VGA and parallel ports. They usually have small threaded nuts so that when a cord is connected, the thumb screws can be tightened. That's right folks, the MicroA1 board (or at least MY micro board) comes without them. These can certainly be picked up at any PC shop for little or no cost, or pilfered from an old mobo. In the interest of providing a source for everything, I return to a1netusa.com, who offers a bag of 100 nuts as "S-HEX" for 3.50, and a bag of 100 washers, currently out of stock, as "S-RING" for another 3.50.

One last detail.. a case badge. It's a detail that some motherboard makers provide. I got an "Antec" badge with my case, and also a got a "Boing Ball" case badge with my Micro board!! I don't know if it's normally included or just an extra from my dealer.

Too bad I didn't know it was coming, I had already pre-built my case and made my own badge using a do it yourself kit. Works great, and looks as good as the printer you use to print the image.

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