Installing new Cores on Vampire V2

Overview

The Vampire boards can be updated to use the latest Core improvements, such as:

• Bug fixes
• New features
• Speed improvements
• Compatibility improvements

The Vampire Core contains the following modules:

• APOLLO 68080 Core
• SAGA Core

Three different methods

Method #1: Using .JIC binaries with Quartus II Programmer

This is the preferred method, because it is the only solution in case of a broken system (“brick”).

It requires:

• A USB-Blaster and cables.
• A Windows or Linux computer.
• Quartus II Programmer installed.
• .JIC binary file dedicated to the target Vampire

WARNING: Quartus II Programmer does NOT protect the Vampire against unsuitable .JIC binaries.

→ Installing new Cores using Quartus II Programmer

Method #2: Using FlashROM executables

This the secondary method because of the following risk:

WARNING: FlashROM can brick a weak board! Prefer Method #1 if possible.

• Runs directly from AmigaOS 3.x.
• Easy to use, totally configuration-free.
• Protects against incorrect hardware target.
  • Reads the current revision and forbids flashing if wrong hardware.
• Updates the version string stored in the Vampire Core.

→ Installing new Cores using FlashROM executables

Method #3: Using VampireFlash tool

This the third method because of the following risk:

WARNING: VampireFlash tool can brick a weak board! Prefer Method #1 if possible. Currently does not work in ApolloOS. Earlier versions don't support flashing new cores. Use latest VampireFlash 1.14. Tool can be used up to Apollo Gold core 2.16.

• Part of SAGA drivers package
• Runs directly from AmigaOS 3.x.
• By default integrated in CoffinOS
• Can directly flash .JIC and .ROM binaries

→ Installing new Cores using VampireFlash tool