Jan Beta’s latest project focuses on updating his Amiga 600 with a fresh installation of Kickstart 3.2.3 and Amiga OS 3.2. The process begins with creating a new EPROM using a TL866 programmer and an adapter, ensuring the machine runs the most recent ROM rather than loading it into RAM at each startup. This hardware step is essential for stability, particularly when paired with the notoriously finicky Furia accelerator.
With the Kickstart chip programmed and installed, attention shifts to storage. The original 256 MB SD card proves unreliable, often failing during setup. Jan experiments with several SD adapters, but after repeated issues, he turns to a CompactFlash card. The CF solution, connected via a low-profile adapter, provides the reliability needed to proceed with the upgrade.
Using Hyperion’s downloads, Jan prepares a clean installation of Amiga OS 3.2. He carefully partitions the CF card, sets transfer values, and formats two partitions—one for Workbench and another for data. The installation process, carried out from disk images loaded via a GoTek drive, proceeds smoothly. After the base system is installed, Jan applies the 3.2.3 update, which replaces outdated system files and introduces the latest fixes.
The Amiga boots successfully into the updated Workbench, showing the 3.2.3 version on screen. This combination of a new Kickstart ROM, reliable storage, and the latest OS brings new life to the A600. Jan highlights the importance of backups, clean partitioning, and choosing the right adapter hardware, noting that CF cards tend to be more dependable than SD cards in expanded Amigas.
For enthusiasts considering a similar upgrade, this video offers a thorough look at the steps, tools, and pitfalls of updating an Amiga 600. From programming ROMs to testing adapters, Jan demonstrates both the challenges and the payoff of running modern Amiga OS software on vintage hardware.
