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GUS Daily Digest            Mon, 2 Jan 95  9:37 PST      Volume 18: Issue   2

Today's Topics:
                      3.57 update disks, files,
                     Bad dma data compare (read)
                         GUS drivers for NT?
                         GUS drivers in OS/2
                         GUS max and windows
                             information
                             Keep the GUS
                mail failed, returning to sender (fwd)
                               Maxsbos
                MIDI BOX & JOYSTICKS / GRAVIS SUPPORT
                    new user with little problems
                  Warcraft AIL 3.0, and Dark Legions

Standard Info:
        - Meta-info about the GUS can be found at the end of the Digest.
        - Before you ask a question, please READ THE FAQ.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 1 Jan 1995 22:30:00 -0500
From: jason.wong@canrem.com (Jason Wong)
Subject: 3.57 update disks, files,

 On 12-28-94  13:16, "Christopher Bolin" <cbolin@teleport.com> writes:

 CB> Is the disk set 3.57 on orst real or a fake??  If it is real, why
 CB> isn't it available from Gravis?

 CB> Is there a update file floating around?

 CB> Can someone give us the real story?

The v3.57 disk set is simply the v3.56 disk set with the v5.47 Windows
driver.  If you have v3.56, you can download the new Windows driver
seperately.

 .. She turned me into a newt!... I got better...
___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 1 Jan 95 18:27:02 EST
From: rschutt@pen.k12.va.us (Ryan Andrew Schutt)
Subject: Bad dma data compare (read)

When I run the diagnostics on my GUS max, I get an error
message saying 'bad dma data compare (read)'.  What does this
mean?  I have tried several different dmas.  Also, I still
can't get my GUS max working under windows.  Does anyone have
any suggestions??  It locks up because of the
'device=grvsultr.386' line in my system.ini.  I am afraid to
even try to call tech support from what I've heard :)

Thanks

Ryan Schutt
rschutt@pen.k12.va.us

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 19:45:10 +1100 (EST)
From: Tony Molina <tonym@melbpc.org.au>
Subject: GUS drivers for NT?

I've just read somebody post to the digest that there will never be GUS
drivers for Windows NT.

Are there any officials from Gravis who can confirm or deny this?

thanks,

tm

============================================================
Tony Molina                             Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
tonym@melbpc.org.au              Mmmmmmmm ... VF1000 ... ;-)
============================================================

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 1 Jan 1995 12:33:10 +0000
From: "Marc Y. Paulin" <markus@nbnet.nb.ca>
Subject: GUS drivers in OS/2

GUS day people,

    I'm trying to install the alpha Gravis OS/2 drivers in OS/2 2.1
(I know, I know, I'm moving to Warp next week).  The installation
says that it's modifying my CONFIG.SYS file, but when I look into it,
nothing has been added or changed.  I still have the same ol'
CONFIG.SYS.
    Can anyone mail me the lines to add or modify so I can do it
manually?  Thanks a lot.

Jurassic Mark - markus@nbnet.nb.ca - Marc Y. Paulin

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 12:47:12 +0800
From: jchen@hs.hkis.edu.hk (Jonathan Chen)
Subject: Re: GUS max and windows

->Date: Fri, 30 Dec 94 14:43:45 EST
->From: rschutt@pen.k12.va.us (Ryan Andrew Schutt)
->Subject: GUS max and windows
->
->I am having trouble getting my GUS max to work with windows
->(3.1).  I have isolated the problem to the line
->'device=grvsultr.386' line in my system.ini.  When this line is
->enabled, windows won't start.  Does anyone have any
->suggestions?  I have a 486/DX2 vlb system.

        Try loading ULTRAMID.EXE before you start Windows.  That driver will
eat up a huge chunk of memory but should be able to make GUS Max work in
Windows.  I don't know why but me and my friend tried it on different VLBus
systems and were able to get in Windows with all of them.

        That brings up another question - does GUS Max have an incompatibility
problem with VLBus systems?  (or specifically 486/DX2 VLB Systems)  So far I
have not seen a GUS Max work correctly with one of those systems.  Is anyone
out there using their GUS Max on a VLBus system without any problems?

PS.  I apologize if this is the second time you read this message... since my
     mailer returned an error, I decided to enter the message again...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
*        Jonathan Chen           ***              HKIS student                *
* Internet: jchen@hs.hkis.edu.hk ***    I will procrastinate... tomorrow.     *
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

------------------------------

Date: 02 Jan 95 13:07:34+0100
From: Vincent RAYMOND <vincent@orsay.icdc.fr>
Subject: information
Message-ID: <9501021207.AA01100@orsay.icdc.fr>

        Hello and HNY to everyone.

        Two question ?

        What is the price of 512 k for a gus max ?
        Is it very important to have 1Mg on q gus ?
        Rap Rock and Roll block with my Gus under windows ? Any ideas ?
        Where is the MAXSBOS.zip file ?
        Does anyone had the 6 digits number for Systen Shock generator ?
        Is it normal that sometimes my GUS stop playing midi music
                It plays but sounds stop ?

                Thanks, Read You Soon, Vince (vincent@orsay.icdc.fr).

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 1 Jan 1995 14:57:04 -0500 (EST)
From: Robert Colbert <linc@cognition.firstnet.c>
Subject: Keep the GUS

On Sun, 1 Jan -1, GUS Server wrote:
> Date: Sat, 31 Dec 1994 15:14:41 -0500 (EST)
> From: Vincent Cojot <coyote@step.polymtl.ca>
> Subject: A little flaming...
>
> In short: can someone give me a good reason to keep my GUS?
>
>
>       Hello Everyone out there that owns a GUS, this message is not
> intended to be a "flame" but merely to express some points of
> dissatisfaction that I have and be able to share it with others. If you
> are unpleased with what I say and want to flame me, please don't take it
> to the mailing list.  You can flame me as much as you want in private
> email but I can't promise I will answer.

I'm not going to flame you for a well-composed, articulate message
stating some opinions.  I don't think anyone would.  Maybe the local BBS
you're hanging around is just a bit harsh.

Well, why should you keep your GUS?  I'll try to help convince you that
it's something worth doing with a short list:

        The GUS is being directly (natively) supported by more and more
                game manufacturers every day.  It's the only wavetable
                synthesis card choice on MANY game setup menus.
        Wavetable synthesis.  Yes, you can get it on other cards, but if
                you thought the GUS was hard to set up. . . .
        Your Windows NT drivers may be coming, who knows.
        Some problems with the GUS aren't Gravis' fault.  Developers
                are so gung ho on getting GUS support into their code
                that they try to do it all without asking, and sometimes
                get it wrong.  Hang in there.  The GUS is standardizing,
                and will be working with MUCH more software as time
                passes.
        Value/Dollar ratio.  It goes without saying that the GUS is one
                of the best value/dollar sound cards available.  Sure,
                it's more than a Sound Blaster Any, but -- it's literally
                MORE than a Sound Blaster Any.  You are getting what you're
                paying for, and much more.
        Speed-compensating gameport.  It's the only sound card with that
                feature built in.
        3D Holographic Sound.  It's underused by developers, but when
                the next generation of software starts hitting, you'll
                be very glad you purchased the GUS.

Well, those are just a few 'cause I want to keep this brief.  I'm not
affiliated with Gravis in any way, but I am a developer.  The GUS is by
far the best card I've worked with, and I look forward to supporting it
natively in all my future productions.

Notes:  I use:
        Pentium 60 MHz, 8 meg RAM
        1.2 gig hd space
        GUS Max, 512k
        Gravis Gamepad
        Videologic Captivator Video Capture Card
        Creative CD-ROM (well, Panasonic)
        SCSI-2 Fast
        14.4k modem
        ExpressPCI SuperVGA graphics card.
        DOS 6.20, Windows 3.1, Win32s
        etc.

You could say it's a loaded system, and I haven't had a single problem
using the GUS.  As a matter of fact, it was the smoothest setup I've done
in a while because of the card's extreme configurability.  I use a lot of
ports, interrupts, DMA channels, etc., for other equipment (including a
CD-ROM burner), and the GUS just slipped right in.

My machine hasn't locked because of sound at all since I installed the
GUS (except during some development phases on a project I'm working on,
but that was our fault and is fixed).

I've never had Descent lock on me, Heretic runs fine, and every other
piece of software I've put in with native GUS support.  I do agree about
the SBOS, though.  That is why I wish that more developers would start
including direct support for GUS instead of having to use the SBOS
drivers.  But, I haven't had the machine lock up or annyting when using
SBOS, just inferior sound (but, then again, we are emulating the original
Sound Blaster mono 8-bit thing, so who's complaining about sound
quality.  Compare apples and oranges and you'll see a big difference (or
hear as the case may be)).

I hope this had helped.

Linc

linc@cognition.firstnet.com

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 1 Jan 1995 19:29:24 -0600 (CST)
From: BackTrak <backtrak@ais.net>
Subject: mail failed, returning to sender (fwd)

|------------------------- Message log follows: -------------------------|
 no valid recipients were found for this message
|------------------------- Failed addresses follow: ---------------------|
 rschutt@pen.k12.ua.us ... unknown host
|------------------------- Message text follows: ------------------------|

Hi! Saw you're post in the digest. I think you're problem is that you do
not have windows386 enhanced turned on. If it isn't, you will get a
wholle buch of start up errors, due to the facct that windows needs to
load VDDs (Virtual device drivers) and these need to run in unprotected
mode. (36bit mode) Windows can emultate this mode for specially written
programs, (like grvsultr.386) as long as it is done from a dos prompt.
That means no OS/2. (Gravis is releasing OS/2 drivers, but they just
arn't moving quick enough.) So, quit reading this, and go turn on 386
Enhanced! Oh yeah, if your windows won't llet you turn it on in windows,
you have to start windows with the WIN /3 command to load it in 386enh
mode. GOOD LUCK!!!!

[ Fluteous wisps of effervescense...        ][------> Nick Pirocanac <------]
[ Myasmic whorls of incandescense...        ][-----> BackTrak@ais.net <-----]
[ Trash Can Dreams of a goat named bill...  ][------------------------------]
[ Through all these things, I can yet see.. ][---> Finger my account for ---]
[ The colour of your third eye. -<BWONG!>-  ][--- The 360 tale of terror! <-]

Well, this message got bounced back to me, so I'm putting on the digest
even if it _IS_ in the FAQ. So there. Nyah.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 02 Jan 1995 12:19:20 -0500 (EST)
From: gregor garlak <gregor.garlak@sheridanc.on.ca>
Subject: Re: Maxsbos


This is a comment on the whole Maxsbos "SCANDAL".
It's not that hard to realize why Gravis didn't support the plain
Gus in their new Sbos proggy. Here is a list of some of the reasons.
Pick any one you like:

1) Gravis wants us to upgrade so that they can make more money.

2) They will support the GF1 in the Beta.

3) Advanced Gravis thinks that when we see the new Megaem we will
   love it so much that all will be forgiven and no more hard feelings.

4) As we all know, the SB line uses a dumb DAC/ADC method to play/record
   sounds. The crystal CODEC is a dumb DAC/ADC as well
   (a little better though). The GF1 has problems emulating a
   dumb DAC because it's not one. Solution: What better way to emulate
   a dumb shitty card than to give in and use similar hardware.

Just an oppinion. Don't take it too seriously.......

Greg.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 2 Jan 1995 02:32:52 -0500 (EST)
From: Buddy <u8843389@muss.CIS.McMaster.CA>
Subject: MIDI BOX & JOYSTICKS / GRAVIS SUPPORT

> Okay, so here's the question: is there anything that Gravis' MIDI adaptor
> does that other adaptors can't (such as MediaVision's)?  I have heard
> that, aside from the cool flashing LEDs, supposedly it can retain the
> function of supporting two joysticks, something that supposedly isn't
> possible with other MIDI boxes.  Can anyone confirm or deny this?  I am
> posting this here rather than the Musician's Digest because there's no
> traffic there and I want to know about the dual joystick connection issue.
>                                               -Peter

I just received a midi kit from PME and although I haven't assembled it
yet, from the schematic I see NO reason that two joysticks couldn't be
used with the midi box. There are only 2 pins from the joystick port
(aside from the power and grounds) that are used for midi. The rest are
still free for joystick use.

> As for the guy who dumped GUS, feel sorry for you. Name me one company that
> update their drivers as frequent as Gravis. As far as I'm concern, Gravis has
> the BEST customer support, period.
>

Oh come on! You can't be serious! THE BEST SUPPORT???? PERIOD??? I have
been a GUS owner since it was released and although they do update their
drivers very frequently and are working on new ones (albeit VERY SLOWLY
i.e. OS/2) all the time, their customer support on an individual basis is
NON-EXISTENT! Just try calling their 1-800 number. What's that you say?
Oh that's right, they don't have one! Well, try calling their regular
number then. IF you're fortunate enough to get through, don't count on
having your problems solved.

Don't get me wrong. I love my GUS and I think GRAVIS is a decent company.
But don't sit there and try to tell anybody that they have the BEST
customer support! If that's what you think then you haven't dealt with
enough companies. Don't confuse customer support with product support.
Frequent release of drivers is PRODUCT support, listening to the desires
of your customers (OS/2 drivers, technical assistance, etc) is CUSTOMER
SUPPORT.

On another note, has anyone else purchased the midi box KIT from PME? I
just got mine and it only had 2 midi sockets with it instead of 3 but the
schematic calls for 3. Also I was disappointed to find that there is NO
cable or box with it! If you are considering buying one of these kits,
spend the extra $7 and get one that is assembled with a cable and box.

Kevin

------------------------------

Date: 02 Jan 95 10:23:52+0100
From: Vincent RAYMOND <vincent@orsay.icdc.fr>
Subject: new user with little problems
Message-ID: <9501020923.AA00845@orsay.icdc.fr>

Hqppy new year,

        I had an Ultrasound Max for 1 month now.
        It's a very good card, but i still have theses problems:

        Very bad sounds with Indy Car 1.0,
        No music with Nascar Racing,
        No sounds with Alone In The Dark 3,
        Cd-Rom access problems with WC3.

        Please do you know somethings about theses Pb ? Thanks.

        I've red a lot of things about Looking Glass'System shock.

        It's one of the best game I ever played, but I still have
        troubles with the generator combinaison of Six Numbers, I
        had found only five ?

        Would you please excuse my english, i will improve it...

                                        Vince.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 02 Jan 95 00:50:42 -800
From: Ryan Baker <rynbaker@freenet.columbus.oh.us>
Subject: Warcraft AIL 3.0, and Dark Legions

    First of all, I have seen quite a few people say they have gotten Warcraft t
o work with native GUS support using the AIL 3.0 drivers, I have tried all the m
ethods I have seen and the best I can get is music support.  My system is runnin
g QEMM 7.5, and I have a GUSMAX configured with digital IRQ 5, and MIDI 7, DMA 1
.  I've tried disabling my memory manager and using both 5 and 7 as the IRQ in t
he config.war file, plus trying both 220 and 228 as the IO Address (Happened to
hear something about HMI drivers needing this and decided to give it a try).  To
 everyone out there who has gotten the digital working I have a few questions. D
o you all have regular GUS's?  What IRQ's are you using, and do you all have War
craft ver. 1.12.  By the way the message I get when I try to load the digital is
 an exception error of some type given by DOS/4GW, and this message comes up whe
ther I have the settings right or wrong.  My best guess is that the digital driv
er is incompatable with my sy!
 stem.
    Next of all, how can you get Dark Legions to work with the GUS.  By all appe
arances it looks like the game uses both HMI and AIL(.ADV) drivers.  This sounds
 very strange but the game will not run if it cannot find the HMI*.386 files, an
d it also has a directory "\drv" that contains ADV drivers, which the sound conf
iguration program (sound.exe) accesses, and the setup of these affects whether o
r not Dark Legions hangs or starts.  I have heard that the game can get Native s
upport (G-List), and tried numerous things to get it working but the whole idea
of both HMI and AIL together confused me enough I thought I needed to ask someon
e else.

------------------------------

End of GUS Daily Digest V18 #2
******************************

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