FunkTracker 1.08a - Release Notes


 - This version is just some minor bug fixes from 1.07. A small
 bug in the editor spoiled the 1.07 version, which was introduced
 when adding MPU-401 support. It has been fixed now. You probably
 couldn't run it anyway, as it was compiled incorrectly. 1.08 fixes
 all these problems.

- Also, the interface with demos has been improved, so that you can
 now have multiple modules in memory and play them. Also, I have created
 a FUNKOBJ interface, so you're not forced to use my coding reference
 which is IDEAL mode TASM!. With the new features of DOS32 now, it's 
 even possible to link my player code (which runs in 386 Protected
 Mode) to a real mode programs.

 - I've tried to add MIDI keyboard support for the PAS16, but failed.
 Next version perhaps (when i can figure out exactly what the PAS16
 card supports).

 - MIDI support has been delayed for the GUS card. I as yet, can't
 get hold of the freeware Gravis Software Developers Kit. When i
 eventually do, I will include this support.

 - Adam's extremely powerful DOS32 extender has also been included
 in this release (DOS32v30.ZIP). You can link p-mode programs to
 p-mode programs, r-mode programs to p-mode programs, and p-mode
 programs to r-mode programs. Has it's own linker which foils
 Borlands and Microsofts linker. It can create very large
 executable files, with compression. It also has a full screen
 debugger, full ANSI C library, examples and more.

see ya

:Jason Nunn
 SuperReal
 jsno@amigar.apana.org.au

UPLOAD SITES


BBS Sites
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Site                Place          Number            Fido
--------------------------------------------------------------
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Shady's             ditto          (61)(089)321497   3:850/106
17 Mile             ditto          (61)(089)831783


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WHATS NEW


  Support  MIDI  16bit

SB1.X           
SB2.0           
SBPRO           
SB16        X   
PAS16                (NB/ no luck yet supporting MPU-401 for PAS16)
GUS             


Midi Support

To use this feature, you're first going to have to worry about the
connection between your MIDI board and your soundcard... The piece
of equipment you're going to have to make or buy is called a 'MIDI
Breakout box'. If you can adjustify paying $100 for a $10 piece of
circuitry, then you may want to go out a buy one from an electronics
store. If you have a soldering iron, a couple of wires and a bread
board, then you can make your own.

Below is a derivative of a circuit found in "Electronics Australia"
(Feb 1994). I didn't have all the components, so i reduced it slightly.
It's feral, but it does the trick (even with lightly shielded wires,
next to a monitor!).

    P1,9,8 Joystick socket
      C1                               (NB/ If you don't think you
    P4,5 "    "                   can make this, then
      D1                                   don't!. I wouldn't want
   ĳ P15  "    "                   you to cook your sound
                                         card now).
              ¿
        C1  = Approx 10F
      IC1      D1  = LED        
              IC1 = 6N138      
        
      
       P5 of MIDI DIN socket
      P4 "    "    "    "

The above circuit only has MIDI-in abilities, which is enough for
the moment. Seen's that FunkTracker is a module editor and not a
MIDI editor, there is no point in having a MIDI out (unless for
cosmetic purposes).. Later on I may include it. if you want a 
full blowen circuit, then go to your local library and grab a
photocopy of Electronics Australia February 1994 (i've forgotten
the pages). You can find the same circuit on P219 of the 1994/95
Dick Smiths Catalogue. There is also some circuitry in the
"Ultimate SoundBlaster" book.

My software will talk to "MPU-401" MIDI hardware that is on the
SB16. To activate, just type in "Alt-K". Hit it again if you want 
to switch it off. Use "Alt-Q" to switch chord mode on and off.

MUSTDO'S:

 - instant SMP or WAV player when searching for samples
 - Intergrate MOD2FNK into Funktracker so that you
   can load up MOD's. Also, a FNK2MOD converter as well.

 - Adam Seychell is working on a sample editor that will be
   linked into funktracker at a later version. You will be
   able to do all types of shit with in.

DONE:

 1.08a: (July 1995)
 - ARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!, an introduced bug in the FUNK.ASM
   file. A misplaced register value when pressing the note keys on the
   keypad of the keyboard to play a note :(... fixed now.
 - The minor PAS16 click bug has now finally been fixed!. When you 
   played at any pattern (F6), and the code would track to the
   pattern with the backround code masked. This would starve the ISR 
   for too long.
 - Poly key (for none-MIDI keyboard users) (just use the MIDI
   quantise mode key- "Alt-Q" to toggle).
 - Made the tracker read music via pointers etc, for more practical
   usage (as suggested by Adam).
 - FUNKOBJ created
 - OS/2 friendly (i think)
 
 1.07: (Monday 5th June 95)

 - chksum checking has been removed. the "LZH_Checksum" field is now
   used for channel info (the chksum wasn't tested anyway).
 - Unsigned SND loading support
 - The very faint SB16 and PAS16 click bugs (when used in excess of
   any hour) have been fixed.
 - MPU-401 (MIDI keyboard) for SB16 
 - soundcard autodetection
 - configurable memory parameters

 1.06: (17th May 95)

 - DOS32 update. Now uses V3.01. ..the dosshell works.
 - A have now, once and for all made a 256 point, perfectly
   linear GUS table that doesn't lagg. GUSTABLE.INC has been abolished.
 - added badly needed re-sampler. Now you can tune your WAV samples
   in perfectly :).
 - display directories are now sorted
 - Reintroduced full PAS16 support. PAS support currently uses
   MVSOUND.SYS.the p-mode environment will from time to time be
   a problem. (NB/ excessive sampling rates >22050 will sometimes
   cause clicking to occur)
 - SB16 support :)
 - oooppsss :).... RLO's (Reload Sample Attr's). 1.05 accidently
   reloads a samples frequency into the channel. This is NOT in the
   RLO defination. This means that Command C would instantly cut out
   when using RLO's. <dumb> ..This is been fixed so it doesn't do
   it any more.

 1.05: (23rd April 95)

 - First public release (just wanted to release the thing)
 - The GUS volume table sucks
 - OS/2 Unfriendly
 - DosShell doesn't work very well (DOS32 3.00 bug)

 1.00 - 1.04: (July 94 - March 95)

 - development, testing, and minor modifications
 (used to have PAS support in these versions, but experenced
  major problems)
 - Big thankyou's go to Tom Verbeure/Synergy for improving my DAC
 routines, and By Adam Seychell for being "on tap" when problems
 cropped up regarding P-mode, and Dickydick, 30SC, Snowman,
 Brandon Williamson, 30SC, Jase/Enigma and everybody else for
 beta testing.
