=========================================================================
(C) 1994 by Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari Roundtables. May
be reprinted only with this notice intact.  The Atari Roundtables on
GEnie are *official* information services of Atari Corporation. To sign
up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 800-638-8369.  Upon connection
type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt.Type XTX99437,GENIE
and press [RETURN]. The system will prompt you for your information.
==========================================================================
 ************
Topic 3         Tue Dec 22, 1992
BRIAN.H [ST~SysOp]           (Forwarded)
Sub: FALCON 030 - Help and Questions

Ask here if you need help or have a technical question to ask about the FALCON
030 computer. This topic is designed to inform users about the FALCON and
discuss it CURRENT details and characteristics.
203 message(s) total.
 ************
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 1         Tue Oct 04, 1994
K.GERDES [TraceTech]         at 18:06 CDT

 >Sam_030
 >There seems to be no discernable pattern to this Falcon/Aladdin lockup
 >thing.
 >Does ANYONE know the why of it?
 >
 >David
 >All I know is that I have NEVER had a lockup under Geneva.

My assumption has been that something is going awry in TOS4's AES, thus Geneva
seems to "cure" the lockup because it supplies a substitute- AES4.

Screen accelerators (VDI) don't seem to help.

After closing the 'Reply' window, no XBIOS, BIOS or Line-A calls are made.

GEMDOS calls are made to save the data file(s), but those files get saved
without error and no disk errors are caused by the lockup.

That's all the components of TOS- GEM AES/VDI, XBIOS, BIOS, Line-A and GEMDOS.

Why some people run into the lockup, and others don't just makes this even
more of a mystery.  From what little "system data" I gathered from users,
there wasn't a key/common ingredient to say why someone runs into the lockup
or doesn't run into it.

If y'all want to start from scratch, I'm game.  We can use CAT2/TOP12 or start
a new one some place _non-Falcon specific_ (CAT8?), your choice.....or
actually the Sysops' choice.   :)


RandyH,

 >any chance your toolkit will contain something to address this problem?

No, I don't think so.  But that won't stop me from fixing it...   ;) Most
likely I will do something in LoadAlad if possible, when that glorious day
arrives.

TOS4Trap v2 is the only TSR program in the TKIT.  I haven't heard of v1
helping the lockup problem and I tend to doubt v2 will either.

 >Has a comprehensive description been posted somewhere?

No, sorry.  I figured I should upload the demo archive since it was ready.
I'm still working on the press release.  As my beta testers can attest, I
dislike writing, so I tend to put off those chores for more enjoyable tasks
like programming.  Ever wondered why some projects get delayed so long?  <g>


- Keith
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 2         Tue Oct 04, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 18:12 CDT

Keith,

   Like Stu, my only Aladdin problem has been when I ran Flash II before it.
I don't have a printer hooked up to my Falcon (I guess I'll have to try it :-
)) so the other errors are unexperienced by me. However, the problem I was
having, is not necessarily Falcon specific.  A good friend of mine suggested
what might be wrong because he had the same problem with Aladdin, on his Mega
STE. I'll have to check with him later this week to see if he was trying to
use LoadAladdin to change his serial port........no need, he just called!!!!
Yes
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 3         Tue Oct 04, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 18:40 CDT

Keith,

Ooops, forgot to finish that thought<G>  He was using LoadAladdin to change to
serial port 2 on the mega STE.  So he quit using it. So here is another clue
about the bombing experiences of Stu and I.  I haven't had the lockup problems
like others, but I use Geneva, so maybe that's why.

Damon


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 4         Tue Oct 04, 1994
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 19:02 PDT

 And another thing! (As long as we're pointing out possible bugs in
LoadAladdin),  I have NEVER been able to do a typical Autopass in LoadAladdin
in any resolution other than 2 color, 640x480 without having messages get all
scrambled up.  By "typical" what I mean is that a >very< short autopass with
not a lot of messages to read may work okay.  But if its a longer autopass,
towards the end of each RT that I visit, something gets overloaded and the
messages are all scrambled up when you try to read them later.

 I've tried all the various recommended auto folder programs that are supposed
to fix this problem but none of them work consistently. My current autofolder
set up is as follows:

 JAR030
 MOUSEBT3
 TOS4TRAP
 GENEVA
 TOS4FIX
 WARP9FA
 FP2_BMF2
 QVFIX1
 SPEAKOFF
 FASTXSER
 NEOLOAD

 Accessories are:

 TASKMAN
 WARP9_CP
 XCONTROL

 I would like to know if anyone here is using LoadAladdin in a 16 color
resolution or in a Screenblaster extended 2 color resolution with no such
problems.  If you are having success, please describe your auto
folder/accessory set up to me.

 Thanks.


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 5         Tue Oct 04, 1994
D.ENGEL [Thunderbird]        at 22:23 EDT

Mine locks up almost every time, once I exit the [R]eply editor. Does having
Atari's HD drivers possibly cause it not to happen? I am using ICD's (of
course).

       ______________________
            \hunderbird

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 6         Tue Oct 04, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 22:45 EDT

Keith dislikes writing, but as a couple of long and exceptionally lucid
private notes he's written to me over the last year or so attest, he's a darn
good writer.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 7         Tue Oct 04, 1994
R.HOEKSTRA1 [RandyH]         at 22:07 CDT

Stu, I also have the problem of Aladdin not accessing the modem on ocassion,
usually after using some other comm program.  However, once I hit escape and
select the autopass (or whatever) fuction again, it works just fine - no
rebooting required.  This also happened on my MegaST without LoadAladdin.

All, I just rebooted and turned on Geneva so when I get done typing and hit
the close button we will see if it locks up.  I don't have Neo4 yet so we will
see only if it is Geneva that can affect the probelm.

Keith, I'd be glad to help you further debug the problem.  Let me know what
you need.  I'll also be checking out the toolkit a bit later.

Thanks,
 Randy

PS - well I'm back and I did not have to do a reboot!  Seems Geneva allows a
reply as normal.  Now I'm gonna have to get Neo4 so I can run Geneva on this
Falcon with a desktop.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 8         Tue Oct 04, 1994
R.NELSON48 [Grouch (:{]      at 20:14 PDT

MICK, Joey, Wayne - Thanks for them key presses.  I'll start practicing my
piano playing right away!

Ps Wayne, what do you mean by the "right" shift key (eyes narrowed to slits,
suspicious tone in his touch typing)     (:{ Grouch.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 9         Tue Oct 04, 1994
W.MULLIKIN [WillM]           at 21:08 PDT

Grouch,

For future reference, you can find the reboot key combos in the GLOSSARY
section  of the Falcon030 Owner's Manual.  Look under [coldstart] for a cold-
boot and [warmstart (warm-boot)] for a warm-boot.

WillM

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 10        Wed Oct 05, 1994
J.BATES15 [JAB]              at 00:15 EDT

Fairweather,

From the look of your AUTO folder I'd say you have some duplication in there.
First remove (or change the extension of) FP2_BMP2, that code is duplicated in
Fastxser.  Fastxser will allow you to access your modem at higher speeds more
reliably.  I'm not sure about TOS4TRAP and TOS4FIX though. (Keith?)  I'm
running full time in 16 color, 640 x480 on a multisync and am having no
problems.  What modem are you using, at what speed, and what speed do you have
LoadAlad set for? (Does one question mark cover that all?) When I got a new
modem I had similar problems, but just fastxser.prg and the CPX seemed to fix
it.

T-BIRD,

See my previous post.  I'm using ICD 6.2.3 Pro too.  I've seen the lockup,
just not the past two nights...

Later,

JAB


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 11        Tue Oct 04, 1994
SAM-RAPP [Sam_030]           at 23:35 CDT

Well David, I am running Aladdin right now in 800x608 16 color mode on my
screenblastered Falcon.  I have not ran into any problems using loadaladdin in
ANY resolution/colors.  Normally I run in 800x608 2 color mode for the
increased scrolling speed.

BUT, on another note, I occasionally get a "scrolling lockup" in Aladdin,
especially in 16 color mode, but occasionally in 4 color mode.  The screen
will be scrolling by and suddenly the text breaks into 4 colors or so and
locks up.  Like this:

        red -------> This line repeats
        yellow ----> This line repeats
        blue ------> This line repeats
        green -----> This line repeats

 I hate it when that happens!


================> Sam_030


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 12        Tue Oct 04, 1994
M.POCHE [Mick]               at 23:50 CDT

Grouch,

I believe that the "right" shift key is the one opposite of the "wrong" (or
left) shift key.

- Mick

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 13        Wed Oct 05, 1994
STEVE-J [Steve @ NMG]        at 05:42 EDT

D.ENGEL - I'm using ICD's driver, have TOS 4.04, and have only run across the
Reply lockup problem ONCE in over 6 months (using Aladdin daily!).


However, has anyone had a problem with their Falcon030 locking up during an
AutoPass and emitting a buzzing sound???
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 14        Wed Oct 05, 1994
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 06:58 PDT

 J.BATES

 Actually I just removed TOS4TRAP from my setup because with NEODESK 4 its no
longer necessary for deleting folders.  I'm using a Supra 2400 baud modem.
I'll try deleting FP2_BMP2 and just using FastXSer and QVFix and report back.

 SAM

 Can you please post your exact Auto folder setup for me?  Thanks.

 And for all you who are experiencing reply editor lockups -- GENEVA fixes the
problem!!  I have not had a single lockup under Geneva.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 15        Wed Oct 05, 1994
J.BATES15 [JAB]              at 21:33 EDT

Hi All,

Continuing the saga of Aladdin lockup.  Things are looking up.  Still no
lockup.  I want to force a lockup but I can't.  OK, I've tried everything I
can tonite and no lockup.  Just sign me...

Baffled,

JAB




 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 16        Wed Oct 05, 1994
R.NELSON48 [Grouch (:{]      at 19:05 PDT

WillM -

Yep, checked the book and there was the information I had missed on the first
three read thrus.

Boy that frosts my cookies, who in h*ll would put important information like
how to reset your machine in the GLOSSARY of all the ding dang places!  Realy,
I know what the words mean, I'm looking for information on how to DO it.  The
Glossary never even occured to me.

Thanks for the information.  If it makes you happy I feel about 7 microns high
right now.  Dang wongle hedded ijits.  Ice holes.  Slim basted frijit jumpers.
Fargin Bastids!  They should all get Laminated!

                                                (:{ GROUCH.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 17        Wed Oct 05, 1994
REALM [Joey]                 at 23:28 EDT

    Grouch, try pushing the HELP key on Atari's desktop.  I don't remember if
the Falcon does it but the TT will display all the key combos's for the
desktop.  It's a really simple way to find them. BTW, those reboot keycombo's
are pretty much universal standards.  You can hit CTRL-ALT-DEL on just about
anything and reboot it.  Except in Windows, then you get yelled at for trying
it.:-)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 18        Wed Oct 05, 1994
L.CHANDLER [LINDA]           at 22:09 PDT

Keith,

My TT locks up all the time when I use Aladdin, then exit to the desktop and
double click on another program. Not all programs lock up after Aladdin. Some
will wait for a few mouse clicks. I just thought that was normal with Aladdin.
I have'nt tried Aladdin on my Falcon yet as I have'nt purchased LoadAlad and I
read so many stories. I'll Give it a try and see if I can lock it up.

Linda.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 19        Thu Oct 06, 1994
J.BRENNER1 [See Flat]        at 01:49 EDT

Linda,
      It has been suggested that Loadaladdin should be used on the
 TT if you want to use Alladin. There is also a serial fix program
 in the library. I dont use my TT with a modem so this is
 unfortunatly all I can tell you. Surely more knowledgable users
 will jump in now.

 John B.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 20        Thu Oct 06, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 02:03 CDT

David
 > I would like to know if anyone here is using LoadAladdin in a 16 color
 >resolution or in a Screenblaster extended 2 color resolution with no such
 >problems.  If you are having success, please describe your auto
 >folder/accessory set up to me.

  I'm running LoadAladdin in 256 color interlace on the Falcon right now.  The
only "problem" I've encountered (yet), is if I run Flash II before it,
Aladdin will crash during an autopass (but the computer doesn't lock-up). Also
the terminal screen is unreadable in this mode, so when Aladdin is online, I'm
blind.   I'm running a pretty sparse setup.

 AUTO
 xautosel
 bmapfix2
 fpatch2
 jar50
 nvdi

 ACCS
 xcontrol
 task manager

 And I auto-run Geneva (not from the auto folder)

 Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 21        Thu Oct 06, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 07:16 EDT

David,

Make surer LoadAlad is itself configured properly. You may have to make sure
flow control is set right.

Tbird,

No, I doubt whether ICD's software is doing anything. I've found most problems
that are reported with LoadAlad have to do with improper setups of LoadAlad
itself.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 22        Thu Oct 06, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 08:35 EDT

Joey,

Windows will then give you a chance to reboot if you hit the three-fingered
salute again.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 23        Thu Oct 06, 1994
K.GERDES [TraceTech]         at 18:54 CDT

Stuart,

 >However, if I have used Flash 2, *then* go into LoadAladdin, it loads ok,
 >but when trying to access the modem (with the "Autopass 1" function or any
 >other way) the terminal behaves as if it is not sending any linefeeds.

I sent a copy of LoadAlad to John T., so he's set up to test the problem.  I
downloaded the current F2 demo and will see what I can find.

From what I can gather, this is a recent phenomenon, cropping up with the new
version of F2.

 ----

Damon,

 >I haven't had the lockup problems like others, but I use Geneva,
 >so maybe that's why.

Most likely it is a "cure", just like using any other "alternate AES".
However, the fun is trying to find the cause of the lockup and fixing it...
;)

 ----

David Fairweather,

 >And another thing! (As long as we're pointing out possible bugs in
 >LoadAladdin)

Hey, hold your horses.  Let's not point our finger exclusively at LoadAlad.
It may be a good scapegoat most of the time (unrightfully IMO), but there are
other factors involved in "bugs".   :)

 >I have NEVER been able to do a typical Autopass in LoadAladdin in any
 >resolution other than 2 color, 640x480 without having messages get all
 >scrambled up.
 >if its a longer autopass, towards the end of each RT that I visit,
 >something gets overloaded and the messages are all scrambled up when
 >you try to read them later.

This is a flow control problem.  I would look at what programs you have
installed in your AUTO folder.  One or more of the following are recommended:
FPATCH2, BMAPFIX2, HSMODEM, FASTSERIAL and Serial I/O buffer expanders.

I'm not saying there isn't a "bug" in LoadAladdin, but I would look at port
"fixes" first.

Without spending weeks/months developing custom serial I/O routines, I tried
my best with what I had at my disposal.  To be frank, I'm not a
telecommunications expert...   ;)  Utilizing other serial drivers was the best
solution and the only economical one available.

 >TOS4TRAP
 >TOS4FIX

You don't need both -- one will suffice.  I wonder which one I recommend-
written by some user on GEnie from Texas.  <g>

 >I just removed TOS4TRAP from my setup because with NEODESK 4 its no
 >longer necessary for deleting folders.

That's only a single part of TOS4TRAP's repoirtre.

Heck, you're one of the few registered users, mine-as-well use it...

 >I would like to know if anyone here is using LoadAladdin in a 16 color
 >resolution or in a Screenblaster extended 2 color resolution with no such
 >problems.

You could easily be taxing the system.  A screen accelerator and a TSR serial
driver help to reduce the screen and serial port I/O loads.

I'd try using a resolution such as 2 color 640x480 and then move up gradually
to more complex rezes, seeing where things "break".

 ----

Doug Engel,

 >Does having Atari's HD drivers possibly cause it not to happen?
 >I am using ICD's (of course).

It doesn't seem to matter which HD driver you use.

I have a report from Sam of the lockup happening when running Aladdin (no
LoadAlad) from a floppy, with no TSRs and no ACCs installed.  That seemed to
isolate the problem strictly to the machine, TOS4 and/or Aladdin.  And he
could do this offline.  Sam sent me a sample file set but I still wasn't able
to duplicate the lockup...   :(

 ----

Randy H.,

 >I'd be glad to help you further debug the problem.  Let me know what
 >you need.

Thanks, I will keep that in mind.  I haven't formulated my next move yet.

My best bet is to find someone locally who has lockups and make arrangements.
Otherwise, I will have to continue remotely debugging this -- which will
require the user run a program on their other end while following a set of
instructions.

 ----

JAB,

 >I'm not sure about TOS4TRAP and TOS4FIX though. (Keith?)

Already covered.  Thanks.   :)


- keith
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 24        Thu Oct 06, 1994
S.LYSTER [Stu Lyster]        at 18:32 PDT

 KG> From what I can gather, this is a recent phenomenon, cropping up
 KG> with the new version of F2.

Keith - not as far as I have experienced.  Every version of Flash 2 I have had
has done this.  The only cure seems to be a reboot.  I have not experimented
with any other fix other than the reboot.

Stuart

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 25        Thu Oct 06, 1994
D.ENGEL [Thunderbird]        at 23:21 EDT

Maybe what version of Aladdin we're all using makes a difference? Or are we
all running the same one?

I am running 1.62, August 1, 1993.

       ________________
           \hunderbird

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 26        Thu Oct 06, 1994
R.NELSON48 [Grouch (:{]      at 20:23 PDT

Joey - > try pushing the HELP key <

       Three days after I ask my question and you come up with advice this
simple?  SMACK (the sound of my palm hitting my forehead)

Good advice.  Good advice costs nothing and is often worth the price but in
this case you have hit the nail on the head, rung the gong, set phasers to
stun, and made it so!  Of course, the question came about because I'm using an
extended keyboard and I don't have a "help" key.  Its mapped to F11 I think.
When I try it right now I get a dialog box about how to move around in
Aladdin.  Must be the one.

                        Thanks.                 (:{ Grouch.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 27        Thu Oct 06, 1994
W.MULLIKIN [WillM]           at 22:37 PDT

Grouch,

Hey, don't feel bad!  I found out about warm\cold-start because I just
happened to be thumbing through the glossary.

I do agree with you that Atari's manuals have a lot to be desired.

WillM

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 28        Fri Oct 07, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 03:19 CDT

RE. Aladdin

 I am running 1.62, August 1, 1993, also.  I've had no lockups, but I've
bombed out of Aladdin during autopasses (always just as it finishes reading
messages and writes them to the HD) after running Flash II.   I've run several
other programs before and after Aladdin without ill effects including Atari
Works, LDW power, Speed of Light, STeno, GemView, and a host of others.  I do
run Geneva which by "current" common knowledge has left me immune to lockups
but I've run into no unique problems without Geneva running........yet!

Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 29        Fri Oct 07, 1994
REALM [Joey]                 at 05:17 EDT

  Grouch, I gave you the key combo you asked for first.  It slowed me down a
day on the Help thing.:-)

  Al, I know, it seems to make ever step into two.:-)

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 30        Fri Oct 07, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 08:38 EDT

Grouch,

F11 is help, F12 is undo.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 31        Fri Oct 07, 1994
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 07:02 PDT

I >may< have solved my 16 color LoadAladdin garbled messages problem. I
checked LoadAladdin's configuration and noticed that flow control was set to
RTS/CTS.  I switched it to BOTH.  So far I've been able to run in 16 color
mode with no problems.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 32        Fri Oct 07, 1994
K.GERDES [TraceTech]         at 19:08 CDT

Linda,

 >I have'nt tried Aladdin on my Falcon yet as I have'nt purchased LoadAlad
 >and I read so many stories.

Um, not to pry, but which stories have you read?  Sometimes the author is left
in the dark...

 >I'll Give it a try and see if I can lock it up.

Yes, please do so.  Though be aware that this particular lockup on the F030 is
a little different than what you experience on the TT (sans LoadAlad) --
although the two lockups could very well be related.

 ----

John B.,

 >It has been suggested that Loadaladdin should be used on the TT if
 >you want to use Alladin.

I have seen that suggested too.  Personally, I don't think LoadAlad is a cure-
all, but who am I to comment.   ;)

 >There is also a serial fix program in the library.

Linda's "lockup" doesn't sound like a serial port (flow control) problem.

Plus Aladdin doesn't rely on any system routines for the standard MFP serial
port, so serial drivers/fixes and buffer expanders don't help.....or hurt.

 ----

Damon,

 >I'm running LoadAladdin in 256 color interlace on the Falcon right now.
 >the terminal screen is unreadable in this mode, so when Aladdin is online,
 >I'm blind.

Just to let everyone know, a couple of weeks ago I mentioned in email to Damon
that I thought this Aladdin problem may be cured in the next version of
LoadAlad (v2?).  A new option will be added to allow the use of the VDI for
text instead of Aladdin's custom text routines in the terminal window.  This
opens the door to a few things...   ;)

A little later on.....  Oh, now I see the key- _interlace_ video mode. Let me
check...  Flip a switch (ain't multisyncs nice to have).  Yup, this change
will work.  <grin>

 >The only "problem" I've encountered (yet), is if I run Flash II before it,
 >Aladdin will crash during an autopass (but the computer doesn't lock-up).
 >auto\bmapfix2
 >auto\fpatch2

You may want to let John T. know what you are running in the AUTO folder.

A little bit earlier than above.....  I sent John email about my prognosis.
Hey, that makes two in one day -- now if only this stupid lockup would be as
cooperative!!

 >And I auto-run Geneva (not from the auto folder)

If you are going to auto-run Geneva from the desktop, I'd recommend running
Geneva in the AUTO folder instead.

 ----

Al,

 >Make surer LoadAlad is itself configured properly. You may have to make
 >sure flow control is set right.

Good, sage advice- oh teller of secrets.   ;)

 >I've found most problems that are reported with LoadAlad have to do with
 >improper setups of LoadAlad itself.

And I find that a little strange since most users have to setup their terminal
program.  LoadAlad would be setup essentially the same way.

I guess one of the problems is that Aladdin doesn't require much setup in the
serial port department.  Plus users are required to know details about modem
setup and the fact that GEnie, as an online service, can be unique to
configure both the modem and serial port.


- Keith
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 33        Fri Oct 07, 1994
D.ENGEL [Thunderbird]        at 20:39 EDT

I wonder if location in a directory is screwing it up? I'm in D:\ALADDIN
running D:\ALADDIN\LOADALAD.PRG from an Icon installed on my desktop which is
loading D:\ALADDIN\ALAD.BIN

    _____________________
          \hunderbird

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 34        Fri Oct 07, 1994
R.NELSON48 [Grouch (:{]      at 19:20 PDT

Joey -

If you are claiming your prize here it is:  Telephone (408) 734-3475 Corporate
Systems Center.  They have a 540 meg SCSI HD 11ms for $185.00.  This is a
refurbished drive, 90 day warranty.

They also have new 1 gig drives for $449.00             (:{ Grouch.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 35        Fri Oct 07, 1994
C.LABELLE [Tintin]           at 22:42 EDT

My LoadAlad also locks up most of the time when saving a reply.  My
configuration is Falcon with Atari HD drivers, Aladdin 1.60 27 Jun 1993.

However if I use M-TOS it _never_ locks up. Since M-TOS is included with
Falcons, it is a natural temporary solution. What I do is I download the
messages without M-TOS to save time, reboot with M-TOS, read and replies to
the messages, and send replies under M-TOS (since I don't normally have many).

BTW I have seen Magix and it looks great. It's fast and doesn't take up
memory. My new local dealer has it :-)


Tintin

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 36        Fri Oct 07, 1994
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 20:30 PDT

Re: flow control, I for one, have absolutely no comprehension of what
"XOn/XOff" or "RTS/CTS" mean or do.  I was having garbled messages problems
with LoadAlad set to "RTS/CTS".  I switched to "BOTH" yesterday and so far
have had no problems in 16 color 640x480 mode (knock on wood!).  If all
continues to go well, I may even get brave enough to switch to a Screenblaster
extended rez, even though Aladdin itself benefits little from such extended
rezzes.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 37        Fri Oct 07, 1994
J.TRAUTSCHOL [Missionware]   at 22:45 CDT

Yes, Keith gratiously sent me a copy of LoadAladdin for testing.  I'm going to
be doing that this weekend and hopefully we'll be able to come up with a
reason for this problem.  (It's been a *very* busy week which is why I haven't
gotten to it yet.)

                                                John Trautschold
                                              Missionware Software
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 38        Fri Oct 07, 1994
S.NORMAN5                    at 21:02 PDT

This category seems to need a loadalladin topic.  Seems to be the biggest
problem with the FALCON.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 39        Sat Oct 08, 1994
J.BATES15 [JAB]              at 02:19 EDT

Fairweather,

Do you have Warp 9?  I need someone with a Falcon, W9, and Loadaladdin to
check something for me.  Since you seem to have chosen my favorite rez, I was
hoping that you could do it.  Try to replace the system font with any W9 font
in the W9 control panel.  If you have any Speedo installed you won't get it on
the desktop.  Don't worry about that, I don't either.  Run Loadalad and View
the GEnie banner, or the RT Bulletin or do an autopass, or just enter the
terminal mode and play with modem commands.  You should get your replacement
font in all those places.  At least I do.  I am looking for confirmation that
what I am seeing is correct.  I really need a Falcon owner to try this!!!
Keith?  I know I'm not crazy... Heh  Heh  Heh...

The reason being that Aladdin has the system font built in to it's code for
those places BUT I get my replacement there.  I haven't been able to get
confirmation (or denial!) in the W9 topic and ... wait a minute,  it IS
driving me crazy.  I am crazy!  Mad as a hatter!  Loopy as a loon!  THERE IS
NO GRAVITY!!!  THE EARTH SUCKS!!!

JAB
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 40        Sat Oct 08, 1994
J.BATES15 [JAB]              at 03:59 EDT

On another subject entirely,

I am just noticing problems with the audio out of my Falcon.  ie there is
output on the right side but not on the left.  How easy is it to check these
circuits?  Is there a problem in certain production runs?  I have a file for
the bass boost mod.  Is there any other mod that should be done?  Let's talk
audio on this bird!

Later,

JAb
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 41        Sat Oct 08, 1994
M.POCHE [Mick]               at 03:10 CDT

JAB,

I don't have a Falcon (though I'd like one!), but now that I think about it, I
believe someone once mentioned that on their TT they were getting some
replacement to work in Aladdin's term screen. Don't remember who though, but I
think they were using the TT high-res monitor. Could be similar to what's
happening with your Falcon and that funky resolution you're using. :)

- Mick

P.S. I can't tell..... is what you're seeing a good thing to you, or a bad
thing?

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 42        Sat Oct 08, 1994
L.CHANDLER [LINDA]           at 01:29 PDT

See Flat

Thanks. You're right, I should be using LoadAlad. For some reason it keeps
falling to the bottom of my download list. All this recent chat about it has
forced me to upgrade its priority. Every day I see something else to download
that is new and interesting and keep putting off Loadalad for another day.

Linda
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 43        Sat Oct 08, 1994
J.BRENNER1 [See Flat]        at 04:37 EDT

Tintin,
       it would be nice if you would post in Cat 14 top 12
 who your local dealer is. It might be helpful to other Atari
 users near you and too us who do mail order. I'd like to add
 him to my data base.

 John B.


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 44        Sat Oct 08, 1994
K.OLSON10 [KenO.]            at 11:37 EDT

Hi!

Is there a way via software to turn off the internal speaker and still leave
the sound out connections active.  I would like to use the sound thu my
external sound system without the built in speaker. I know there is a sound
CPX but unless I am doing something wrong I have not figured out how to shut
off the internal speaker from the external.

I would prefer not having to open the case and put in a switch for the
speaker.

KenO. :)


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 45        Sat Oct 08, 1994
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 09:06 PDT

JAB,

While I was viewing messages in (Load)Aladdin, I came to your question about
Warp 9 replacement fonts.  I immediately went to the Warp 9 control panel and
loaded in a replacement font.  Your message immediately switched to the
replacement font, and as I type this message in the reply editor I am also
seeing the replacement font. It's also in the RT bulletin.  And on the
terminal screen.  I don't know if it will stay there after I go back online.

Does that answer your question?


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 46        Sat Oct 08, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 11:44 CDT

K.GERDES,
 >   A new option will be added to allow the use of the VDI for
 >text instead of Aladdin's custom text routines in the terminal window.  This
 >opens the door to a few things...   ;)

  This sounds Great!!  I'm ready. <G>

 >If you are going to auto-run Geneva from the desktop, I'd recommend running
 >Geneva in the AUTO folder instead.

  No can do.  If I run from the auto folder I can not change resolutions
without getting stuck with an unwanted font size.  I also lose access to the
desktop which I still find useful (don't have Neo).  Unfortunately, running
from the desktop Geneva will bomb during a rez change, but, while still in
Geneva, I can change the font size, quit, change resolutions, then rerun
Geneva and all is well.  Isn't that a roundabout way of doing things? <G>

 Damon


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 47        Sat Oct 08, 1994
R.LADAGE [Bondservant]       at 13:30 CDT

JAB

I am looking at your message on aladdin, on my falcon(VGA) and of course load
aladdin(Or I wouldn't be on a Falcon) I went to my warp-9 acc control changed
the font to stencil and am reading and writing this message in the stencil
font. So I guess you are not imagining things.

Rick Binary Sounds
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 48        Sat Oct 08, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 17:04 EDT

Keith,

That's my point exactly. Many users have little idea of flow control, for
example, and so LoadAlad may be their first encounter with the little beastie.

The improved version sounds great. Would it speed up operations on my CDII?

TinTin,

I think Magix takes up memory. Would be hard to run if it didn't. :-)

David,

RTS/CTS is a method of signaling from one computer to the other. A Control-S
is sent out when one side want the other to stop sending, and a Control-Q is
sent out when that computer wants the transmission to resume. You can do the
same thing, at your keyboard, with those keys. Modems send out these RTS/CTS
(request to send, clear to send) signals all the time, and we don't pay any
attention to it ordinarily.

But at higher speeds, the time lag between the request and the action is too
long, so a different method is used. It's called hardware handshaking, and it
uses signals that act right away. This is as simple as I can make it. :-)

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 49        Sat Oct 08, 1994
S.WINICK                     at 17:53 EDT

 KenO:

    >> Is there a way via software to turn off the internal speaker
    >> and still leave the sound out connections active.

 You can turn off the internal speaker from the Control Panel.  It is
 one of the options in the General Setup dialog.  The Sound CPX only
 controls the volume.

 Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 51        Sat Oct 08, 1994
ST.WALLY [ _Wally_ ]         at 22:33 EDT

Howdy,

Aladdin uses its own font whilst _online_ (in the Terminal screen only).
Otherwise, for message reading/replying, it uses whatever font is the current
system font.

If you do anything that brings a dialog box to the screen while you are
online, the system font will replace the regular Aladdin Terminal font in the
area that was covered by the box - makes for funny reading.

The only deviation to this I've heard is on a TT in TT High, where it used the
system font online, and offline.  If you are running in ST Medium or ST High,
you will see only Aladdin's font scrolling in the Terminal screen whilst
online.

 Wally


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 52        Sat Oct 08, 1994
MIKE-ALLEN [NM~SysOp]        at 23:41 EDT

Al,

 >RTS/CTS is a method of signaling from one computer to the other. A
 >Control-S is sent out when one side want the other to stop sending,
 >and a Control-Q is sent out when that computer wants the transmission
 >to resume.

As you have noted, there is a lot of confusion about various handshake
methods.

RTS/CTS is a hardware handshake.  There are actually two separate pins on the
serial connectors (and hopefully matching wires in your modem cable) for these
signals.  It only works computer-to-computer if they are hard-wired together.
For modem use, RTS/CTS handshakes between the computer and the modem.  Modems
only communicate with the remote host through the data stream.  It is up to
the modem to handshake with the remote system.  Usually the modem designers
try to make the modems fast enough so that the modem is not the bottle-neck
and/or put large buffers within the modem.

X-ON/X-OFF (Ctrl-S/Ctrl-Q), on the other hand, is a software handshake embeded
in the data stream dating back to the days of Teletype (tm) machines and was
used then to control the paper tape punch/reader!  This is a very common
handshake with remote systems, terminals and even printers.  When used with
modems, the actual operation depends on the modem.  Older modems just pass the
signal on to the remote system and the remote system must react to it.  At
higher baud rates, there can be a lot of characters sent before the remote
system can react.  The newer DEC VT series terminals, for instance, have an
internal buffer.  When you send an X-OFF from the DEC terminal, the display
stops immediately, but the computer it is hooked up to continues to send for a
while - the ammount sent depending on the baud rate.  The DEC terminals have
an internal buffer that stores those extra characters and when you send an X-
ON from the terminal, it empties the buffer before passing the signal on to
the host.

X-ON/X-OFF is, of course, bi-directional.  If you are sending stuff to the
remote host, it can tell you to stop for a while while it catches up.  Going
the other way, you can tell the remote host to pause a while while you catch
up.

Besides the lag time with X-ON/X-OFF, there are other problems when
transferring binary files.  It is quite possible to have an X-ON or X-OFF
character imbedded within a binary file with bad results.  Most binary
exchange protocols have methods to handle this situation.

My personal opinion is that X-ON/X-OFF is a protocol whose time has come and
passed.  It was designed for the days when 110 baud was normal and 300 baud
was high speed.  It was designed for text transfers.  If your system can use
RTS/CTS handshake, by all means use it.  (BTW, this is the reason Atari users
have been so miffed at Atari for their mis-handling of RTS/CTS over the years.
Seems like they didn't have anyone on their design team who was familiar with
communication protocols!)

        Mike Allen
        ST HelpDesk~Sysop

        Written: 9:04 PM Mountain Time
                 Saturday, October 8, 1994

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 53        Sat Oct 08, 1994
W.MULLIKIN [WillM]           at 20:50 PDT

JAB wrote:

 >I am just noticing problems with the audio out of my Falcon.  ie there is
 >output on the right side but not on the left.  How easy is it to check these
 >circuits?  Is there a problem in certain production runs?  I have a file for
 >the bass boost mod.  Is there any other mod that should be done?  Let's talk
 >audio on this bird!

I have JAB's problem, EXCEPT on my Falcon the OUTPUT is in stereo but INPUT is
not.  Is there a program patch that could fix this?  I'd have to take it in to
a repair place if it was a hardware problem.

In the SAM manual it says "Some Falcon030s have a bug which causes the setting
for the left channel gain to affect the right channel gain as well.  Simply
use the left channel gain to set both channels as necessary."  This does not
work on my machine.  I've tried putting the left gain up all the way and it
affect the right gain about 1 level.

I hope somebody can shed some light on this problem.

WillM

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 54        Sun Oct 09, 1994
J.BATES15 [JAB]              at 03:35 EDT

Mick,

It's a very good thing!

KenO,

There is an Auto folder program called Speakoff.prg, #29052, in the Libs that
will do just that (I think).  It shuts off the speaker before you get the full
volume system start up sound.  I don't know if it keeps it off.  I have it and
have never used it.

Fairweather,

Yes it does!  I guess I'm not crazy after all.  And I had such hopes for
myself...  You Know, you can use the W9 DAT file to pick a font just for
Aladdin's screens.  The font stays on my computer, I can't see why it wouldn't
on yours too. (If you saved the W9 config, that is) ;)

Rick,

Thanks, and thanks again for the Platinum Manual!  There's lots of fun stuff
in there.

Wally,

You are neglecting us Falcon owners that use funky resolutions and Warp 9.
Hey, it works, what can I say?

Damon,

I've never been able to quit Geneva without it locking up my computer.  It's
just one of the things I've learned to deal with.

Later,

JAB

Oh and it seems G really does kill Aladdin lockup.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 55        Sun Oct 09, 1994
ST.WALLY [ _Wally_ ]         at 12:31 EDT

Howdy,

JAB,
 Not really neglecting, but kind of.  ;^)  I just wanted to make sure I was
actually comprehending what I was reading.  Kind of like, putting my info out
on the table so others can help me form a newer, improved version for later
use.  <heh>

 Wally

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 56        Sun Oct 09, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 12:53 CDT

S.Norman5,

   Aladdin is the problem, not LoadAladdin.  Without it, Falcon owners
wouldn't be using Aladdin at all.

JAB, Mick,

  I used to use a replacement font with NVDI that normally would not show in
Aladdins terminal.  But when Aladdin got to an operation that put a dialog on
the screen, (eg. "load topic list", or the download dialog) the replacement
font would appear when the dialog went away, but only on the part of the
screen where the dialog was!!

 Damon



 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 57        Sun Oct 09, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 22:24 EDT

Mike,

Gads! Thanks for setting my terminology straight! That's what comes from
writing without my brain attached. After reading your post, I went back and
looked at the last few columns I wrote about handshaking to see if I was
really as dumb as I sound (no jokes please!) and I am not. :-) Whew!

Ever since discovering that I am going to be a new father again (at 52 when
the kid is born!) I've been running on half a brain. Unfortunately, the half
that wrote about RTS/CTS here was the one that left its hat behind the
door....

JAB,

Quitting Geneva for what reason? I could be in the minority, but I use Geneva
as the auto-folder replacement for the AES in my TT and for its multitasking
and other features. I never thought of quitting it.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 58        Sun Oct 09, 1994
C.LABELLE [Tintin]           at 23:57 EDT

See Flat,

Good idea. Consider it done.


Tintin
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 59        Sun Oct 09, 1994
J.WILSON103 [J_Dub]          at 23:34 CDT

 >
 >There is an Auto folder program called Speakoff.prg, #29052, in the Libs
that
 >will do just that (I think).  It shuts off the speaker before you get the
full
 >volume system start up sound.  I don't know if it keeps it off.  I have it
and
 >have never used it.
 >
 >Fairweather,


 I have, and it does keep the sound off.

 J_Dub
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 60        Mon Oct 10, 1994
R.BEATTY3 [Buffalo Bob]      at 01:27 PDT

JAB,

Unless you run Geneva from the desktop, it will lock up your system without
fail.  It kinda KOs Atari's OS/Desktop.  That's documented behavior.  If,
however, you _are_ running Geneva from the desktop, you should be able to quit
and return to Atari's desktop.

Buffalo Bob

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 61        Mon Oct 10, 1994
J.OLSON4 [JLO]               at 07:08 EDT

Thanks Sheldon for the speaker off info.  Another case of why didn't I know
that.

KenO. :)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 62        Mon Oct 10, 1994
J.BATES15 [JAB]              at 07:43 EDT

Al,

Every now and again, I need to run a TOS program, and since the TOS in a
window feature does not work on the Falcon...  I know, there is a complicated
work around that I have forgotten and should put into use sometime.

Bob,

Of course you have it right there.  I think I did just that late last night.
And it makes sense too. Sorry I brought it up.

Later,

JAB
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 63        Mon Oct 10, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 18:19 CDT

Al,

 >Quitting Geneva for what reason? I could be in the minority, but I use
Geneva
 >as the auto-folder replacement for the AES in my TT and for its multitasking

  You need to get a Falcon to understand us better.:-)  We do a lot of strange
things that aren't necessary on the other models.  But even without a Falcon,
you can surely see the advantage of running Geneva from the desktop.  If not,
remove Neodesk for a while. :-)  With the Falcon, Geneva is often confused
with the graphic resolution. Changing resolutions is unworkable for me without
quitting Geneva. Tos in a window is unworkable on the Falcon.  Being able to
quit Geneva offers some simple work arounds.

 Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 64        Mon Oct 10, 1994
K.GERDES [TraceTech]         at 19:08 CDT

Stuart Lyster,

 KG> From what I can gather, this is a recent phenomenon, cropping up
 KG> with the new version of F2.
 >not as far as I have experienced.  Every version of Flash 2 I have had
 >has done this.  The only cure seems to be a reboot.  I have not experimented
 >with any other fix other than the reboot.

I guess I should have proviso'd - "new to me".   :)  And I was giving the
benefit of the doubt since I knew a new version of F2 was released, so I
didn't know how far back this went.

Damon was the first and only one to mention this.

It seems the author realized the problem at the same time I did last
week....even though I didn't get any credit.   ;)

My advice is to _always_ reboot after running F2.  The programming oversight
has potentially dangerous consequences which are quite unique, _even_ if you
don't run a "terminal" program after F2.

Load Aladdin/Aladdin just happened to be a "terminal" program that showed a
problem existed in F2.

There were other ways too, but I'll save those for another time...

This is on the Falcon.  I didn't see a problem on my MegaST2.

 ----

Doug Engel,

 >Maybe what version of Aladdin we're all using makes a difference?

It didn't seem to when I asked before.

 >I am running 1.62, August 1, 1993.

That's what I use.  I also checked 1.60.

 >I wonder if location in a directory is screwing it up?

Another good thing to check.

 >I'm in D:\ALADDIN running D:\ALADDIN\LOADALAD.PRG from an Icon installed
 >on my desktop which is loading D:\ALADDIN\ALAD.BIN

I tried C:\TERMINAL, D:\TERMINAL and D:\TERMINAL\ALADDIN.  None caused a
lockup.

 ----

Damon,

 >I've bombed out of Aladdin during autopasses (always just as it finishes
 >reading messages and writes them to the HD) after running Flash II.

It took a little while for me to get around to, but the mystery was solved in
short order.  Flash II will need to be updated -- not Load Aladdin or Aladdin.

Part of Aladdin's code was being overwritten by the 'serial receive buffer' F2
installed.  F2 installed a bigger buffer in its local memory, but didn't
restore the old one on exit.

 ----

David Fairweather,

 >I >may< have solved my 16 color LoadAladdin garbled messages problem.

Be more positive.  You >probably< did.   ;)

 >I checked LoadAladdin's configuration and noticed that flow control was
 >set to RTS/CTS.  I switched it to BOTH.  So far I've been able to run in
 >16 color mode with no problems.

Good to hear!

FWIW, LA's default setting is 'Both'.  And the flow control sections seemed to
diagnose this fairly well, after the fact.

 >I for one have absolutely no comprehension of what "XOn/XOff" or "RTS/CTS"
 >mean or do.  I switched to "BOTH" yesterday and so far have had no problems
 >in 16 color 640x480 mode (knock on wood!).  If all continues to go well, I
 >may even get brave enough to switch to a Screenblaster extended rez, even
 >though Aladdin itself benefits little from such extended rezzes.

Mike Allen did an excellent job of explaining flow control.

ST Aladdin (wo/LoadAlad) uses software flow control- Xon/Xoff.

If you were to use a serial driver TSR, 2400 DTE and connect to GEnie at 2400,
you could use Xon/Xoff in LoadAlad.  It's when you use a faster DTE than your
GEnie connection (ie. 19.2K), or a faster GEnie connection (ie. 9600), you
need to adjust your flow control settings. Usually RTS/CTS is the right choice
in terminal programs, but with GEnie (being a multinode online service) you
need 'Both' software and hardware flow control.

When you start getting more complex in the graphic resolution, the Falcon
slows down in processing power.  A perfect example is True Color mode -- due
to the bigger screen memory to maintain and the associated bus bandwidth.
This slowdown will cause "interruptions" in all Input/Output, including serial
I/O.  Flow control helps maintain the data flow with a serial device by
stopping (ie. Xoff) and re-starting (ie. Xon) the data stream.

 ----

Tintin,

 >My LoadAlad also locks up most of the time when saving a reply.  My
 >configuration is Falcon with Atari HD drivers, Aladdin 1.60 27 Jun 1993.
 >However if I use M-TOS it _never_ locks up.

MTOS supplies a bunch of GEMDOS code, but since Geneva doesn't, I deduced the
AES as the place to look since MTOS, like Geneva, supplies an alternate AES.

When using Geneva, the 'debugger' version of Geneva doesn't show any errors
when running LoadAlad/Aladdin.  So that leads me to think Aladdin isn't the
problem, since parameters seem to be passed correctly to the AES.  Therefore,
we're back to TOS4's AES...

 ----

S.NORMAN5,

 >This category seems to need a loadalladin topic.

I agree, and that's why I am in discussion with the Sysops as to where the
topic will be started in the ST-RT....assuming they allow it over here.

I apologize for intruding on the Falcon CAT, since Load Aladdin is _NOT_ F030
specific.   :)

 ----

JAB,

 >Try to replace the system font with any W9 font in the W9 control panel.
 >Run Loadalad and View the GEnie banner, or the RT Bulletin or do an
 >autopass, or just enter the terminal mode and play with modem commands.
 >You should get your replacement font in all those places.
 >Keith?

You are _not_ crazy.  In the terminal screen, Aladdin uses a custom font
routine only in ST Medium (640x200, 4 colors/2 planes) and ST High (640x400, 2
colors/1 plane).  If any of those parameters change, Aladdin uses the VDI --
which NVDI and Warp 9 monitor and can substitute user-defined fonts.  _And_,
if a redraw of the terminal screen is required (ie. replace the hole where a
dialog box or a window was), the VDI is used no matter what -- that is why you
can get an "odd mix" of fonts on the screen.

On the Falcon, Aladdin can get a little confused by the return values in
Interlace modes- as Damon pointed out.  He also mentioned Dr. T's Omega to me.

As has been hinted, Load Aladdin v2 will have 2 features:

 1) Use VDI: Yes/No
 2) If 'Use VDI No', use ALADDIN.FNT if found.

 ----

Al,

 >That's my point exactly. Many users have little idea of flow control,
 >for example, and so LoadAlad may be their first encounter with the
 >little beastie.

And that's also why I made 'Both' the default setting since it seemed to be
the best choice during testing.  But then again that was for power users who
liked to use a faster DTE and/or a faster connection rate.   ;)

 >The improved version sounds great. Would it speed up operations on my
 >CDII?

I don't think so.

The only affected users will be those using 640x200-ST Medium and 640x400-ST
High.  Both of which "seem to be" sped up a little when using a screen
accelerator.

Tim had to use custom font routines because screen accelerators were not as
prevalent "back then" and the fact that he couldn't require you to use a
screen accelerator....just as he couldn't require you to use a TSR serial
driver, leading to the custom serial driver built-in. See how it all comes
together?  <g>

 >re: flow control

Just an FYI, software (Xon/Xoff or CNTRL-Q/CNTRL-S) is separate from hardware
(RTS/CTS).

Both are controlled by the serial driver.  For software, you insert the flow
control byte into the data stream.  For hardware, you toggle the serial port
control lines.


For people that want to test "software flow control": read a text file at the
desktop.  While the screen is scrolling, press Control-S to stop the
scrolling.  Press Control-Q to continue.

 ----

Wally,

 >If you do anything that brings a dialog box to the screen while you are
 >online, the system font will replace the regular Aladdin Terminal font in
 >the area that was covered by the box - makes for funny reading.

Exactly.  A redraw event is sent to Aladdin.  To redraw the terminal window's
text, Aladdin uses the VDI since the custom font routine isn't able to clip
the drawing area.

Wow, 'redraw event' and 'text clipping'.  Sounds like a programmer's topic.
<g>


- Keith
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 65        Mon Oct 10, 1994
N.POWERS1 [Nick]             at 21:07 EDT

JAB,

 > I am just noticing problems with the audio out of my Falcon.  ie
 > there is output on the right side but not on the left.

I had the same problem on my first Falcon, I noticed it when I got it (August
1993).  Atari sent me a replacement right away.  I think there may have been a
batch of Falcons with a hardware problem, maybe a bad connector(?).  I hope
this helps.

-- Nick

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 66        Mon Oct 10, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 21:31 CDT

Keith G. and David F.,

 DF>  I >may< have solved my 16 color LoadAladdin garbled messages problem.
 KG> On the Falcon, Aladdin can get a little confused by the return values in
 KG> Interlace modes- as Damon pointed out.  He also mentioned Dr. T's Omega
to me.

  I grouped these 2 messages because I managed to get Aladdin to run with a
readable font in 16 color interlace (haven't tried other rez's yet.  However,
at the same time, I think I might have duplicated Davids garbled messages
problem as most of the messages in the last Autopass were quite silly. (Keith,
your reply to me in another topic was nearly unreadable)  The only thing I
think I've changed is that I'm now running with overscan on!  Of course I will
be looking into it more, but I wrote this also for an excuse to do another
autopass
  <G>

 KG> I apologize for intruding on the Falcon CAT, since Load Aladdin is _NOT_
F030
 KG> specific.   :)

   We're glad you're here where there are Falcons.  (I know that sentence
sounded silly, but after the first four words I wanted to see how many more I
could add that ended in 're')

 Damon

 P.S.   Yes, I'm on medication.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 67        Tue Oct 11, 1994
B.SEMAAN [Binary Sound]      at 03:30 CDT

JAB and Mullikin,

Sounds like the bad SMD component in the analog audio subcircuit defect.  Its
usually a coupling cap, sometimes a resistor.  And yes, it is a known problem
with some Falcons, production or otherwise.  If your machine is under
warranty, Atari will fix it for free.  Both of Binary's Falcons were
afflicted, but we ended up repairing them here inhouse.

Bob

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 68        Wed Oct 12, 1994
REALM [Joey]                 at 00:34 EDT

   Grouch, Thanks but I think everyone claimed my prize at the same time!:-)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 69        Wed Oct 12, 1994
K.OLSON10 [KenO.]            at 18:54 EDT

Hi!

I have a MEGAfile30.  Can I plug & play with my (internal HD) Falcon? Or do I
need to do something special?

I don't want to plug it in and wreck something - I'll ask first.

KenO. :)

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 70        Wed Oct 12, 1994
K.GERDES [TraceTech]         at 18:09 CDT

Damon,

 >managed to get Aladdin to run with a readable font in 16 color interlace
 >only thing I think I've changed is that I'm now running with overscan on!

That would do it.

 >However, at the same time, I think I might have duplicated Davids garbled
 >messages problem

Follow the advice in the LoadAlad docs and what has been posted here in the
past few days- ie. check your AUTO folder programs and check LA's
configuration.

The easiest/quickest "fix" is to use 'Both' flow control types in LoadAlad and
install a serial port driver like HSMODEM or FastSerial.


- Keith
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 71        Wed Oct 12, 1994
C.GALARDI                    at 21:13 CDT

Looking for some help if anyone has any ideas.  Of late, my Falcon has not
been running the memory check when it boots up.  Even when I cold boot, it
reacts as if it were a warm boot...i.e. it skips the  memory test.  Does
anyome have any idea what might be causing this? Any help, suggestions etc
would be appreciated.  Thanks a lot,,,,

Chris Galardi :-)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 72        Wed Oct 12, 1994
S.MERRILL1 [Steve]           at 20:11 PDT

 oirm;elrity pj aptjm e'rrj eta[-om'rpt eok ';'e
 [eyk sk s rtrkk sr ';rk'sok s'[tky sttk s [tk s tkk 'srk 'o s
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 73        Thu Oct 13, 1994
C.GALARDI                    at 06:02 CDT

eh?
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 74        Thu Oct 13, 1994
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 07:16 PDT

 Hmmm, it seems that a major program for the Falcon has quietly snuck into
release.

 CUBASE AUDIO FALCON 2.0 is shipping.  I don't know much about it yet, except
that its a $99 upgrade for owners of CAF 1.x.

 It's nice to know that Steinberg is still supporting the Falcon. I'll be
ordering mine today!
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 75        Thu Oct 13, 1994
J.BATES15 [JAB]              at 20:59 EDT

Hi All,

I'm looking for some answers.  I asked this in Cat 14 and got no answer, what
a surprise.  How easy is it to do the bass boost and line level mods?  I'm
fairly handy with a soldering iron but I know this bird is filled with surface
mount stuff, (at least I think so, I haven't had the need to open it up).

Later,

JAB
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 76        Thu Oct 13, 1994
R.HOEKSTRA1 [RandyH]         at 21:16 CDT

Keith and all, I don't recall anyone mentioning this, but I have been booting
up in 640x480 2 color mode lately and the Aladdin lock-up after reply is not
happening.  Before I was using 640x480 16 color and it was happening all the
time.  Hope this provides some kind of clue...

RandyH
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 77        Fri Oct 14, 1994
B.SUSLOVIC [Brad]            at 02:16 EDT

jab,


that mod is pretty simple, but a pain, you've got to rip the thing totally
apart.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 78        Fri Oct 14, 1994
T.HEBEL [Spud Boy]           at 11:36 CDT

David,
  THe new version of Cubase Audio (2.0) is very nice. Here is a list of some
of the new features.
  - Recording and playback of 16 digital audio tracks at 44.1KHz
  - Output bus support for the FA-8 (The FA-8 is a box that adds 8
    analog outputs to the Falcon)
  - New offline functions
       - 8-16 Track conversion and vice versa
       - Time stretch
       - Stereo to Mono mix
       - Stereo to mono (left and right)
       - Copy
       - Sample Rate conversion
       - Tape Pitch
       - Reverse
       - Dither
       - Fade in and Fade Out
       - Normalize
  - Selectable sample rates
  - 10 band graphic EQ
  - Enhanced Audio part editor
  - Arrange window Monitor and Channel Mute/Solo
  - Arrange Window level meters
  - Velocity response in sample tracks
  - The complete Cubase Score program is now included with Cubase
    Audio.
  - Optional File selector.
  - bug fixes and other enhancements.


This upgrade is worth EVERY penny of the $99!
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 79        Fri Oct 14, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 18:03 CDT

K.GERDES [TraceTech],

 > >managed to get Aladdin to run with a readable font in 16 color interlace
 > >only thing I think I've changed is that I'm now running with overscan on!
 >
 >That would do it.

  Hmmm.. could you explain why, I'm curious?

 >The easiest/quickest "fix" is to use 'Both' flow control types in LoadAlad
and
 >install a serial port driver like HSMODEM or FastSerial.

  Oh no!  Not another serial fix program!   I thought I left those behind when
I transferred my telecomming to the Falcon. :-(  Now I'm using more!


 Damon



 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 80        Sat Oct 15, 1994
K.GERDES [TraceTech]         at 11:47 CDT

RandyH,

 >Keith and all, I don't recall anyone mentioning this, but I have been
 >booting up in 640x480 2 color mode lately and the Aladdin lock-up
 >after reply is not happening.  Before I was using 640x480 16 color and
 >it was happening all the time.

Have you taken any other measures?

From past feedback, the graphic rez didn't seem to matter.

To recreate the lockup, I have tried all resolutions, including switching
between monitor types- still no lockup encountered.

 ----

Damon,

 > >managed to get Aladdin to run with a readable font in 16 color interlace
 > >only thing I think I've changed is that I'm now running with overscan on!
 >
 >That would do it.
 >
 >Hmmm.. could you explain why, I'm curious?

In overscan mode, ST Aladdin doesn't think you are in ST High.

 >install a serial port driver like HSMODEM or FastSerial.
 >
 >Oh no!  Not another serial fix program!   I thought I left those
 >behind when I transferred my telecomming to the Falcon. :-(  Now I'm
 >using more!

Actually, you only need to use either HSMODEM or FastSerial.  Each of them
take care of the other "patches/fixes" you have installed- ie. FPATCH2 and
BMAPFIX2.


- Keith
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 81        Sat Oct 15, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 13:34 CDT

Keith,

 >In overscan mode, ST Aladdin doesn't think you are in ST High.

  Ok, what does it think I'm in?

 >Actually, you only need to use either HSMODEM or FastSerial.  Each of them
 >take care of the other "patches/fixes" you have installed- ie. FPATCH2 and

   Thanks, I'll try that right now.

 Damon


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 82        Sun Oct 16, 1994
R.HOEKSTRA1 [RandyH]         at 21:34 CDT

Keith, regarding the resolution relationship to the Aladdin lock-up problem...
just yesterday I was in 16 color mode and I was able to reply to e-mail
without experiencing the lock-up.  Other than changing the resolution (when
booting, using Mouse Boot) I can't think of anything else that has changed.
This is very strange.  Will have to see what happens going forward to see if
it is gone for good or just temporarily.

RandyH
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 83        Tue Oct 18, 1994
C.COOK7 [Cliff]              at 20:57 EDT

I'm typing this in 2 colour mode.

Didn't make any difference.  I still have to use MultiTOS to reply. Otherwise
my system locks up 100% of the time.

Cliff
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 84        Tue Oct 18, 1994
C.LABELLE [Tintin]           at 22:11 EDT

I also tested the 2-color mode. No luck. My system locks 95% of the time.


Tintin
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 85        Wed Oct 19, 1994
B.DEWITT [Perfesser]         at 19:41 MDT

Maybe I'm just dense, but how does one get the Falcon to boot an auto-booting
disk (game)?

Th'Perfesser
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 86        Wed Oct 19, 1994
B.KOLINS1 [Brian]            at 22:12 EDT

I just acquired a Seagate ST11200N 1.2g SCSI drive, and could use some
input... Typically, when I only had my Syquest attached, at bootup SCSI ID0
would be the Syquest, and SCSI ID1 would say "not responding". When attaching
only the Seagate, ID0 is the HD, but I don't see the "not responding" message.
It's skipped.

Also, in attempting a format, a message appears that Wincap doesn't support
this drive ("...Contact Atari for a new Wincap").

I've tried parity both enabled and disabled. Drive properly terminated. I
should add this drive was previously installed on another platform -- probably
a PC, and it's integrity is questionable.

Last up, I'm using an enclosure I had in the closet with a power supply rated
at 30 watts. The drive's specs state it requires only 11.

There're the facts.

--Brian
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 87        Thu Oct 20, 1994
C.OINES1 [Chazz]             at 07:00 CDT

Check the pins on the Falcon side of your SCSI-II cable. I've had this problem
before, and had to bend the pins back and do a little surgery with a toothpic
on the port itself - a couple of the little plastic seperators were bent out
of shape, causing the pins to double up on some slots and ignore others.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 88        Thu Oct 20, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 09:17 EDT

Perf,

Put the disk in the floppy drive and hit the reset button.

Brian,

Try ICD's software.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 89        Thu Oct 20, 1994
ICDINC [Tom]                 at 10:11 EDT

Brian,

|Our software is called ICD SCSI PRo Utilities and supports the Falcon quite
well. Current booter version is 6.5.5.  Most Atari dealers should have it.
Cost is around $49.95.

      - TOM -
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 90        Thu Oct 20, 1994
C.LABELLE [Tintin]           at 20:23 EDT

Perfesser,

Hold down the ALT key for a few seconds when the Atari logo appears.

You will need a couple of translator programs like Backwards and FBoot to run
most ST games on the Falcon. Search the library for them. Also search for game
compatibility lists available in the library to know what settings to use.


Tintin
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 91        Thu Oct 20, 1994
S.LYSTER [Stu Lyster]        at 23:09 PDT

I (Stu) am posting this for a fellow Falcon owner here in Vancouver who is
having probs with the sound on his 'Bird.  Please read, and respond here or
directly to his BBS if you can help!  Thanks in advance...

                  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I (Dave) need some help. And I'm passing this message along in hopes that
someone out there has found this problem and found a way to correct it. Please
replay to this note, or, if the Vancouver, Canada area, please feel free to
call my (Dave) System. (Total Eclipse BBS at 604-451-0524)

My Falcon Sound system is not 100% healthy. During certain programs, such as
Paula Player (for MOD files), and Protracker, as well as several demo's like
the TERMFIN Demo, the sound coming out of the Falcon's RIGHT sound channel is
severly distorted. I used a balance knob on my receiver to check each side
(left/right), and the LEFT side is 100% perfect.

When I used Audio Fun Machine as an ACCessory, in conjunction with the Paula
Player, (using DMA input, instead of mike input), the paula player works just
fine. I can't do this 'temporary fix' with Protracker, however..

Now, this problem does not appear in ANY DSP based players. D2D programs and
DSP MOD players work 100% fine. Also, demos using the DSP are sounding fine.
My theory is that the NORMAL sound generating features part of the sound sub
system must be damaged somewhere along the line. I also know it's NOT
software, as these programs ALL functioned normally before, and ARE falcon
specific updates. I have also tried booting without the hardrive, without AUTO
folder stuff, or ACCessories other than the direct one in use. This has no
effect at all.

If you can find out what this problem is, it would be a big help (once fixed).
As I use Protracker to write my music, it is rather important that it works...
Paula is also a favorite, and those DEMOS make my falcon all worth while..


David Toews - Sysop Total Eclipse II BBS: (604) 451-0524 Atari Falcon Support
System



 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 92        Mon Oct 24, 1994
R.WOOD7                      at 18:27 MDT

GAK!!! ... more problems in Falconland than i realized... anyway, like the
above letter, i have a friend with a problem. last week i bought him a copy of
CyberStudio CAD 3D2. he installed it on his Falcon, placing CyberSmash.ACC on
C drive. today he can't get his Falcon to boot up. the monitor stays dark. he
used another monitor. still dark.
   i mentioned the CyberSmash, because it was the only new thing installed on
his computers C drive. i don't know if it has ANY bearing on this. i gather
that Falcons do a scan of the RAM or something before they actually run the
AUTO folder, let alone the ACC's, and right now he's not even getting a
scan...
  how do you access C drive when you're shut out like this?
  is accessing C drive the most likely solution?
  or does this description sound like something else? sorry if my info is
sketchy. i've only got an STe (sniff sniff) and my knowledge of the (injured)
bird of prey is nil... thanx for any response. i'll post the results when the
computers up andrunning again. bye for now.
                                   rob
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 93        Mon Oct 24, 1994
HAINES [Chuck]               at 21:14 EDT

If you are not even getting the Atari logo, then it is more severe than the
drive, Sounds like the Falcon has died. The Atari logo comes up, it goes
through the memory test unless abort, then the hard drive boots. If you see
nothing on screen, then the low level stuff to set up the screen is gone, or
it is completely dead. Is the drive light coming on. If it does, and goes off,
wait about 10-15 seconds, and hit the spacebar. If the drive light flashes,
like it is loading, then something is wrong with your video, either the
computer itself, or possilby the monitor connectors, which are easy to bend.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 94        Mon Oct 24, 1994
V.VALENTI                    at 19:14 PDT

 If it ends up not being the system,  you can abort anything that loads up
with a key.  I don't remember which one though.  Its either Control or Shift.
Just hold it down right after the RAM Test....

Vince
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 95        Tue Oct 25, 1994
REALM [Joey]                 at 02:01 EDT

   Would somebody mind checking something for me?  I'm having a problem
formatting my 65 Meg IDE hard drive in my Falcon with HDX 5.03c and TOS 4.02.
Would somebody mind formatting their drive and seeing if it'll work.:-)
Actually I'd just like somebody to check the partitioning or formatting and
see what HDX says about IDE 0 when it scans for available drives.  Make sure
you Cancel though or you'll actually format or partition it... ouch.  Mine
just shows it as IDE 0 with no description.  If I try to format or partition
it, it either says this drive was formatted with an earlier version of HDX or
check your cables and reformat the drive.  I've used HDX since my first SH204
so I'm pretty decent with it, there's apparently something out of sync.  I
just don't have another IDE Atari system to use as a comparison to find out if
it's a software or hardware thing.  Thanks!

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 96        Tue Oct 25, 1994
F.ZIMMERMAN3 [Frank Z.]      at 00:13 PDT

Rob,
     I faintly remember having a problem like this with my Falcon many months
ago.  I thought it was my monitor, so I unplugged it and hooked it up to the
TT and it worked fine.  I plugged it back into the Falcon, checking all the
cable connections carefully, and if I remember correctly...it worked fine
after that.  So check the cables and the connectors carefully.  Also try
turning on the Falcon before the monitor and vice-versa.  I don't think
this'll make any difference but it's worth a try.  If he still can't get any
video output, try running the TV-out into a television.
  It is always possible to boot from a floppy disk and then use the hard-drive
utilities to recognize the hard drive.  Then any offending programs can be
removed.  This is rather hard to do though if you can't see what you're doing!
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 97        Tue Oct 25, 1994
STEVE-J [Steve @ NMG]        at 04:10 EDT

V.VALENTI - The CONTROL key will keep AUTO programs and .ACCs from loading.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 98        Sat Oct 29, 1994
STEVE-J [Steve @ NMG]        at 04:03 EDT

Is interlace mode on a Falcon030 SUPPOSED to screw up the vertical hold on a
composite hookup to a TV?  Through RF, it displays fine, but with a composite
signal, it rolls.  A funny thing is that in PAL mode, a composite interlaced
display DOESN'T roll (but there's an odd horizontal black bar about 10 pixels
wide near the bottom of the screen -- which ISN'T there in RF mode).  Any
explanations for these things?  Maybe I just don't understand enough about
video signals to figure it out myself -- ME not know everything???  NAH!!!
<grin>
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 99        Sat Oct 29, 1994
R.GOOS                       at 08:40 CDT

NO FLAMES PLEASE..... I'm an Amiga 500 user.  The old computer is on its last
legs and may not be repairable (it barely runs this terminal program).  SO...I
need a  different computer.  I do basic WP/spreadsheet stuff, but mostly music
games, and fun stuff like that.  I hear that the Falcon is a great music
machine. My questions: 1.  Is the Falcon still made?  How much for one new or
used?   2.  Is it compatible with any standard monitor (Commodore, VGA,
whatever). 3.  Is the music output REALLY CD-quality? 4.  Is it a reliable,
fun computer to use (in defense of the Amiga, it was
    given a good OS)? 5.  Anything else anyone wants to tell me about the
Falcon?
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 100       Sat Oct 29, 1994
S.LYSTER [Stu Lyster]        at 07:51 PDT

R.GOOS - your questions:

1. Yes, the Falcon is still made and available through a local Atari dealer or
through mail order.  Prices in U.K. pounds - 4 meg 0 HD: 499.00 ($1,040 CDN) -
4 meg 85 HD: 549.00 ($1,150 CDN) - 4 meg 210 meg HD: 799.00 ($1,700 CDN)....
although I think they are pricier than this in Canadian stores.  Add 500
pounds for a 14 MB Falcon.

2. Falcon support all VGA and all Atari monitors - with a "plug and play"
connection to any colour TV - yes there's a port on the back just for that.

3. Music output is CD quality.  The standard, onboard DSP chip is what , at
first, seems to make the Falcon pricey, but consider adding all that the
Falcon has on to an IBM!

4.  It is reliable, and *fun*.  The "plug in a mike to the back" and record
direct to disk is great!  (Although the 50MHz samples take up a lot of storage
space!)

5. Now that Atari is farming out 3rd party development, while Atari
concentrates on the Jaguar, the Falcon threatens to really take off.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 101       Sat Oct 29, 1994
S.WINICK                     at 18:36 EDT

 R.GOOS,

 Just to add to Stu's comments.... yes, the Falcon030 is still a
 current Atari model.  For the applications you mentioned you're
 primarily interested in, I'm certain that you would be extremely
 pleased with a Falcon.  It is an excellent system.  Since you're
 already familiar with your Amiga's system and its graphics
 capabilities, you should find moving up to a new Falcon a very easy
 and pleasurable experience.  After all, personal computer technology
 HAS advanced considerably since they days of the Amiga500 and Atari
 ST systems. ;-)

 The Falcon can be configured with 1, 4 or 14mb or internal RAM, and
 internal hard drive.  The most popular internal hard drive, for our
 customers at least, has been a 240mb size, although sizes up half a
 gigabyte are available.

 If you need any more detailed or specific information, drop me
 E-mail.

 Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 102       Sun Oct 30, 1994
K.OLSON10 [KenO.]            at 14:40 EST


 >
 > The Falcon can be configured with 1, 4 or 14mb or internal RAM, and
 > internal hard drive.  The most popular internal hard drive, for our
 > customers at least, has been a 240mb size, although sizes up half a
 > gigabyte are available.
 >
 > If you need any more detailed or specific information, drop me
 > E-mail.
 >
 > Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 >----------
 >

Hi!

I have a falcon with the small HD.  What is the most economical way to get a
larger HD?  Swap the small internal for the 240 or buy a larger HD and use
external.

KenO. :)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 103       Sun Oct 30, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 13:41 CST

Sheldon,

  Any word from Atari about releasing the Audio Fun Machine and that other non-
commercial program they had on the Falcon Hard drive versions?

  Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 104       Sun Oct 30, 1994
S.WINICK                     at 15:58 EST

 KenO.,

   >> I have a falcon with the small HD.  What is the most economical
   >> way to get a larger HD?  Swap the small internal for the 240 or
   >> buy a larger HD and use external.

 The standard 3.5" SCSI hard drive mechanisms that would be used in
 an external drive case are definitely less expensive than the 2.5"
 IDE mechanisms that must be used internally in your Falcon.  However,
 a lot of that price advantage will be lost when you add in the cost
 of an external case with power supply and SCSI-2 cable to connect the
 two systems together.  There is also a lot to be said about the
 advantage and convenience of not having to deal with an external
 system as your primary hard drive mechanism.

 The 2.5" internal IDE hard drives are available in a variety of
 sizes, up to over 500mb.  If you opt for an external unit, the Fast
 SCSI-2 systems are available in sizes to well over 2 gigabytes!

 Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 105       Sun Oct 30, 1994
S.LYSTER [Stu Lyster]        at 14:37 PST

KenO. - I just recently bought an external SCSI HD (270 Meg Quantum) to
supplement the 85 Meg IDE HD in my Falcon.  I did it because it provides for
further expansion - the two-bay case on the external now has room for a CD-ROM
player or more HD space.  I felt that simply replacing the internal 85 Megs
did not let me expand further.

"Economical" is a funny word.  If all you want is a one-time expansion to more
space, maybe the way to go is to expand (by replacing) the internal HD.  I see
in Atari ST Review that Falcons are sold in England with 210 MB HD's, which
seems to be an upper limit on what's available in the UK, although your
message seems to indicate that 240 MB HD's are available, as are 500 MB HD's.

And, yes, S.WINICK is quite right, there are other extra costs in going
external.  "Case", "SCSI-2 Cable"

I'd go external.  It will be "more economical" to do further expansions.
However, if you are 100% positive that this is you last expansion before
getting rid of the Falcon all together, then go internal.  (However, if you
got rid of the Falcon, if you go external, you'll still have the external
drive!)

Stuart



 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 106       Sun Oct 30, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 20:29 EST

Easiest way by far: swap.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 107       Sun Oct 30, 1994
C.LABELLE [Tintin]           at 20:30 EST

R.GOOS

The Falcon is a fun machine. With the 32-MHz DSP you can add and modify real-
time effects to music, while sampling at 50kHZ. Effects like echo, flanging,
reverb and karaoke. The DSP is also used to quickly decompress JPEG graphics
and MPEG movies and free up the main 68030 processor for other tasks.

I use one for 17 months now without any problems whatsoever.

The Falcon comes with many programs if you buy the Hard disk version. These
are audio programs using the DSP and Atari Works, a modern easy-to-use all-in-
one wordprocessor, spreadsheet and database application.

You can hook up a multisynch monitor and with $100 software/hardware you get
greatly expanded resolutions (like over 1300 pixels wide).

You will like the 3D look of the new OS and the pre-emptive, adaptive multi-
tasking capability too.

Games can be a problem, however. You can run 70% of the ST games with
translator programs.  There are very few Falcon-specific games.

Overall, a great fun-to-use powerful system.


Tintin

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 108       Mon Oct 31, 1994
STEVE-J [Steve @ NMG]        at 06:41 EST

D.ATKINSON3 - AUDIO FUN MACHINE should have come on a disk with the other
Falcon030 stuff.  The only thing that comes with the built-in hard drive
(other than AtariWorks) is Falcon-D2D.  If that's all you meant, no, I don't
believe Atari makes it available separately.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 109       Mon Oct 31, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 06:42 CST

STEVE,

   Well, 2 dealers insist that Audio Fun Machine does not come with the floppy
only Falcon. I don't have it on any of the three disks that came with my
Falcon. I don't understand why they wouldn't be on the Falcon floppies since
it is essentially what seperates the Falcon from the other Atari computers.  I
don't even use what's on the disks that came (except the icon rsc.) I would
like to have both these programs but can't even buy them.  Sheldon mentioned
to me on the phone that he would ask Atari if he could make them available for
sale or download or however.  All I can do is pursue this avenue since it is
obvious I won't get these programs any other way.  I did notice they were on
some European BBS's, though.

 Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 110       Tue Nov 01, 1994
STEVE-J [Steve @ NMG]        at 04:53 EST

D.ATKINSON3 - Did you get SYSTEM AUDIO MANAGER?  My AFM's on the same disk as
that's on (but then I also have FALCON-D2D on it too!).  I could SWEAR that
Atari (Bob Brodie, Bill Rehbock, or somesuch) said that the only things not
included on no-HD Falcon030s was ATARIWORKS and FALCON-D2D.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 111       Wed Nov 02, 1994
R.HALL49 [DarkChyld]         at 02:23 EST

Hi,...I'm just trying to figure something out...the last 2 or 3 issues of ST
Format and ST Review have had dealers selling base model Falcons for 299-399
pounds...doesn't that translate to as low as 500-600 dollars? Can we expect a
price drop here in the states?...Just curious-if anybody knows anything please
let the rest of us know! Thanks...

                                                    /\
                                                Dark><Chyld
                                                    \/
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 112       Wed Nov 02, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 12:50 CST

 STEVE,
 >
 >D.ATKINSON3 - Did you get SYSTEM AUDIO MANAGER?  My AFM's on the same disk
as
 >that's on (but then I also have FALCON-D2D on it too!).  I could SWEAR that
 >Atari (Bob Brodie, Bill Rehbock, or somesuch) said that the only things not
 >included on no-HD Falcon030s was ATARIWORKS and FALCON-D2D.

   I have none of these programs.  I have Multitos and a bunch of other
worthless junk like breakout and landmine and a program that looks like a
screen saver in a window.  I'll trade my disks for yours. <G>  I don't care
about Atariworks (have it anyway, bought it before I bought the Falcon, as a
matter of fact)  I would have thought they (Atari) would make sure all Falcon
owners got the Audio stuff, it being the Falcon's claim to fame.  It's
especially mind boggling that it isn't even offered for sale.  Maybe I'll try
one of those European bbs's.

 Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 113       Thu Nov 03, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 07:47 EST

Damon,

LINES (that "screen saver in a window") is one of the cutest things to come
out of Ataridom.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 114       Thu Nov 03, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 18:34 CST

Al,
  Sure, it's cute (LINES), but it's still worthless. :)  I'd prefer a few
Audio "toys" to show off my Falcon until my piggy bank tells me (yes it talks)
I can buy Cubase Audio.

 Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 115       Fri Nov 04, 1994
STEVE-J [Steve @ NMG]        at 04:00 EST

D.ATKINSON3 - Did you get a card with your Falcon that you were supposed to
fill out and send back to Atari?  If so, did you send it in?  If you didn't
know, some of the programs that were supposed to come with the Falcon weren't
ready at the time of the Falcon's release, so there was supposed to be a card
in Falcon boxes to fill out and send to Atari so that they could send you the
extra programs when they were ready.  Did you get CalAppt?
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 116       Fri Nov 04, 1994
D.BRYANT12 [DAN]             at 23:39 PST

I am considering purchasing a Falcon and Digital Storefront to run a voice
mail business.  Does anyone have any experience DS or the company that sells
it, Pleiades Research?  Does anyone make a better voice mail program?

Dan B.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 117       Sat Nov 05, 1994
J.BATES15 [JAB]              at 05:10 EST

Steve,

 >D.ATKINSON3 - Did you get a card with your Falcon that you were supposed to
 >fill out and send back to Atari?  If so, did you send it in?

I didn't get a card with my Falcon.  The cards hadn't even been printed when I
got mine.  I had to go back to the dealer to pick up the card to send in.

Later,

JAB
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 118       Sat Nov 05, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 12:41 CST

Steve,

    No, I didn't send the warrenty card in.  As far as what came with it, I
got on disk one:  Xcontrol (with Cpx's), HDX, and lines.prg and Maccel.  On
disk two: Breakout, Calappt, landmine, talking clock, and procalc.  On the
third disk was:  Mint - Multitos, some utilities for them, and a few repeats
from the first disk,  oh, and an analog style clock (cute).

 Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 119       Sat Nov 05, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 15:56 CST

Anyone (who knows)

  Am I supposed to be able to use overscan on a Vga monitor?  So far it isn't
working.  This would bum me out.  Are there bigger RGB monitors for the
ST/Falcon?

 Hey, here's an oddity.  I got that VGA thingy and hooked up a couple of VGA
monitors.  The first time I hooked one up, I had a choice of the 3 ST rezes
and 2 of the TT rezes when I selected "compatibility modes".  Later in the
week I used the same VGA monitor and TT rezes were no longer an option.

  This is a strange bird.

 Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 120       Sat Nov 05, 1994
R.HALL49 [DarkChyld]         at 17:20 EST

Damon-what VGA thingy? Are you talking about the multisynch Gizmo? If so,
well, its supposed to help with -multisynch- monitors...it was a real life-
saver for my Falcon and my CTX AD1970...

Just wondering, does anybody know if anybody in the states is importing/
carrying the DeskTopper kit? (ya know, the one that lets you put your 1040
ST/STe/Falcon into a separate case and keyboard?)....Thanks in advance for any
info...

                                                        /\
                                                    Dark><Chyld
                                                         \/
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 121       Sat Nov 05, 1994
C.LABELLE [Tintin]           at 18:09 EST

Dan and Compo,

I see that Compo is advertising a 129 pounds (price, not weight :)) "Telephone
Control" in November ST USER (the last ST USER issue to come out, they are
going to merge with ST Review).

The Telephone Control is what seems to be from the photo a black box with two
diskettes and cables going to DSP and audio in and out ports.

The ad says: "Advanced answering machine system for Atari Falcon. Change
messages at the click of a mouse".

Compo is the leader in Falcon products.  They have been in business for 7
years in the Atari market with world-wide sales and marketing. I personally
dealt with them many times and I rate them A1.

Any more details, Compo? My employer plus me are looking for such a system.

Dan, what are the main features of Digital Storefront?


Tintin

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 122       Sun Nov 06, 1994
B.SEMAAN [Binary Sound]      at 00:12 CST

Damon,

It sounds like you must have been running MultiTOS for TT rez to be an option
in the Video options dialog.  That's the only time I know of that they show up
on the Falcon.

Bob

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 123       Sat Nov 05, 1994
P.LOUIE1 [Phil @ABACUS]      at 23:04 PST

  DarkChyld,

I've been seeing the exact same thing.  This is the first time that I have
ever remembered seeing Atari computers costing less in the UK than here in the
US.  Maybe it's because we've been spoiled so long in that Ataris have always
been cheaper here than overseas.  Now it's their turn...

I believe it was Gasteiner that was selling 1MB/No HD Falcons for 300 UKP and
a 4MB upgrade costed another 150 UKPounds.

Now if I "Do The Math"  :^) , a 1MB/No HD Falcon would cost $483 and a  4MB/No
HD Falcon would cost $725.  That's a $316 and a $274 difference! The last time
I checked, 1 UK pound = 1.61 US$.

At those prices, I (and probably many others) would snatch up a Falcon in a
snap!  But then again, Atari could probably care less about  increasing the
number of Falcon owners in the US... <grin>
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 124       Sun Nov 06, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 01:50 CST

DarkChyld,

  Just the little Atari VGA adaptor.  I got it so I could test some monitors
before I started shopping.  So far I've tried a Samsung and a Commodore
monitor and wasn't thrilled, but my 1224 is fading and I'll soon have to make
a decision.  I prefer the RGB in overscan to the VGA but the 11 1/2 in. 1224
is a bit small.

 Bob (Binary)

  Ahh that explains it.  I didn't know I was running Multitos but I remember
now that it was that floppy I had in the drive that day. Thanks, that drove me
nuts for about 10 minutes.  <G>

 Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 125       Sun Nov 06, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 02:16 CST

Phil,

  I may have to get one of those European mags and start ordering stuff from
there. <G>

 Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 126       Sun Nov 06, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 11:48 EST

Damon,

I thought that analog clock was ugly as sin. :-)

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 127       Sun Nov 06, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 18:51 CST

Al,

   I'm sorry, forgot I was typing instead of talking.  What I meant was that
the "idea" was cute.  I agree that it's actual appearance is quite ugly.  I
would like to see a good-looking analog clock, do you know of any?

 Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 128       Sun Nov 06, 1994
R.WOOD7                      at 21:01 MST

hi again... i posted a message (around #95 i think) mentioning a friends
(apparently) dead Falcon. no picture on colour or mono monitor,etc...
  well, it turned out that the "little box" between the Falcon and his monitor
was the problem. something was fried inside it. i believe the  box is some
kinda video signal converter.
  sorry i'm being so imprecise in my description, i'm having to translate over
a phone. i haven't actually seen it.
  at any rate, the beast is working again. i passed on your messages and now
pass back a big thank-you for all the help and suggestions.
       bye

                              rob
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 129       Mon Nov 07, 1994
B.DEWITT [Perfesser]         at 19:06 MST

I have a game program that runs from an AUTO folder on an ST. However, I can't
get it to load on the Falcon. On the ST, I just boot up with the disk in the
drive and it loads. On the Falcon it either gets bypassed by the hard drive or
if I bypass the hard drive (with ALT), it just goes to the DeskTop without
loading. So, how does one get an AUTO folder-based program to run? Huh? Huh?

Th'Perfesser
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 130       Tue Nov 08, 1994
REALM [Joey]                 at 01:46 EST

     Some games you can run from the desktop right out of the AUTO folder.
Some games you can move out of the AUTO folder onto the root directory and run
them from the desktop.  Some games just won't work.:-)  I think there's a
program in the library for booting the computer from the desktop too.  You run
it and it takes care of booting your system for a game.  BTW, It's from Double
Click. Normally it'll work just by holding the ALT key down.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 131       Tue Nov 08, 1994
COMPO                        at 03:00 EST

Claude and Dan -

Our Voice Mail system isn't ready yet, but it's very close. I'll post the info
when we're ready.

Robert
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 132       Tue Nov 08, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 03:57 EST

Damon,

I know of a lot of good-looking analog clocks. Clock17E is one of the best.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 133       Tue Nov 08, 1994
STEVE-J [Steve @ NMG]        at 05:22 EST

B.DEWITT - Has your Falcon's NVRAM been altered to NOT boot in ST Low
compatibility mode?  Does the screen flash or do anything before the desktop
comes up?
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 134       Wed Nov 09, 1994
R.BENNETT7 [Rodney]          at 22:19 PST

This is really strange.  Here I live in Southern California and have yet seen
the Jaguar in these so-called 'Chain' stores such as Toys'R'Us etc.  You of
course can purchase most if not all Atari products from Mid-Cities and the
likes. (Which by the way are smart in stocking IBM clones now... matter of
fact, it would seem like majority of the floor space is devoted toward the IBM
now)

The reason I bring this up, is that I just returned from U.A.E. in the Middle
East after Sadam wanted to burn more of the US tax dollars getting the
military deployed and then redeployed again in that region, anyway had some
time off to take alook around the stores there.  Almost EVERY computer or
video/electronic store that I looked into (and there were a few dozen that I
checked out) the Jaguar was there (no game carts as of yet), and low and
behold, Falcon030, TT, Mega STE were running some demo programs as well!!!
Now, that's not saying that they are being sold, but they are on display for
anyone to purchase of all places in the Middle East!  I think L.A. is a major
city in the USA, where are the Jaguars?  Where are Atari related computers
besides in Atari related stores? (Well, not so-much Atari related stores
anymore, and probley soon not an Atari dealer what-so-ever)  I purchased my
Falcon030 at last years Atari Glendale Show... and now it looks like it may
not happen at all this year.  To take a StarWars quote 'Help me Glendale
Atarifest, your my only hope.'  And I seriously mean that.  I compiled alot of
questions and probley drive alot of people nuts during the show, so if it
doesn't happen this year.  I'll have to get brave enough to word these
questions into messages for all of you to decifer and maybe help me out in
regards to the Falcon.

Rodney

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 135       Thu Nov 10, 1994
ICDINC [Tom]                 at 10:01 EST

Rodney,

Welcome back.  i guess you just need to find the right ToysR'Us in LA.  My
first unit came from an LA store last January since they weren't available in
e midwest yet.  Good Guys carries Jags as well in LA.

      - TOM -
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 136       Thu Nov 10, 1994
P.FLETCHER4                  at 19:14 EST

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this question, but... what in the
world happened to Processor Direct Magazine???

I'm not complaining, but I sent $25 dollars for a subscription eight months
ago and only received one issue.  I'm not asking for a refund or anything,
just some info.

If P-Direct or someone who used to work for them can tell me what happened
I'll be happy to let the issue die.  However, if The mag went under and I
wasn't informed I feel that is a bit unfair.  I spent $25.00....the least they
could do is use 29 cents of it to tell me I wasted my money.

If anyone thinks I'm being unreasonable let me know.

Thanks Pete
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 137       Sat Nov 12, 1994
B.DEWITT [Perfesser]         at 09:43 MST

Steve J;

About my difficulties with getting the AUTO-folder game, Annals of Rome, to
load on the Falcon: I do have my NVRAM set to boot in Medium resolution, but
the game itself loads and runs in that resolution, so I don't see how that
would affect it, although I must admit that I haven't tried booting game with
the computer in low resolution...

Th'Perfesser

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 138       Sun Nov 13, 1994
D.BRYANT12 [DAN]             at 00:27 PST

Tintin,

About Digit Store Front voice mail (according to their ad):

unlimited number of mailboxes remote message retrieval automatic voice
compression passowr protection for each mailbox message forwarding operates in
background each mailbox easily customized built-in phone, spaker, and
mircorphone jacks multi-user intuitive easy-to-use interface and more

Sold by Pleiades Research.

I definitely will have to check out the review you mention on Telephone
Control.  Fortunately, we have a good Atari dealer here who stocks those
magazines!

Thanks for the tip.

Dan
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 139       Sun Nov 13, 1994
R.BENNETT7 [Rodney]          at 15:36 PST

Tom,

Thanks for the 'welcome back'.

re: Jaguar available?;

Hmm, I have had the Toys'R'Us in Riverside, Moreno Valley, San Bernardino,
Ontario call other outlets for the Jaguar in the L.A. Basin  and was informed
that they don't have them available. I thought Atari was gonna setup displays
in the Toys'R'Us stores? I'm a try and view first before buying type of
person.  Since the Glendale Atari show is offically on hold and may not come
to be this year... I was hoping that the chain stores would carry them and
have a display setup running some of the games.  I guess X-Mas will be without
a Jaguar this year.  The 3DO display in Block Blusters looks very impressive
though, and the price is almost right! :-)  Now to convince my daughter that
Nintendo isn't the only game system. :-)

I'll spend the money for an upgrade for my Falcon instead :-)

Rodney

P.FLETCHER4 [Pete],

re; Proccessor Direct Mag.

No, your not un-reasonable to ask the question on what has happened to the
Magazine.

I was going to subscribe, but since I lost out on St Log, Start magazines a
few years ago, and not to leave out Antic and Analog magazine subscriptions on
which I recieved also 1 copy into my new subscription before they went under,
I wanted to make sure the P-Direct got both feet out into the market before
doing so.  I guess they haven't yet.  I still wish them luck and hope they
start with the monthly subscriptions and when they do, my order will be on
it's way.

Rodney

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 140       Thu Nov 17, 1994
R.IRBY3 [Roy]                at 22:32 EST

Rodney, I also live in L.A. and know of several stores that are stocking the
Jag and titles.  Good Guys, Babbages, and Tower Records to name a few.  I
haven't been in the local Toys-R-Us.  Good Guys even has a Jag kiosk next to
its 3DO kiosk.  Anyway, these are the stores in S.W. L.A. (Torrance area).

Roy.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 141       Sat Nov 19, 1994
G.NORTON [Falcon Systm]      at 11:56 PST

Dark Chyld,

We have just ordered a couple of units from the UK. We want to see what the
unit quality is like and how easy it is to put together. From what I have read
it is good on both counts. Also we wanted to find out exactly how much it is
going to cost us to import them (ie shipping etc). Anyway I will let you know
when we receive them. Although we are in Canada there is no problem sending
stuff down to the US.

Graham @ Falcon Systems
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 142       Sat Nov 19, 1994
R.HALL49 [DarkChyld]         at 22:49 EST

Hey Thanks! Thats great...please make sure and let me know when you do  find
out! (its nearly tax refund time!) <G> My E-Mail is R.HALL49...

                                              Thanks again...
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 143       Sun Nov 20, 1994
R.BENNETT7 [Rodney]          at 21:47 PST

Roy - thanks for the info on the locations of the Jag, I'm going to L.A.
Airport tuesday and will make a loop up toward Torrance to see if I can find
these places.  Again, thanks for the info.  Any place around Torrance that
carries Atari STe/TT/Falcon hardware/software?

On another note, I heard that only 300,000 Jaguars will be available for XMas,
compare that to over a million+ Sega's, Nintendo's, 3DO's each already sitting
on store shelves, I don't think the Jaguar is going to impact the video gaming
consoles this year and for that matter next year.  Again, as with the Falcon
last year, the Jaguar is to small in numbers on availablity and not enough
games on the shelves this Xmas to allow a purchase, and difinitely still a
lack of advertising, although more than what they had did with their computer
division.  I'd hoped better for Atari, but again... I didn't. :-)

Rodney

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 144       Tue Nov 22, 1994
K.GERDES [TraceTech]         at 18:33 CST

Kevin,

 >CAT 4, TOP 17, MSG 32
 >Yep... it is a real bummer that they didn't provide a way to bank the
 >"lost" 2 megs in the Falcon. That could've been a way cool ramdisk at
 >the least!

My thoughts exactly.  Just one of those times where "they" wanted to save a
few pennies.  And that probably wasn't even the case with everything in
ASICs!!

Surely they could have mapped the RAM at $00E00000 to $01000000.  Then TOS4 -
or whatever- could've used Maddalt() to add that 2 Mbyte block to the system
as alternate RAM.  Good for a RAMdisk, cache, misc buffers, what have you...

It's a shame to have 2 Megs just sitting there doing absolutely nothin'.  And
I'm sure it's being refreshed quite nicely too.   ;)


My bright idea was to try using a "DMA" device to get at that memory. I only
tried the blitter, but I didn't get anywhere -- worth an attempt though!   :)


- Keith
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 145       Sun Nov 27, 1994
R.IRBY3 [Roy]                at 21:50 EST

Here's a strange problem I've been having on my Falcon perhaps someone could
help me out with.  Almost every time I initially run some form of
telecommunications program (Stalker or Aladdin) after booting up, I can get no
response from my modem.  In STalker I can type in the terminal window and get
no echoed charaters at all.  I can ATI4 and get no modem settings.  The way it
seems to work in Aladdin is the modem init string will print in the term
window like:

ATM4

And when the AT command is entered, instead of getting an OK and the cursor
going to a new line to initiate dialing, there is no OK and the cursor goes
here at the 'A':

ATM4 ^

When I find this happening, I just perform a warm boot and run the program
again, after which everything works fine.

Weeeeirrd.

Anyway, it's a Falcon 4/80 w/ a USR Sporster 14.4.


Roy.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 146       Mon Nov 28, 1994
FAIRWEATHER [David]          at 00:12 PST

Roy, are you using LoadAladdin?
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 147       Mon Nov 28, 1994
D.ASHTON1 [Stargazer   ]     at 18:41 EST

Roy,

Remove your serial patchs and try again.   The ones I was using were causing
the same problem.

I'm now using some German ones I D/L here from Genie. And haven't had the
problem since.

File# 32481.

It has English docs.





 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 148       Mon Nov 28, 1994
D.ASHTON1 [Stargazer   ]     at 18:48 EST

Roy,

Sorry, wrong file#...... it should be # 34281.


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 149       Mon Nov 28, 1994
R.IRBY3 [Roy]                at 21:46 EST

David,

Yep, I'm using LoadAlad...


Stargazer,

Well, I went through the serial patch problem when I first got my Falcon.  I
immediately assumed when I got the machine that I would need to use serial
patches (since at that time there were already several on the boards).  I went
nuts trying to find one that would work correctly.  In the end, it turned out
that the machine would run better without any patches at all!  Imagine That!
Anyway, I'll check out that file you suggested and give it a try.

Thanks!

Roy.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 150       Mon Nov 28, 1994
R.WATSON15 [Wayne Watson]    at 22:24 EST

 Roy,
   Try turning your modem on after you turn on the computer. If you do
 already, then try turning it on before the computer.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 151       Mon Nov 28, 1994
D.DINN [Scott D.]            at 20:13 PST

Hi all,

I posted a question about a tn3270 emulator for the Falcon here awhile ago and
never saw a response, so I am trying again.

Is there a terminal emulator that is similar to UNIX tn3270?

Thanks,
        Scott D
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 152       Tue Nov 29, 1994
P.FLETCHER4                  at 18:06 EST

Roy, I've had the same problem and have almost gotten used to hitting reset
right after I turn on my computer.  It sucks, but it works.

Pete
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 153       Tue Nov 29, 1994
R.IRBY3 [Roy]                at 21:51 EST

I have an Isobar Command Console, so everything (computer, drives, modem,
etc.) comes on at the same time.  As far as the Reset method, yes, that is
what I have been doing.  The thing is that the problem also just pops up
sometimes after I've successfully used the modem. e.g. I will turn on the
computer, reset it, run Stalker/Aladdin with no problem, exit, then later in
the same session, run Stalker/Aladdin again and get the weird modem response
(no returned characters.)

So, I reset again.  Like Pete said, It sucks, but it works.

Which is an effective description for the whole system at times ;)

Roy.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 154       Wed Nov 30, 1994
P.FLETCHER4                  at 18:13 EST

Roy, I couldn't agree with you more :)

Pete
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 155       Wed Nov 30, 1994
D.PHELPS [Doug]              at 18:35 EST

Is there a Musicom2 topic somewhere up here?  Thanks.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 156       Thu Dec 01, 1994
R.IRBY3 [Roy]                at 23:16 EST

Ok, another of a flood of weird problems arises.....

I have a Falcon 4/85 (will be 16/85 tomorrow!) with an external 120 meg SCSI
in a mac style case.  The problem is with a Syquest drive that I purchased
earlier in the year.  It's a mac style unit also, with the Syquest 3270 3.5"
270 meg removable cartridges.  It's a really nice unit, but I have had
intermittent problems with it.  I am using ICD SCSI Pro utilities for both
formating and booting the SCSI drives.  Here's what's been happening...
Several months ago, one of the carts became unreadable.  I don't know what
happened, it just stopped working.  I sent the cart back to the supplier for
replacement.  Well, while this cart was in transit, another of my carts
crapped out.  Well, I sent it AND the drive back in case there was something
wrong with the hardware.  Well, I got the drive replaced along with the two
cartridges.  Everything has been fine since then.  The new drive and carts
have worked great.  Well, last week, I saw how low the price of the carts had
gotten, so I decided to pick an extra one up for a backup (only 66 bucks!).  I
received this cartridge and had a helluva time getting it formated.  ICD
Format would freeze up about 3/4 of the way thru the format.  I tried Atari's
formater.  It froze up too.  Well, after about 4 trys, the cart formatted
completely and partitioned.  It read fine.  No errors, no bad sectors.  So, I
swap carts, putting in my 'work' cart I use for temporary storage.  I can't
access it!  ()@$&(*!!  I have tried and tried and can't get the drive to boot
this cart.  The new cart will read fine, and so will my other carts.  I have
spoke with the supplier who said that it's strange because they haven't had
many problems with bad carts.  I'm going nuts here.  And really losing faith
in this storage medium.  Any ideas as to what could be behind these
problems???  I do format the carts as 1 large partition.  I don't think TOS
4.04 and ICD SCSI Pro should have a problem with a 268 meg partition, eh?
Well, sorry for the novel-like message.  Any help would be appreciated.

Roy.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 157       Thu Dec 01, 1994
R.IRBY3 [Roy]                at 23:33 EST

Well, minutes after posting the 'verbose message of the week', I was able to
get the faulty cartridge to work.  I started trying my other carts, then tried
it.  It didn't work.  So I decided, screw it, I'll try to format it.  ICD
Format found a previous format, then I just rewrote the partition info instead
of reformatting it.  Re-booted and was able to read the cartridge, along with
all the files that were on it.  Hurrah!  BUT, I still don't feel too
comfortable with this problem, and would like any input as to what could be
causing it.

Thanks.

Roy.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 158       Fri Dec 02, 1994
R.WATSON15 [Wayne Watson]    at 05:36 EST

 Roy,
   Make sure your SCSI ID #s are different. That's one thing that will
 blow your partition info.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 159       Fri Dec 02, 1994
PG.MUSIC [PG-Kevin!]         at 10:53 EST

Keith,
 So... what happened when you tried using the Blitter to  access the "lost
RAM"? :) Sort of like pummeling a  bulletproof window with .22 cal shot huh?
:)

Anyway... what other DMA devices could be tried? The SDMA? I wonder how
involved it would be to "hack" on some kind of bank switch circuit using some
cheap NAND gates and an unused MFP i/o line to switch the ckt. Anyone have the
F030 schematics?

--Kevin
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 160       Sat Dec 03, 1994
B.KOLINS1 [Brian]            at 00:54 EST

Roy,

Is the Syquest properly terminated?
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 161       Sat Dec 03, 1994
R.IRBY3 [Roy]                at 23:07 EST

I believe so. I've got the little terminator plug installed on the pass-thru
scsi centronics connector.  I have another external unit before the syquest in
the chain.  Should the little terminator packs on the pcb of the fixed drive
be installed or removed?

Put simply - terminator packs in: terminated or unterminated?

Roy.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 162       Sun Dec 04, 1994
K.GERDES [TraceTech]         at 16:43 CST

Kevin,

 >So... what happened when you tried using the Blitter to access the
 >"lost RAM"? :)

No noticable difference.  Indirect access of memory in the "open" $E00000-
$FFFFFF regions worked the same as if you had directly accessed them- ie. dead
space.

 >what other DMA devices could be tried? The SDMA?

Yeah, that's another one.  And maybe the SCSI.  But I don't think they're able
to do mem-to-mem block transfers.  You hear about ACSI DMA block transfers,
but that's the stuff of demo-coder legends...

There's no SCC DMA in the F030.

 >I wonder how involved it would be to "hack" on some kind of bank
 >switch circuit using some cheap NAND gates and an unused MFP i/o line
 >to switch the ckt.

I've looked at the schematics, but everything seems to be too-integrated for
an easy hack.

I like challenges, so when I get bored on real coding projects I'll keep
trying from a software-only standpoint...

At least the original "ST" design had a 'RAM' select signal you could play
with.  I used that for a very interesting project.  I created a shadow in RAM
for TOS@$E00000.   ;)  The type of project you'd expect in a German mag.

 >Anyone have the F030 schematics?

Try requesting a set from AtariDev.


- Keith
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 163       Sun Dec 04, 1994
R.WATSON15 [Wayne Watson]    at 23:37 EST

 Roy,
   Technically, all the drives should have the terminator resistors
 removed except for the last one. If you have those drives daisy
 chained through the SCSI connection, then remove all but the last. If
 the drive in the other external case is hooked to a host adapter,
 then leave them in.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 164       Mon Dec 05, 1994
S.WINICK                     at 06:29 EST

 Wayne,

      >> Technically, all the drives should have the terminator
      >> resistors removed except for the last one.

 The FIRST SCSI device in the chain should also be terminated.


 Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 165       Mon Dec 05, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 07:11 EST

Roy,

It doesn't matter whether teermination is internal or external. The last
device needs to have termination, that's all.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 166       Mon Dec 05, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 08:51 EST

Sheldon is right, and I should have been more clear. The SCSI host adaptor
sits on the bus, and the signal goes in two directions -- to the internal
drive and to the external drives. The internal drive and the last external
drive need termination.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 167       Tue Dec 06, 1994
R.IRBY3 [Roy]                at 01:43 EST

Ok, lemme make sure I have this straight now!

First, I have a Falcon, so the 'host adaptor' statement is n/a. The first box
in my chain has a 120 meg SCSI. The second and final box in the chain has a
270 meg Syquest.

So: Should the resistor packs be installed on the first drive? Should the
resistor packs be installed on the second drive? If I use one of the 'dead-
end' scsi plugs on the second drive's pass-thru port, will I also need the
resistor packs on the drive itself?


Al, I was reading some old messages earlier.  Is it true that there is no way
of rewiring a PC serial mouse to work on the ST/Falcon?  I didn't realize this
and have recently ordered one of those nifty Colani mice from Radio Shack
Express Order (the ONLY placy I could find to get a lefty version).  I saw a
post concerning a NEO pic of a conversion of a IIc/MAC mouse to the ST.  Would
I be better off converting the MAC model of the same mouse?

So many questions.

Roy.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 168       Tue Dec 06, 1994
D.FARRINGTO1 [David <><  .]  at 02:15 PST

Hi Folks:

I'm a new owner of a FALCON 4/84.  This unit came from your coop Sheldon back
in Aug 93.  I now have your fine product to try Nathan, the 93 version that I
talked about to you about.

Anyway, I want to get some things for my new machine and I asking for your
suggestions.  Thank you.

First, a RAM board.  I want to take the FALCON to its full RAM.  What boards
are out there and who has them?  GEnie address?

CPU upgrade.  I thinking more speed. Same questions as above.

Last for now.  I need a source for the SCSI II cables.  I want to hook up my
SCSI drive.  I need to go from SCSI II (FALCON out) to 50 pin female connector
(to connect to my drive).
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 169       Tue Dec 06, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 08:42 EST

Roy,

Cubercube sells a software mouse manager that lets you use a PC serial mouse
with any Atari. Works great. A demo is in the libs.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 170       Tue Dec 06, 1994
ICDINC [Tom]                 at 13:47 EST

Roy,

No term resitors on the first drive.  Use them or else an external terminator
on the last drive. The Falcon motherboard probably has termination resistors
installed and acts like the other 'end' of the SCSI bus.

Term resistors on two drives could cause errors.

            - TOM -
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 171       Tue Dec 06, 1994
B.SEMAAN [Binary Sound]      at 18:59 CST

Roy,

There are software prgs that will let you use a serial mouse on the Falcon
(you'll also need to make an adapter to rewire the pinout). The gotcha is that
you won't be able to use the mouse at the same time as your modem, or anything
else connected to the modem port.

I'd recommend finding a Microsoft PC InPort (Bus) mouse and soldering a DB9
plug on it so it can be used on the Falcon's mouse port.  I did that myself
over a year ago, following the instructions I found in a text file here in the
ST libraries and will never willingly use a different mouse again.

I've been told you can find Microsoft bus mice very cheap at PC swap meets and
such.


Bob

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 172       Tue Dec 06, 1994
R.IRBY3 [Roy]                at 23:32 EST

Tom, I'll pull those resistors. Thanks!  BTW, what is the latest version of
SCSI Pro?  I am currently using the version that shipped with ICDBOOT 6.5.5.
Have there been any major upgrades since then?  Maybe being able to do away
with ADHI and HDX _comletely_?

Al and Bob, Thanks for the info.  I really don't want to have to swap
modem/mouse.  Seems that they could use the enhanced joystick ports instead of
the modem port.  Anyway, I don't know if this mouse I bought comes in a bus
version.  I think it only comes in PC Serial or Mac.  Do ya think the mac
could be hacked?  I'm gonna keep the Serial version for my PC at work anyway.

Roy.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 173       Tue Dec 06, 1994
D.PHILLIPS25                 at 22:24 PST

David,

 I finally got here from the "For sale: Wanted" topic! 8^) Anyhow, you'll need
verification, but I believe you want the FalconWing for ram upgrade. At the
most general, you want a ram upgrade which directly replaces the existing ram
board and takes one (1) Mac SIMM, 4 or 16 meg. SCSI-2 cables: any of the
dealers on-line can help you. They run from around $25 (3'), to $35 (6'). CPU
upgrade: I'm drooling for the Speed Resolution Card from Hard and Soft in
Germany. It costs about $250 and gives the motherboard clock speeds of 16, 18,
or 20 MHz, and gives the CPU, FPU, and Blitter speeds of 16, 18, or 20, as
well as clock-doubled 32, 36, and 40 MHZ! Wow! It also claims to  allow True
color in interlace in excess of 640 X 480, though I theorize that It'll do 640
X 480 TC non-interlaced. Blow-Up will do about 560 X 420 TC on the right
monitor. Also, I've heard mumbles about another card from Germany which'll
take the FPU and DSP to 50 MHz. Don't know if the two will work together.
Could you imagine?! There's a little blurb in the Europe report in this
month's ST Informer re: the Speed Res Card, check it out. I'll be  getting
specs soon and will try to upload them.

      Dan
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 174       Wed Dec 07, 1994
REALM [Joey]                 at 01:35 EST

    David, Sheldon is your man for all that stuff.:-)  He's S.WINICK here on
GEnie.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 175       Wed Dec 07, 1994
D.FARRINGTO1 [David <><  .]  at 01:05 PST

Dan:

Thanks for the information.  I keep looking for post on the Speed Res Card.
WoW!  I like the speeds on the card.  I hope it comes into production.



REALM:

Thanks for Sheldon.  I may write him.  I know Computer Direct, Toad, and
Computer Studio.  Anybody on the west coast?
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 177       Wed Dec 07, 1994
S.WINICK                     at 07:46 EST

 David,

   >> ....I want to get some things for my new machine...
   >> First, a RAM board.  I want to take the FALCON to its full RAM.
   >> What boards are out there and who has them?  GEnie address?
   >>
   >> I need a source for the SCSI II cables.

 We have both of the above items in stock.  Drop me Email if you'd
 like pricing and ordering information.

 Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 178       Wed Dec 07, 1994
PG.MUSIC [PG-Kevin!]         at 09:19 EST

Sheldon,
 Any Falcon acceleration products in stock yet? :)

--Kevin
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 179       Wed Dec 07, 1994
ICDINC [Tom]                 at 16:19 EST

Roy,

  6.5.5 is the current version.

            - TOM -
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 180       Wed Dec 07, 1994
K.OLSON10 [KenO.]            at 18:23 EST

Hi!

Whenever I try to use DBman on my falcon the text comes up yellow and very
hard to read.  The only way I have found to get around this is to change to 2
colors.  I normaly run with 16 colors.

Why does this happen and is there a solution?  It would be nice if I could run
DBman without the extra steps involved in switching to 2 colors.

As far as I can figure DBman has no way to set the colors.

KenO. :)

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 181       Wed Dec 07, 1994
S.WINICK                     at 20:38 EST

 Kevin,

     >> Any Falcon acceleration products in stock yet? :)

 No, we haven't stocked any Falcon acceleration products yet.  Is
 there a particular one you're interested in?

 Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 182       Wed Dec 07, 1994
R.IRBY3 [Roy]                at 22:06 EST

David,

You can try ATY Computer at 510-482-3775.  They're located in Oakland, I
believe.  Just purchased a 16 meg Falcon memory board from them.  It's the
type that has just 1 16 meg simm.  It had to be the most painless memory
upgrade I've ever done.  Just remove the top of the case, swing the keyboard
aside, remove the shielding and swap the memory boards.  That's it.  I've been
using it for a cupla weeks now and it's really solid.  No bugs or glitches.
And boy is it nice to have all that elbow room in Geneva!

Regarding the Falcon accelerators... I would like to see ANY info on any of
the boards available.  I have heard that the big problem with ones such as the
Speed Resolution Card is that the DSP will not function correctly when running
in an accelerated mode.  So I suppose all those nifty hard disk recording/fx
programs might freak out. But, a 40mhz CPU for 250 bucks is tempting anyway.
Supposedly the Barracuda 040 upgrade will work fine in conjunction with the
DSP functions, but I'm not sure.  I'm also not sure of how much it will cost
when finished.  Maybe someone from Wiztronics will see this an post some
current specs. (hint hint) :)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 183       Wed Dec 07, 1994
D.PHILLIPS25                 at 19:56 PST

Sheldon,

 If it's GEnie legal, please post prices, I'm sure there's interest. Of course,
if it's bad manners, it's up to you, but I sure wouldn't be  offended, and _I_
sell new Atari STuff!

David,

 Mid-Cities in Bellflower (don't have the number, you'd have to dial directory
assistance, they're area code 310), and The Computer Network in Glendale
(again, no number, I think area code 213).

Roy,

 From the info from CAF, Wizztronics is having some trouble getting the board
out, though their FalconRack product is out, I understand. I think I could
live without the DSP at 40/20 Mhz! The DSP probably works fine when the
motherboard is set to 16 and the CPU/FPU are set to 32.

Sheldon (again),

 We _want_ the Speed Resolution Card! 8^)

     Will post more info soon (I hope),
       Dan
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 184       Wed Dec 07, 1994
R.NELSON48 [Grouch (:{]      at 20:30 PST

David <><

I over bought SCSI II cables when I was first setting up my falcon. I have
been stuck with this $35.00 beauty ever since.  If you want it its yours for
$25.00 GOT plus postage.  Send me e-mail.

(:{ Grouch.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 185       Thu Dec 08, 1994
PG.MUSIC [PG-Kevin!]         at 01:00 EST

Sheldon,
 I'm interested in the Speed Resolution and the Barracuda040. After all... it
is Christmas season. :) That means I'll be making my annual "longer" schlep up
to NC to visit the family. :)


Keith & I have been banging around ideas on upping the '030 cpu clock w/ a
simple hack... but so far... the '030 didn't care to just have the 32MHz clock
injected into it. Hmm... I may need some extra logic to clean up the clock
signal (sync start times w/ the 16MHz clock)... drat... it *looked* like a
very simple mod...

I want SPEEEEEEEEED from my Falcon! :)

--Kevin
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 186       Thu Dec 08, 1994
S.WINICK                     at 07:30 EST

 Dan,

    >> If it's GEnie legal, please post prices.....

 I never post new product pricing in the public R/T. There are several
 quality Atari dealers who are active here on GEnie.  Anyone needing
 pricing and ordering information can easily contact the Atari
 dealer of their choice in Email.


 Sheldon (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 187       Thu Dec 08, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 08:38 EST

Bob Semaan,

I thought the Falcon had more than one serial port? I need to brush up on my
Falconology.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 188       Thu Dec 08, 1994
PG.MUSIC [PG-Kevin!]         at 09:02 EST

Al,
 The Falcon has an RS232 port and a LAN port. Both are serial. :)

We won't count the DSP port as yet another serial port (for  simplicity's sake
<G>).

--Kevin
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 189       Thu Dec 08, 1994
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 13:09 PST

Kevin,
 Technically, the Midi port is serial, too.

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 190       Thu Dec 08, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 18:57 CST

Al,

  You need to get a Falcon. <g>   The Lan and Midi ports are serial, so it
looks like the Falcon has 3.

Damon


 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 191       Thu Dec 08, 1994
B.SEMAAN [Binary Sound]      at 19:45 CST

Kevin,

Since the original query was concerning RS-232 ports suitable for a serial
mouse and standard modem on the Falcon, I feel the correct answer is indeed
that there is only 1 (standard) serial port.

Bob

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 192       Fri Dec 09, 1994
R.IRBY3 [Roy]                at 01:47 EST

Dan P.

Yeah, I got the specs on the Falcon Rack from Wizztronics a cupla weeks ago.
It sounds really nice.  Mouse, Jstick, Kboard jacks up front along with mic
and headphone jacks.  All other ports are OEM on the rear of the box except
the midi and cart ports, which are also moved to the rear.  Includes Deka 2
built-in, 200+watt power supply, room for front mounted floppy plus 1 5.25 and
1 3.5" drive bay.  Also room for the Falcon internal IDE.  And some kind of
expansion slot for an upcoming frame grabber type upgrade.  The only thing
holding me back is the cost.  MSRP is $525.  I definitely think the Speed
Resolution Card would come first.

So, does anyone know if a third party mouse for the current Macintosh can be
rewired to work on the Falcon/ST?  I know that a PC Bus mouse can, but the
mouse I want to hack is only available in PC Serial or MAC.

Roy

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 193       Fri Dec 09, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 08:21 EST

Thanks, Kevin. That makes one modem port. :-)

Tomas,

I wonder if anyone ever actually used the MIDI port for modem-to-phone-to-
modem-to-MIDI communications? I know it works fine with STalker and Flash II
for direct transfers.

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 194       Fri Dec 09, 1994
PG.MUSIC [PG-Kevin!]         at 10:17 EST

Al,
 Actually that's not true. The LAN port is the same port as the Apple
MAcintosh modem/printer ports. I have a cheap mac cable that lets me connect
my RS232 modem to the LAN port. (but these cables at any CompUSA).

I also use the Falcon LAN port with my Mac midi interfaces. :)

So effectively... you have TWO modem ports on the Falcon. <G>

It really isn't that difficult to do. ;)

--Kevin

PS. Al, yes, there is a program to send midi data out the RS232 port to
another computer and then out the other's midi port. Both ways. It's a simple
little thingy. Only problem is that unless you're running at 28Kbaud you won't
even come close to full midi bandwidth. :)

Even that is a little shy...

Midi is just like any other serial comm device. :) It's\ just that midi has a
"sort of" network protocol & "sort of" works fine for anything ya want. <G>

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 195       Fri Dec 09, 1994
MUSE [Tomas]                 at 09:37 PST

 Al,

  >I wonder if anyone ever actually used the MIDI port for
  >modem-to-phone-to-modem-to-MIDI communications?

 It's doubtful, isn't it?

 ===Tomas===

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 196       Fri Dec 09, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 12:55 EST

Damon,

Wanna give me a Falcon? I'd happily accept it.

By the way you guys count serial ports, my TT has eight or nine. :-)

Al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 197       Fri Dec 09, 1994
K.OLSON10 [KenO.]            at 18:13 EST

Hi!

I have Audio CD Master by It's All Relative.  I can't seem to get it to play
anything.  My CD comes on when I boot with ExtenDOS.  when I call up Audio CD
Master all I can get it to do is eject the CD no tracks will play.

I got the upgrade 3.3 which is supposed to work with the Toshiba CD rom drive.

I tried with the system bare except for the recomended fixe's but still no
cigar.

The CD drive works fine with data CD's.  I have my audio system connected to
the jacks at the back of the CD - nothing.

KenO. :)

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 198       Fri Dec 09, 1994
T.STARACE1                   at 20:01 EST

Hi, Can someone tell me how to access the internal clocks battery. Mine must
be going dead. My Falcon's clock has started to run slow, It's about 2 years
old.

Thanks
  Thomas
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 199       Sat Dec 10, 1994
D.ATKINSON3 [Damon]          at 02:22 CST

Al,

  Sorry, I'm too poor and I need a second one for me.  And a TT. <G> (I'm a
collector)

Damon

 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 200       Sat Dec 10, 1994
D.PHILLIPS25                 at 10:46 PST

Ken,

 You don't say which Toshiba you have. I have the 3201 and it's working _great_
with the fix, even better than CD Listen. You might try setting your
EXTENDOS.CNF to go get the info on the drive, as the book delineates on page
23. Use device id 12.

      Good luck,\
       Dan
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 201       Sat Dec 10, 1994
A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt]       at 16:37 EST

Thanks, Kevin. Since the TT has a LAN port, too, can I assume that it works
the same way?

al
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 202       Sun Dec 11, 1994
T.HEBEL [Spud Boy]           at 20:23 CST

D.FARRINGTON,

        I just got a hold of an extra Falcon RAM Board.  I will be willing to
sell it to you.  LEave me E-Mail if you are interested.

All,
  TOAD sells a product from Germany that is called Falcon Power-up or
something.  IT basically doubles the clock speed and provides about a 40%
speed increase (according to GEMBENCH).  IT costs $89 and requires soldering.
 ------------
Category 30,  Topic 3
Message 203       Mon Dec 12, 1994
K.OLSON10 [KenO.]            at 06:51 EST

Hi!

Dan - My CD is a TXM4101L1.  None of the books I have go up to page 23.
ExtenDOS, Audio CD Master or Toshiba.

Are you telling me that you modified the CNF file that came with ExtenDOS?

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