========================================================================= (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. ========================================================================== Category 4, Topic 28 Message 1 Sat Nov 21, 1992 G.RICHARDSO1 [George] at 22:49 EST This sounds like the exact same problem we had with the Moniterm driver software. I seem to recall that the driver software didn't handle the 68030 stack frame correctly. Doug Wheeler whipped up a version of his X-MON driver that worked correctly with the Moniterm, and was supposedly compatible with the ISAC as well. Is X- MON on the SST distribution disk you got? If so, boot with it and hold down uhhhm.... I think it's the ALT key. X-MON will will abort to a screen that allows you to select what card you'r running and save the configuration. However, since nobody has tried it that I know of, it may not work. Alternately, Dover may have a 68030 compatible driver for the ISAC. George Richardson Merlin Group, Inc. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 2 Sun Nov 22, 1992 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 03:42 EST Thanks for the advice George. I got out the SST disk...no Isac driver, but it reminded me of the version 1.5 driver that Isac users weren't supposed to use. Its called Albertt.prg in the Library. If it runs on the TT it had better run on the SST, Right? Well, I have been using it so far without any trouble. My SST and Isac are doing just fine together, although I haven't worked out the mono driver completely. I use spectre a lot so I'll see if I can't get this puppy to boot up in duo chrome mode tommorrow night. Thanks George, Alan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 3 Sun Nov 22, 1992 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 10:26 EST What you need is the version 1.6 driver...which doesn't work right on an AlberTT but works fine on the ISAC. You also need the program EPD10 from Robert Birmingham, I believe it's in the library, it fixes the OS to know that it now has an STE compatible 4096 palette, and will make your COLOR.CPX work correctly...and give you color control in monichrome mode! So you can adjust the duo of the duochrome. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 4 Sun Nov 22, 1992 R.NELSON123 [R.NELSON123] at 11:39 EST Alan, I suspect you need to diddle with your auto folder. The Isac software does not turn the blitter on. The tiny window tends to appear when GDOS is run in the wrong order with respect to the 1024x768.prg. Plan on diddling ALOT with TSR's when running the ISAC. Install a boot control program and an auto folder sorter. Rick ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 5 Sun Nov 22, 1992 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 12:18 EST Yeah I've noticed the Isac is picky. Jim I have the EDP10.prg because I have the JRI 4096 board. So, I run EDP10....I suppose I don't need the 4096 acc on my Isac disk anymore. Now, where to get a copy of the 1.6 driver...it's not in the library. Guess I'll need to call Jay. Thanks guys, Alan BTW, Jim is there seperate 1.6 driver for monochrome or do I just rename the program like you do with the 1.3 driver ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 6 Sun Nov 22, 1992 J.EIDSVOOG1 [CodeHead] at 13:23 EST Alan, You mentioned "any combination of auto folder stuff". Does that include _no_ auto folder stuff (except the ISAC driver)? That's the important test. If it works that way, you can begin bringing in your "stuff" one program at a time until you determine the problem. I'm sure there are several resident programs which are not compatible with the ISAC. When you make a major change to your system like this, you can't expect to just boot up with your normal AUTO folder. If you're using G+Plus or GDOS, make sure it runs before the ISAC driver. John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 7 Sun Nov 22, 1992 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 17:53 EST Yeah, all other stuff was gone...save the essential MMU program for the SST. I had to have this lest I waste my hard drive or something else worth a lot of money. I don't think 1.3a works at all on an 030 in 1024X728.PRG. The 1024MONO.prg workslong enough to get spectre up. I have to run it from the desktop though....it wont auto boot. Anyone who has owned an Atari very long quickly learns about the ordering of those darned auto prgs. Anyway, I think Gearge and Jim nailed it. I need the 1.6 driver.... Jay could you upload this sometime...I assume it is free. (Sorry to misspell your name George...I hate editing online) Thanks John, Alan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 8 Wed Dec 09, 1992 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 21:43 EST Any suggestions on why Spectre locks up when I try to run it with the 1024mono.prg? It works fine on the SM 124, but locks up before it searches for a disk when I try to run it on the ISAC. I had it running before with version 1.3a, but I had to run the mono.prg from the desktop to do it. I am using version 1.6 since I have an 030. I have tried all I can think of to get it to work. Any ideas.....anyone? Alan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 9 Thu Dec 10, 1992 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 02:58 EST Beats me, I haven't tried doing that for a long time, thought it was all set? Good news for folks, Jay has a suply of both ISAC boards for the MegaST _and_ AlberTT boards for the MegaSTE/TT and both are on sale for $299!!! Yes, just $299, and you too can enjoy hires color graphics!!! Just give Dover Research a call, or Fast Technology if you wish. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 10 Fri Dec 11, 1992 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 00:20 EST Yeah, th ISAC is well worth the money. You can call Jay at 612-492-3913. He had several the last time I spoke with him. Alan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 11 Sun Dec 13, 1992 J.GNIEWKOWSK [GE-Lamp ST] at 03:00 EST I am interested in the AlberTT video board for my Mega STe. The $299 price tag sound terrific, and I have a few questions: o What is the resoloution for 16 colors (800x600)? o If I were to look in "Computer Shopper", what type of monitor would I be looking for? o How does NewDesk handle the increased screen size and palette? Does it think it's working in a extremely large Lo Rez environ- ment? (i.e. will I have a "Hi Rez" screen with a 16 colors?) I guess with my last question, I've seen the MoniTerm monitor at work and would I have the same size/resoloution with 16 colors available? o How does software handle the larger screen size? Thanks, John E. Gniewkowski GenieLamp ST Editor ---------------------- Sunday, December 13, 1992 2:59:24 am ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 12 Sun Dec 13, 1992 REALM [Joey] at 05:01 EST John, the AlberTT is 1024x768 and looks just like ST Low to the computer. Most real programs work with it right off. I know Calamus SL and DynaCADD support it. Most anything that runs in a window seems to work. Prism Paint works... You need a monitor that will handle the 1024x768 at 50mhz (Trying to remember for sure but I think it's 50?). Don't forget to get one that will handle the other resolutions as well. My cousin has a 17" and it's just about right, I wouldn't go any smaller unless it's a money problem then you might get away with 16". The Icons get really tiny but your picture look sharper.:- ) For $299 it's much better then the Moniterm which is 1280x960 in mono. Your trade off will be in the price of a large screen color monitor. If your going to use it a lot don't skimp get a monitor that will handle the res. You might ask Jim about the Toshiba it's a really nice unit and works with all the res's! Basically all you do is plug the card in and put 1 program in your Autofolder. Hope that helps! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 13 Mon Dec 14, 1992 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 09:14 EST The resolution is 1024x768, non-interlaced. It requires a monitor that can do that...1024x768 NON-interlaced, most monitors are sold stating this ability or not. It must be a 48Khz horizontal sync rate monitor. An example, the NEC 3D will _not_ work, but the SONY 1304 will. There are monitors from Amdek, MAG, CTX, Nanao, Samsung, Sony, Misubishi, Toshiba, etc.....al that work fine, you just need to chose how big and how many features you want. The CTX unit is 14" and $300, while the best Nanao is $1500...all street prices. Neodesk catagorizes things by res, so it'll generate a Neodesk.inf file for the 1024x768 screen size specifically...it won't re-use your ST-Low .inf file. Most good, modern, updated, support software works fine on it, older stuff won't. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 14 Mon Dec 14, 1992 J.GNIEWKOWSK [GE-Lamp ST] at 20:28 EST Joey, That;s exactly the info I was looking for! Now to come up with the required $$! John E. Gniewkowski GenieLamp ST Editor ---------------------- Monday, December 14, 1992 2:05:32 am ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 15 Tue Dec 15, 1992 E.KRIMEN [Ed Krimen] at 01:52 EST Jim, will the AlberTT support 800x600? And will it also support a monochrome mode (in addition to its 16-color mode)? ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 16 Tue Dec 15, 1992 K.LEE29 [Kim Lee] at 02:11 EST Let me just get this straight.... $299 for the AlbertTT video board? This being the one that can be used in MEGA STE's? How do I order!?!?!? K.Lee ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 17 Tue Dec 15, 1992 TQUINN [Terry~Sysop] at 11:09 EST The first 200 messages in this Topic have been archived and are available in Library 13 as file # 26959. This archive covers the period between June 16, 1991 and December 15, 1992. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 18 Tue Dec 15, 1992 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 23:32 EST The AlberTT can be made to do 800x600...a simple oscillator change...but it doesn't have the "duochrome mode" that the ISAC does, so it is strictly a 16 color card. Yes, the $299 AlberTT is for TT and MegaSTE computers, the ISAC is for MegaST computers. He had to drop the duochrome mode from the AlberTT because the VME card size couldn't hold all the circuits, otherwise it's the same design as the ISAC. Hopefully Jay will get back online here soon to take orders. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 19 Thu Dec 17, 1992 J.SPANDE [John Spande] at 19:19 EST Jim Does the AlberTT card fully support 800x600 in the software department. I seem to recall that, at least some time ago, that there was no working driver for the 800x600 version. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 20 Fri Dec 18, 1992 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 01:02 EST I think Jay got past that...he got the code from SLavic and did the rest himself. Which was a good idea to do, since Slavic doesn't work for Aari anymore ;-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 21 Fri Dec 18, 1992 D.ALVEAR1 [Dom Alvear] at 03:04 EST I was wondering if there are any ISAC boards left at the discounted price? I am looking to upgrade cheaply so I can use my Princeton Graphics Ultra 1400 to it's fullest. Also, how compatible is the ISAC board? And if I have an unhappy program are there ST compatibility modes? Please let me know. Dom ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 22 Fri Dec 18, 1992 D.ALVEAR1 [Dom Alvear] at 04:51 EST Howdy, I wanted to buy an ISAC board, but I see it won't work with my monitor. Is there a list out there of monitors that do work with it? Also, where can I learn more about this board? I would like to know what software works with it, what doesn't, etc. BTW, my monitor is a Princeton Graphics Ultra 1400. I will only do 1024x768 interlaced. :-( If I can sell it to somebody, than I will buy a new monitor, but it looks as though I won't be able to get one for a while. I also hope that the supply of $299 cards lasts into the new year. I may be able to come up with the money to get a new monitor ~$500 and the ISAC board $299. Then I can just sit on my Ultra 1400 until somebody buys it. Hmm. Dom ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 23 Sat Dec 19, 1992 G.MON2 at 12:57 EST Does the ISAC card provide a pass-through connector? I recently bought a TEC board that plugs into my Mega slot. It is the newer design with a pass through connector. I was wondering if the ISAC card and TEC board can fit together somehow. The $299 price on the ISAC card is very tempting. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 24 Sun Dec 20, 1992 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 12:46 EST No pass through...a height problem really...but I'm sure the Codeheads would help you out with a swap of some type to the other version. Give'em a yell. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 25 Mon Dec 21, 1992 J.LEMLEY [Jack] at 00:49 EST Hi All! Will the ISAC board work with an Acer model 7015 multisync? The Horizontal scan rate is 15-36 KHz and vertical is 45-90 KHz. I'm interested primarily in the 800x600 res. Thanks Jack ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 26 Mon Dec 21, 1992 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 10:07 EST Ah, that's the question, at 1024x768 non-interlaced the horizontal is 48Khz, which is beyond the monitor, but I don't know what it is at 800x600 non interlaced.....I guess it would be: 800x600 ------- x 48,000 = ? 1024x768 As long as ? is 36Khz or less your all set. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 27 Tue Dec 22, 1992 J.SPANDE [John Spande] at 20:16 EST Jim Wouldn't that be ( 600 / 768 ) x 48,000 = 37,500 I don't see why the # of horizontal pixels would enter into the calculation, only the # of lines. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 28 Mon Dec 28, 1992 B.MENAGH [Bill] at 08:09 EST I am increasingly interested in the ISAC board for my ST. My thinking is that I gradually upgrade to a falcon by purchasing a Multisync now for the ST that could be used later if the Falcon flies. I have now, Monitor Master and the Atari mono and colour monitors. I use the Mono for productivity and the colour for games. From what I read the ISAC will permit me to move my productivity to the Multisync where most productivity programes seem to run. At least those that have a "window" according to Jim Allen. Does the ISAC come ready to direct connect to a Multisync or is a special cable required? Would I be advised to retain my Atari colour monitor for games? Does the ISAC permit the display of all three ST video modes on the Multisync (assuming the Multisync has the band-width)? Whar limitations might I expect D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D Dt C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C Cif I purchase an ISAC. I have now on order the Tiny Turbo 030 which I expect to speed up the screen refresh rate - especially with Pagestream and the Type 1 fonts./] Any comment from present users would be welcome. Bill ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 29 Mon Dec 28, 1992 B.KOLINS1 [Brian] at 23:14 EST The ISAC board is only for Megas? That's a shame. How does the architecture differ so as to prevent this board from working in a plain ST? ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 30 Tue Dec 29, 1992 POTECHIN [RT~Sysop] at 10:16 EST There is a MEGA BUS port in the Mega's that does not exist in the 520 or 1040 ST's. This MEGA BUS port was replaced with a VME slot in the Mega STe's and TT's. Jay has boards for both. Nathan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 31 Tue Dec 29, 1992 B.MENAGH [Bill] at 11:10 EST I am increasingly interested in the ISAC board for my MegaST4. I now have Monitor Master and both Mono and Colour monitors. I use the Mono for p[roductivity and the Colour for games (when I have time). From what I read, the ISAC woulsd permit me to do most of my productivity on a multisync, and, if I can get a multisync with appropriate horizontal video I could run all three ST resolutions on it. Again, from what I've picked up on GEnie it seems that mo productivity will run on the ISAC. Questions: 1) Does the ISAC require a special cable or switch box. 2) Would I be advised to keep the Mono or Colour monitors for programs that won't work with the ISAC? Can anyone list what major productivity programs (Pagestream, WP, Phasar, Superbase, etc,) will not work with the ISAC? What limitations might I expect? I will shortly hace a TinyTurbo 030 installed that will speed up the operation of Pagestream 2.2 with screen refresh especially with Type 1 fonts. Any comment from prtesent users of the ISAC would be welcome. Thanks in advance for any assistance. Bill ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 32 Tue Dec 29, 1992 K.SCHAFER4 [Necromancer] at 18:32 EST Bill, Very few (actually, I doubt any) monitors will work with both the ST modes AND the ISAC/AlberTT modes. The problem is the horizontal sync... The ISAC needs at 47 or 48Hz minimum (I believe) to operate. Most monitors in this 'class' generally can sync from as low as 35 to 70 and above, thus covering the ISAC in it's bandwidth. Unfortunately, the ST's video is really old technology (CGA, really), and it's sync is something like 15.5Hz... The monitor you'll need for the ISAC won't be able to "go that slow" and bad things will happen. There might be an oddball monitor here or there that can sync as low as 15Hz and still have the higher end needed for the ISAC, but I wouldn't set my hopes on it. Sorry the answer isn't what you wanted =( Ken @ NecroWare Development ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 33 Tue Dec 29, 1992 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 20:29 EST You'll need a seperate monitor for the ISAC, and I'd keep the Atari mono and color ones around, since most games won't work on the ISAC and some older applications won't run on the ISAC. Most productivity SW will work on the ISAC in mono mode (duo-chrome actually...two colors you select in the normal ST COLOR.CPX in the Xcontrol panel), and most of the currently supported SW will run in ISAC color mode...Pagestream, CalamusSL, etc. The cable you'll need will be for use with an IBM PC "CGA/EGA" 9 pin (DB9) connector. Be sure and ask for it specifically, because most monitors these days will come with a cable for use with IBM PC "VGA" which is a 15 pin highdensity (DB15H) connector. There are CGA/EGA-to-VGA cable adapters out there, so if you can't get the right cable, you can use the stock VGA cable and the adapter (just a small metal doohicky). If you wish, I can get the ISAC for you and include it with the Tiny, or send it out right away, what ever you need. Or just give Jay a call. I just ordered a new ISAC and AlberTT from him to keep my stock up. Ken, I think you're right, I must have been thinking 15" CTX and looking at the 14" prices....hit me will ya! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 34 Tue Dec 29, 1992 J.GNIEWKOWSK [GE-Lamp ST] at 21:40 EST Nathan, Do you know about the availability of the AlberTT for $299. After some thought this seems the best route for me to take (economically and for my present needs). Let me run them by you once again to help me solidify my decision: I currently own a MSTe and find myself using monochrome (on a 147) for 100% of my work. The aspect ratio and resoloution make using the computer for long periods of time acceptable. My problem is that, although the 147 provides a _larger_ screen, it is not neccesarily _bigger_. What I would like is the resoloution of the 19" TT monitor with a desktop (or working area) larger than ST HI. From what I understand there is nothing I can buy for the MSTe to accomplish this - except the boards that _also_ give an increase in colors (Crazy Dots, the Lexicor product, etc.) Soooo, to accomplish my goal, I see the AlberTT providing the increase in workspace _along with_ an increase in the number of colors available for me to use (from 2 to 16 out of 4,096). This added benifit will make the thing look prettier (and I'm all for that) but not much else. For example games that require ST LOW will probably not work on the AlberTT, no? (I pick games because these seem to be the only things that _require_ ST LOW). Now, am I on track here and (IYO) would I be making the most _sensible_ choice with the AlberTT. Respectfully, John E. Gniewkowski GenieLamp ST Editor ---------------------- Tuesday, December 29, 1992 8:40:18 pm ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 35 Wed Dec 30, 1992 J.GNIEWKOWSK [GE-Lamp ST] at 00:42 EST Jim, I know I aimed my last post to Nathan, but please chime in! The information you gave me so far has helped immeasuarably! Here's a question for you, sort of on topic. Since the memory required to do the video work will be substantially increased (or so I believe), is there a way to increase my MSTe to > 4 megs of memory? I'm thinking that there is an option on the Tiny for this (not virtual, but real). Is this true? John E. Gniewkowski GenieLamp ST Editor ---------------------- Wednesday, December 30, 1992 12:12:54 am ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 36 Wed Dec 30, 1992 POTECHIN [RT~Sysop] at 08:50 EST Jim can handle both questions. :-) We might even get Jay to drop in one of these days. Jim, call Jay! ;-) Nathan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 37 Wed Dec 30, 1992 K.SCHAFER4 [Necromancer] at 18:08 EST John, Actually, any VDI compliant game should work ok with the ISAC (SimCity would be mighty amusing at 1024x768!!!) _Ken @ NecroWare Development_ ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 38 Thu Dec 31, 1992 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 12:18 EST John, I have a mmory expansion design, which I'll make after the Tiny's are all shipped out. It allows adding 8Megs of real ram. Also, a Tiny with virtual memory works fine, a couple folks here on GEnie use this setup and are happy with it....and you can have alot more than 8 more megs ;-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 39 Fri Jan 01, 1993 K.LEE29 [Kim Lee] at 03:47 EST Well at $299 I definately would like to purchase an AlberTT. Just one problem, How do I order? Kim ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 40 Fri Jan 01, 1993 B.MENAGH [Bill] at 13:03 EST Is there a list of multisyncs that has been compiled that work with the ISAC? It seems that the NEC 3D was not recommended by someone (Jim Allen?). But what about the NEC 3dfg? ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 41 Sat Jan 02, 1993 LEOTAYLOR [LEO] at 17:01 EST Ken: >There might be an oddball monitor... I have a "loop" multiscan monitor I bought from REO for $400 that is rated at 15-48 KHZ horizontal and 47-100 HZ vertical. So far I've only used it for ST color (15K/60) and ST mono (31K/70) but I assume it can go higher. I'm still waiting for the long overdue Chromax to plug into the SST I've had for a year. You really need an accellerator with expanded video. I've seen Joe Mardo's ISAC on an ST and it was PAINFULL when it needed to scroll in 1024 line duochrome. Too many dots for a 68000 to move! He had a T-16 which helped a bit. Leo Taylor ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 42 Sat Jan 02, 1993 W.JESSOP [WARREN PHOTO] at 20:31 EST Bill, If you get a computer shopper and look in the "USA*Flex" ad (in the very back), they have a section on "Brand name monitors". This lists specs on most of the popular monitors today. Look for a Maximum horizontal scanning frequency of AT LEAST 48kHz, since that is what the ISAC and AlberTT output. And as Jim mentioned earlier, it must be a NON-INTERLACED monitor. While the NEC 3D WILL work with an unimproved ST (you need a switchbox), it will NOT work with the ISAC or AlberTT cards because it only has a maximum horizontal scanning frequency of 38kHz. Once you get up into the higher priced NEC stuff, such as the 4D, 5D, 3FGx, 4FG, 5FG, or 6FG, they all work with Jay's cards. One nice thing I've heard (can't guarantee it's true) about the NEC monitors is that they come with a DB15 to DB9 adaptor. Most of the monitors shipping today have signal cables with a DB15 connection, whereas Jay used the older DB9 standard on his cards. If you need the bigger size and can afford the price, the NEC makes for less hassle, since you will have the adaptor ready to plug into the ISAC or AlberTT. I just got the FLEXVISION 14", which was designed by MAG. It was only $329 plus shipping. Obviously, I couldn't afford the more expensive monitors, but I'm sure I'll be really happy when my ISAC card comes in! Imagine having a screen just slightly bigger than the SC1224, but with 1024 x 768 resolution and 16 colors instead of 320 x 200 at 16 colors! Perhaps Jim or some others can tell us what happens to our desktop icons when operating under an ISAC environment. Do the icons become smaller now, leaving more room between them on the desktop? And how does one deal with shifting from a low resolution program to a high resolution program? Or do we not have to worry about that any more? An explanation from bootup to operating different kinds of programs would definitely be a real boon to everyone in this topic. What do ya say guys? Aloha, Warren ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 43 Sun Jan 03, 1993 J.SPANDE [John Spande] at 15:43 EST Warren, I hope I don't sound too much like a wet blanket but a 14" monitor is really too small for 1024x768. The text gets so small it will be hard to read. 800x600 is about the practical limit for a 14" screen. You might want to see about getting the parts with your new board to do 800x600. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 44 Sun Jan 03, 1993 J.LEMLEY [Jack] at 19:51 EST Hi All! I will have an ISAC for my Mega next week (used). Lim Allen has recommended the CTX multisync 1024x768 non interlaced 15" monitor. I would like to know if anyone here has or is using a 14" 1024x768 NI monitor and if so do you recommend it? The 14" CTX can be had out of CS for $309. The 15" model is over $400. I am an occassional (read hobbiest) user of DTP and CAD ie PGS2, Calamus SL, and Dynacadd. Any advice would be appreciated. Also if the 1024x768 mode is unuseable on the 14" is 800x600 useable on the 14"? Are there more incompatabilities with 800x600 than with 1024x768? Thanks Jack ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 45 Wed Jan 06, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 03:51 EST Jack, I use 800X600 on a 15-inch monitor and I am sure that any higher res would be a pain. BTW, it's not the nominal size of the screen that matters, it's the actual viewing size. My 15-inch ADI monitor has an actual 15-inch diagonal viewing dimension, and that helps a lot. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 46 Wed Jan 06, 1993 W.JESSOP [WARREN PHOTO] at 04:45 EST John S., Thanks for your perspective...I guess we really need some more detailed clarification on how the ISAC "does what it does". In previous posts, some have made statements like "don't get a monitor under 17", and go for a 20" model if you can afford it", but they never explained why!! Of course, I couldn't even afford the 17" monitors right now. I understood that the ISAC will also work in 800 x 600 mode without any special parts...what's this about "parts"? Can anyone tell me how big the desktop icons in NeoDesk are when one operates through the ISAC? That would help explain the feel of the monitor a little better. And Jim, does Jay have my address for shipping purposes? Thanks & aloha from Maui! Warren ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 47 Wed Jan 06, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 20:16 EST Warren, To get an idea of size just take your monitor width in inch's and divide it by the number of pixels. That will give you the number of pixels per inch. Since a desktop Icon is 32 pixels you can then see what size they'll be on different monitors. My Atari monitor is 13" diagonal and the display width is roughly 9-3/8" at 640 pixels. Thats roughly 68 pixels per inch. If I tried to display 1024 on my monitor I would have roughly 109 pixels per inch. Now to find your Icon width in inchs take 1" and divide by your pixels per inch 68 then multiple that by 32 (the width of your Icon). You can see at 640 my Icons are 15/32" and at 1024 there only 9/32" wide. If you want an idea, take the monitor you have now and figure out the resolution your currently using. You can also figure out what display width you'll need to get the size icons you want. In order for me to keep the same 68 pixels per inch, I would have to take 1024, divide by 68. That tells me I roughly need a 15" display width. I think monitors are roughly at a 3:4 ratio so you can figure the height to be 11-1/4". So you could figure out the diagonal measurement using that famous triangle formula c2=a2+b2.:-) Anyway that works out to 18.75" so roughly I would need a 19" monitor to have the same size Icons at 1024 pixel width. Thats basically why I said don't get smaller then a 17".:-) Plus I've used a 17" with the AlberTT and the Icons are smaller then what I would consider normal. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 48 Wed Jan 06, 1993 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 23:19 EST Warren, Jay has it and the board is on it's way to you as we speak. The ISAC for Bill and the AlberTT for Ken arrived here today, and Jay sent both boxes out at the same time!! I used the ISAC on a Sony 1304 13" for a couple years, it was just fine...but I'm young and my eyes work fine ;-) The rule of thumb is, a good 13" will do but buy the most "VEIWING AREA" you can afford. A FST (flatsquaretube) 14" is much bigger than a normal 13" in how it appears to your eyes, and a 15" FST is even better. And I can tell you, a 17" FST is MUCH MUCH better but costs $1000+ so it's out of most folks reach still. The CTX 14" FST is fine, and an NEC 3D used in 800x600 mode is also fine. Anything bigger than those are better. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 49 Wed Jan 06, 1993 MIKE.KELLER [ST Aladdin] at 23:28 EDT Joey, that was a great explanation! Give that fella a cigar. mike.k ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 50 Thu Jan 07, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 00:50 EST Thanks Mike but I don't smoke!:-) Actually, outside your desktop and program controls being extremly small, a smaller monitor would be better for pictures and games. You start craming that many pixels in a much smaller space you actually have a lot higher per inch resolution. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 51 Thu Jan 07, 1993 J.GNIEWKOWSK [GE-Lamp ST] at 00:55 EST Al, Is your monitor still available? I have been looking at the CTX 15" Flat screen non-interlaced monitor. It seems to provide the best bang for the buck. If one was only going to go to 15" (or settle for 15"), would you have an opinion as to a good buy? John E. Gniewkowski GEnieLamp ST Editor ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 52 Fri Jan 08, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 03:42 EST John, The ADI monitors are available; they're new to the U.S., as far as I know (at least under their own name). There are a lot of good monitors around these days. The intense competition in the display business has helped a lot. I'd choose a monitor that has an FST screen (much more satisfactory viewing -- as soon as you use one you don't ever want to go back) or a Trinitron screen. Trinitrons are entirely flat vertically and only slightly curved horizontally. I'd also pick one that can be adjusted for a full frame. The viewing area is increased significantly. For 800X600, a 15-inch is large enough. Keep in mind that using a large-screen monitor (more than 15-inch) has no advantage if you are sitting close, unless it's a *very* expensive display; there may not be any more pixels in a big-screen display than in a normal size one, and the result can be a distracting sense of looking at a grid, rather than at images on a screen. I speak as a professional user of many different sizes and types of large monitor. I use a Philips 20-inch 1000X1000 color display about four hours a day, a Mitsubishi 20-inch for a few minutes a day, a 20-inch Phillips 1200X1000 b/w display about an hour a day -- all at the newspaper office -- and my 14-inch Sony and 15-inch ADI from two to eight hours a day in my home office. I still use one of my SM124 monitors often, too (my wife uses the other one a lot) and also have a fondness for my JVC-made SC1224. Um, I look at my calculator screen sometimes, too. And there's the world's largest Atari 8-bit color display, the 72-inch VideoBeam that I use to play those great old 8-bit games on when I'm not watching reruns of Married ... With Children. I sleep sometimes, too. :) Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 53 Fri Jan 08, 1993 K.SCHAFER4 [Necromancer] at 22:51 EST Jack, The ISAC 800x600 mode is really just a 'window' on a 1024x768 screen! The actual memory layout is the same, the driver just skips over the bytes past 800 to 1024 and everything past 600. This can cause problems with some programs, and lessens the "compatibility quotient". The last time Jay left any messages here, he mentioned that you can have both crystal sets for the asking (800x600 AND 1024x768), so you can use your inexpensive monitor now, and upgrade to 1024x768 when you can get the $$. _Ken @ NecroWare Development_ ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 54 Sat Jan 09, 1993 W.JESSOP [WARREN PHOTO] at 00:36 EST Aloha! Thanks to Joey and Al and Jim for their helpful input! I got a yellow slip (that I'm presuming is my ISAC card) in my PO Box today, so I'll be getting back to you guys Saturday afternoon or evening with a report on how things work out. Joey's explanation made everything clear mathematically, and made the concepts easy for everyone to apply. Now I'm also presuming that my desktop will still fill the whole screen, with smaller icons than I had before, so that I'll be able to fit more icons in a certain space, right? And how does Pagestream work out as far as the various zoom settings go? Do they maintain accuracy so that when it says 100%, it really is lifesize? I guess I'll find out tomorrow, and give you guys a report on screen redraw rates (how much slower they are in various programs) WITHOUT the Tiny '030. I've heard that Pagestream screen redraws are not much slower, but that scrolling can be a bit slow... And hopefully, ;^) I'll be able to report on the redraw speeds of ISAC with a Tiny '030 (real soon now!)... Til tomorrow, Warren ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 55 Sat Jan 09, 1993 J.LEMLEY [Jack] at 18:52 EST Hi All! I got my ISAC (used) and have a slight problem. The guy I bought it from sent the 800x600 chips but there are no instructions. I don't know which TAL/PAL's on the ISAC to replace. Could someone let me know which chips to replace????? I assume the chrome 4 prong chip w/40,000 MHz on it goes near the monitor hook up at the rear of the card? but what about the 2 GAL chips (there are 7 sockets to choose from). I see on the diagram that two chips are marked VCNT and HCNT & #'d U17 & U18 respectively are these the ones? I don't want to guess at it and risk damaging the board. Thanks Jack BTW I have a 14" monitor is why I want to go 800x600. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 56 Sun Jan 10, 1993 W.JESSOP [WARREN PHOTO] at 16:36 EST Aloha, Well, it seems my yellow slip was for my son's science kit...so the wait goes on... Til next time, Warren ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 57 Sun Jan 10, 1993 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 20:24 EST Any second now Warren ;-) Aloha. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 58 Wed Jan 13, 1993 W.JESSOP [WARREN PHOTO] at 05:46 EST Aloha! Well guys, I got my ISAC board allright, but due to ignorance on my part (and lack of information proliferation on this topic!) I am still on my old monitors. So now I'm awaiting some TOS 1.4 ROMs (which are being supplied by a very kind helper--hip hip hooray for Jim Allen!) so I can be up and flying in high-res color. Of course, in the meantime I had to learn the hard way, unrigging and re-rigging my computer hutch, dropping the new monitor on my foot, OUCH!! ;&( (which, as you can see above, got my nose bent out of shape!!) So, in the interest of cutting away injury & ignorance, and proliferating important information (and for all you guys & gals starting to think about upgrading your monitor output ability), LET IT BE KNOWN: ________________ To operate an ISAC board with a multisync monitor you absolutely must: 1) Have TOS ROMS of version 1.4 or above 2) Download the Atari CPX software (do a search under XCONTROL) 3) Have a multisync monitor that has a maximum horizontal scan frequency of AT LEAST 48kHz (higher is OK) NON-Interlaced. 4) Download file #21647 (Extended Palette Driver ver. 1.0) which gives you 4096 colors to choose from instead of just 512... not too shabby! I've been told that this tiny AUTO folder TSR program is better than the 4096 driver included with the ISAC, and should be used instead of it. 5) Have a source for an adaptor from 9-pin D-shell (VGA) to 15-pin D-shell (SVGA- which most monitors today come with), unless your monitor has a 9-pin monitor signal cable (in which case it will plug right into the ISAC). 6) And finally, of course, you must have the ISAC board! ;^) For those of you without a lot of money for a new multisync monitor, I just saw a DAMARK catalog with a TAXAN 15" flat-square tube monitor, with 1024 x 768 at .28 mm dot pitch (I'm assuming its horizontal scan ratio will be high enough and that it is Non Interlaced--only a call to them will tell). Price: only $499...not a bad deal for a nice monitor. If you can't afford that, you'll have to go down to the 14" monitors made by many and available for $320 to $400 + shipping. Most experienced ones recommend 16" or larger IF YOU CAN AFFORD THAT... Jim-- do you operate at 800 x 600 mode *when* you use a 13" monitor? Is there any difference in screen redraw speed when one goes from 1024 x 768 down to 800 x 600 resolution? (I'm thinking of Pagestream especially). And do you know anything about the oscillator change that increases the vertical scan rate (price, ease of installation, amount of noticeable change to the eye.)?? Hope this is helpful to the neophytes... [and if any of you "experienced ones" see any mistakes above, please notify us so that I don't mislead others!) ;^) I must say the board itself is very beautifully put together and was a cinch to install (15 minutes and you're all closed up and ready to fly again!). Aloha to all, Warren ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 59 Wed Jan 13, 1993 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 21:15 EST The 800x600 mode requires swapping the crystal and two of the PAL chips on the board...no big deal as everything is socketed. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 60 Fri Jan 15, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 01:08 EST I've recently had a problem with a TT/AlberTT combo that has just been unreal. This machine has been exchanged, sent to Atari for evaluation, returned to the dealer numerious times, parts interchanged with working systems, cussed at and just about everything else over the past couple months. Today, I found a very simple solution to a very elusive problem. The AlberTT doesn't work with just 2 megs of ST RAM you need at least 4. It should work with 2 Megs but it gives a Bus error. Jays aware of the problem now and he said he'd check into the driver. If you have a 6 Meg TT, your card won't boot. Unfortunately, nobody realized that until today. Talk about your forest through the tree problem.:-) By the way, everybody was great! Atari let us keep a machine to use while they tested this one. Computer Studio was incredibly supportive as always! Jim Allen lent a hand loaning me stuff! Jay tells wonderful stories!:-) I just wanted to list everyones names so they could be embarrassed about the solution as myself.:-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 61 Sat Jan 16, 1993 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 02:13 EST Wow, sounds like Slavic was really smokin' when he wrote the driver...something other than SW ;-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 62 Fri Jan 22, 1993 J.CRASWELL at 23:13 EST Ta Dah! I RETURN Bearing good wishes for those of you who have kept the faith! And kept me from vegging out too much on my many other projects. I hope everyone is having good luck with the AlberTTs and ISACs. I am very happy that the new price is getting so many of you to "jump in" to the High res jungle. Lets hope that this keeps up! Hey I might even be able to afford to check on more than once a year! By the way there were several requests on how to order?!? Thats one question I know the answer too! (612) 492-3913 Call Days or Evenings. I'm central standard time and looking forward to talking to you. We take VISA and Master Card. Cash also! . Yes I've checked out the 2 Meg ST ram bug a little more and it appears that its a "semi" thought out error trap "SEMI" Because its not so great that it does not tell you about it! I guess the fact that the card has 400K of Screen ram and uses quite a bit of ST ram is the reason (excuse) that it won't operate. Sorry bout that folks! But thanks for the help in finding this weird problems solution. When I get some time I will drag out the code for the 030 version of the ISAC driver. I believe that some changes are in order (ie Monochrome) Talk to you all again soon.... I hope I hope. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 63 Mon Jan 25, 1993 POTECHIN [RT~Sysop] at 10:02 EST Good to see you here Jay. :-) Nathan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 64 Sun Jan 31, 1993 D.PHILLIPS25 at 08:38 EST I know that this isn't the topic for this, but it seems that this is where all of the video gurus are. Is anyone familiar with the Megascreen ST from Compo? It's a little board with a Megabus connector and 8 wires on it. The problem is that I don't know where the wires go, and the disk gives me no developer's names or anything. I think it's meant to supple- ment Compo's IBM emulators, but I'm not sure. Hope somebody can give me some US leads, I'd really hate to call Europe. Thanks, Dan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 65 Sun Jan 31, 1993 POTECHIN [Nathan] at 09:30 EST COMPO opened a US office some time back. Bob supports all Compo product right here on GEnie on a regular basis. He can be reached at the email address of COMPO. He does have a few specific topics here but none of them on the Meagscreen I don't think. Nathan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 66 Thu Feb 04, 1993 W.JESSOP [WARREN PHOTO] at 07:09 EST Aloha Gang, Following is the result of my "comparison research" for all of you who work in Pagestream (in color) and are considering moving into an ISAC/multisync combo. For those who don't know much about the ISAC card, it plugs into Mega ST's and gives you the ability to see 16 colors in very high resolution -- something I find very necessary for creating anything with more than 4 colors in it. If you try to work on a color production with a "normal" 4-color Atari monitor setup, you'll find that many of your objects don't even show up because they disappear into the color background screens or other objects. Working in 16 colors gives you the ability to see all those objects, because Pagestream has 16 colors to assign to them. The comparisons were made by loading various Pagestream files which typically included floor layouts from oceanfront homes, with lots of details (right down to the bathtub faucets and the tiles on the kitchen counter!). Screen redraw times were checked by hitting "ESC-U" to force a screen redraw, while timing on my Casio stopwatch. I redrew several times to ensure that any necessary fonts were loaded in to memory cache so that there wouldn't be any discrepancies based upon hard drive access. This comparison will give you some "real world" figures to see what kind of improvement you get for your dollar! ********************************************************************* ISLAND PARADISE (PGS IN DRAFT TEXT MODE) This file was a color brochure that included a mix of floor layout, bezier curve artwork, and some text. As you can see, the 2-color mode takes about 35% longer to redraw than ST Medium mode, and the 16-color adds about 43% -- but the screen is larger and the resolution is 614% higher! Not a bad trade... Mega ST4 Mega ST4 Mega ST4 w/blitter & G+Plus w/blitter & G+Plus w/blitter &G+Plus ST Med Res. ISAC 16 color ISAC 2 color ---------------- ------------- ---------------- 23.18 seconds 33.15 seconds 31.37 seconds ********************************************************************** PIKAKE (PGS IN NON-DRAFT) This file was also a color brochure, but it had a LARGE amount of Type 1 Postscript color text, and I timed it in NON-DRAFT mode to get an example of what happens in those unbearably long screen redraw situations. Note that in material that is predominantly text, there is only about a 12% increase in redraw time. WARNING: Do not try this test at home...our tester was a highly trained professional sleeper! Mega ST4 Mega ST4 Mega ST4 w/blitter & G+Plus w/blitter & G+Plus w/blitter & G+Plus ST Med Res. ISAC 16 color ISAC 2 color ------------ ------------- ------------------ 5 min. 22 sec. 6 min. 6 min. 2 sec. ********************************************************************** PIKAKE (PGS IN DRAFT MODE) This file is the same as the one above, but the screen redraw was done in draft mode (thank you for this one Deron!) Mega ST4 Mega ST4 Mega ST4 w/blitter & G+Plus w/blitter & G+Plus w/blitter & G+Plus ST Med Res. ISAC 16 color ISAC 2 color ---------------- ------------- ------------------ 14.39 sec. 20.45 sec. 18.65 sec. ********************************************************************** Well, there you have it kids! Stay tuned for an update of these tests using a FAST TECH Tiny '030 card in conjunction with the ISAC card! Aloha, Warren ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 67 Mon Feb 08, 1993 W.JESSOP [WARREN PHOTO] at 05:35 EST Aloha again! (and sorry for that wipeout in message 66!) I tried and TRIED to get that message to format properly, but couldn't seem to find some sort of ghost character that messed up my "chart formatting". (And yes, I did put spaces before and after empty lines). Anyway, here are the stats on those Pagestream redraws comparing ISAC 16-color mode, ISAC 2-color mode, and ST Med. resolution. ******************************************************************** ISLAND PARADISE (PGS IN DRAFT TEXT MODE) This file was a color brochure that included a mix of floor layout, bezier curve artwork, and some text. As you can see, the 2-color mode takes about 35% longer to redraw than ST Medium mode, and the 16-color adds about 43% -- but the screen is larger and the resolution is 614% higher! Not a bad trade-off... Mega ST4, blitter & G+Plus, ST Med. Res. . . . . . . 23.18 seconds Mega ST4, blitter & G+Plus, ISAC 16-color. . . . . . 33.15 seconds Mega ST4, blitter & G+Plus, ISAC 2-color . . . . . . 31.37 seconds ******************************************************************** PIKAKE BROCHURE (PGS IN NON-DRAFT) This file was also a color brochure, but it had a LARGE amount of Type 1 Postscript text, and I timed it in NON-DRAFT mode to get an example of how ISAC changes things in those unbearably long screen redraw situations. Note that in material that is predominantly text, there is only about a 12% increase in redraw time. WARNING: Do not try this test at home...our tester was a highly trained professional dozer... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! Mega ST4, blitter & G+Plus, ST Med. Res. . . . . . . 5:22 (min:sec) Mega ST4, blitter & G+Plus, ISAC 16-color. . . . . . 6:00 (min:sec) Mega ST4, blitter & G+Plus, ISAC 2-color . . . . . . 6:02? (min:sec) ******************************************************************** PIKAKE BROCHURE (PGS IN DRAFT MODE) This file is the same as the one above but the screen redraw was done in draft mode (thank you for this ability Deron!). Mega ST4, blitter & G+Plus, ST Med. Res. . . . . . . 14.39 seconds Mega ST4, blitter & G+Plus, ISAC 16-color. . . . . . 20.45 seconds Mega ST4, blitter & G+Plus, ISAC 2-color . . . . . . 18.65 seconds ******************************************************************** I will post some "scrolling-type" benchmarks in the near future (Non- Pagestream stuff). The only things that I haven't been able to "get working" on the ISAC card are game programs and Degas Elite. Some things benefit a lot from the ISAC (Pagestream, Regent Base II, Aladdin, for example). Other programs cannot change the size of their screens, so they just take up about 1/3 of the 1024 x 768 screen (VIP Professional text version and PHA$AR). Hope this has helped, Warren ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 68 Wed Feb 10, 1993 J.NESS [Jim] at 16:47 EST Warren - Could you try NBM.LZH in the libraries here, and see what the benchmark program does on its graphics tests? That should provide a decent comparison. -JN ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 69 Sat Feb 27, 1993 W.JESSOP [WARREN PHOTO] at 06:38 EST Aloha friends, Does anyone have any suggestions for a good mouse accelerator? I've always loved MACCEL3.PRG, but it seems to only work with my ISAC setup some of the time. More specifically, I boot up using MOUSEBOOT IV to choose between 16-color and 2-color mode. When I change from one mode to another, MACCEL ver 3.3 doesn't work, although the screen shows it installing with no problems during bootup. If I boot up in the same mode that I was in last time I used the computer, the accelerator works just fine. So the first time is a no go, and if I want my accelerator (how can you live without one in 1024 x 768 ??) I have to do a reset. Thanks for any help forthcoming! Aloha, Warren ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 70 Sat Feb 27, 1993 MYECK.WATERS [myeck] at 11:51 EST Warren; Do you use WARP 9? It has a mouse accellerator built in. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 71 Sat Feb 27, 1993 S.KIEPE [Steve ] at 14:19 EST Warren Jessop, I recommend Warp 9 to solve your mouse acceleration problems, as well as the added advantage of accelerating your big screen tremendously. It is indispensible on my screen (1280x960) and it is nice having many features in one package. It's a great value! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 72 Sat Feb 27, 1993 J.BRENNER1 [See Flat] at 15:07 EST I dont know where to post this question so i will try here since lot's of techs seem to be around here. Why is there no RGB to Video composite converter for the Atari TT line of computers. Is this because of the TT's design or is it that no one has enterprized to build such a unit. I have been told..."There is no way on this planet to get video to tape from a TT" But I wasn't told if it _could_ be done or _couldn't_ be done. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 73 Sat Feb 27, 1993 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 17:20 EST You certainly don't want to use both MACCEL _and_ the Warp9 mouse accel at the same time. I always use Maccell, and have the W9 one disabled...I am a pretty simple user so the awesome special effects don't get used...and I haven't had troubles at all with MA in either 2 or 16 color mode. I also use Xcontrol, and the Maccel CPX. Hope you get it sorted out Warren. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 74 Wed Mar 03, 1993 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 00:59 EST Anyone want to part with an 800X600 chip set for the ISAC? Jay, can I Buy them directly from you? Alan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 75 Wed Mar 03, 1993 W.JESSOP [WARREN PHOTO] at 04:17 EST Aloha folks, Thanks for your input about the mouse accelerator experiences (especially yours Jim!). I use Maccel.PRG out of the ATARI CPX too. I think this must be a case of Maccel.PRG, Mouseboot IV, and the ISAC driver not getting along together. I never have this problem when I boot up into my SC1224 (non-ISAC setup). BUT, when I specify a low resolution preset, I get medium-res the first time. And when I specify a medium resolution preset, I get low-res the first time. Like they say: Second time's a charm... :^) JIM-, have you tried the Mouseboot IV demo in the library? It's a great example of programming using the potential of the ISAC card, 16 colors to make textured color panels with 3-dimensional buttons in the dialog boxes, and some amazing possibilities...now if I can just get my mouse accelerator to be consistent. Anyway, let me know if you can try out the same combo and get the same results. Thanks, Warren ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 76 Wed Mar 03, 1993 K.SCHAFER4 [Necromancer] at 21:38 EST Anyone figure out how to get Touch-up to work on an AlberTT card? Mine runs, gets a blank screen and never comes back... Very wierd. Does it run in duo-chrome on an ISAC (AlberTT's are 16 color only) _Ken @ NecroWare Development_ ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 77 Thu Mar 04, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 07:51 EST Warren, SilkMouse has the best mouse acceleration around. It is the only one I have tried (out of a dozen) that works "right" -- whatever that means. A new version just came out, and the registered version is only $10. (It's here on GEnie.) BTW, Rio Computers sells an RBG converter for the ST/TT: Rio Computers 3310 Berwyck Street Las Vegas, NV 89121 Work phone: 702 454- 0335 Fax line: 702 454-7700 Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 78 Sun Mar 07, 1993 W.JESSOP [WARREN PHOTO] at 22:17 EST ALL ISAC USERS, My problem with the combination of the ISAC driver, Mouseboot IV, and MACCEL.PRG has been solved! I simply replaced MACCEL with SilkMouse in my AUTO folder, and the mouse accelerator works perfectly first time, every time! BTW- there is simply no comparison between SilkMouse and MACCEL...in my humble opinion! A great program! (Thanks for the suggestion Al!) Aloha, Warren ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 79 Thu May 06, 1993 J.PATTERSON3 [Ted] at 20:12 EDT Two months since the last post here.....is the AlberTT still being sold/supported? ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 80 Sat May 15, 1993 R.JONES82 [Bob Jones] at 16:29 EDT I own a Mega STe and am interested in the alberTT card. I currently use a mono and color monitor hooked via "Monito Master" I'm tired of having a cluttered desktop and wish to use one monitor for everything. What monitor will enable me to use the AlberTT for DTP and also allow me to play games in 320x200. I don't mind if the rez is 800x600 for DTP in fact I'd prefer it as the icons get too tiny at the higher rez. I am not willing to shell out 1500 for a giant 21" monitor, no more than 500.00. This may be a tall order to fill but is there such a monitor? My purchase of the alberTT depends on meeting this requirement. Bob Jones ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 81 Sun May 16, 1993 D.PHILLIPS25 at 08:17 EDT Bob, I'm using a CTX CMS-3436 14" NI (I believe, but it won't accept the ISAC high frequency 1024X768) monitor on my system with good results, though it only goes to 800X600. It does all three Atari modes the best of any monitor I've seen. I don't know if that exact model is still available, monitors which drop down to 15.75 kHz are pretty rare and I'd be willing to bet that there aren't any of those that go above the 38 kHz that this one's rated at. A friend of mine said that he got a CTX Multi-scan with similar specs for $320 new, but that's in the computer mecca, San Diego. Good luck, Dan\ ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 82 Sun May 16, 1993 D.PHILLIPS25 at 08:26 EDT Help! I've got two problems: A: My ISAC board seems to be thrashing the sound output on my Atari monitor line. I'm getting a high frequency buzz, very annoying, how can I fix it? B: When I shuffle around windows on the desktop, my system crashes, and frequently. Generally, it occurs when there are at least two windows open and I move one to the lower half of the screen. The date on the driver file is 9-13-90, I don't know the version number. Is there a newer driver to fix this, or could this be happening because I don't have a blitter. (I've got an ATW800 Transputer which acts like a Mega, but doesn't have a blitter.) C: I lied, I've got three problems. 4096.ACC crashes my system every time, even if I try to sneak it in through Multidesk. Any ideas? Thanks, Dan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 83 Tue May 18, 1993 D.PHILLIPS25 at 04:33 EDT BTW, the version number of the driver for the previous message is 1.2x. Thanks ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 84 Tue May 18, 1993 M.WEILERT2 [matt] at 10:23 EDT D.Phillips25, How did you come by an ATW!!! Drool, drool :-) Please share your story with us less fortunate mortals who've only recently graduated to 33MHz (TT) :-) Thanks, Matt ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 85 Wed May 19, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 03:24 EDT Matt, I've been hearing from some friends who have picked up their Falcii, and they've been raving about AW. Now if Atari can get the regular release version out in the next few weeks, we'd all get a chance. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 87 Sat May 22, 1993 AEO.5 [Ed Krimen] at 12:04 EDT >Atari-ST RoundTable >I've been hearing from some friends who have picked up their Falcii, and ^^^^^^ Ouch!! :-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 88 Sun Jun 06, 1993 D.PHILLIPS25 at 07:04 EDT Matt, I would have answered sooner, but my ATW has been under the knife, a lot! Anyhow, I got the Transputer from a guy who worked with Alan Page in Canada many moons ago (apparently they were starting something big with Kodak which included making a printer card for the ATW and a high end Kodak printer (pre- Photo-CD?). Anyhow, the ATW is Atari UK's baby and Atari US will have nothing to do with it, and no one in the UK still knows anything about it. They tell me it's awesome, but at this point, I'd really prefer to trade it for a Mega on steroids or a TT. I had a TT, but couldn't really justify the tied up money, especially when I figured I could T25, ISAC, and XTRA-RAM the ATW and go almost as fast as the TT (except for Dyna-CADD and Silhoette, which I don't use), with better compatibility and more pixels (in color). This is not to say that the ATW doesn't work, I've got some software for it (which requires a $1000+ monitor to get output), including some stuff that will work very well on Atari monitors (i.e. Helios OS). It's like a Mega ST1 with no blitter, a coprocessor board (the Inmos T800), an awesome video card (24-bit), and a Kodak printer expansion card. Oh yeah, I almost forgot the SCSI controller (which unfortunately has the old bios chip which only supports one drive. This is all in a really nice Atari tower case. Really very slick overall, too bad Atari couldn't support it properly. My initial investment was essentially zilch. (My, what a lovely shade of green! :^)) An SLM605 and Canon flatbed round out my set-up (along with the previously mentioned ISAC and CTX Multiscan. Anyone got $2500 for the system? Dan BTW, I still need to know if the ISAC requires a blitter! HELP!!! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 89 Sun Jun 06, 1993 B.MENAGH [Bill] at 14:17 EDT I have on order an ISAC Board (through Jim Allen) and am looking into suitable monitors. In reading past comments here there seems to be some confusion regarding the specs for the ISAC: 1024x768 @ 60mhz OR 50mhz. Most newer monitors appear to need the 60 mhz. Could someone indicate the specs for the ISAC including the resolutions at which it runs? Thanks. Bill. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 90 Mon Jun 14, 1993 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 01:40 EDT Bill, the ISAC is 1024x768 non-interlaced at 60Hz. So any good multisync that handles that will do. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 91 Fri Jun 18, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 19:28 EDT The NEC 3D is OUT OF THE RUNNING for ISAC use though. Like a lot of other monitors of a few years ago it has to interlace at 1024 X 768... Sigh, what can I say? Gregg ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 92 Sat Jun 19, 1993 J.GNIEWKOWSK [GE-Lamp ST] at 19:11 EDT Gregg, Do you have an ISAC at the store, or are you comparing specs? I would love to see some of these cards in action! John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 93 Sun Jul 04, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 15:04 EDT John, I wish we did have an ISAC, Nova, SunRise, and/or CrazyDots board.. but those things are just to expensive to buy 'on spec' and hope to sell it fast . So far I'm just doing a lot of 'spec comparing' but hope to be able to do a little 'hands on' at the BlueRidge AtariFest as we're expecting several\ boards to be brought for demo purposes by their importers/makers/etc. Gregg ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 94 Sun Jul 04, 1993 AEO.5 [Ed Krimen] at 18:39 EDT Gregg, I'll be looking for your comments comparing the Nova to the Crazy Dots II. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 95 Sun Jul 11, 1993 AEO.7 [Gregg] at 15:47 EDT Thanks Ed, but it all depends on my being able to check both out at the show. We're assuming both will be there and that they won't mind my trying a few tests on them. Another major consideration is time.... I'm helping Sheldon run the show (slightly) and will be manning the store's cash register as well.... *(not 'run the show', 'set up' would be more accurate )*... at any rate, time to do all this will be a serious consideration. Still, I should be able to do something .... I'm really looking forward to seeing all these great graphics boards running at the same time and in the same place.... Gregg ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 96 Fri Jul 16, 1993 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 20:10 EDT I have recently acquired a Supercharger and it has been flakey when my ISAC card is plugged in. Is there any fix or mod that can let me get the two workng together? I have had limited success. If I boot the computer with both attached the screen stays blank and no drive access occurs. I am reseting the SC as it should be. Alan Deffenderfer ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 97 Sat Aug 28, 1993 G.NELSON16 [xoxo] at 19:24 EDT Just wondering if you guys were still in business and if you are still selling the Albert TT. Would the Albert TT be the most cost efficient way of going to a large screen monitor with an MSTe ? ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 98 Sun Oct 24, 1993 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 00:08 EDT Does anyone have the specifications for the low-rez chips for the Isac board. That is, I need to know what freguencies, both vert. and hor., that my monitor must support. My multisync apparently does not support the right freq. When I try to use the low res chips it gets to the desk- top at 800X600....but any mouse movement leaves multi-color streaks all over the desktop. It doesn't lock up, it just makes a mess of the desk- top wherever I move the mouse. ' Alan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 99 Sun Oct 24, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 03:52 EDT Alan, that sounds like another problem. If the frequency was wrong your desktop wouldn't show up at all. Do you have T16 or T25 accelerator card? We had this problem with a Moniterm card and it was related to the T16. Could also be related to another program so you might want to try removing all your Auto Programs and ACC's. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 100 Sun Oct 24, 1993 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 22:10 EDT It could be any number of things...I have an SST and a Supercharger...and other stuff. I get the 1024X768 desktop without any glithes at all. When I go with the 800X600 chips the desktop comes up but leaves screen terds all over the destop in places where I move the mouse. Software does not seem related to this at all. I can't put back in the original 68000 since I don't have TOS 1.4 to run the ISAC. Thanks, Alan. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 101 Mon Oct 25, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 02:27 EDT Alan, What we did to correct the problem was remove the blitter chip. I don't recommend you do that but it's probably related to your SST or the AlberTT software. Most likely the AlberTT software if it works in 1kx768. You might check with Dover Research and see if they can help. I have them as 1-612-492-3913, ask for Jay. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 102 Sun Oct 31, 1993 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 21:41 EST Thanks for the info. The blitter is already gone. I will call Jay one more time. Alan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 103 Tue Nov 02, 1993 J.PATTERSON3 [Ted] at 21:46 EST Are AlberTT's still being sold? Ted ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 104 Tue Nov 23, 1993 W.MAYO2 at 18:46 EST I am using ISAC w/mega4 w/TOS 2.06 w/T25 allen accel. w/TAXAN 18" monitor. Everything works fine. BUT... I can't seem to get the control panel color module to really give me 4096 colors. Yes, I am using EDP10, not using the 4096 acc (Though trying it made no difference). The 4096 acc WOULD set pallet with 15-0 increment actually happening, but when using CPX changes only happen every 2 units implying only 0-8 increments. GIF viewer confirms that I am only getting 512 color pallete. Is there any way to get control panel (modified by EDP10) to REALLY work with 4096 pallette or is this nicety only for desktop colors via 4096 acc.? I thought I read that the EDP10 prg. "patched the OS so it recognized the new pallette like as STE. Perhaps I've missed something. Any ideas anyone? ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 105 Thu Dec 02, 1993 POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC] at 09:52 EST I had the pleasure of speaking with Jay Craswell yesterday. I took the opportunity to ask him the current status of his Atari cards. Jay mentioned that the ISACS are in stock for US $299.00. For additional information, you should be able to reach Jay at (612) 492-3913. Naturally they are fully Calamus compatible. ;-) Nathan Potechin - DMC Publishing ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 106 Thu Dec 02, 1993 PG.MUSIC [PG-Kevin] at 15:26 EST Umm... does the ISAC require a Mega ST? Or would it work with my 1040 or Falcon030? (as a plug in to the cart port)??? --Kevin ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 107 Thu Dec 02, 1993 POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC] at 16:47 EST I believe that Jay has at least two versions of the ISAC, one connects via the Mega BUS port in the Mega's. (I have that one.) Nathan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 108 Thu Dec 02, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 19:05 EST This may not reach you in timely fasion, but yes Alberts are still available and are very nice for the money. I just purchased one and have it connected to a 17" monitor. This opens up a whole new ballgame for the Atari. If you are essentially interested in the card give Jay a call at 612-492-3913. It is a quality product . I believe it is the best upgrade I have done on my MSTe. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 109 Thu Dec 02, 1993 J.BRENNER1 [See Flat] at 21:49 EST how many colors is the Isac? ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 110 Fri Dec 03, 1993 G.FUQUAY [GGF] at 20:32 EST What is the AlberTT & ISAC? This is the first time I have heard of them. Any and all info would be welcome! Thanks, Gary ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 111 Sat Dec 04, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 18:43 EST Gary, They are graphics cards for the Atari. The Isac works only with the Mega ST, and the AlberTT works with the Mega STe and TT. They provide greater resolution. They also may provide more colors, although I am not familiar with those two cards in terms of color range. (My card is a Crazy Dots II, and provides up to 32,000 colors.) Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 112 Sun Dec 05, 1993 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 16:37 EST The Isac is the best hirez card for the money.....unless you need a lot of colors......BTW I have one for sale in the for sale topic...HINT HINT Alan D ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 113 Sun Dec 05, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 20:45 EST Lou, To add additionaly on my embarassment, I looked in the GEnia Mail listing and found: CRASWELL, JAMES J. J.CRASWELL MN USA So he might still have an account! SHEESH! <- on me! John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 114 Sun Dec 05, 1993 J.MEEHAN3 [>> Joe M << ] at 21:48 EST I would like a little information on the cards for a TT. Do any of them support a TT high res? That is would they support all the Atari Resolutions on a single monitor? Do they support a High Res color (Full Page). In short are they useful for DTP and general use, or are their real value in color graphics? >> Joe M << ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 115 Mon Dec 06, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 08:02 EST Joe, I can't speak for the other cards, but I'd expect the competitive versions from Cyrel and Nova to work in somewhat the same way as my Crazy Dots II. The CDII supports up to 1600X1200 (approx.), and gives me a 1280X960 16-color TT High desktop. Uusally I run 1024X768 by either 16 or 256 colors. I can only add that being able to run normal resoltions (such as 640X480) in refresh rates that are very fast -- I run those in the mid-80s to mid-90s -- is a great boon. (The standard refresh rate of a TT and ST color screen is 60 Hz; running it at, say, 84 Hz provides a rock-steady display.) I don't know if the other color cards support this kind of configurable refresh rate. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 116 Tue Dec 07, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 04:07 EST Al, the Cyrel has programmable resolutions up to 4096x4096 and supports programmable refresh rates up to 260Hz. The AlberTT isn't configurable, it offers 72Hz at 1024x768x16 or 800x600. Both these cards have Auto Folder programs that drive them not AMCGDOS. The Matrix is driven by AMCGDOS and I think the CDII is also... correct? I'm not sure how the Nova is handled? ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 117 Wed Dec 08, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 01:21 EST Well, here I am using my AlberTT on a 15" Compudyne monitor. When people say that these graphics cards lend a whole new life to your computer - THEY'RE NOT KIDDING!! I'm absolutely in 7th heaven - blazing around entire pages in AtariWorks and MyDraw all with the same rock solid 72Hz refresh rate that our SM127 had (actually 2Hz better!) I've only found four incompatibilites so far: o Aladdin needs to be run as a TOS program in Geneva's TOS window o Phasar is really messed up o ArcShell shows a white screen (can exit using UNDO key) o saving the NeoDesk desktop causes the white screen after save then lockup! Joey, do I need NVDI instead of Warp 9? The TOS scrolling is really terrible (it has that red-flashing-ghosting problem during scroll, the poor thing can't keep up!) John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 118 Wed Dec 08, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 03:22 EST Thanks, Joey. The CDII can use any GDOS, including NVDI. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 119 Wed Dec 08, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 04:36 EST John, Sorry, I'm not sure about WARP 9 or NVDI? I don't actually use an AlberTT, I just have access to them.:-) ARCSHELL should work, do you have the latest version? You might try disabling anything that mess's with the screen or TOS and check them again. How's that look on a 15" screen? I thought 1024x768 was getting small on a 17" screen.:-) Al, Is NVDI and actual GDOS replacement? I should have said the Matrix use's GDOS as well.:-) They just include AMCGDOS for some reason. It's actually a replacement for normal GDOS thats suppose to be better. Maybe it became NVDI? ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 120 Wed Dec 08, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 08:10 EST John, Aladdin as a TOS app? Never tried that. It would do some clever stuff under Geneva, I suppose, but not if it is single-tasking. I'll have to fool with it. I've tried a number of apps as TOS instead of PRG, and if they don't need the mouse for much, the result can be, um, interesting. Does the redraw-screen command in Geneva correct any of the AlberTT white- screen problems? Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 121 Wed Dec 08, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 17:00 EST A few more questions for those AlberTT owners out there: o What version of 1024X768.PRG is the latest (I have 1.5) o Does anyone have any faviorite screen savers? The disk came with Idle 2.0 (which is very nice). Are there any other savers I should take a look at? o I purchased NVDI, which spped the desktop redraw, but dosen't do much for the TOS scroll. I haev a few questions about this program, but I'll ask them in the proper topic. Thanks!! John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 122 Wed Dec 08, 1993 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 17:42 EST John G..... version 1.5 is the last, according to the message archive I downloaded. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 123 Wed Dec 08, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 20:41 EST Joey, It's a bit small on a 15" screen, I wouldimagine it would be beautiful on 17"s John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 124 Thu Dec 09, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 18:48 EST Joey, AMCGDOS and NVDI are separate apps. (CDII coems with AMC; NVDI is an option.) NVDI is a full replacement for GDOS, and is also very fast, comparable to G+Plus. 1024X768 is fine on a 15-inch screen. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 125 Thu Dec 09, 1993 A.DEFFENDERF [ALAN] at 22:30 EST I have uploaded version 1.6...an Isac driver that is 030 friendly that I got from Jim Allen. It is in the libraries under "ISAC" if you want it. Alan ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 126 Fri Dec 10, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 03:22 EST John, Idle 2.2 is a little improved; it's here somewhere, or I can send it to you. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 127 Fri Dec 10, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 05:13 EST Al, Thanks! Didn't know that, thought it was more like a WARP9 type program. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 128 Fri Dec 10, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 08:51 EST Joey, It is like a combo of W9 and G+Plus. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 129 Sat Dec 11, 1993 W.MAYO2 at 11:25 EST Does anyone have an answer regarding my prior question dealing with the 4096 pallate access for IISAC on a Mega4ST? That is, I have run the EPD10 program which is SUPPOSED to patch the OS (2.06 in mine) to recognize the new extended pallete. Well, instead, I seem to still get only the 512 color pallete of the old ST. By "seem" I mean that when I go to the control panel and adjust the colors, I DO get 15 as max instead of 7, but the color only changes every two increments, in effect giving only 7 gradations after all, hence, no improvement at all. What am I missing? Thanks. I would really like to enjoy the extra colors that Speed of Light GIF viewer would make use of.) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 130 Tue Dec 14, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 21:06 EST >Atari-ST RoundTable >Category 4, Topic 28 >Message 109 Thu Dec 02, 1993 >J.BRENNER1 [See Flat] at 21:49 EST > >how many colors is the Isac? >---------- > Belated but 16 and if I recall a mode called duochrome, but not sure what that one is. >Atari-ST RoundTable >Category 4, Topic 28 >Message 111 Sat Dec 04, 1993 >A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 18:43 EST > >Gary, > >They are graphics cards for the Atari. The Isac works only with the Mega ST, >and the AlberTT works with the Mega STe and TT. > >They provide greater resolution. They also may provide more colors, although I >am not familiar with those two cards in terms of color range. (My card is a >Crazy Dots II, and provides up to 32,000 colors.) > >Al > >---------- > Al you're shameless. The Albert TT is a one resolution, 16 colour card that gives 1024x768 and is only 299.00 compared to the CDII at 750.00 add a 17" svga monitor and you have to consider what will your uses be. If it is generally business or CAD applications forget the CD II you will not need the extended colour pallettes. But if you want High end graphics to wow the best of the clone video go for the CD II. I own an Albert and it is the best update that I've done for my computer. Gerald ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 131 Wed Dec 15, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 08:29 EST Gerald, Good point. For writing, which I do a whole lot of, even 16 colors is more than I need, so I use monochrome, mostly. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 132 Thu Dec 16, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 01:29 EST I've already asked Al this in a P.S., but has anyone experienced the screen going white in some programs? The program is still running and can be exited using its key combo. Here's a weird SuperBase story: The SB Forms editor works like a champ. THe program, however has the "White Screen Problem". Now, if I run the program, alt tab to NeoDesk (I'm using Geneva), and run a program (I usually run the Speedo DRIVERS program, since I have it set to run from a macro), SuperBase will magically appear! Also, Aladdin, Phasar, and Arcshell used to have the same problem until I changed their properties from Single to Multi-tasking. Any help woule be appreciated! Al, Even writing looks good using 16 colors! I set the background colors (using the CPX) for Indicators to be bright yellow. Now my AtariWorks tool bar has nice yellow buttons with the selected item being blue (which was a nice side effect I hadn't thought about when I started playing with the Windows and Background color CPXs!) John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 133 Thu Dec 16, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 05:22 EST John G, I would think you rproblem is related to Neodesk or Geneva. You should probably disable them for a while and see if it still occurs. If you figure out exactlty what the problem is I'm sure the programmers could probably help. I'm just suggesting it since my cousin uses the AlberTT everyday and he's never called me complaining about a white screen.:-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 134 Thu Dec 16, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 08:42 EST John, Yes, yes, you make a great point. The Background Colors CPX has an excellent use when you are running a graphics card, and being able to set the other colors is wonderful. I can't reproduce the White Screen problem on the CDII. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 135 Thu Dec 16, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 23:00 EST Joey, Nope, I just checked. With inly 1024X768 in the auto folder, I still freeze to a white screen while running SuperBase (and presumably the same gos for the others...) It does this with very few programs, just so hapens to be the one I use most of the time! John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 136 Fri Dec 17, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 05:47 EST John, Hmm... I'm stumped? I've never seen the problem... sorry. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 137 Sat Dec 18, 1993 W.MAYO2 at 11:40 EST Anybody got any answers yet on the EDP10 program? It runs and gives 0-15 scale on each color for ISAC board in Mega4ST, but the colors change only every two steps, so I am STILL GETTING ONLY 512 COLORS! How can I get the 4096 pallete the ISAC is supposed to give? Help, please! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 138 Sat Dec 18, 1993 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 21:58 EST Maybe we should sit down together on the phone Wally, I have an ISAC and can set up the same way you are and see if we can't get past this. I know the EPD10 works for me when I use it. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 139 Wed Dec 22, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 19:14 EST >Atari-ST RoundTable >Category 4, Topic 28 >Message 117 Wed Dec 08, 1993 >GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 01:21 EST > >Well, here I am using my AlberTT on a 15" Compudyne monitor. When > people say that these graphics cards lend a whole new life to your > computer - THEY'RE NOT KIDDING!! I'm absolutely in 7th heaven - > blazing around entire pages in AtariWorks and MyDraw all with the > same rock solid 72Hz refresh rate that our SM127 had (actually 2Hz > better!) > > I've only found four incompatibilites so far: > > o Aladdin needs to be run as a TOS program in Geneva's TOS window > o Phasar is really messed up > o ArcShell shows a white screen (can exit using UNDO key) > o saving the NeoDesk desktop causes the white screen after save > then lockup! > > Joey, do I need NVDI instead of Warp 9? The TOS scrolling is really > terrible (it has that red-flashing-ghosting problem during scroll, > the poor thing can't keep up!) > > John > > > >---------- > John, My experience with the Albert TT is to forgo using Neodesk because it is too unstable. Phasar 4.0 works perfect for me. If you are using an earlier version upgrade. If ARCSHELL is LGF then it should work, I use it all the time. Jay said that there was nothing to be done about the flashing during a Gem scroll. I use Warp 9 3.7 , but there probably is no reason you can't try NVDI and see if it improves things. By the way my monitor is a 17" and I am having trouble returning to my sm 124 to run Superbase. Aladdin works fine without Geneva. ( I guess I have returned to an almost basic system) my board came with 1.5 . (by the way I hated losing Neodesk but the new res is worth it.) Joey, 1024x768 is small on 17" ? It looks good to me. (of course if I bought a 20" I might think twice about the 17"), but anything larger than the sm124 is a step in the right direction. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 140 Thu Dec 23, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 06:08 EST GFN, I think 1024x768 is little smaller on a 17" then it should be. If you can, you want to try and get a monitor that gives you the same number of pixels per inch. Not to big not to small. 17" is a really decent size though as some of your res's get a little small and some get a little large. So for all around use it works really well! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 141 Fri Dec 24, 1993 J.MEEHAN3 [>> Joe M << ] at 08:11 EST I kinda like the 32 inch monitor IBM was using for some of their demos I was watching at a convention a while back. Sort of theater computing. >> Joe M << Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 142 Sun Dec 26, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 12:15 EST John I experience the same problem with SB . I beleive that the rsc. file needs to be tweaked. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 143 Sun Dec 26, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 20:34 EST GFN, Well, I spoke too soon! Everything runs quite nicely now, it was a matter of changing things from single-tasking to multi-tasking. The only trouble is the NeoDesk save-white-screen (which I fix by running a program I have set to a hot-key) and the SuperBase problem. I haven't had _any_ problems with NeoDesk. Do you have the latest release? The NeoDesk-Geneva combo with the extended screen real-estate is wonderful. NVDI sped things up considerably, for me at least. John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 144 Sun Dec 26, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 23:42 EST GFN, Hmm, do you know anyone able to do such tweaking? John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 145 Mon Dec 27, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 09:02 EST John G., Glad to hear you have solved the white-screen problem. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 146 Mon Dec 27, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 20:31 EST Al, No, I have but beaten the beast down for a bit... It still lurks, waiting to blank my screen when I least expect it! AIIIIEEEEEEEEEEE! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 147 Tue Dec 28, 1993 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 08:12 EST John, BTW, Did you send that Floptical? Haven't seen it yet. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 148 Tue Dec 28, 1993 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 21:28 EST Al, No, not yet (with the holiday's and all). I'll give you a yell when I drop it in the mail. Thanks for checking on me! John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 149 Wed Dec 29, 1993 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 22:52 EST Joey, If I had another $1500.00 I would have gone for 20" but as they say "Do the best with what you can and enjoy it while you may" Gerald ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 150 Thu Dec 30, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 02:52 EST GFN, I know exactly what your saying! Why do you think I have a 17".:-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 151 Thu Dec 30, 1993 J.BRENNER1 [See Flat] at 20:15 EST GFN and Joey, I know exactly what you're saying that's why I have a 15". ;-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 152 Fri Dec 31, 1993 REALM [Joey] at 03:22 EST See Flat,:-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 153 Sun Jan 02, 1994 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 20:24 EST Joey, And I have a 15"!!! John Ooops, Aladdin-Lag, I see See Falt is in the same boat as I! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 154 Mon Jan 03, 1994 REALM [Joey] at 01:35 EST John, Better late then never!:-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 155 Mon Jan 03, 1994 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 21:20 EST Here is a new list of programs I have access too and that run on my MSTe with Albert TT installed. (I have temporarally removed my 68882 FPU and it has allowed me to run other prgs, that I couldn't before.) DynaCadd 2.0x Pagestream 2.2b Hyperlink 2.04 Gemview 2.32 My Draw 1.10 Kandinsky 1.57 Avant Vector KSpread 4 Aladdin 1.60 Stalker 3.01 Diamond Edge 1.10 Diamond Back 2.xx Wordflair II Phasar 4.0 LDW 2.0 Wordwriter 2.0 Superbase Forms editor ST Zip ArcShell 3.0 LZH Lotto Odds ( though screen redraws are iffy) Edhak 3.02 Warp 9 3.75 UIS III 3.32 Mouseboot 3 (since i rarely use another monitor have dicontined use) Speed of Light GIF viewer (though slower than Gemview) seems to handle colors better though) More as they become available Gerald ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 156 Tue Jan 04, 1994 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 00:04 EST You said that right, brother!!!!!! ;-) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 157 Sun Jan 09, 1994 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 13:37 EST If I ran a mono emulator with my Albert TT do you think it would work? Guess I'm going to find out. Well I tried The Monulator 1.69 and it just doesn't install. Oh well it was worth a try wasn't it ? Gerald ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 158 Sun Jan 09, 1994 MIKE-ALLEN [NM~SysOp] at 16:04 EST GFN, Try Sebra. (SEBRA.LZH, File # 26462) This is the most robust mono emulator I have found. Don't know if it will work with the AlberTT (I have ny doubts) but as you say, it's worth a try. Mike Allen ST HelpDesk~Sysop Written: 1:05 PM Mountain Time Sunday, January 9, 1994 ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 159 Sun Jan 30, 1994 J.CRASWELL at 18:27 EST Hi Folks, I wanted to make one of my somewhat rare appearences here on Genie to announce that I have the source to Robert B. 4096 palette extender program. I've been awful busy with some other programing jobs but! I WILL (this is a promise) make a major effort to get it working for ISAC owners. Robert has been a super neat guy about letting me use this code and all I will be doing is some patching. When it's done he says it is ok to ship it to Genie Ci$ etc as Freeware! Course you could still tell him what a great guy he is... Anyhow I will try (I know I lie) to spend some time on Genie more often. I'm pretty vegged out but I will try Oh and thanks for the continued orders and your support. It's still (I think) a great set of products and for the money?!? Well thats just the PR machine talking... Best Regards to all... Jay @ Dover Research (Still alive and working on Atari stuff) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 160 Sun Jan 30, 1994 ST.LOU [Lou Rocha] at 20:49 EST Jay, great to see you hear. I need to buy the 800X600 kit. Can you tell me how to order it? ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 161 Wed Feb 02, 1994 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 23:23 EST Great news Jay, many many thanks to Robert Birmingham for giving such great support to the community. It seems like such a little program, but it sure does polish off the ISAC/AlberTT nicely. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 162 Mon Feb 07, 1994 W.MAYO2 at 18:58 EST Thanks Jay for doing the patching. I am waiting with baited breath. Let SOMEONE get word out as soon as it is finished, or just make sure it appears here quickly. You guys are great. Thanks. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 163 Wed Feb 09, 1994 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 20:41 EST J, Come round more often it is a pleasure seeing you on line. GFN Love your card. An experiment. If anyone has the 800x600 Albert TT rez card try and run Superbase Professional 3.02 and let me know if it works. OK? (I'm hurtin for certain w/o my superbase) but won't give up my 17" monitor.) ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 164 Sat Feb 12, 1994 R.DEAN3 [GUNNER] at 20:53 EST Lou; If you are limited to 800x600 by your monitor I highly recommend contacting Jim Allen about what kind of deal he can get you on a MAG 15" 1024x768. You will be pleased. Bob ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 165 Sun Feb 13, 1994 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 01:19 EST That monitor is working out well Bob? I did some tests with it on a Mac, it handled all resolutions perfectly up to 1024x768 non-interlaced @ 75Hz! And looked OK at 1152x870 as well, although that's officially out of it's range. All for $420 including shipping. It's a MAG LX15, I highly recommend it as the low cost choice for use with ISAC/AlberTT boards. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 166 Sun Feb 13, 1994 M.RIVMAN1 [MATT] at 19:45 EST Jim, Re: the MAG LX15... will it sync low enough to produce the ST Low rez? Matt ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 167 Mon Feb 21, 1994 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 07:36 EST Matt, No, the MAG monitors won't sync to ST Low (which is the same sync rate as ST Med, too). Jim was referring to their use with graphics cars that supply higher sync rates. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 168 Tue Feb 22, 1994 M.RIVMAN1 [MATT] at 00:31 EST Thanks Al! Good to see you back on-line! (taking a breather???) Matt ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 169 Sat Feb 26, 1994 T.PATRICK5 [Happy Hacker] at 13:18 EST Jay (or anyone else who knows), How large is the ISAC card (dimentions)? Does it crowd the forward part of the Mega where an internal HD goes (like the Moniterm & Matrix cards)? Also, does the "duochrome" mode use less (video) memory for faster screen updates? Aloha, from the Happy Hacker! (Tim) ... Fast Technology Turbo25 inside! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 170 Sun Feb 27, 1994 W.MAYO2 at 21:24 EST Tim, it fits into the mega slot nicely, rearward yielding a VGA plug (small one). No problem w/internal floppy. I DO notice that the duo- chrome mode is ALOT FASTER than color. With my T-25, though, the color ain't bad as far as speed, not at all. Still, the "monochrome" emula- tion is downright instant. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 171 Mon Feb 28, 1994 T.PATRICK5 [Happy Hacker] at 00:29 EST W.MAYO2, Thanks, glad to here it! I've got a Moniterm hooked up to a Matrix M110 in a Mega right now, but it's going to be a tight squeeze to get my hard drive in there as well. It looks like it will _just_ fit if I mount it upside-down on the top RF shield (small Quantum). I know what you mean about the T25, I've got TWO! Try and run the Ness Bench Mark (NBM) graphics tests at 8Mhz [yawn]. It's soooooo slow! Zooms at 25 though... Might just sell the Moniterm and go high-rez color - hmmm... Aloha, from the Happy Hacker! (Tim) ... Fast Technology Turbo25 inside! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 172 Mon Feb 28, 1994 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 02:42 EST Tim, I don't think a full length card like the Matrix is going to fit with an internal HDrive. The Crazydots does, because it is only half length. You might try getting a 1/4" high floppy (Teac notebook version) and mount the floppy and LPS Quantum where the floppy is now...combined height would be the same as a floppy's. Only mod needed would be for the floppy opening. One plus would be that the floppy is a 1.44 unit, and with my 1.44 mod and an AJAX chip and Tos 2.06, you could have a MegaSTE equivalent setup. You'll need a good power supply if you are packing all that inside too. The Zenith unit I get from Allied Electronics...model ZPS-45...is a 7 Amp'r, I put into Turbo030 systems. Remember, the Tiny will have the 1.44 floppy support built in, all you'll need is an AJAX chip and an LS157 to be wired in. It works great and is completely compatible with the MegaSTE standard....you can even boot off 1.44 floppies ;-) I'm going to do the 1/4" drive mod to my own Mega when I get the time. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 173 Tue Mar 01, 1994 T.PATRICK5 [Happy Hacker] at 03:23 EST Thanks Jim, I've been looking for 1/4 height floppy drives, but I can't find a source - where would I get one? The place I get my regular TEACs from doesn't have 'em. Oh well... Maybe I should just sell the Moniterm and go high-rez color? ...and maybe I could just rob a bank so I can afford it... *8^) Aloha, from the Happy Hacker! (Tim) ... Fast Technology Turbo25 inside! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 174 Tue Mar 01, 1994 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 10:28 EST Just read through Computer Shopper, you'll find places selling the 1/4" Teac's. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 175 Tue Mar 01, 1994 M.BILINSKI at 18:40 EST I'm looking to get a graphics installed in my Mega STe, and I'd like some info on the AlberTT card: _How much is it? Where can I get it? _What screen resolutions does it permit? _Is it easy to install? _What monitors (SVGA, MultiSynch) will I be able to hook-up to my Mega STe once the card will be in? (I guess I should ask what the scan rates are) _How is the compatibility with software? (any problems .PRGs I should know about) _does it eat up any RAM for drivers? I have a 2 meg Mega STe, but only have 1 meg left after all the AUTO folder/.ACCs are loaded. _any other pertinent information on this subject would be appreciated... Marek ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 176 Sun Mar 06, 1994 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 10:19 EST Marek, I just sent a review to ST Informer which pretty much covers everything you want to know. Al are you lurking anywhere? :-) GFN ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 177 Sun Mar 06, 1994 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 22:51 EST Who, me, LURK? Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 178 Mon Mar 07, 1994 M.BILINSKI at 00:26 EST GFN Unfortunately, I don't have access to ST Informer around here. Actually, I haven't seen it in many, many moons in the mag stores. I'll check with my users group, but in the meantime (as I want to buy my graphics card ASAP since I'm moving out in 2 months time and we only have one monitor for 2 STs), could you give some info about the card? Marek ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 179 Mon Mar 07, 1994 POTECHIN [Nathan @ DMC] at 15:09 EST ST Informer has their own support topic in Category 15. The Publisher, Rod MacDonald, comes online regularly to provide support and bi-directional communication. Regards Nathan Potechin - DMC Publishing ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 180 Mon Mar 07, 1994 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 20:18 EST Nathan, Bi-directional communication is the best kind. :) Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 181 Mon Mar 07, 1994 GENIELAMP.ST [John G] at 21:55 EST Al's favorite subject - graphic cards!! (uh-hmmm make that gad-zillion color graphic cards ;) John ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 182 Tue Mar 08, 1994 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 03:23 EST Speaking of which, I am in eighth heaven. Can't tell you why at the moment, but it will all come out soon. Oooooh! Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 183 Sun Mar 13, 1994 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 16:49 EST Marek, The card is generally very compatible with all software. What might be nice is give me a list of your most frequently used software and I will let you know if it works. The 1024x768 configuration gives plenty of screen realestate and once experienced with so much available you cannot return to the regular size monitor. The Albert is a cinch to install, taking at most 5 mins. It provides 16 colours ( not a lot, but depending on you applications, is more than enough) and as stated before quite a lot of landscape. I would say it is best used with a 17" or larger monitor, though I have heard of people very satisfied with 15" monitors. It is an inexpensive way to get a better working enviroment. The Albert isn't fancy but it does what it does very well. GFN ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 184 Sun Mar 13, 1994 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 22:07 EST GFN, 15-inch works fine for me at 1024 X 786, with a FS monitor. The screen goes corner to corner. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 185 Sun Mar 13, 1994 R.DEAN3 [GUNNER] at 23:08 EST Jim; The monitor is working out great. The only problem that I have noticed at all is that sometimes I run into a problem getting the system to come up in High Resolution, but I am sure that it is either operator error, or the ISAC card. Anyone out there wanna send me a copy of their ISAC card documentation??? Bob ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 186 Mon Mar 14, 1994 M.BILINSKI at 01:22 EST GFN Here are the programs I use/ would like to use with AlberTT Calligrapher 3 Pro Gold/ 1st word plus Harlekin 2/ MultiDesk Del/ Maxifile/ Warp 9 STalker 3/ STraight FAX 2/ Aladdin(wouldn't want to miss out on GEnie) Easy Draw 2/ First Graph Stalk the market/ Personal Finance Manager + VIP/ LDW That's about what I can think of now. Well, there are a couple of German chemistry programs, but can't remember their names. They work in mono. I don't really care much for colors: I only play Mah Jongg. The other games are there for that once-in-a-season occasion when it might happen that I don't have anything to do. One other thing: if I get the card and a SVGA monitor, will I be able to use LOW and MED res? Only if the monitor can synch that low, right? Looks like the decision won't be an easy one... Marek ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 187 Mon Mar 14, 1994 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 08:43 EST Marek, I don't know about the AlberTT, but the CDII card handles all the sync conversions, so you don't need a monitor that syncs to the ST rate. I'd expect AlberTT to be the same. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 188 Tue Mar 15, 1994 T.PATRICK5 [Happy Hacker] at 04:14 EST Marek, The AlberTT (or Isac) card _only_ runs at 1024x768, non-interlaced. To do ST- Low or Medium rez, you'd have to hook the monitor to the ST's video port and get a monitor that syncs down to the 15khz range. There are currently NO monitors that go this low that will also do 1024x768, non-interlaced. (Well, okay, I've heard there's one sony. But it costs over $2000.) There used to be quite a few, but not any longer... (Someone tell me I'm wong - please?) The main reson to run ST-Low is games, and a video key will let you hook up to your TV, which is fine for games. As for ST-Medium... you won't be using it after you've tasted 1024x768x16-color mode! Aloha, from the Happy Hacker! (Tim) ... Fast Technology Turbo25 inside! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 189 Tue Mar 15, 1994 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 08:47 EST Tim, There's a 26-inch Misubishi that syncs that low. Costs $6,500. :) Whew. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 190 Tue Mar 15, 1994 J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 17:03 EST Bob, what's the symptom? When it doesn't boot into hires what does it do/say? ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 191 Wed Mar 16, 1994 T.PATRICK5 [Happy Hacker] at 23:47 EST Al, > There's a 26-inch Misubishi that syncs that low. Costs $6,500. :) Cool... where do I get one! Oh... and where do I get the money? *8^) Aloha, from the Happy Hacker! (Tim) ... Fast Technology Turbo25 inside! ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 192 Sat Mar 19, 1994 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 17:44 EST Marek, I would say everything but Easy Draw and VIP will work. My personal experience doesn't cover the full range of software you own, but since the software is relatively new it should be fine. I will attest to Aladdin MDX Warp 9 Stalker 3 These I own and use . No games zip zap ( well the only thing I've ever gotten to run is a monchrome game called Panic) Just leave your SM1224 plugged in and rename the HI res driver. Unfortunately it doesn't have a cancel key on bootup, but a boot manager will aid in your selection. ( I leave my sm124 plugged in but rarely use it except when trying new configurations of auto programs.) Al, I wish the card would synch down, (I think that would solve my Superbavse Problem) but it has one and only one res. As I have stated before there are definately limitations to the Albert TT but they are for the most part well worth the extra real estate. GFN ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 193 Sun Mar 20, 1994 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 01:21 EST GFN, But it *does* sound like a very limited sort of computing experience. For a little more than twice the price, a CDII will do anything. Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 194 Mon Mar 21, 1994 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 20:01 EST Al, Is the CDII capable of running games? The Albert really isn't limiting if what you do does not entail multiple levels of colours and such. Need dictates usability. If I can find no reason for more than 16 colours on screen, why would I spend over twice as much for something I would hardly use. Keep the purpose/need in perspective when considering graphics cards and if one fits better than the other purchase it. GFN ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 195 Tue Mar 22, 1994 A.FASOLDT [Al Fasoldt] at 01:08 EST GFN, Sure, I run games on the CDII. I also enjoy JPEGs, and you can't do that on a 16-color system. :) Al ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 196 Wed Mar 23, 1994 S.FOSKETT [Lancer] at 19:49 EST Where can I get an AlberTT for my MegaSTE and how much can I expect to spend for it? Also, what monitor will I need for all the resolutions? One more thing: Will I be able to use ALL my "regular" programs on the AlberTT? thanks, .s. ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 197 Sun Mar 27, 1994 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 10:49 EST Lancer, The Albert TT has only one resolution 1024x768 and will cost you $299.00. Any SVGA monitor that supports non-interlaced 1024x768 with a minimum vertical sync of 48hz will be more than adequate to support the card. I suggest a minimum 17" monitor. As to your regular programs, that depends on what they are. GFN ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 198 Tue Apr 12, 1994 J.HICKEY6 at 10:51 EDT GFN - I read your article in STI, and have a few questions. Does AlberTT have it's own video RAM, or does it use system RAM? How much? What are the H&V sync rates at 1024x768? What is the video rate? Jay, I know you're lurking out there! Nice Compendium review in STI! Maybe you can answer the above. I ask these things because I have a few beautiful 19" monitors(Cornerstone-150DPI-4BIT{16} gray scale) which I would love to see run on my MEGAST4(even if it's only at 1024x768 & 8 gray levels it would look better than the 1280x960 TT high mode which I am currently using). I have some quad TTL to ECL IC's for the necessary level conversion. Of course I would have to get a program to convert your RGB outputs to to 3-bit gray. Now that you have the Compendium, you ought to be able to crank one out in a fraction of the time it used to take! Jack ------------ Category 4, Topic 28 Message 199 Sun Apr 17, 1994 G.NELSON16 [GFN] at 13:06 EDT Jack, The Albert does have its own video ram but I don't know how much. As far as the H&V sync rates go Jay just mentions that it has to have a (the monitor) minimum 48 khz horizontal sync. My monitor does between H 31.468khz-58khz and V 50-90 hz . Hope this helps you some. GFN (documentation with the card is spartan) best bet is to call Jay at his office. ------------