More Second Sight stuff

[pfaiffer@access.mbnet.mb.ca (Mike Pfaiffer)]

	I just found after calling Sequential, Quality mis-labeled the 
box containing my (and possibly other) box with my 24 bit Second Sight 
card as 8 bits. Since it really WAS a 24 bit card I am very happy. I am 
also impressed with Sequential for tracking down the misunderstanding at 
Quality as fast as they did. Talk about support. Most other manufacturers 
would have said "Take a hike". When my business takes off they can expect 
more business from me.

	There are some things I found the hardway which should be 
included in the next edition of the manual. There is a little flickering 
with the card when changing modes (not much of a problem it just takes 
getting used to). I can no longer use the internal joystick port. I have 
my Zip in slot 2 (slot 1 has my printer card) and there was some problem 
with contact. The contact was because the Second Sight is a little larger 
and touches the top of the GS case. The metal pushes it over a tiny 
amount. I fixed the problem by tearing a small strip of paper and folding 
it over the Second Sight card (near the front) so the contacts on the 
back of the card wouldn't touch the Zip. In this case I could tell there 
was contact because once I put on the top of the case the card lost the 
red component of the colour. The last thing I ought to mention is some 
programs do not function properly any more. I've added two cards to my 
computer this week (SS and Zip). I have no idea what the problem is, but 
since those were the only changes in nearly six months they can't be 
overlooked. I'll report back if something serious happens.

	Some suggestions. How can we access some of the extended text 
modes in BASIC? Is it possible to auto-detect the card? How can we do 
ANSI/colour text in BASIC? If we could get these answers, some of the old 
BASIC games may be rewritten with some ampersand routines to make them 
compatible with the card.

	Perhaps those people working on "Doom" type engines might find it 
useful to concentrate on the card to make their graphics faster. leaving 
more processor time for other things. (like MODEM connections) ;-)

	Apart from one or two minor problems I am happy with the card. 
Thankyou Jawaid. Now if I can make enough money to buy GNO and some other 
programs... ;-)

				Later
				Mike





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|          pfaiffer@mbnet.mb.ca = Mike Pfaiffer (B.A., B.Sc.)           |
|       -A hoopy frood who usually knows where his towel is...          |
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