======================================================================== Monster Sound Digital Joystick Support Readme File (c) 1998, Diamond Multimedia Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved ======================================================================== Release 1.06 This readme contains information regarding the installation and operation of digital input devices using the Monster Sound accelerated gameport. BACKGROUND Monster Sound is designed using new technology that offers optimized Gameport functionality, fully accelerating analog input devices while offering 100% compliance with Microsoft's Direct Input [TM] standard. As a result of this shift in technology, some digital input devices (joysticks & gamepads) may have a temporary issue with Monster Sound, as well as other new audio cards using similar technology. Currently Diamond, as well as most manufacturers of digital input devices, offer an immediate resolution to these issues via driver updates. This release contains the necessary drivers to enable most digital input devices when connected to the Monster Sound gameport. In a subsequent release of Microsoft's Direct Input, this situation will be permanently resolved. In the interim, please follow the directions below to enable your digital input device. INSTALLATION Before proceeding, install the digital input device and drivers using the manufacture's installation procedure. Next run the Monster Sound f3Update utility or f3Setup program. This will insure that the latest required drivers are installed on your system. For more information about upgrading your Monster Sound drivers please reference the readme.txt file. NOTE: The procedure for installing a Thrustmaster device is slightly different than that mentioned above. See the THRUSTMASTER DIGITAL FAMILY section below for more details. MICROSOFT SIDEWINDER DIGITAL FAMILY: Many of the SideWinder devices work in Analog mode. If you wish to use digital mode, or if the device is digital only, follow these steps: 1) Select Game Controllers from the Windows control panel. 2) Select Standard Gameport as the Port Driver. 3) Check the controller status. If the status is "Not Connected", select "Remove" then "Add" (select the appropriate Sidewinder device). 4) If the status is still "Not Connected", reboot the computer and recheck the status. LOGITECH WINGMAN EXTREME DIGITAL: The device should work in Analog mode. If you wish to use digital mode, follow these steps: 1) Select Game Controllers from the Windows control panel. 2) Select Monster Sound Gameport as the Port Driver. 3) Check the controller status. If the status is "Not Connected", reboot the computer and recheck the status. GRAVIS GRIP FAMILY: The device should work in Analog mode. If you wish to use digital mode, follow these steps: 1) Select the Gravis control utility from the Windows control panel. Note: The Gravis setup program installs it's own joystick control utility. 2) Select the Gravis GRiP device. 3) Check that the "Test" button is enabled . If not, see the GRiP manual for more information. THRUSTMASTER DIGITAL FAMILY: Many of the Thrustmaster devices work in Analog mode. If you wish to use digital mode, or if the device is digital only, follow these steps: 1) First install the Monster Sound hardware and drivers, or if already installed, update your drivers to the latest version using the f3Update utility. 2) Install the Thrustmaster device and drivers using the manufacture's installation procedure. 3) You must now re-run the Monster Sound f3Setup or f3Update utility to ensure the Thrustmaster drivers are up to date. 4) Reboot the system when prompted. 5) Select Game Controllers from the Windows control panel. 6) Select Monster Sound Gameport as the Port Driver. 7) Check the controller status. If the status is "Not Connected", select "Remove" then "Add" (select the appropriate Thrustmaster device). 8) If the status is still "Not Connected", reboot the computer and recheck the status. TROUBLESHOOTING If you are having trouble getting your digital input device to operate properly, read the following section for your particular device type. SIDEWINDER: If the status continues to show "Not Connected", check the version of the file msgame.vxd in the Windows\System directory. If the version precedes 1.50, then you will need to download new drivers from the Microsoft web site. LOGITECH: If you install the Logitech device and drivers after updating the Monster Sound drivers, you will need to rerun the Monster Sound update or setup utility and repeat the installation steps above. GRAVIS: If you install a Gravis GRiP device and drivers after updating the Monster Sound drivers, you will need to rerun the Monster Sound update or setup utility and repeat the installation steps above. THRUSTMASTER: If the Thrustmaster setup program won't install the Thrustmaster software, it may be because you haven't first updated the Monster Sound drivers. Be sure your Monster Sound drivers are installed and up-to-date before running the Thrustmaster setup program. TIP: You can use the program f3JoyFix in the Monster Sound install directory (default "C:\Program Files\Monster Sound") to display the version of your digital joystick drivers. If you are still experiencing problems please visit our web site or call our tech support line for updates or further assistance. CONTACT INFORMATION DIAMOND Web Site: www.diamondmm.com Technical Support: 408-327-7100 MICROSOFT Web Site: www.microsoft.com SideWinder Web Site: www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/sidewinder /download/default.htm Technical Support: 800-936-3500 (USA) 800-668-7975 (Canada) LOGITECH Web Site: www.logitech.com Technical Support: 800-231-7717 (option 4) GRAVIS Web Site: www.gravis.com Technical Support: 610-266-9505 THRUSTMASTER Web Site: www.thrustmaster.com Technical Support: 503-615-3200 ======================================================================== All product names listed herein are trademarks or copyrights of their respective owners. ========================================================================