Windows 98 and its DOS mode option

This message is not archived
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

This message is not archived
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

This message is not archived
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

On Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:08:57 GMT, riku <riku RemoveThis @none.invalid.com> wrote:

>The problem is connecting my CM-32L, let alone my SCC-1 (ISA card) to
>my more modern PC. Apparently for CM-32L I would need to buy some PCI
>MPU-401 card or something...?

You can connect your CM-32 to any computer so long as that computer
has either a joystick\gameport or a USB connection. I use a midi\USB
cable to connect both my MT-32 and my SC-55 to my XP computer via a
standard USB 2.0 connection. Here is a picture of a USB\midi cable.
Underneath that is what the website calls a 'sound card midi cable'.
That is the gameport version. -->

http://proaudiomusic.com/software/UM1-USB-MIDI-cable.htm

I also have a SCC-1, but I really wanted to switch over to DosBox, so
I replaced it with its external equivalent, the SC-55, since I have no
ISA slots anymore either. It is this device that actually uses the
USB\midi cable. My MT-32 is connected to the SC-55 via a standard
5-pin M/M midi cable using the thru port. Both work fine in Windows
and in DosBox. A USB\midi cable goes for about $15 or so on Ebay.

>I think my PC was not fast enough for running e.g. Microprose's Subwar
>2050 or Archimedean Dynasty through DosBOX. For less taxing DOS games
>like Warcraft (1) etc. it is great.

Yeah I keep hearing you need a fast machine. Hopefully I don't run
into any trouble as I only have a P4. I don't own either of those
games, so I can't try them out.
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

On 15 Feb, 18:18, Mike S. <m....DeleteThis@nowhere.com> wrote:
> On Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:26:38 -0800 (PST), rpgs rock dvds
>
> <rpgsrockd....DeleteThis@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:
> >Thanks.  I've bought components for a new fast PC, and when I get it
> >working, the first thing I'll try is DOSBox!!
>
> Heh. You just may be more old school then even me.  First game I am
> going to try when I get a new machine will be Bioshock, Gothic 3 or
> something. Certainly not Dos freaking Box.

omg man, you'd have freakin kittens if you saw my paypal/ebay invoices
for all the way-old dos games I've just bought!
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

On Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:29:47 GMT, riku <riku DeleteThis @none.invalid.com> wrote:

>Just small nitpicking: external LAPC-1 is basically CM-32L, albeit
>MT-32 is close enough.

I didn't know that, so I don't mind the nitpicking.

Just a small nitpick of my own. It is actually called the LAPC-I,
not 1 (one). The I is short for IBM or IBM PC.

>For games, this shouldn't matter though. I remember seeing one DOS
>game (don't remember which) having separate audio selections for
>"LAPC-1" and "MT-32", and recall some MT-32 users complaining about
>compatibility issues with LucasArts' Star Wars game (either X-Wing or
>TIE Fighter). Do you remember any such issues?

Yes I am well aware of the 'exec buffer overflow' error on first
generation MT-32s. You can get around it in most games by slowing down
the game long enough for the sysex messages to get to the MT-32. With
a few games, some LucasArts games included, this does not work. In
these cases, if you own a first generation MT-32, you are basically
screwed. Your CM-32 is a second generation MT-32 as far as gaming
goes, so you should not have this problem.
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

On Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:29:44 GMT, riku <riku.DeleteThis@none.invalid.com> wrote:

>I agree DOSBox is probably the best solution for most who want to play
>DOS games and it usually works surprisingly well, but it is not better
>than the real thing. Trying to run e.g. Subwar 2050 or Archimedean
>Dynasty in DOSBox proved to be quite painful, at least on my PC.
>
>At this point, DOSBox is maybe more suitable for the 386/486-era DOS
>games.

For me, DosBox is literally better then DOS for running games. No need
to think about conventional memory, no need for another computer,
built in speed control, I can use my USB gamepad, and better graphics
due to the scalers. At this point in time, I just don't see any
advantage to my real DOS computer.

With that said, my opinion of DosBox would definitely sour if I start
running into the kind of trouble you have with some games.
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

This message is not archived
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

On Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:25:24 -0800 (PST), rpgs rock dvds
<rpgsrockdvds DeleteThis @hotmail.co.uk> wrote:

>If cost was not an issue, would getting both the MT-32 and the SC-55
>provide worthwhile benefits over getting just the MT-32? I would
>definitely be prepared to go that extra mile for the sound in old
>games if getting both boxes gave the ideal solution.

In my opinion, the SC-55 sounds better then the MT-32. So for me, it
was definitely worth getting the SC-55. Whenever a game offers both
MT-32 and GM sound, I go with GM. But others will swear that the LA
synthesis produced by the MT-32 sounds better. If you prefer the sound
produced my the MT-32, or if it just sounds good enough to you, then
you can get by without a SC-55.

A caveat though. While I have never run into a game that supported GM
only (no MT-32 option in the installer) I am sure they are out there.
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

On Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:08:46 GMT, riku <riku.RemoveThis@none.invalid.com> wrote:

>Thanks. I should have known there are USB solutions. Somehow I
>expected I should have to buy a proper MPU-401 card in order to use
>external MIDI devices with a PC, even today.

I had my MT-32 originally connected to my SCC-1 which provides the
MPU-401 interface on the card. When I decided to connect the MT-32 to
my XP machine and use DosBox, I was looking for a MPU-401 card. I
never heard of USB\midi cables myself until recently. So when you say
that you expected to need a MPU-401 card, I know what you mean.
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

On Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:26:38 -0800 (PST), rpgs rock dvds
<rpgsrockdvds.RemoveThis@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:

>Thanks. I've bought components for a new fast PC, and when I get it
>working, the first thing I'll try is DOSBox!!

Heh. You just may be more old school then even me. First game I am
going to try when I get a new machine will be Bioshock, Gothic 3 or
something. Certainly not Dos freaking Box.
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

This message is not archived
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option 

This message is not archived
 >> Stay informed about: Windows 98 and its DOS mode option