Configuring Sound Cards

CardD+, from Digital Audio Labs, and SoundBlaster, from Creative Labs Technologies (This includes the SoundBlaster 16, 32, 64 and 64 Gold).

NOTE: There are audio boards which are termed 'SoundBlaster compatible.' Because they do not

use computer resources the same as the SoundBlaster from Creative Technologies, they

will NOT work with WireReady's software at this time.

This document will help install and troubleshoot your audio cards. It provides:

- Preliminary Information

- Quick Summary of Configuring Audio Cards

- Audio Card Mapping

- Using Simultaneous Play and Record

- Configuring Plug-and-Play SoundBlasters

- Configuring CartReady for SoundBlasters

- Configuring the CardD

- Configuring CartReady for the CardD

Before you Begin

Before beginning your audio board configuration, it would be best to have as much

information as possible about other hardware on your system. If you are using MS-DOS version

6.0 or above, run MSD (Microsoft Diagnostics). This will tell you what IRQs are used by com

ports, printer ports, network cards, and other hardware. You will need this information to make

sure that there are no conflicts between your audio board and the other hardware. Because

WireReady's software does not use interrupts for printer ports, using the same interrupt for the

audio board and the printer port will not cause a problem.

If you are running a version of MS-DOS earlier than 6.0, you should still try to get information

about the hardware in your system. Refer to the manufacturer's instruction for your computer and

any internal or external hardware to determine the interrupts and addresses of all components. Or

purchase diagnostic software, such as Norton Utilities.

If you are running Windows95, you will use Device Manager to get information on your system. Click on the Start button, then on Settings, then on Control Panel. This will bring up the Control Panel windows. Double-click on the System icon. From the resulting window, click on Device Manager. In Device Manager, while you have Computer (at the top) highlighted, click on the Properties button. This will open up a listing of the IRQs that are is use. Write down all of the information listed. Then click on Direct Memory Access (DMA). This will give you a list of the DMAs that are in use. Again, write down the information that is displayed. The other important setting is Input/Output (I/O). There is too much information listed to write it all down. If using SoundBlasters, write down the information for anything between 0220 and 028F, because these are the only values that will be assigned to a SoundBlaster. If using a CardD, write down the information for anything between 01C8 and 01DF, because these are the only values that will be assigned to the CardD.

Before configuring CartReady for your audio card(s) you must install the cards into your

computer. During the installation procedure, you should determine the address, interrupt and

DMA of each sound card. Refer to the manufacturers instructions and/or the proper sections later

in this document for installation instructions. Unless you are aware that the CartReady default

configuration will not work, install one audio board with the default configuration. For the

SoundBlaster, this is address 0x220, IRQ 5, and DMA 5. For the CardD+, this is address 0x1c8.

NOTE: The CardD and some non-Plug-and-Play SoundBlasters do not have hardware

configurations for IRQ and DMA. These are set up by the CartReady software.

If you are using a Plug-and-Play SoundBlaster, the IRQ and DMA will be set by the

configuration manager. The settings assigned by the configuration manager must agree

with the settings used by CartReady.

The CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen has listings for four audio boards. However,

due to limited resources on a computer, it is not possible to use four audio boards simultaneously.

If you are using CardD+ audio boards, CartReady can use two. If you are using SoundBlaster

audio boards, CartReady can use three. If you are using both CardD+ and Soundblaster audio

boards in the same computer, CartReady can use three, either two SoundBlasters and one CardD, or two CardDs and one SoundBlaster.

There might be other hardware in your computer which limits the number of audio boards you

can use. Com ports or network cards might be using the resources needed for audio boards. For

this reason, your computer might be limited to fewer than audio boards than mentioned above.

Signs of Conflicting Resources

In setting up your audio cards, and testing for conflicts with other hardware, you will be looking

for signs that the audio cards conflict with other hardware in your computer. There are several

signs which can indicate conflicting hardware.

1) Error messages. When you start CartReady, there should be no error messages. The most

common error message indicating a hardware conflict is 'Unable to initialize audio card'.

[Even if you have SoundBlasters, some versions of CartReady show this error message as

'Unable to initialize CardD.'] This error message can also indicate that the audio card and CartReady configurations do not agree. If you get this error message, make sure that the CartReady configuration agrees with the audio card's configuration.

2) Unable to play carts. When you play a cart, CartReady sends the information to the audio card, using the resources as configured. If the audio card and another piece of hardware are using the same resources, the information will not be sent correctly. Therefore, the cart will not play. Sometimes, you will hear the first second or so of the cart, then it will stop playing. Another reason for this problem could be that the audio card and CartReady configurations do not agree. If you have this problem, first make sure that the CartReady configuration agrees with the audio card's configuration.

3. System freezes. If two pieces of hardware attempt to use the same resources, the system might freeze, forcing you to reboot. This problem is especially common when the audio card and network card attempt to use the same interrupt. Network cards often use IRQ 5 or 10. We suggest you determine the IRQ of your network card before beginning the audio card configuration.

Quick Summary of Configuring Audio Cards in CartReady

Before configuring your audio cards in CartReady, the cards must be installed in your computer.

You must also determine the address of the audio card. If you are using a Plug and Play

SoundBlaster, you must also determine the IRQ and DMA. Refer to the manufacturers

documentation, or to the correct section later in these instructions.

Configuring the Resources

1) First, you must configure CartReady to use the resources that your audio card will be using. From the Cart Deck Production screen, hit F10, and choose Configuration Changes, then Audio Board Configuration.

2) Hit <Enter> on the first line, then hit <Enter> on the Model. Highlight the entry that matches your audio card (either SB16 or CardD+) and hit <Enter>.

3) Highlight Base Addr, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the address of your audio card, and hit

<Enter>.

4) Highlight DMA Chnl, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired DMA, and hit <Enter>. If you are using a Plug and Play SoundBlaster, this value must be the same as the value chosen by CTCM or Windows95.

5) Highlight IRQ Line, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired IRQ, and hit <Enter>. If you are using a Plug and Play SoundBlaster, this value must be the same as the value chosen by CTCM or Windows95.

Do not change the other values on this screen.

6) Hit F4 twice to save your settings. You must exit CartReady to DOS, then restart CartReady, for your changes to take effect.

Mapping the audio cards

NOTE: This step is not necessary if you are using one audio card.

Next, you must configure CartReady so that it will know when to use audio card #1, and when to

use audio card #2. Most common way to configure CartReady with two audio cards:

- Cart Deck #1 uses audio card #1, which is on-air; and Cart Deck #2 uses audio card #2. This way, you can put carts on-air from Cart Deck #1, and either record or audition carts in Cart Deck #2.

- Automation Decks 1-4 use audio card #1, and Automation Decks 5-8 use audio card #2. This will permit your playlists in decks 1-4 to play carts from your hard drive, and playlists in decks 5-8 to auto-record audio.

- Audio card #1 is mapped to Live Assist, the Quick Player and the Notepad. This is because carts played from these areas are usually going on-air.

- Audio card #2 is mapped to the Cart Editor, ReelReady, the Cart Library, and the Rotation Manager, This is because these screens are usually used for production, when carts are not to go on-air when played.

Although your needs may vary, our example will use the mapping described above.

1) From the Cart Deck Production Screen, hit F10, and choose Configuration Changes, then Audio Board Mapping. On this screen, <Enter> toggles between '1' and '2'.

2) Highlight the '1' next to Production Deck 2, and hit <Enter>. This will change the '1' to '2'.

3) Highlight the '1' next to Automation Decks 5-8, and hit <Enter>. This will change the '1' to '2'.

4) Highlight the '1' next to ReelReady, and hit <Enter>. This will change the '1' to '2'.

5) Highlight the '1' next to Cart Library, and hit <Enter>. This will change the '1' to '2'.

6) Highlight the '1' next to Rotation Manager, and hit <Enter>. This will change the '1' to '2'.

7) Highlight the '1' next to Cart Editor, and hit <Enter>. This will change the '1' to '2'.

8) Once the audio board mapping is set up the way you desire, hit F4 twice to save your settings. You must exit CartReady to DOS, and restart CartReady, for your changes to take effect.

Additional Notes

If you are running the LAN version of CartReady, you must configure CartReady for every

user you have set up. The configuration is specific to the user, not to the machine. So you

must be careful in configuration. The best way to illustrate this is with a simple example:

Assume you have two CartReady computers, with one SoundBlaster each. Let's call these

On-air and Prodroom. The address is 220 for the SoundBlaster in On-air. The address is

260 for the SoundBlaster in Prodroom.

If you first go into CartReady on computer On-air as John, and follow our directions for

configuring the SoundBlaster in CartReady. Now, any time John goes into CartReady,

CartReady will expect the SoundBlaster to use address 220. Therefore, if John goes into

CartReady on computer Prodroom, CartReady will be expecting to use address 220, but

the SoundBlaster is using address 260. The SoundBlaster will not play any audio, because

CartReady does not know how to talk to it.

There are several solutions to this. First, if possible, have all audio cards use the same

resources. Second, set up a user name for each computer running CartReady. For example,

PRODROOM, ON-AIR, NEWSROOM, etc. You could even give each person a user name

for each computer. For example, PRODJOHN, PRODSUE, NEWSJOHN, NEWSSUE, etc.

In this situation, PRODJOHN and PRODSUE would have the same audio board

configuration. John would use the user name PRODJOHN on the production room computer,

and the user name NEWSJOHN on the news room computer.

Configuring the Plug-and-Play SoundBlaster

Among the model numbers for plug-and-play SoundBlasters are CT2890, CT2940, CT2950, AWE32 and AWE64 Gold. Some other model numbers are also plug-and-play. The model number is stamped on the upper left corner of the SoundBlaster card. If your SoundBlaster is plug-and-play, the documentation that came with your audio card will say so.

These directions are based on WireReady's testing using the above model numbers. We have

found that all of the models can be configured using the method described in this document. We

believe that all other plug-and-play models of the Creative Labs SoundBlaster can also be

configured using this method.

A plug-and-play device is one that has its resources configured without jumpers. The resources

the device uses are set by the computer, based on what resources are being used by other

hardware in the computer.

The important resources for the SoundBlaster are address, IRQ, and DMA.

Using CTCM To Configure Your SoundBlaster

Unless you are running Windows95, the plug-and-play SoundBlaster is configured by CTCM, a

utility from Creative Labs. This utility is on the disks which accompany the SoundBlaster. Or you can download the file from the WireReady BBS, 508-393-0256, or from the WireReady NSI Web site, www.wireready.com. We recommend that you put the file CTCM.EXE in the directory you installed WireReady. (Usually C:\Wire on a stand-alone system, or F:\Wire on a LAN system.)

One SoundBlaster

1) After installing the SoundBlaster into your computer, run the program CTCM. This will create a file CTPNP.CFG, which contains a listing of the resources assigned to the SoundBlaster. View this file using any text editor, such as the DOS Edit command. CartReady uses the address, IRQ and DMA. These are under [SB16]. The address is the number after Port0=, the IRQ after Irq0=, and the DMA after Dma1=.

2) CartReady does not use the settings under [IDE] and [Gameport]. To free up more resources, change the line Disable=0 under these sections to Disable=1. THE LINE DISABLE=0 UNDER [SB] MUST REMAIN THIS WAY. DO NOT CHANGE IT.

Unless you know that the settings chosen by CTCM will conflict with other hardware in your

computer, begin by using these settings. If you know that there will be a conflict with other

hardware, you can change the settings, by using a text editor, such as the DOS Edit command.

You can change the values to any valid setting. For address, the valid settings are 220, 240, 260

and 280. For IRQ, the valid settings are 5, 7 and 10. For DMA, the valid settings are 5, 6 and 7.

3) After changing the settings, and saving, you will need to reboot your computer. Do NOT do a soft boot (Ctrl-Alt-Del). You MUST turn off the computer, then turn the power on again. If you do not, the changes you made might not take effect.

4) After rebooting, run CTCM, and make sure the settings you chose are the settings listed in CTPNP.CFG. Sometimes, CTCM will choose settings other than those you chose. This might be because they settings you chose conflict with other hardware in the computer. You can use the settings CTCM chose. Or you can try changing the settings again, by editing CTPNP.CFG and rebooting.

5) Once the file CTPNP.CFG is using the desired settings, you will need to configure CartReady to use these settings. See the section "Configuring Your Sound Cards."

6) You will need to run CTCM.EXE every time your computer boots up, by entering CTCM in autoexec.bat. CTCM must be before the line which starts CartReady.

NOTE: WireReady has experienced mixed results with plug-and-play BIOS. Sometimes the

BIOS is able to set the resources without CTCM; sometimes CTCM is needed to set the

resources. To be sure that your SoundBlaster will work, it is best to put CTCM in your

autoexec batch file.

Two SoundBlasters

If you are using 2 plug-and-play SoundBlasters, first install and configure one of them as

described above, and make sure it works in CartReady. After the first card is working, install the

second SoundBlaster. Run CTCM again. The settings for the second SoundBlaster will be listed

under [SB-1] in CTPNP.CFG. To free up more resources, change DISABLE=0 to DISABLE=1

under [IDE-1] and [GAMEPORT-1]. You will also want to make sure that CTCM has not

changed the settings for the first SoundBlaster, as listed under [SB]. Then configure and test

CartReady, as described in the section "Configuring Your Sound Cards."

Three SoundBlasters

Once two SoundBlasters are working properly, install and configure the third SoundBlaster using the same methods as used on the first two.

Using Windows95 To Configure Your SoundBlasters

One SoundBlaster

1) After installing the SoundBlaster, start up your computer, and have it go into Windows95.

2) Determine what settings have been assigned to the SoundBlaster. Right-click on My Computer, choose Properties from the menu. Then choose Device Manager. Find Soundcards in the listing, and click on the + sign. Click on SoundBlaster16, then click on Properties. Choose Resources. The window will display the address, IRQ and DMA. In some cases, more than one DMA value will be assigned. Usually one of them will be in the range 0-3, and the other in the range 4-7. CartReady will use only 5, 6 or 7. You can ignore the other value.

3) If you wish to change the settings, you will need to uncheck the box Use Automatic Settings. You can then change the settings to the desired values. Click on the setting you wish to change, and choose Change Setting. CartReady can only use the address 220, 240, 260 or 280; the IRQ 5, 7 or 10; and the DMA 5, 6 or 7. It is possible that Windows95 will not permit you to assign some of these values if it would cause a conflict with other hardware.

4) Once the settings are the values you desire, shut down Windows95. Once the computer screen shows 'It is now safe to turn off your computer', turn the computer power off, then turn it back on again. Go into Windows95, and check the settings in Device Manager, to make sure they have been changed to the values you want.

5) Once you determine that the settings you desire are being saved, go into CartReady, configure it for the SoundBlaster's settings, and confirm that the settings work. Refer to the section "Configuring Your Sound Cards."

Two SoundBlasters

If you are using 2 plug-and-play SoundBlasters, first install and configure one of them as

described above, and make sure it works in CartReady. After the first card is working, install the

second SoundBlaster. Again, go into Windows95's Device Manager, to check and change the settings. You will also want to make sure that Windows95 has not changed the settings for the first SoundBlaster. Then configure and test CartReady for these two SoundBlasters, as described in the section "Configuring Your Sound Cards."

Configuring CartReady for SoundBlasters

Configuring a Single Soundblaster

1) Enter the CartReady software. This is usually done by typing LOADCART from the C:\Wire prompt, or from the F:\Wire prompt on a network.

2) To change the sound card configuration, you go to the Cart Deck Production Screen. From the World Menu, choose A (CartReady).

3) From the Cart Deck Production Screen, hit F10 to bring up the Other Menu. Choose

Configuration Changes to bring up the Configuration Menu. Choose Audio Board Configuration. A warning will come on the screen; hit any key to continue. This will bring up the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen.

It is possible that your software was pre-configured when sent from WireReady. If this is the

case, the default parameters will have already been entered.

4) To initially Configure the Audio Card. Highlight the first line, and hit <Enter>. Hit <Enter> on Board 1, highlight SB16 from the list, and hit <Enter>. This will configure your audio card as a Soundblaster, with the default parameters.

5) To keep the default configuration, save the settings by hitting F4 twice.

6) If you are not using the default configuration, move the highlight bar to the field which must be changed. Hit <Enter>. A list of the permissible values will appear. Highlight the correct value, and hit <Enter>. Once all of the values are correct, save the settings by hitting F4 twice.

7) You must exit to DOS, and restart CartReady, for your changes to take effect. Hit <Esc> several times, until a red box appears. This box will either: A. Ask if you wish to Exit to DOS (Y/N). (Hit Y to exit) or B. Tell you to type the password and hit <Enter> to exit to DOS (Type EXIT, then hit <Enter> to exit to DOS.)

Testing Your Audio Board Configuration

When you start CartReady, there should be no error messages. If there is an error message, stating 'unable to initialize audio card' or something similar, this means there is a problem with the audio card configuration. It could be that CartReady is not configured the same as the audio card. Or it could mean that there is a conflict between the resources the audio card is trying to use, and the resources being used by other peripherals on your computer. Confirm your audio card's hardware settings, according the manufacturer's documentation. Make sure the settings agree with the settings used by CartReady. If necessary, see the sections on changing the IRQ, DMA, and address of your audio card.

Even if there are no errors when starting CartReady, there might be a hardware conflict, or the

card might be misconfigured. Try playing a cart that you know is good. If you already have

CartReady running either a CardD+ or a VAL card, use a cart that works on those cards. [Except

for 48 Khz carts, the SoundBlaster can play any cart recorded on recorded on any

CartReady-compatible audio card.] If you have not been using other audio cards with CartReady,

import a WAV file to CartReady, and play that. [See the CartReady manual for information on

importing WAV files.]

If you are not able to playback carts from another source, try changing your configuration, as

shown in the following sections.

Once you confirm that the audio board is able to play, you will want to make sure that it is able to

record. Follow the manufacturer's or WireReady's instructions on setting up your equipment to

record. Load a blank cart into a Cart Deck. Hit F5 to record. When done recording, hit F4. Then

hit F3 to play the cart. If you were able to play the cart when it came from another source, but

either the recording or the playback of recording did not work, then the problem is probably with

the audio board, and not with the configuration.

To Change the Audio Card IRQ Configuration. If testing the configuration shows that there is a

hardware conflict, try other parameters. The most common conflict will be the IRQ Line. The

default for the SoundBlaster is IRQ 5. This IRQ might be used by Com4 or an LCS8880. If this is

the case, you can try either 7 or 10 as the IRQ Line.

If you are using a Plug-and-Play SoundBlaster, you must first change the hardware configuration

for the audio board, to set the IRQ to the desired value. Consult the audio board manufacturer's

manual, or the documentation sent by WireReady.

To change the software setting for IRQ Line

Go to the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen, as described above. Move your cursor to IRQ Line, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired IRQ from the list, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings.

You must exit the WireReady software, and restart it, for your changes to take place. If none of the possible IRQs work, try changing the card address, or the DMA.

To Change the Audio Card DMA Configuration

If testing the configuration shows that there is a hardware conflict, and changing the IRQ does not permit the audio board to work, try using other DMAs. The SoundBlaster permits DMA 5, 6 and 7.

If you are using a Plug-and-Play SoundBlaster, you must first change the hardware configuration

for the audio board, to set the DMA to the desired value. Consult the audio board manufacturer's

manual, or the documentation sent by WireReady.

To change the software setting for DMA, go to the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen, as described above. Move your cursor to DMA Chnl, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired DMA from the list, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings.

You must exit the WireReady software, and restart it, for your changes to take place. If none of the possible DMAs work, try changing the card address.

Changing the Audio Board Address

If you have determined that the IRQ and DMA you are using for the audio board are not also being used by other hardware, then the conflict is probably in the board address. There are three addresses available, other than the default, 0x220.

First, change the hardware address of the audio board. Refer to the manufacturer's manual that

came with the board, or the WireReady documentation.

To change the address that CartReady uses for the SoundBlaster, go to the CartReady Audio

Board Configuration Screen. Highlight Base Addr, and hit <Enter>. First try 0x240. Highlight

0x240, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings. Hit <Esc> to go to DOS, and restart the program. Then test the new configuration, as described in Testing Your Audio Board

Configuration. If the new configuration does not work, also try 0x260 and 0x280.

Making sure the Soundblaster Works Properly

If none of the configurations work, you will want to make sure the audio board itself is working. Remove any hardware that MIGHT conflict. That is, remove any serial ports from the computer. If possible, run the software as a stand alone computer, not on a network. Remove the network card. When you reboot, make sure that no network software is loaded. Then test the audio board, as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration. If your audio board does not work at this point, try putting the board in a different slot in the computer. If it still does not work, there is probably something wrong with the audio board.

If removing any hardware that might conflict permits the audio board to operate properly, then

there previously had been a hardware conflict. Add the previous hardware to the computer, one

piece at a time. Test the audio board after adding each piece of hardware. When the audio board

stops working, you know that you have found the conflicting device. If this device is not needed,

leave it out of the computer. If the device is needed, try using different settings for the device.

Eliminating an IRQ Conflict

If your testing determines that, for every possible SoundBlaster IRQ, there is an IRQ conflict, you will need to change the IRQ of a conflicting device, or remove the conflicting device. Network cards can usually use 5, 10 or 15 as their IRQ. Unless you have many wire services on this computer, you will probably not need com4 or an LCS8880. The LCS8880 can also use IRQ 7. If you need the com port that is com4, but do not have com1, com2, or com3 on this computer, you can change the address for the port that is com4.

Configuring Two SoundBlasters

If you will be using two SoundBlasters, it is best to first install one of them, and get it working

properly. Once this is done, then install the second card, and get it working. Doing it this way

will make it easier to troubleshoot if you have any problems.

Configuring the First SoundBlaster

1) Install the first SoundBlaster in your computer, following the manufacturer's instructions.

2) Enter the CartReady software. This is usually done by typing LOADCART from the C:\Wire prompt, or from the F:\Wire prompt on a network.

3) To change the sound card configuration, you must start at the Cart Deck Production Screen. From the World Menu, choose A (CartReady).

4) From the Cart Deck Production Screen, hit F10 to bring up the Other Menu. Choose

Configuration Changes to bring up the Configuration Menu. Choose Audio Board Configuration. A warning will come on the screen; hit any key to continue. This will bring up the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen.

It is possible that your software was pre-configured when sent from WireReady. If this is the

case, the default parameters will have already been entered.

5) Highlight the first line, and hit <Enter>. Hit <Enter> on Board 1, highlight SB16 from the list, and hit <Enter>. This will configure your audio card as a Soundblaster, with the default parameters.

6) To keep the default configuration, save the settings by hitting F4 twice.

7) If you are not using the default configuration, move the highlight bar to the field which must be changed. Hit <Enter>. A list of the permissible values will appear. Highlight the correct value, and hit <Enter>. Once all of the values are correct, save the settings by hitting F4 twice.

8) You must exit to DOS, and restart CartReady, for your changes to take effect. Hit <Esc> several times, until a red box appears. This box will either: A. Ask if you wish to Exit to DOS (Y/N)?. (Hit Y to exit) or B. Tell you to type the password and hit <Enter> to exit to DOS (Type EXIT, then hit <Enter> to exit to DOS.) Restart CartReady and test the configuration.

Testing Your Audio Board Configuration

When you start CartReady, there should be no error messages. If there is an error message, stating 'unable to initialize audio card' or something similar, this means there is a problem with the audio card configuration. It could be that CartReady is not configured the same as the audio card. Or it could mean that there is a conflict between the resources the audio card is trying to use, and the resources being used by other peripherals on your computer. Confirm your audio card's hardware settings, according the manufacturer's documentation. Make sure the settings agree with the settings used by CartReady.

If necessary, see the sections on changing the IRQ, DMA, and address of your audio card.

Even if there are no errors when starting CartReady, there might be a hardware conflict, or the

card might be misconfigured. Try playing a cart that you know is good. If you already have

CartReady running either a CardD+ or a VAL card, use a cart that works on those cards. [Except

for 48 Khz carts, the SoundBlaster can play any cart recorded on a CartReady-compatible audio

card.] If you have not been using other audio cards with CartReady, import a WAV file to

CartReady, and play that. [See the CartReady manual for information on importing WAV files.]

If you are not able to playback carts from another source, try changing your configuration, as

shown in the following sections.

Once you confirm that the audio board is able to play, you will want to make sure that it is able to

record. Follow the manufacturer's or WireReady's instructions on setting up your equipment to

record. Load a blank cart into a Cart Deck. Hit F5 to record. When done recording, hit F4. Then

hit F3 to play the cart. If you were able to play the cart when it came from another source, but

either the recording or the playback of recording did not work, then the problem is probably with

the audio board, and not with the configuration.

To Change the Audio Card IRQ Configuration

If testing the configuration shows that there is a hardware conflict, try other parameters. The most common conflict will be the IRQ Line. The default for the SoundBlaster is IRQ 5. This IRQ might be used by Com4 or an LCS8880. If this is the case, you can try either 7 or 10 as the IRQ Line.

If you are using a Plug-and-Play SoundBlaster, you must first change the hardware configuration

for the audio board, to set the IRQ to the desired value. Consult the audio board manufacturer's

manual, or the documentation sent by WireReady.

1) To change the software setting for IRQ Line, go to the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen, as described above. Move your cursor to IRQ Line, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired IRQ from the list, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings.

You must exit the WireReady software, and restart it, for your changes to take place.

Then test the new configuration as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration.

If none of the possible IRQs work, try changing the card address, or the DMA.

To Change the Audio Card DMA Configuration

If testing the configuration shows that there is a hardware conflict, and changing the IRQ does not permit the audio board to work, try using other DMAs. The SoundBlaster permits DMA 5, 6 and 7.

If you are using a Plug-and-Play SoundBlaster, you must first change the hardware configuration

for the audio board, to set the DMA to the desired value. Consult the audio board manufacturer's

manual, or the documentation sent by WireReady.

1) To change the software setting for DMA, go to the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen, as described above. Move your cursor to DMA Chnl, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired DMA from the list, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings.

You must exit the WireReady software, and restart it, for your changes to take place.

Then test the new configuration as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration.

If none of the possible DMAs work, try changing the card address.

Changing the Audio Board Address

If you have determined that the IRQ and DMA you are using for the audio board are not also being used by other hardware, then the conflict is probably in the board address. There are three addresses available, other than the default, 0x220.

1) First, change the hardware address of the audio board. Refer to the manufacturer's manual that came with the board, or the WireReady documentation.

2) To change the address that CartReady uses for the SoundBlaster, go to the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen. Highlight Base Addr, and hit <Enter>. First try 0x240. Highlight 0x240, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings. Hit <Esc> to go to DOS, and restart the program. Then test the new configuration, as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration. If the new configuration does not work, also try 0x260 and 0x280.

Making sure the Soundblaster Works Properly

If none of the configurations work, you will want to make sure the audio board itself is working. Remove any hardware that MIGHT conflict. That is, remove any serial ports from the computer. If possible, run the software as a stand alone computer, not on a network. Remove the network card. When you reboot, make sure that no network software is loaded. Then test the audio board, as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration. If your audio board does not work at this point, try putting the board in a different slot in the computer. If it still does not work, there is probably something wrong with the audio board.

If removing any hardware that might conflict permits the audio board to operate properly, then

there previously had been a hardware conflict. Add the previous hardware to the computer, one

piece at a time. Test the audio board after adding each piece of hardware. When the audio board

stops working, you know that you have found the conflicting device. If this device is not needed,

leave it out of the computer. If the device is needed, try using different settings for the device.

Eliminating an IRQ Conflict

If your testing determines that, for every possible SoundBlaster IRQ, there is an IRQ conflict, you will need to change the IRQ of a conflicting device, or remove the conflicting device. Network cards can usually use 5, 10 or 15 as their IRQ. Unless you have many wire services on this computer, you will probably not need com4 or an LCS8880. The LCS8880 can also use IRQ 7. If you need the com port that is com4, but do not have com1, com2, or com3 on this computer, you can change the address for the port that is com4.

Configuring the Second SoundBlaster

Follow the same steps as you took with the first SoundBlaster. Make sure that the address, IRQ

and DMA for the second SoundBlaster are not the same as the first SoundBlaster. If you are using two Plug-and-Play Soundblasters, the configuration manager will take care of this.

If the second audio card does not work when you test it, also test the first audio card. If the first

audio card does not work either, this probably indicates that the problem is a conflict between the

two cards. First, check the CartReady configuration to make sure that the address, IRQ and DMA

are different. Then check the hardware configuration, using the manufacturer's documentation, to

check that the address, IRQ and DMA are different.

If the first audio card works, but the second one does not, it probably indicates a misconfiguration of the audio card, or a conflict with other hardware in your computer. Follow the same troubleshooting procedure as given in the section on setting up the first SoundBlaster.

Once you have the second audio card working, test the first audio card again. This will ensure

that adding the second audio card did not interfere with the operation of the first audio card.

Configuring the CardD

The CardD is a non-proprietary digital audio card used for professional sound recording and

playback. The CardD is now sold by many distributors for use with 3rd-party multi-track editing

packages.

CartReady allows you to import and export using the Microsoft Windows .WAV format. So it is

possible to take advantage of advanced 3rd party editors for high-end production.

For example, Digital Audio Labs Fast Eddie software retails for less than $200 and allows sound on sound mixing, fading, cross-fades, normalization, EQ, level changing, drop markers, and cut & paste wave form operations for starters. Their advanced software The Editor Plus, even supports 4 virtual tracks, punch ins, and even scrubbing.

The documentation and disks that come with the CardD are for use with these 3rd party products.

Computer recommendations mentioned in the CardD documentation, (and Microsoft Windows)

are only necessary for using 3rd party editors.

NOTE: CartReady only requires the CardD. You do not need to use their utility disks.

We recommend you take advantage of their user registration and send it in to activate their

limited manufacturers warranty.

Installation Instructions

CartReady uses three resource settings for the CardD: Address, IRQ and DMA. The address is set using a jumper on the CardD. CartReady's configuration has a setting for the CardD address; this must agree with the jumper setting. The IRQ and DMA are configured in the CartReady software; there are no jumper settings.

Before installing the CardD in the computer, configure the jumper setting for the desired address,

and any other desired settings. CartReady can support either 1C8 (the default) or 1D8 as the

address. If you are installing 2 CardDs in your computer, one will be addressed 1C8, and the

other will be addressed 1D8. Make sure you do not give both cards the same address.

- You can change the DC vs 20Hz filter if you need to.

- You can change the jumpers that control output level. They are preset to "CD" level

which is 0dB. You can select -10 or +4 as well.

- RCA connectors are UNBALANCED.

- You may use any off the shelf matchbox for balanced connections.

Install the CardD in the computer

1) Remove Card from electro-static protective sleeve. Make sure you touch metal before

touching card to prevent static damage. (Try not to touch the gold fingers and other

conductive surfaces of the card)

2) Insert in an available slot in the computer. While not required, try to place the card away

from the power supply, and any other peripheral cards.

Additional Notes

The most common hardware conflict with the CardD is the IRQ. Network cards often use irq 10 or 15. If you have a hardware conflict, the solution is usually to try a different IRQ.

Configuring CartReady for the CardD

Configuring a Single CardD+

1) Enter the CartReady software. This is usually done by typing LOADCART from the C:\Wire prompt, or from the F:\Wire prompt on a network.

2) To change the sound card configuration, you must start at the Cart Deck Production Screen. From the World Menu, choose A (CartReady).

3) From the Cart Deck Production Screen, hit F10 to bring up the Other Menu. Choose

Configuration Changes to bring up the Configuration Menu. Choose Audio Board Configuration. A warning will come on the screen; hit any key to continue. This will bring up the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen.

4) Highlight the first line, and hit <Enter>. Hit <Enter> on Board 1, highlight CardD+ from the list, and hit <Enter>. This will configure your audio card as a CardD+, with the default parameters.

5) If you are not using the default configuration, move the highlight bar to the field which must be changed. Hit <Enter>. A list of the permissible values will appear. Highlight the correct value, and hit <Enter>. Once all of the values are correct, save the settings by hitting F4 twice.

6) You must exit to DOS, and restart CartReady, for your changes to take effect. Hit <Esc> until a red box appears. This box will either: A. Ask if you wish to exit to DOS (Y/N)?. (Hit Y to exit) or B. Tell you to type the password and hit <Enter> to exit to DOS (Type EXIT, then hit <Enter> to exit to DOS.) Restart CartReady and test the configuration.

Testing Your Audio Board Configuration

When you start CartReady, there should be no error messages. If there is an error message, stating 'unable to initialize audio card' or something similar, this means there is a problem with the audio card configuration. It could be that CartReady is not configured the same as the audio card. Or it could mean that there is a conflict between the resources the audio card is trying to use, and the resources being used by other peripherals on your computer. Confirm your audio card's hardware settings, according the manufacturer's documentation. Make sure the settings agree with the settings used by CartReady.

If necessary, see the sections on changing the IRQ, DMA, and address of your audio card.

Even if there are no errors when starting CartReady, there might be a hardware conflict, or the

card might be misconfigured. Try playing a cart that you know is good. If you already have

CartReady carts, play one of those. If you do not have a CartReady cart, import a WAV file to

CartReady, and play that. [See the CartReady manual for information on importing WAV files.]

If you are not able to playback carts from another source, try changing your configuration, as

shown in the following sections.

Once you confirm that the audio board is able to play, you will want to make sure that it is able to

record. Follow the manufacturer's or WireReady's instructions on setting up your equipment to

record. Load a blank cart into a Cart Deck. Hit F5 to record. When done recording, hit F4. Then

hit F3 to play the cart. If you were able to play the cart when it came from another source, but

either the recording or the playback of recording did not work, then the problem is probably with

the audio board, and not with the configuration.

To Change the Audio Card IRQ Configuration

If testing the configuration shows that there is a hardware conflict, try other parameters. The most common conflict will be the IRQ Line. The default for the CardD+ is IRQ 10. This IRQ might be used by a network card. If this is the case, you can try 3, 7 or 15 as the IRQ Line.

To change the software setting for IRQ Line, go to the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen, as described above. Move your cursor to IRQ Line, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired IRQ from the list, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings.

You must exit the WireReady software, and restart it, for your changes to take place.

Then test the new configuration as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration.

If none of the possible IRQs work, try changing the card address, or the DMA.

To Change the Audio Card DMA Configuration

If testing the configuration shows that there is a hardware conflict, and changing the IRQ does not permit the audio board to work, try using other DMAs. The CardD+ permits DMA 5, 6 and 7.

To change the software setting for DMA, go to the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen, as described above. Move your cursor to DMA Chnl, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired DMA from the list, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings. You must exit the WireReady software, and restart it, for your changes to take place.

Then test the new configuration as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration.

If none of the possible DMAs work, try changing the card address.

Changing the Audio Board Address

If you have determined that the IRQ and DMA you are using for the audio board are not also being used by other hardware, then the conflict is probably in the board address. There are two addresses available, 0x1c8 and 0x1d8.

First. change the hardware address of the audio board. Refer to the manufacturer's manual that came with the board, or the WireReady documentation.

To change the address that CartReady uses for the CardD+, go to the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen. Highlight Base Addr, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired value, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings. Hit <Esc> to go to DOS, and restart the program.

Making sure the CardD+ Works Properly

If none of the configurations work, you will want to make sure the audio board itself is working. Remove any hardware that MIGHT conflict. That is, remove any serial ports from the computer. If possible, run the software as a stand alone computer, not on a network. Remove the network card. When you reboot, make sure that no network software is loaded. Then test the audio board, as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration. If your audio board does not work at this point, try putting the board in a different slot in the computer. If it still does not work, there is probably something wrong with the audio board.

If removing any hardware that might conflict permits the audio board to operate properly, then

there previously had been a hardware conflict. Add the previous hardware to the computer, one

piece at a time. Test the audio board after adding each piece of hardware. When the audio board

stops working, you know that you have found the conflicting device. If this device is not needed,

leave it out of the computer. If the device is needed, try using different settings for the device.

Eliminating an IRQ Conflict

If your testing determines that, for every possible CardD+ IRQ, there is an IRQ conflict, you will need to change the IRQ of a conflicting device, or remove the conflicting device. Network cards can usually use 5, 10 or 15 as their IRQ. Unless you have many wire services on this computer, you will probably not need com4 or an LCS8880. The LCS8880 can also use IRQ 7. If you need the com port that is com4, but do not have com1, com2, or com3 on this computer, you can change the address for the port that is com4.

Configuring Two CardD+ Audio Boards

If you will be using two CardD+ audio boards, it is best to first install one of them, and get it

working properly. Once this is done, then install the second card, and get it working. Doing it this

way will make it easier to troubleshoot if you have any problems.

There are only two possible addresses for the CardD+. Therefore, you must set up one CardD+ as

0x1c8 and the other as 0x1d8.

Setting Up the First CardD+

1) Enter the CartReady software. This is usually done by typing LOADCART from the C:\Wire prompt, or from the F:\Wire prompt on a network.

2) To change the sound card configuration, you must start at the Cart Deck Production Screen. If you do not have a wire service, the software begins at this screen. If you have a wire service, the software starts at the Wire Browser screen. Hit F8 and choose CartReady from the menu.

3) From the Cart Deck Production Screen, hit F10 to bring up the Other Menu. Choose

Configuration Changes to bring up the Configuration Menu. Choose Audio Board Configuration. A warning will come on the screen; hit any key to continue. This will bring up the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen.

4) Highlight the first line, and hit <Enter>. Hit <Enter> on Board 1, highlight CardD+ from the list, and hit <Enter>. This will configure your audio card as a CardD+, with the default parameters.

To keep the default configuration, save the settings by hitting F4 twice.

5) Move the highlight bar to each field. Hit <Enter>. A list of the permissible values will appear. Highlight the correct value, and hit <Enter>. Once all of the values are correct, save the settings by hitting F4 twice.

6) You must exit to DOS, and restart CartReady, for your changes to take effect. Hit <Esc> several times, until a red box appears. This box will either: A. Ask if you wish to exit to DOS (Y/N)?. (Hit Y to exit) or B. Tell you to type the password and hit <Enter> to exit to DOS (Type EXIT, then hit <Enter> to exit to DOS.) Restart CartReady and test the configuration.

Testing Your Audio Board Configuration

When you start CartReady, there should be no error messages. If there is an error message, stating 'unable to initialize audio card' or something similar, this means there is a problem with the audio card configuration. It could be that CartReady is not configured the same as the audio card. Or it could mean that there is a conflict between the resources the audio card is trying to use, and the resources being used by other peripherals on your computer. Confirm your audio card's hardware settings, according the manufacturer's documentation. Make sure the settings agree with the settings used by CartReady. If necessary, see the sections on changing the IRQ, DMA, and address of your audio card.

Even if there are no errors when starting CartReady, there might be a hardware conflict, or the

card might be misconfigured. Try playing a cart that you know is good. If you already have

CartReady cart, play that. If you do not have a CartReady cart, import a WAV file to CartReady,

and play that. [See the CartReady manual for information on importing WAV files.]

If you are not able to playback carts from another source, try changing your configuration, as

shown in the following sections.

Once you confirm that the audio board is able to play, you will want to make sure that it is able to

record. Follow the manufacturer's or WireReady's instructions on setting up your equipment to

record. Load a blank cart into a Cart Deck. Hit F5 to record. When done recording, hit F4. Then

hit F3 to play the cart. If you were able to play the cart when it came from another source, but

either the recording or the playback of recording did not work, then the problem is probably with

the audio board, and not with the configuration.

To Change the Audio Card IRQ Configuration

If testing the configuration shows that there is a hardware conflict, try other parameters. The most common conflict will be the IRQ Line. The default for the CardD+ is IRQ 10. This IRQ might be used by a network card. If this is the case, you can try 3, 7 or 15 as the IRQ Line.

To change the software setting for IRQ Line, go to the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen, as described above. Move your cursor to IRQ Line, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired IRQ from the list, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings.

You must exit the WireReady software, and restart it, for your changes to take place.

Then test the new configuration as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration.

If none of the possible IRQs work, try changing the card address, or the DMA.

To Change the Audio Card DMA Configuration

If testing the configuration shows that there is a hardware conflict, and changing the IRQ does not permit the audio board to work, try using other DMAs. The CardD+ permits DMA 5, 6 and 7.

To change the software setting for DMA, go to the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen, as described above. Move your cursor to DMA Chnl, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired DMA from the list, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings.

You must exit the WireReady software, and restart it, for your changes to take place.

Then test the new configuration as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration.

If none of the possible DMAs work, try changing the card address.

Changing the Audio Board Address

If you have determined that the IRQ and DMA you are using for the audio board are not also being used by other hardware, then the conflict is probably in the board address. There are two addresses available, 0x1c8 and 0x1d8.

First, change the hardware address of the audio board. Refer to the manufacturer's manual that

came with the board, or the WireReady documentation.

To change the address that CartReady uses for the CardD+, go to the CartReady Audio Board Configuration Screen. Highlight Base Addr, and hit <Enter>. Highlight the desired value, and hit <Enter>. Hit F4 twice to save the settings. Hit <Esc> to go to DOS, and restart the program. Then test the new configuration, as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration.

Making sure the CardD+ Works Properly

If none of the configurations work, you will want to make sure the audio board itself is working. Remove any hardware that MIGHT conflict. That is, remove any serial ports from the computer. If possible, run the software as a stand alone computer, not on a network. Remove the network card. When you reboot, make sure that no network software is loaded. Then test the audio board, as described in Testing Your Audio Board Configuration. If your audio board does not work at this point, try putting the board in a different slot in the computer. If it still does not work, there is probably something wrong with the audio board.

If removing any hardware that might conflict permits the audio board to operate properly, then

there previously had been a hardware conflict. Add the previous hardware to the computer, one

piece at a time. Test the audio board after adding each piece of hardware. When the audio board

stops working, you know that you have found the conflicting device. If this device is not needed,

leave it out of the computer. If the device is needed, try using different settings for the device.

Eliminating an IRQ Conflict

If your testing determines that, for every possible CardD+ IRQ, there is an IRQ conflict, you will need to change the IRQ of a conflicting device, or remove the conflicting device. Network cards can usually use 5, 10 or 15 as their IRQ. Unless you have many wire services on this computer, you will probably not need com4 or an LCS8880. The LCS8880 can also use IRQ 7. If you need the com port that is com4, but do not have com1, com2, or com3 on this computer, you can change the address for the port that is com4.

Setting Up the Second CardD+

Follow the same steps as you took with the first CardD+. Make sure that the address, IRQ and

DMA for the second CardD+ are not the same as the first CardD+.

If you determine that only one of the possible addresses for the CardD+ works in your computer,

you will need to remove any conflicting hardware in order to use two.

If the second audio card does not work when you test it, also test the first audio card. If the first

audio card does not work either, this probably indicates that the problem is a conflict between the

two cards. First, check the CartReady configuration to make sure that the address, IRQ and DMA

are different. Then check the hardware configuration, using the manufacturer's documentation, to

check that the addresses are different.

If the first audio card works, but the second one does not, it probably indicates a misconfiguration of the audio card, or a conflict with other hardware in your computer. Follow the same troubleshooting procedure as given in the section on setting up the first CardD+.

Once you have the second audio card working, test the first audio card again. This will ensure