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Monster Sound Digital Joystick Support                       Readme File
(c) 1998, Diamond Multimedia Systems Inc.            All Rights Reserved
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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

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All product names listed herein are trademarks or copyrights of their 
respective owners.
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