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This is the Ultimarc ArcadeVGA video card. It restricts the computer's video output to 15khz, which is necessary for the arcade monitor. Before I purchased this card, I was using an ATI Rage Fury Maxx 128MB card. In order to restrict that card's output to 15khz, I used the assistance of a DOS based front end menu program, ArcadeOS. That meant that I couldn't run Windows, because I couldn't restrict the video output unless I was running in pure DOS. So, I set up all of my emulation programs and files, including sound in the autoexec.bat file (which was TRICKY) in pure DOS. Working without the benefit of a graphical user interface like Windows was daunting at first, but learning to type commands in DOS to operate all funcions of the computer ended up being really FUN! I knew a little DOS at first, but now I know it all!! Still, after the arcade was up and running for a while, I wanted to run some other Windows based emulators-like JNES, the 8-bit Nintendo Emulator and Z26, the Atari 2600 Emulator. Once the ArcadeVGA videocard was invented, it solved my problems, because it restricts ALL video output to 15khz. That means I can run Windows at 15khz. So, now I have the computer booting up straight to a DOS command prompt in which my arcade front end menu program loads. If I want to play home console emulators, I can just exit my arcade menu and choose other emulators from the Windows desktop!! I even hooked up a couple original NES controllers to the computer's printer port for NES games, but that's another story! I like the convenience of being able to run Windows, but I must say I miss pure DOS-it made me feel like such an integral part of the process-DOS didn't do anything unless I typed in commands. Windows has a mind of its own! But, I still get to use my DOS knowledge often enough, any time I need to make changes in my arcade emulation programs or settings. :) |
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