geb@cadre.UUCP (02/18/84)
We have bought 2 graphics masters from N-S Associates (412) 244-0680 for $475. You can not use both monochrome and color simultaneously, but they will run each individually with high resolution graphics. In color modes higher than 620x200 there is some flicker on the Princeton Graphics Monitor, though. The monochrome works well with Lotus 1-2-3 graphics. The documentation is poor for technical users, but apparently Tecmar is preparing a Technical Manual. I have a preliminary edition which was the original documentation for the first release of the board and it seems adequate.
sbanner1@uvicctr.UUCP (S. John Banner) (09/29/86)
Hello, I am currently considering getting a Tecmar Graphics master
color card for my IBM Compatable. I can get it for about $375 Canadian,
which seems to be an awsome price for the card. Has anyone out there
had any experiance with these cards? Are there any problems with them
that I should be aware of?
Thanks,
S. John Banner
PS. I didn't reply to all you who responded to my query about the
Corona PC, though I ment to, things just kept comeing up. I am greatful
to all of you who did respond, Thanks. sjb.
UUCP: ...!uw-beaver!uvicctr!sbanner1
BITNET: ccsjb@uvvm
EAN: sbanner1@uvunix.uvic.cdntes@whuts.UUCP (STERKEL) (10/04/86)
> Hello, I am currently considering getting a Tecmar Graphics master > color card for my IBM Compatable. I can get it for about $375 Canadian, > which seems to be an awsome price for the card. Has anyone out there > had any experiance with these cards? Are there any problems with them > that I should be aware of? my former company is very happily using the Graphics master card. It was at the time (and probably still is) the only card that will successfully drive ALL of the following combinations: IBM high res mono in normal or graphics mode Amdex 3** mono in normal or graphics mode PGS graphics color TAXAN color Every other color we tested. The first case, IBM mono is where 99% of the available cards show their lack of concern for the end user. Imagine spending 200-400 for a graphics card and being told that it is YOUR fault for having a monitor they do not support. Incidently, I shelled out for a Graphics Master for my home PC-1 and I am TIGHT. (It has successfully made the transition through 4 DOS upgrades, 2 ROM upgrades and ALL graphics software upgrades). Things to look for: 1. a limited number of older software packages assumed that the IBM mono would never be usable for graphics and thus created software that when fed to the IBM mono only uses the middle 2/3 of the screen. 2. the new manuals are excellent, but PAY attention, KNOW which monitor you are using, and DO NOT freek out over all those jumpers (they are the reason that the Graphics Master was, and probably still is, the only TRUELY universal graphics card for all monitors). 3. on second thought, have a hardware nut read the manual and play with the jumpers (only 7?, have not looked since my installation, no need, unlike my friends' Hercules, I have never had failures). 4. Incidentally, while the "hercules non-standard" is supported, use all software in the true color graphics standard setting if available, this will work even with mono displays. 5. Conpatible with nansi and fansi (trademarked and /or copyrighted sw) 6. NOT EGA. (I really do not know what EGA is I only know that EGA is the latest MUST-HAVE for hackers. and the Graphics Master is nonEGA.) (but then again, neither is 99.9% of all sw so I do not need to know).
steve@bambi.UUCP (Steve Miller) (10/06/86)
I have a Tecmar GM and like it very much. I bought my first one about two years ago, and was very pleased to find that it came with a complete programming guide. About one year ago, I bought two more, for clients of mine. I was surprised to see that absolutely no programming data was included. The only books provided were designed to help someone using either Lotus 1-2-3 or PC-Paint. I called Tecmar about this and was treated very rudely. Apparently, some "businessmen" have taken over, and they no longer hand out programming data to everyone. If you can persuade them you are valuable to their goals, you can a get some internal documents. Otherwise, tough sh*t. My primary use for the card is as a high resolution graphics display on the IBM mono screen. It will show a 720H x 702V (no typo, it's really 720H x 702V) image, with two bits per pixel, on the mono display. Buy it if you can get the books you need. -Steve Miller ihnp4!bellcore!bambi!steve