Discussion:
Cornerstone Image Accel1 XGAREAD.ME
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Louis Ohland
2025-01-14 19:23:57 UTC
Permalink
===================== Cornerstone Imaging =====================

PS/2's with XGA on a daughter card (not on motherboard) have
2 known problems with Fixed Frequency displays like the ImageAccel
Color 21/76, Color 19, and all ImageAccel Grayscale displays.

Following is a description of the fixes we've developed for these
problems. These fixes are available now in LIMITED quantites
for customers who request it. These parts will be included in
ImageAccel controller boxes in October 1993.

The problem descriptions;
-------------------------
Problem #1.
On any IBM PS/2 with an XGA or XGA-2 display adapter daughtercard
(IE: PS/2 Valuepoint Model 77), installing Fixed Frequency displays
is difficult without a separate XGA-compatible display attached for
the system configuration.

NOTE: If you have a multisync ImageAccel display, you can use it
for the XGA compatible display to setup your ImageAccel card, and
then switch the video cable from the XGA card to the ImageAccel
card when the MicroChannel configuration setup is complete.

Problem #2.
Once ImageAccel is configured and installed, and Windows 3.1 is
running, changing to a DOS window or DOS Full-Screen shows
garbage on the screen (this is documented in the ImageAccel
READ.ME file for Release 1.01 and 1.02).

NOTE: This problem does not occur with the OS/2 display driver
for ImageAccel.

The FIXES:

Problem #1 Solution
-------------------
Step 1: Install the ImageAccel Display adapter into the IBM
PS/2 mocrochannel video slot.

NOTE: If you add or remove any other adapter cards to
your system, you have to keep the connector installed on
the XGA card, and boot using the boot disk to re-run the
configuration program again.

Step 2: Put the diskette labeled "IBM PS/2-XGA BOOT DISK for
ImageAccel" into the A: drive. (Contact Cornerstone
Technical Support for information on obtaining this
diskette).

Step 3: Place the Special connecter (we provide) onto the XGA
display adapter port.

Step 4: Boot the PC with the ImageAccel boot disk and special
connector installed. (Note: This is not a DOS format
diskette - its not readable by DOS).

Follow all the prompts for Automatic Configuration.
Remove the ImageAccel Boot diskette and re-boot.

When prompted for the ImageAccel configuration file, put
the Windows 3.1 Display Driver disk 1 into drive A:.

Follow the remaining instructions and the PC will reboot.

DOS should now be running on the ImageAccel display.

Problem #2 Solution
-------------------
NOTE: The file PS_XGA.BAT is located on all Release 1.03
diskettes in uncompressed form. You must manually copy this
file from the Release 1.03 diskettes to your \Windows\System
directory for this fix to work.

Step 1: Install the Windows 3.1 XGA driver.

While in the Windows directory, type SETUP from DOS.

Insert the diskette labelled "IBM PS/2 XGA Device Drivers-
DOS, Windows and AutoCAD Support" (V 2.02). This disk is
supplied with your IBM computer.

NOTE: Cornerstone tested the V2.02 XGA driver for this fix,
but previous versions of the XGA driver should work as well.

Select the Display entry under the System Information
window, and scroll down to the bottom of the list.

Select the entry: "Other (requires disk provided by a
hardware manufacturer)"

When prompted, enter: " A:\WINV31" and press enter.

A list of XGA drivers will appear. Select the one shown
as "IBM XGA v2.02 640 x 480 256 color". (you may use any
VGA driver listed with 256 Colors and 640 x 480 parameters).

NOTE: If you are using an XGA driver other than the V2.02
driver listed, you'll have to edit the batch file and rename
the line in PS_XGA.BAT: XGAVD202.386 to your XGA driver
to reflect the driver version you're using.

Exit to DOS when this step is complete.

Step 2: Install the ImageAccel Display Driver.

You have to rename IASETUP.INF file to OEMSETUP.INF on
distributed ImageAccel Display Driver diskette.
Follow the usual steps in the Manual for installing
ImageAccel. Don't run Windows yet.

Step 3: Copy the file PS_XGA.BAT from disk 1 of the Windows 3.1
display drivers for ImageAccel into the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM
directory.

In the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory, run the DOS batch file
called: "PS_XGA.BAT".

Run Windows.

================ XGAREAD.ME - for ImageAccel =================
Louis Ohland
2025-01-14 19:47:30 UTC
Permalink
AdapterId 080A6h "ImageAccel Display"
NumBytes 4

NamedItem Prompt "Primary or Secondary Video Adapter"
choice "Primary" pos[2]=XXXXXXX1b
choice "Secondary" pos[2]=XXXXXXX0b
Help
"Choose primary if ImageAccel is the primary display, otherwise choose
secondary if VGA is the primary display"

From looking at this, it suggests Primary enables base [on ImageAccel]
video?

Notice that Cornerstone says "secondary if VGA is the primary display"

Well heck. XGA is NOT VGA [unless you run it that weg], I _ASS U ME_
that the unspoken statement should be "secondary if the sysboard VGA is
the primary display"
Louis Ohland
2025-01-14 19:50:01 UTC
Permalink
Thinking about things. This batch files seems to back-up Cornerstone
files before replacing them with the MS files?

@echo off
rem $Header: G:\dev\ia\win31\misc\ps_xga.bav 2.0 22 Feb 1994
12:00:44 JOEY $
rem $Log: G:\dev\ia\win31\misc\ps_xga.bav $
rem -|
rem -| Rev 2.0 22 Feb 1994 12:00:44 JOEY
rem -| Initial revision.
rem
rem Copyright (C) 1994 by Cornerstone Imaging, Inc.
rem
cls
echo.
echo ImageAccel XGA Driver Utility for IBM PS/2 with XGA
echo.
echo +-----------------------------------------------------------------+
echo CAUTION:
echo o This program assumes you've completed the steps below,
echo.
echo o If your Windows directory is NOT named \WINDOWS,
echo please EDIT this batch file, and change references
echo to \WINDOWS below to your directory name for Windows.
echo +-----------------------------------------------------------------+
echo.
echo 1. Run Windows SETUP from DOS - install the XGA drivers
echo from the IBM PS/2 XGA Device Driver diskette supplied
echo with your PS/2.
echo.
echo 2. Run Windows 3.1 SETUP from DOS again, this time using
echo the Windwos 3.1 Display Driver for ImageAccel diskette.
echo.
echo If you've completed these two steps, press a key to continue,
echo otherwise, Press CTRL+BREAK to halt.
pause
echo Backing-up ImageAccel drivers...
copy \windows\system\vddia.386 vddia386.bak
copy \windows\system\ia.3gr ia3gr.bak
copy \windows\system\ia.2gr ia2gr.bak
echo ImageAccel driver backup complete...
echo.
echo Renaming XGA drivers...
copy \windows\system\xgavd202.386 \windows\system\vddia.386
copy \windows\system\xgavd210.386 \windows\system\vddia.386
copy \windows\system\xga.3gr \windows\system\ia.3gr
copy \windows\system\vgacolor.2gr \windows\system\ia.2gr
echo XGA drivers renamed for use with ImageAccel...
echo.
echo READY TO RUN WINDOWS 3.1.
Louis Ohland
2025-01-14 20:07:31 UTC
Permalink
Section Ten - IBM Model Microchannel Configuration

ImageAccel Microchannel display adapters include a VGA Terminator
and an IBM PS/2-XGA BOOT DISK for ImageAccel that are required
to get ImageAccel running without using a separate XGA or
multisync display.

The IBM Boot disk for ImageAccel is used ONCE, to get the
Model 77 to recognize and boot ImageAccel. The VGA Terminator
is required at BOOT TIME, to change the XGA adapter into VGA
mode, so ImageAccel can run OS/2 properly.

CAUTION: You must leave the VGA Terminator attached to the XGA
display port at BOOT TIME. If you don't, then PMShell full
screen prompts will paint your screen black (type ALT + HOME
to remedy this temporarily, changing the Full screen mode to
a Prompt window).


IBM Model 77 Setup
-------------------
NOTE: Leave the XGA card in the proprietary IBM primary video slot.

Step 1: Install the ImageAccel Display adapter into the IBM
PS/2 Microchannel video slot (2).

* NOTE: If you add or remove any other adapter cards to your
system, you have to keep the VGA Terminator
installed on the XGA card, and boot using the boot
disk to re-run the configuration program again.

Step 2: Put the diskette labeled "IBM PS/2-XGA BOOT DISK for
ImageAccel" into the A: drive. (Contact Cornerstone
Technical Support for information on obtaining this
diskette).

Step 3: Place the VGA Terminator (3012682-002) onto the XGA
display adapter port. (Contact Cornerstone Technical
Support for information on obtaining the VGA Terminator).

Step 4: Boot the PC with the IBM PS-2 Boot disk for ImageAccel
and VGA TERMINATOR installed. (Note: The Boot disk is
not a DOS diskette - its not readable by DOS).
Louis Ohland
2025-01-14 20:15:31 UTC
Permalink
ImageAccel (MCA bus) and XGA Controllers

Files:


Revised:08/11/93
PURPOSE
To instruct Cornerstone customers on the installation of the ImageAccel
video controllers with IBM XGA video controllers in PS/2 computers.

ACTION
When installing the ImageAccel Micro Channel video controller, you must
leave the installed XGA controller in the computer. This is necessary
for the ImageAccel video controller to frame grab XGA signals for DOS use.

The ImageAccel video controller must be installed in the secondary video
slot. When the computer is booted, the ImageAccel controller will not be
seen by the computer due to the XGA BIOS ROM, until the PS/2 Reference
Disk is used to install the ImageAccel configuration file.

If you are installing a Cornerstone Color Monitor, you will need to
attach the monitor to the XGA controller to run the PS/2 Reference Disk.
After setting the configuration for the ImageAccel controller, you can
then attach the monitor to the ImageAccel controller. Remember, you must
leave the XGA controller in the computer.

Installing a Cornerstone monochrome monitor requires the use of a VGA \
XGA display to run the reference disk. After setting the configuration
for the ImageAccel controller, you can then remove the VGA \ XGA display
and use the Cornerstone monochrome monitor as the primary display. You
must leave the XGA controller in the computer.

UPDATE 8/11/1993
Cornerstone now has a VGA Terminator to make the XGA controller act like
a VGA
controller in Windows. Cornerstone also has a configuration Boot
diskette to make the Cornerstone ImageAccel controller the primary video
controller. To obtain the VGA Terminator connector and Boot diskette,
please contact Cornerstone Customer Support.

If you have any questions regarding the installation of ImageAccel video
controllers in PS/2 computers with XGA video controllers, please contact
the Cornerstone Customer Support at at the phone numbers below
Louis Ohland
2025-01-14 20:25:09 UTC
Permalink
Oops, hit the sendt button...
Post by Louis Ohland
ACTION
When installing the ImageAccel Micro Channel video controller, you must
leave the installed XGA controller in the computer. This is necessary
for the ImageAccel video controller to frame grab XGA signals for DOS
use.The ImageAccel video controller must be installed in the secondary
video slot

Duh. It fits the AVE slot.
Post by Louis Ohland
When the computer is booted, the ImageAccel controller will not be seen by the computer due to the XGA BIOS ROM, until the PS/2 Reference Disk is used to install the ImageAccel configuration file.
I'm not sure this is correct. Until the ImageAccel is configured with
Set Configuration, it will be quiet as a tomb.

Terminator, sure. Fine. Methinks the need for this special mojo boot
disk is a tad overblown. Might end up running the base video to get the
ImageAccel running, then enable the on-board base video.
Post by Louis Ohland
If you are installing a Cornerstone Color Monitor, you will need to
attach the monitor to the XGA controller to run the PS/2 Reference Disk.
After setting the configuration for the ImageAccel controller, you can
then attach the monitor to the ImageAccel controller. Remember, you must
leave the XGA controller in the computer.
Installing a Cornerstone monochrome monitor requires the use of a VGA \
XGA display to run the reference disk. After setting the configuration
for the ImageAccel controller, you can then remove the VGA \ XGA display
and use the Cornerstone monochrome monitor as the primary display. You
must leave the XGA controller in the computer.
UPDATE 8/11/1993
Cornerstone now has a VGA Terminator to make the XGA controller act like
a VGA
controller in Windows. Cornerstone also has a configuration Boot
diskette to make the Cornerstone ImageAccel controller the primary video
controller. To obtain the VGA Terminator connector and Boot diskette,
please contact Cornerstone Customer Support.
If you have any questions regarding the installation of ImageAccel video
controllers in PS/2 computers with XGA video controllers, please contact
the Cornerstone Customer Support at at the phone numbers below
Louis Ohland
2025-01-15 12:50:26 UTC
Permalink
Today's sermon comes from the illuminated texts.

Auxiliary Video Extension
https://www.ardent-tool.com/video/Video_Extension.html

XGA Display Adapter/A
https://www.ardent-tool.com/video/XGA1.html

@8FDB.ADF IBM XGA Display Adapter/A
https://www.ardent-tool.com/adapters/adf/@8fdb.adf
NOTE: It also has a C8FDB.ADF to configure the ROM and VRAM

Cornerstone ImageAccel
https://www.ardent-tool.com/video/ImageAccel.html

@80A6.ADF ImageAccel Display
https://www.ardent-tool.com/adapters/adf/@80a6.adf
NOTE: This non-IBM adapter does not have a Cnnnn.ADF

Video Terminators
https://www.ardent-tool.com/video/Video_Terminator_Pinout.html

"IBM PS/2-XGA BOOT DISK for ImageAccel"... might be a bedtime story told
to rambunctious children to scare them into being quiet...

"(Note: The Boot disk is not a DOS diskette - its not readable by DOS)."

My SWAG- it could very well be a summoning ritual, that wrongly spoken,
will cause the Apocalypse... but I'm skeptical.

"The IBM Boot disk for ImageAccel is used ONCE, to get the Model 77 to
recognize and boot ImageAccel. The VGA Terminator is required at BOOT
TIME, to change the XGA adapter into VGA mode, so ImageAccel can run
OS/2 properly. "

Uh, yeah, this makes sense. Monitor ID sense. The terminator presents
the XGA with the monitor ID bits that it's a VGA screen. That makes the
XGA pump out VGA, or "Base Video".

Further, note the absence of ANY reference to a VGA equipped system [eg
8570 or 8580]. If all you got to pump out over the BVE is VGA, then
problem solved...

"you must leave the installed XGA controller in the computer. This is
necessary for the ImageAccel video controller to frame grab XGA signals
for DOS use."

Duh. The Base Video Extension can only pass VGA signals. If the XGA went
Plaid, er, into Extended Graphics mode, the BVE CANNOT pass the extended
signal.

"The ImageAccel video controller must be installed in the secondary
video slot. When the computer is booted, the ImageAccel controller will
not be seen by the computer due to the XGA BIOS ROM, until the PS/2
Reference Disk is used to install the ImageAccel configuration file."

Not seen due to XGA BIOS? Meh, don't think so. If the ImageAccel is not
configured, it is not enabled.


"AdapterId 080A6h "ImageAccel Display"
"Primary or Secondary Video Adapter"
"Choose primary if ImageAccel is the primary display, otherwise choose
secondary if VGA is the primary display"

From looking at this, it suggests Primary enables base [on ImageAccel]
video? Notice that Cornerstone says "secondary if VGA is the primary
display"

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