Amiga Plus 1995 #2

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Archive-name: games/video-games/atari/jaguar Posting-Frequency: monthly It's the start of another month, which means another updated posting of the Atari Jaguar FAQ file. This month's updates include some details from the developers' side of things (including news on the new-and-improved BPEG compression algorithm), information on the Jaguar joystick you can buy -now,- assorted suggestions from our readers, and...well, read and see. As always, comments, corrections, or updates are welcome. --R.J. B-) //////////////////////////////////////|\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Send whatevers to rjung@netcom.com | If it has pixels, I'm for it. --------------------------------------+------------------------------Lynx up! "You weren't chosen because you are the best pilot in the Air Force. You were chosen because you are the class clown and frankly, you're expendable." _ _ ____ _ _ _ ____ ||| Atari | | / |/ ___\| | | | / | _ \ Frequently Asked Questions ||| | | / | | __| | | | / | |_| | / | \ /| | |/ / | | |_ | | | |/ / | _ < | |_| / _ | |__| | |_| / _ | | \\\ \___/_/ |_|\____/ \___/_/ |_|_| \\\ \\\ Created by Robert Jung (rjung@netcom.com), because no one else wanted to. Dedicated to ASTEROIDS, for getting me hooked in the first place Last update: 2/28/1995 ============================================================================== This file is not maintained by, overseen by, endorsed, or otherwise associated with Atari Corp. or any of its subsidiaries. It's just a collection of questions and answers, with a few news tidbits thrown in. This file is posted on a monthly basis to rec.games.video.atari, alt.atari-jaguar.discussion, news.answers, and rec.answers around the first of the month. It is maintained by Robert Jung at rjung@netcom.com on the Internet. Send corrections, news, updates, comments, questions, or other stuff to that address. All mail is welcome! Updates since the last publicly posted FAQ have a vertical bar in the first column. ============================================================================== Q. What is the Atari Jaguar? A. The world's first 64-bit home console video game system. Developed after three years of research, manufactured by IBM, the Jaguar offers high-speed action, spectacular graphic effects, and CD-quality sound. ============================================================================== Q. How does IBM fit into this? A. IBM has a $500 million contract with Atari Corp. to assemble, test, package, and distribute Jaguar units. Manufacturing is done at IBM's Charlotte, NC facility, and the Jaguar is IBM's first attempt at producing a consumer grade product for an outside vendor. Specifically, Jaguar circuit boards are manufactured and assembled by an IBM subcontractor; IBM cases, tests, and packages final Jaguar units; units are then sent to Atari for distribution. IBM has no known participation in the design of the Jaguar. IBM has no plans to create games for the Jaguar. | As of mid-1994, Jaguar units are also manufactured by Comptronix in | Colorado Springs. ============================================================================== Q. Okay, who did design the Jaguar? A. The primary designers of the Jaguar are Martin Brennan and John Mathieson. They started their own company in 1986 called Flare 1, and designed an original multiprocessor game console. After the system was finished, Flare wanted to "evolve" the system, but needed funding for the job. Atari was contacted, believed in the idea, and agreed to participate. Atari, Brennan, and Mathieson started a new company called Flare 2 to develop the system. As Jaguar development moved along, it became apparent that the machine would leapfrog the new systems from Nintendo and Sega, so they decided to bring the machine to light. The entire process took three years, from initial design to production-ready models. The proprietary chips are manufactured by Toshiba and Motorola. ============================================================================== Q. What are the specifications of the Jaguar? A. Physical dimensions: Size: 9.5" x 10" x 2.5" Controls: Power on/off Display: Resolution up to 800 x 576 pixels (1300+ with additional hardware) 24-bit "True Color" display with 16,777,216 colors | simultaneously (additional 8 bits of supplimental graphics | data support possible) Multiple-resolution, multiple-color depth objects (monochrome, 2-bit, 4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit) can be used simultaneously Ports: Cartridge slot/expansion port (32 bits) RF video output Video edge connector (video/audio output) (supports NTSC and PAL; provides S-Video, Composite, RGB outputs, accessible by optional add-on connector) Two controller ports Digital Signal Processor port (includes high-speed synchronous serial input/output) Controllers: Eight-directional joypad Size 6.25" x 5" x 1.6", cord 7 feet Three fire buttons (A, B, C) Pause and Option buttons 12-key keypad (accepts game-specific overlays) The Jaguar has five processors, which are contained in three chips. Two of the chips are proprietary designs, nicknamed "Tom" and "Jerry". The third chip is a standard Motorola 68000 used as a coprocessor. Tom and Jerry are | built using an 0.5 micron silicon process. With proper programming, all five | processors can run in parallel. - "Tom" - 750,000 transistors, 208 pins - Graphics Processing Unit (processor #1) - 32-bit RISC architecture (32/64 processor) - 64 registers of 32 bits wide - Has access to all 64 bits of the system bus - Can read 64 bits of data in one instruction - Rated at 26.591 MIPS (million instructions per second) - Runs at 26.591 MHz - 4K bytes of zero wait-state internal SRAM - Performs a wide range of high-speed graphic effects - Programmable - Object processor (processor #2) - 64-bit RISC architecture - Programmable processor that can act as a variety of different video architectures, such as a sprite engine, a pixel-mapped display, a character-mapped system, and others. - Blitter (processor #3) - 64 bits - Performs high-speed logical operations - Hardware support for Z-buffering and Gouraud shading - DRAM memory controller - 64 bits - Accesses the DRAM directly - "Jerry" - 600,000 transistors, 144 pins - Digital Signal Processor (processor #4) - 32 bits (32-bit registers) - Rated at 26.6 MIPS (million instructions per second) - Runs at 26.6 MHz - Same RISC core as the Graphics Processing Unit - Not limited to sound generation - 8K bytes of zero wait-state internal SRAM - CD-quality sound (16-bit stereo) - Number of sound channels limited by software - Two DACs (stereo) convert digital data to analog sound signals - Full stereo capabilities - Wavetable synthesis, FM synthesis, FM Sample synthesis, and AM synthesis - A clock control block, incorporating timers, and a UART - Joystick control - Motorola 68000 (processor #5) - Runs at 13.295MHz - General purpose control processor Communication is performed with a high speed 64-bit data bus, rated at 106.364 megabytes/second. The 68000 is only able to access 16 bits of this bus at a time. The Jaguar contains two megabytes (16 megabits) of fast page-mode DRAM, in four chips with 512 K each. Game cartridges can support up to six megabytes (48 megabits) of information, and can contain an EEPROM (electrically erasable/programmable read-only memory) chip to save game information and settings. Up to 100,000 writes can be performed with the EEPROM; after that, future writes may not be saved (performance varies widely, but 100,000 is a guaranteed minimum). Depending on use, this limit should take from 10 to 50 years to reach. The Jaguar uses 24-bit addressing, and is reportedly capable of accessing data as follows: Six megabytes cartridge ROM Eight megabytes DRAM Two megabytes miscellaneous/expansion All of the processors can access the main DRAM memory area directly. The Digital Signal Processor and the Graphics Processor can execute code out of either their internal caches, or out of main memory. The only limitations are that (1) "jump" instructions in main memory have certain restrictions; the JMP (unconditional jump) command is longword-aligned, while the JR (jump-indexed-by-register) command must be either word- or longword- aligned. And (2) running out of the cache is much faster (up to four times faster) and efficient. Some believe that the inability to jump/branch in main memory makes the main memory feature useless. Swapping data between the caches and the main memory is a quick, low overhead operation, and therefore the main memory is often used as "swap space" for cache code. The RISC compiler now included in the Jaguar developer's kit produces code that transparently swaps code through the cache. This effectively lets developers write RISC code without concern for the cache size limits. Compressed cartridge data can be uncompressed in real-time, and ratios of up to 14:1 have been cited. In theory, a Jaguar cartridge can store up to 84 megabytes (672 megabits) of data, though actual results will vary | widely (most often, images are compressed, while sound and code are not). | Compression is performed with BPEG, an enhanced JPEG image decompression | mechanism. BPEG supercedes the former JagPEG algorithm, working up to 10 | times faster and with more flexibility. Other Jaguar features: - Support for ComLynx I/O for communications with the Atari Lynx hand-held game system and networked multiconsole games (on DSP port, accessible by optional add-on connector). Networking of up to 32 Jaguar units available. - The two controller ports can be expanded to support "dozens" of controllers - Digital and analog interfaces - Keyboards, mice, and light guns are possible - Expansion port allows connection to cable TV and other networks - Digital Signal Processor port allows connection to modems and digital audio peripherals (such as DAT players) - One megabyte per second serial interface - 9600 baud, RS-232 serial port (accessible with optional interface) - General-purpose I/O bits via the cartridge port - Can accomodate future expansions of different processor types, I/O types, video types, and memory types and/or quantities. ============================================================================== Q. Is the Jaguar really a 64-bit system? A. The question is hard to resolve, largely because the definition of what constitutes an "N-bit" system has not been set. Of the five processors in the Jaguar, only the object processor and the blitter are "true" 64-bit components. Because the blitter and the object processor are in the Tom chip, by extension Tom is a 64-bit chip. The Jaguar also uses a 64-bit memory architecture, according to Jez San of Argonaut Software. Some say the Jaguar should be considered a 32-bit system, as that is the maximum register size in the programmable processors (the 68000, the graphics processor, and the DMA sound processor). Others say the Jaguar can be considered a 64-bit system, because 64-bit components are used, and the GPU can access 64 bits of data if required. Again, the lack of an agreed-upon definition serves to complicate the issue. According to Jaguar designer John Mathieson, "Jaguar has a 64-bit memory interface to get a high bandwidth out of cheap DRAM. ... Where the system needs to be 64 bit then it is 64 bit, so the Object Processor, which takes data from DRAM and builds the display is 64 bit; and the blitter, which does all the 3D rendering, screen clearing, and pixel shuffling, is 64 bit. Where the system does not need to be 64 bit, it isn't. There is no point in a 64 bit address space in a games console! 3D calculations and audio processing do not generally use 64-bit numbers, so there would be no advantage to 64 bit processors for this. "Jaguar has the data shifting power of a 64 bit system, which is what matters for games, so can reasonably be considered a 64 bit system. But that doesn't mean it has to be 64 bits throughout." For the record, the opinion of most third party developers and observers is that the Jaguar is indeed a 64-bit system. The emphasis is on the word "system"; while not every component is 64 bits, the Jaguar architecture, as a COMPLETE SYSTEM, is. ============================================================================== Q. The Jaguar uses a 68000. Isn't that the CPU? A. Again, quoting from Jaguar designer John Mathieson, "It may be the CPU in the sense that it's the centre of operation, and boot-straps the machine, and starts everything else going; however, it is not the centre of Jaguar's power. ... The 68000 is like a manager who does no real work, but tells everybody else what to do." And... "Atari were keen to use a 68K family device, and we looked closely at various members. We did actually build a couple of 68030 versions of the early beta developers systems, and for a while were going to use a 68020. However, this turned out too expensive. We also considered the possibility of no [Motorola 680x0 chip] at all. I always felt it was important to have some normal processor, to give developers a warm feeling when they start. The 68K is inexpensive and does that job well. I maintain that it's only there to read the joysticks." ============================================================================== Q. How can a graphics processor be the CPU? A. The 64-bit custom graphics chip is a good general purpose RISC unit, but it has been optimized for graphics work. Developers are free to specify which processor(s) to use in a program, as desired. ============================================================================== Q. What kind of special effects can the Jaguar do? A. The Jaguar is capable of doing the following visual effects: - High-speed scrolling (Object Processor). - Texture mapping on two- and three-dimensional objects (GPU and Blitter). - Morphing one object into another object (GPU). - Scaling, rotation, distortion, and skewing of sprites and images (Object Processor). - Lighting and shading from single and multiple light sources (GPU and Blitter). - Transparency (Object Processor). - "Rendering" up to 850 million one-bit pixels/second (35 million 24-bit pixels/second, 26 million 32-bit pixels/second), or 50 million Goroud shaded pixels/second. "Rendering" is believed to mean transferring a pixel from a frame buffer to the screen. - Sprites of "unlimited" size and quantity. Realistically, sprites can be over 1,000 pixels wide/tall, and the number of sprites allowed is limited by processor cycles instead of a fixed value in hardware (Object processor). - Programmable screen resolutions, from 160 to 800 pixels per line. The resolution can be increased even further with additional hardware up to a reported 1350 pixels per line. One of the Jaguar modes is called "CRY mode", which supports lighting and effects in 3D graphics. Red, green, and blue color elements are ranged from 0 to 255, and the lighting level for any pixel can be changed by setting one byte linearly. E.g., the relative proportions of red, blue, and green are indicated with one byte, while a second byte selects an overall intensity of 0 to 255. CRY allows much smoother shading of single colors, but doesn't allow blending between colors as smoothly. Actual graphics performance is hard to measure, as there are no industry- standard benchmarks. Rebellion Software has claimed that the Jaguar can render "10,000 Gourard shaded, large, 65536 color, any shape polygons per second," while still performing other tasks. Presumably this level can be increased further with optimized programming. ============================================================================== Q. How come the Jaguar claims to have "32-bit" graphics, when 16 million colors only need 24 bits for rendering? A. The additional 8-bits is for programmers to implement whatever visual effects may be desired. Examples cited include Z-buffering (for polygon graphics) and an alpha channel (for transparency). ============================================================================== Q. What's the information on the CD-ROM drive? A. A double-speed CD-ROM drive has been announced for release in 1995, with an estimated price of $150. It is reported that the CD-ROM drive is capable of sustained data transfer at 352.8K per second, or run at normal audio rates of 175K per second. Access time is reportedly 210 milliseconds. The CD-ROM drive features a modified data bus interface for access to the Tom and Jerry chips almost directly; this allows for a higher throughput rate on the sound and graphics. Storage on a disc is approximately 790 megabytes (6,320 megabits). The CD-ROM drive plugs into the Jaguar's cartridge slot on top of the machine, and offers a cartridge slot to permit playing cartridge or CD games; the cartridge port is accessible while using the CD-ROM drive. CD game information can be saved to an optional memory cartridge. The Jaguar CD-ROM drive allows delivery of full-screen, full-motion video. The CinePak video decompression system has been licensed from SuperMac Technologies. It is a 7K routine in the GPU, and can easily be included in any CD-ROM software that wants/needs it. It allows full-screen video playback at 24 frames per second. Movie quality pictures can then be overlaid on the screen with computer generated graphics if the game demands it. Time-Warner has licensed a library of film clips from its movies to Atari for use in Jaguar games. The Jaguar CD-ROM is also designed to interface with audio CD, Karaoke CD, and CD+Graphics. Kodak PhotoCD is an optional feature, and is expected to be available as a supplimental cartridge. The system will not be 3DO compatible, but CD-i compatability is being negotiated. An optional MPEG-1 (Motion Picture Experts Group) compression cartridge will also be available, to allow users to play full length motion pictures from CD. It will reportedly include extra RAM for buffering, and support the whitebook video format. Suggested retail price is $150. The Jaguar CD-ROM will have the "Virtual Light Machine" built in. This program will play audio CDs and generate accompanying "psychedelic" color and visual effects on the television/monitor. The player/user can use the joypads to modify the patterns. The CD-ROM drive is being manufactured by Philips in the United States. Its dimensions are 6.5" x 10.5" x 3.5", and weighs 1 pound, 10 ounces. | Atari is developing an integrated Jaguar CD console. It will combine the | two units (Jaguar stand-alone console and Jaguar CD-ROM player) into one | integrated case. No word is available on expected price or release date. | This unit will NOT replace the other Jaguar hardware; it is only an | optional configuration. ============================================================================== Q. What's this "Panther" I hear about? A. Quick history lesson: Sometime in the late 1980s, Atari Corp. was doing research and development on "next generation" video game consoles. There were two systems, a 32-bit machine called the Panther, and a 64-bit machine called the Jaguar. It is reported that work on the Jaguar was progressing better/faster than expected, so Atari abandoned the Panther to focus their energies on the Jaguar instead. Supposedly, if both machines were fully developed, the Jaguar would have followed the Panther only two years later. Reports of development work on the Panther have been whispered since 1988; some people have erroneously mistaken those rumors to be about the Jaguar. The Panther reportedly was considered a "32-bit" machine by Atari, though for reasons unknown. It featured three chips, consisting of a Motorola 68000 running at 16Mhz, an object processor called the Panther, and an Ensoniq sound processor called Otis, featuring 32 sound channels. The Panther could supposedly display 8,192 colors from a palette of 262,144 colors, and could display 65,535 sprites of any size simultaneously. ============================================================================== Q. What do I get when I buy a Jaguar? A. The Jaguar package has a suggested retail price of $250, and contains the Jaguar itself, one controller, an AC adapter, and the game CYBERMORPH. Atari plans to release a "core" system, without CYBERMORPH, for $200. | At the time of this writing, retailers are selling the complete Jaguar | package (with CYBERMORPH) for $190. This is not a "liquidation" price; it | appears to be a permanent reduction from Atari. How this will affect | prices for other Jaguar components and packages remains to be seen. ============================================================================== Q. Is there a difference in Jaguar games/units sold in different countries? Do I need to keep track of PAL and NTSC versions of a game? A. There is no difference in the Jaguar game software. A properly-written Jaguar game detects PAL or NTSC at startup and changes the playfield size and game speeds accordingly. A properly-written Jaguar game will run at the same speed on either machine. The Jaguar consoles themselves are configured differently, according to the country they are sold in. The primary differences are in the video output format (NTSC or PAL) and the power adapters (110 volt or 220 volt). For example, to use an American-market Jaguar in Europe, you need a 220 volt-to-110 volt adapter (readily available) and a SCART television set to accept the Jaguar's RGB signals. Some European TV sets may also require changing the Jaguar display from a 60Hz frame rate to 50Hz. The 50Hz/60Hz frame rate is set by soldering pads on the bottom of the Jaguar PCB. On an NTSC Jaguar, they're located on the bottom of the PCB near the controller ports. The set labelled "R140" determines between 50Hz and 60Hz. Connect the two points for 50Hz, or leave them disconnected for 60Hz, as follows: 60Hz 50Hz o-o R135 o-o o o R136 o o (Information courtesy of Martin Zimmer, o o R137 o o marz@haari.mayn.sub.de) o o R140 o-o PAL Jaguars sold in Europe have the R140 pads connected with a zero ohm SMD resistor, which can be removed with a soldering iron. It is possible to wire a switch to the points, allowing the Jaguar to be toggled between 50Hz/60Hz. This is mainly useful for PAL Jaguars to play games at the original speed and screen resolution of the NTSC version. ============================================================================== Q. Hey! My Jaguar makes a quiet hissing sound! What's going on? Is it dangerous? A. Atari has cited several reasons for the hissing noise. Some have said that the sound is from the RF generator. The RF shield has holes in it (ostensibly to help air flow and keep the unit cool), and it is believed that the holes produce the noise. Others say the sounds are produced by coil L29 which is responsible for the proper voltage regulation to +10.0V, together with U38. The coil's copper wire vibrates when the current through it changes abruptly, making the hiss. There are two solutions: 1) Use plastic spray or silicone rubber glue to fix the coil's wire. 2) Replace the original Jaguar power-supply with a variable power-source, using 7.5V DC instead of 9V DC (it is not certain whether the Jaguar CD will require 9V DC, which would make this "fix" unworkable with the CD drive). In any case, the "hissing" noise is not dangerous, but merely annoying. It is usually audible only if you put your ear next to the unit and listen closely, and is not interference in the audio output. It is roughly analogous to the buzz made by electric clocks. Later Jaguars supposedly do not have this problem. ============================================================================== Q. My Jaguar comes up with a red screen instead of a game! Is it broken? A. Most often, the "red screen" problem appears after the Jaguar logo has disappeared off the TV screen, and is caused by one of the following: 1. Poor contact between the Jaguar and the cartridge (most likely). Make sure that the cartridge is firmly seated in the cartridge slot, and that contacts are not dirty/dusty. 2. Bent pins in the cartridge slot (rare). This may be caused by rough edges on some cartridges. The pins should be carefully straightened. 3. Defective cartridge (rare). If the red screen only appears with one cartridge but not others, the game may be defective. Exchange it for another. If the Jaguar logo appears without problems, then the Jaguar is probably working fine, and it's only the data transfer between the unit and the cartridge that's causing the problem. ============================================================================== Q. I want something better than RF output from my Jaguar. What do I do? A. Atari has an S-Video cable and a Composite video cable available for use with the Jaguar. Either cable costs $19.95. If you are willing to build your own, the schematics for the expansion port are as follows: Pinouts for Jaguar Video Cable (view is looking at the rear of the Jaguar) 01A 02A 03A 04A 05A 06A 07A 08A 09A 10A 11A 12A --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- 01B 02B 03B 04B 05B 06B 07B 08B 09B 10B 11B 12B 01A - Left Audio 01B - Right Audio 02A - Audio Ground 02B - Audio Ground 04A - Chroma Ground 04B - Red 05A - Blue 05B - Composite Sync 06A - Horizontal Sync 07A - Green 07B - Luma Ground 08A - Chroma 08B - Luma 10B - Video Ground 11A - +10V power supply 11B - Composite Video S-Video Cable ##\ /---(##- P2 RCA Male (Red) ### / P1 ###>>--(Shielded cable)-----<-----(##- P3 RCA Male (White) ### \ ___ ##/ \---<## P4 4 pin SVHS 3/. .\4 Jaguar Mini-DIN 1< . . >2 Plug Male \_=_/ (front) Conn Pin Signal Conn Pin +----+--------+--------------+----+-----+ P2 Center Right Audio P1 01B P2 Shell Audio Ground P1 02B P3 Center Left Audio P1 01A P3 Shell Audio Ground P1 02A P4 1 Luma Ground P1 07B P4 3 Luma P1 08B P4 4 Chroma P1 08A P4 2 Chroma Ground P1 04A P4 Shell Not Connected P1 N/A Composite Video Cable ##\ /---(##- P2 RCA Male (Red) ### / P1 ###>>--(Shielded cable)-----<-----(##- P3 RCA Male (White) ### \ ##/ \---(##- P4 RCA Male (Yellow) Jaguar Conn Pin Signal Conn Pin +----+--------+--------------+----+-----+ P2 Center Right Audio P1 01B P2 Shell Audio Ground P1 02B P3 Center Left Audio P1 01A P3 Shell Audio Ground P1 02A P4 Center Comp Video P1 11B P4 Shell Video Ground P1 10B For Jaguar owners who wish to use SCART, a Jaguar-to-SCART RGB cable can be made as follows: SCART socket: 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 +--------------------------------------------+ \ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- I \ I I -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- I +------------------------------------------+ 19 17 15 13 11 9 7 5 3 1 RGB connection using an 8-pin shielded cable: SCART Signal Jaguar A/V port +-----+---------------+---------------+ 6 Left Audio 1A 2 Right Audio 1B 4 Audio Ground 2A 15 Red 4B 7 Blue 5A 11 Green 7A 16 H-Sync (Blank) 6A 20 Composite Sync 5B 17 Video Ground 10B (connected by cable shield) ============================================================================== Q. How does the ComLynx port on the Jaguar work? Can I connect my Lynx to it? A. The Jaguar does not have a ComLynx port per se, but has a ComLynx signal on the system bus. An expansion port add-on would make the port available, and developers have announced plans for such accessories (see below). It is possible to daisy-chain multiple Jaguars for multiplayer games into a "Jaguar network". In theory, it'd also be possible to connect Jaguars and Lynxes, though no plans for cross-system software are in the works currently. There is also talk that the Jaguar's ComLynx signal can allow Lynxes to be used as peripherals: software can be developed to allow Lynxes to be part of a Jaguar game as "smart" controllers. Atari plans to release a "JagLink cable", to allow two Jaguars to be connected up to 100 feet apart. Expected release is the second quarter of 1995, for a price of $29.95. For enterprising engineers who wish to build a ComLynx cable for two Jaguars, the following schematics from jonin@netcom.com are available. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK! 12 Contact IDE Card Edge Connector (Atari Jaguar DSP Connector) View from the front of the connector (not the solder side): Top Cable pinouts 7 8 9 10 11 12 Jaguar 1 Jaguar 2 L +------------------+ R 2 (TX) ______ ______ 2 (Tx) e [ x x x x x x ] i \/ f [ x x x x x x ] g 3 (RX) ______/\______ 3 (Rx) t +------------------+ h 6 (Ground) __________ 6 (Ground) 6 5 4 3 2 1 t Key signals: 2 - Transmit, 3 - Receive, 6 - Ground Assembly Notes: As shown, the only 3 wires needed for the cable are 2, 3 and 6 (Tx, Rx, and Ground). All of these wires are on the bottom connector, so that is a good indicater of which way the cable plugs in the Jaguar. Shielded and RF-Choked cables work best. Due to the nature of this connector, it will be hard to shield this cable completely. If you cannot find a 12-contact IDE Card Edge Connector, a 10-contact version can be used. A quick one can be built with no soldering using JDR MicroDevices (Part# IDE10). This is made for ribbon cable, but you can use regular shielded cables with a little work. As long as lines 2, 3, and 6 remain properly connected, there should be no difference. Usage tips: * DO NOT PLUG THIS CABLE IN UPSIDE-DOWN! You may damage internal components if you plug it incorrectly. * TURN OFF BOTH JAGUARS BEFORE CONNECTING. You may damage internal components if you do not. * Since there isn't much strengh in the wires, remove the cable by the connectors. If all this makes you nervous, don't build it. Use Atari's own Jaguar network cable, or professional interface attachments such as ICD's Catbox instead (see below). ============================================================================== Q. Who are the third-party publishers/developers for the Jaguar? A. The following companies have been announced as official developers, licensees, or publishers for the Jaguar: Attention to Detail (ATD) Imagitech Design Llamasoft Rebellion Handmade Software Anco Software Ltd. Maxis Software Telegames Beyond Games Inc. Microids Tiertex Ltd. Dimension Technologies Midnite Software Inc. Titus Eurosoft Ocean Software Ltd. Tradewest High Voltage Software Rebellion Software Trimark Interactive Krisalis Software Ltd. Virtual Experience U.S. Gold Ltd. Loriciel U.S.A. Silmarils Millenium Park Place Productions Ubi Soft Gremlin Software Microprose/S. Holobyte Accolade Virgin Interplay 21st Century Software Activision Id Software Twilight Brainstorm 3D Games All Systems Go Argonaut Software Euro-Soft ICD Incorporated Photosurrealism DTMC Epic Megagames V-Reel Productions Sunsoft Domark Group Ltd. Elite Br0derbund WMS Industries (Bally/Williams) Rage Software Readysoft Spacetec Visual Concepts Bullfrog Productions Imagineer Jaleco Sculptured Software Williams Brothers Accent Media Productions Anthill Industries Audio/Visual Magic Bethesda Softworks Black Scorpion Software Visual Sciences Ltd. Steinberg Soft-und Hdw Borta & Associates Clearwater Software Computer Music Consulting Cybervision CyberWare Delta Music Systems Inc. Pixel Satori Elite E-On EZ Score Software Inc. GameTek Inc. Genus Microprogramming H2O Design Corp. HiSoft Limelight Media Inc. Manley & Associates NMS Software Ltd. PIXIS Interactive Rest Easy Software Creations Team Infinity Team 17 Software Ltd. Techtonics Technation Digital World Teque London Ltd. Thrustmaster American Laser Masters Tengen Eclipse Zeppelin Games Infogames(?) Natsume(?) iThink, Inc. Time/Warner Interactive Acid Software 20th Century Fox Int. Alfaro Corporation Ltd. B.S.A. Bando Svenska AB Beris Bitmotion Software Bizzare Computing Brandlewood Computers Ltd. Cannonball Software Celebrity Systems Inc. Condor Software Cross Products Ltd. DAP Developments Data Design Denton Designs Ltd. Diskimage Electro Brain Corp. Electrom Extreme Factor 5 Flair Software Ltd. Frankenstein Software Funcom Productions Human Soft Ltd. JVC Musical Industries Inc. Kungariket Multimedia Lost in Time Software Malibu Interactive Michton Inc. Media Technology Scandinavia Merit Industries Inc. Miracle Designs Nebulous Games Neon-Buttner i-SPACE Network 23 Software NMS Software Ltd. Odyssey Software Inc. Orion Technologies Phobyx Rage Software Ltd. Rainmaker Software Riedel Software Prod. Scangames Interactive Wave Quest Inc. 4Play Selgus Limited Shadowsoft Inc. Sigma Designs Sinister Development Soft Enterprises Softgold Gmbh Software 2000 Software Development Systems Tantalus Entertainment Hyper Image Virtual Artistry, Inc. SpringerSoft Core Design Also, Atari Games/Tengen has licensed the Jaguar architecture for use in future arcade games. Sigma Designs is developing a Jaguar card for IBM PCs and compatables that runs Jaguar CD software, and acts as a ReelMagic MPEG card. The card is expected to be released by the end of 1994. ============================================================================== Q. What are all of the current Jaguar games available in the United States? A. Current Jaguar Games List: Title Players Publisher Type ----------------- ------- ------------ --------------------------- Alien vs. Predator 1 Atari Action/Adventure Brutal Sports 1-2 Telegames Sports Football Bubsy in Fractured 1 Atari Platform Furry Tales | Cannon Fodder 1 Virgin Action Checkered Flag 1 Atari Sports Club Drive 1-2 Atari Action/Simulator Crescent Galaxy 1 Atari Shooter Cybermorph 1 Atari Action/Strategy Doom: Evil Unleashed 1-2(1) Atari Action/Adventure Dragon 1-2 Atari Action/Fighting Evolution:Dino Dudes 1 Atari Puzzle/Strategy Iron Soldier 1 Atari Action/Simulator Kasumi Ninja 1-2 Atari Action/Fighting Raiden 1-2 Atari Arcade Tempest 2000 1-2 Atari Action/Arcade Val D'Isere Skiing 1-2 Atari Sports and Snowboarding Wolfenstein 3D 1 Atari Action/Adventure | Zool 2 1-2 Atari Platform (1) Multiplayer games supported by connecting multiple Jaguars together. ============================================================================== Q. What are the upcoming Jaguar games? A: Note: These lists are hardly definitive. They're based on many sources, and in some cases, might be dead wrong. Games also often change from pre-release to production. Upcoming Jaguar cartridge games (? = Uncertain entry): Title Players Publisher Type ----------------- ------- ------------ --------------------------- Aero the Acro-Bat 1-2 Sunsoft Action/Platform Air Cars 1-8 Midnite Sw Sports/Driving Al Michaels 1-2 Accolade/Atari Sports Announces Hardball Alone in the Dark 1? Infogames(?) Adventure American Football 1-2 Park Place Sports Another World 1 Interplay Action/Strategy Apeshit 1-2 Ocean Action/Platform Arena Football 1-2 V-Reel Prod. Sports League Assault: Covert Ops 1-2? Midnite Sw Action Bases Loaded 1-2 Jaleco Sports Batman Forever 1-2? Atari Action Batman: The 1? Atari? Action? Animated Series Battle Sphere 1-16 4Play Action/Shooter Battlewheels 1-2? Beyond Games Action Bugs Bunny's Cartoon 1? Sunsoft Action Capers Casino Royale 1-2? Telegames Strategy Center Court Tennis 1-2 Zeppelin Sports Cheesy 1? Ocean ? Cisco Heat 1 Jaleco Driving/Arcade Clay Fighters(?) 1-2 Interplay Action/Fighting Commando 1 Microids Action/Strategy 'Dactyl Joust 1? Atari Action/Arcade? Conan 1-2 ? Action/Fighting Defender 2000 1-2? Atari Action/Arcade Demolition Man 1? Virgin Action/Shooting Dino Dudes 2 1 Atari Puzzle/Strategy Double Dragon V: 1-2 Tradewest Action/Fighting The Shadow Falls Downhill 1? Rainmaker Action/Sports Dungeon Depths 1 Midnite Sw Adventure Droppings 1? Delta Music ? European Soccer 1-2 Telegames Sports Challenge Extreme Skiing/ 1-2? Loriciel USA Sports Showboarding F-1 Racer 1-2? Domark Sports Falcon(?) 1 S. Holobyte Simulator Fight For Life 1-2 Atari Action/Fighting Flashback 1 U.S. Gold Action/Adventure Galactic Gladiators 1-2 Photosur. Action/Strategy Graham Gooch's World 1-2? Telegames Sports Class Cricket Grand Prix 1? Microprose Sports Gunship 2000 1 Microprose Action/Strategy Hover Hunter 1-8 Hyper Image Action Hover Strike 1 Atari Action/Arcade Hyper Force 1-2? Visual Impact ? Indiana Jag 1 Virtual Exp. Action/Platform International 1-2 Telegames Sports Sensible Soccer Iron Soldier 2 1 Atari Action/Shooter James Pond 3 1 Telegames Platform Kick Off 3 1-2 Anco Software Sports Legions of the 1? Atari Action/Adventure Undead Lester the Unlikely 1 DTMC Action/Strategy Lifewire 1? Black Scorpion ? Lobo 1? Ocean Action? Mortal Kombat(?) 1-2 WMS Ind.(?) Arcade/Fighting Mortal Kombat II(?) 1-2 WMS Ind. Arcade/Fighting Mountain Sports 1-2 DTMC Action/Sports Navy Commando 1-2? Microids Action? Nanoterror 1? Delta Music ? Nerves of Steel 1? Rainmaker Action/Adventure Neurodancer 1? PIXIS Int. Adventure? Phear 1? H2O Develop. Puzzle/Strategy Pinball Dreams 1-2? 21st Century Action Pitfall: The Mayan 1 Activision Action Adventure Powerdrive 1? Elite/Telegame Action/Driving Power Drive Rally 1 Rage/Time-Wrnr Action/Driving Quake 1 id Software Action/Adventure Rainbow Warrior 1? 3D Games Action? Rayman 1? UBI Soft Int. Action/Platform | Return of Magic 1? Virtual Art. Adventure? Rise of the Robots 1 Time-Warner Action/Adventure Robotron:2084 1-2 Atari Action/Arcade Ruiner 1-2? High Voltage Action/Pinball | Skyhammer 1? Rebellion Flight/Simulator Soccer Kid 1? Krisalis/Ocean Platform Space War 2000 1-2 Atari Action Star Raiders 2000 1? Atari Action Supercross 3D 1-2? Atari Sports | Super Burn Out 1-2 Virtual Exp. Action/Sports Super Off-Road 1-2 Tradewest Arcade/Driving Syndicate 1 Ocean/Bullfrog Strategy Thea Realm Fighters 1-2 Atari Action/Fighting Theme Park 1 Ocean/Bullfrog Simulation Thunderstalker 1? Telegames ? Tiny Toon 1-2? Atari Platform Adventures Troy Aikman NFL 1-2 Tradewest Sports Football Twin Crystals 1? Sinister Dev. ? Ultimate Brain Games 1-2? Telegames Puzzle Ultra Vortex 1-2 Beyond Games Action/Fighting Valus Force 1-2? ? ? Virtuoso 1? Telegames Action Virtual Warriors 1-2 Rainmaker Action/Fighting Warlock 1? Trimark Int. Adventure? Waterworld 1? Ocean ? Wayne Gretzky and 1-2 Time-Warner Sports the NHLPA All-Stars White Men Can't 1-2 Trimark Int. Sports Jump Wild Cup Soccer 1-2? Telegames Action/Sports World Cup 1-2? Anco Software Sports Zzyorxx II 1? Virtual Exp. Action/Shooter Upcoming Jaguar CD-ROM games: Title Players Publisher Type ----------------- ------- ------------ --------------------------- Artemis 1? SpringerSoft ? Baldy 1? Atari Puzzle/Strategy Barkley: Shut Up 1-2 Accolade/Atari Sports and Jam! Battlechess 1-2 Interplay Strategy Battlemorph: 1 Atari Action/Strategy Cybermorph 2 B.I.O.S.-Fear 1-2? All Systems Go ? | Black Ice/White Fear 1? Atari Adventure? Blue Lightning 1 Atari Action Braindead 13 1? ReadySoft Action Brett Hull Hockey 1-2? Accolade/Atari Sports CD League Bowling 1-2 V-Reel Prod. Sports Creature Shock 1 Virgin Action/Adventure Crime Patrol 1 American Laser Adventure? Demolition Man 1 Virgin Action Dracula the Undead 1 Atari Adventure Dragon's Lair 1 ReadySoft Arcade Dragon's Lair II 1 ReadySoft Arcade Evidence 1 Microids Action/Adventure Freelancer 2120 1 Imagitec Action/Adventure Highlander 1 Atari Action/Adventure Highlander II 1 Atari Action/Adventure Highlander III 1 Atari Action/Adventure Horrorscope 1? V-Reel Prod. Action/Fighting Hosenose and Booger 1-2? All Systems Go Platform Isle of the Dead 1 Rainmaker Adventure Jack Nicholas' 1-2? Accolade/Atari Sports Cyber Golf | Laura Cruz: Tomb 1 Core Design Action/Adventure | Raider Legions of the 1? Atari Adventure Undead (expanded from cartridge version) | Litil Devil 1 Gremlin Int. Adventure? Mad Dog McCree 1 American Laser Arcade | Magic Carpet 1 Bullfrog Action/Arcade Powerslide 1 Telegames Driving Primal Rage 1-2 Time-Warner Arcade Redemption 1? Atari Adventure Return to Zork 1 Activision Adventure Robinson's Requiem 1? Silmarils Adventure Scottish Open 1-2? Core Design Sports Virtual Golf Soul Star 1 Core Design Action/Shooter Space Ace 1 ReadySoft Arcade Space Pirates 1? Atari Action/Adventure Starnet 1 Virtual Exp. Adventure Star Trek: The Next 1 Microprose Adventure Generation(?) Striker '95 1-2 Rage/Time-Wrnr Action/Sports | Swagman 1 Core Design Adventure The Outpost 1? Atari Adventure? Thunderhawk 1 Core Design Action/Shooter | Varuna's Forces 1 Accent Media Action/Adventure Vid Grid 1 Atari Puzzle Virtuoso 1 Telegames Action ============================================================================== Q. What other Jaguar products are worth noting? A: * All Systems Go is working on the "Jukebox". This hardware device plugs in to the Jaguar's cartridge port, and holds a number of game cartridges at once. You can then select between them without needing to manually change cartridges each time. Multiple Jukeboxes can be connected to store/select more games at once. Release date is expected to be December 1994, with a price of $49.95 for each Jukebox. * All Systems Go also has the "Control Station" in the works. This device plugs into the Jaguar controller ports and allows games to be played by infrared remote. The Station will also allow controller enhancements, such as slow motion and rapid fire, and come with a universal remote controller for the TV, VCR, and other devices. Expected release date is early 1995. No price is available at this time. * Atari Corp. is developing a voice modem to allow multiplayer Jaguar games over telephone lines. Developed by Phylon Communications, the modem allows players to speak to each other over included stereo headsets while playing. Communications at 9600 baud. If you have call-waiting, the modem will allow the game to be paused while you take the call. Expected release date is Fall 1995, for $149.95. * ICD and Black Cat Design have announced plans to sell the "CatBox", an interface adaptor. The CatBox measures 6 x 2.5 x 1.25 inches, and provides industry-standard S-Video, composite video, left and right audio out, stereo headphones with amplification and volume control, analog RGB video, RS-232, ComLynx, a pass-through DSP port, and differential pair networking with standard RJ-11 phone wiring. This allows Jaguar networks (the | "CatNet") to be set up with up to 32 units 1,000 feet apart. Price is $69.95. ICD can be reached at (815) 968-2228. * MARS Merchandising sells the "JagDapter", which provides Composite video, stereo sound, split composite, RGB, and S-Video outputs. Price is $49.95 and it is now shipping. MARS can be reached at (708) 627-7462. * Thrustmaster is manufacturing a combination steering wheel/pedal for Jaguar driving games, and a flying yoke for flying games. No prices or tentative release date are known. * Victor Maxx has Cybermaxx, a virtual reality helmet. It uses standard RCA video and audio inputs to display a two-dimensional image in front of you. For full "virtual reality" effects, Jaguar games must be written expressly for the helmet (none exist at this time). The helmet provides 62 degrees of vision and tracks the player's head movements. It weighs one pound, includes stereo sound, and doubles as a video display. Units cost $700 and include three IBM PC games and a VCR tape. Some have complained that the helmet is uncomfortable and awkward to use, so caution is advised. * Atari Corp. and Virtuality Group have signed an agreement to develop virtual reality hardware and software for the Jaguar. The companies plan to have a virtual reality headset available by the end of 1995 for $200. It is unknown whether or not Virtuality Group's arcade games will be ported to the Jaguar, or whether new software will be developed. * Time-Warner Cable's Full Service Network (FSN) will offer Jaguar games over cable lines. The games are downloaded to the customer and played at home. Instructions can be printed with additional FSN equipment. Full details are available from local FSN service providers. * Atari Corp. offers "Tempest 2000: The Soundtrack" audio CD. The disc consists of 12 tracks of techno-rave music by Imagitec Design Inc., all either from the game or inspired by it. The disc costs $12 and is available from Atari Corp. directly. | * Demand Systems sells a Pro-Stick joystick controller for the Jaguar. It | consists of an arcade-quality joystick and buttons, on a large base (for | lap or tabletop use). A standard Jaguar controller is attached, to allow | use of the keypad and other buttons. Price is $115. Demand Systems can | be reached at (805) 482-7900. ============================================================================== Q. Where can I get a review and/or comments about <insert game name here>? A: Nick Paiement runs a database that records ratings for Jaguar games. The ratings are provided by players, and average/high/low results are calculated by Nick. The results and "ballots" are posted regularly to the USENET newsgroup rec.games.video.atari. Or, send electronic mail to paien00@dmi.usherb.ca with the subject "get_jaguar" for full details. Spacetec is working on the "Space Player," a controller that is reported to offer six degrees of movement (up, down, left, right, in and out). ============================================================================== Q. Where can I find secrets, tips, and hints for <insert game name here>? A. Mark Perreira maintains the Jaguar FAC (Frequently-Asked Codes) file, which contains tricks and codes to assorted Jaguar games. If you have a new secret, or want a copy of the file, send e-mail to markp@netcom.com. Atari Corp. has established a game tip hotline, at (900) 737-ATARI (2827). The cost is $0.95 per minute; minors should get their parent's permission. ============================================================================== Q. Where can I meet other Jaguar enthusiasts? A. * Bobby Tribble maintains the Internet AtariLink Directory, a database of Lynx and Jaguar owners and where they live. This allows fans of multiplayer games to write, to meet, and possibly to get together and play games. All arrangements are made by the people involved, allowing individual control of the level of privacy. To get a copy of the list, join it, or update an entry, send e-mail to btribble@ocf.berkeley.edu. At a minimum, please include your e-mail address, your name, and the general area where you are. Other information may be given if you desire, but is not mandatory. Anyone capable of sending mail to Bobby is welcome to join. Folks without computer access who want to join are welcome by referral. Please provide an e-mail address where they can be reached and/or a voice phone number (with their permission). If you have Internet access and the "finger" command on your system, you can "finger btribble@ocf.berkeley.edu" to see the latest list. * The Jaguar Owners Club is a group of enthusiasts based in the United Kingdom/Great Britian. Membership is open to both Jaguar owners and the Jaguar-interested. For membership information, write to: Jaguar Owners Club P.O. Box 27 Borehamwood, Herts. WD6 2AF ============================================================================== Q. Agh! My Jaguar is broken! How can I fix it? A. Send your Jaguar (all components, if possible) to: Jaguar Repair Service Atari Computer Corporation 390 Caribbean Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94088 Include a letter of explaination indicating the problem you have. Depending on available supplies, Atari will repair or replace your Jaguar. If your Jaguar is still under warranty, include a copy of the receipt or credit-card bill and it will be performed for free. Otherwise, you will be billed. Estimated time of replacement/repair is three to four weeks. ============================================================================== Q. How can I reach Atari Corp.? A. Customer Service: (800) GO-ATARI (800-462-8274) 9:00am to 5:00pm PST, Monday-Friday Customer Service can also be reached on GEnie as "Atari," or on the Internet as "atari@genie.geis.com". PLEASE NOTE that this is for Customer Service ONLY; do not send electronic mail to that address if it does not pertain to service problems. Mailing Address: Atari Corp. 1196 Borregas Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1302 Atari UK can be reached at Atari House Railway Terrace Slough, Berkshire SL2 SBZ, England Telephone: 0753 533344 FAX: 0753 822914 ============================================================================== Q. Where can I get other information about the Jaguar? A. Publications: - Die Hard Game Fan General video-gaming magazine with some 18612 Ventura Blvd. Jaguar coverage. Tarzana, CA 91356 - Electronic Gaming Monthly General video-gaming magazine with 1920 Highland Avenue some Jaguar coverage. Not recommended; Suite 222 very biased/slanted, with reports of Lombard, IL 60148 plagerizing other sources without credit. - EGM^2 "Sister" magazine to Electronic Gaming 1920 Highland Avenue Monthly (above). Some duplication of Suite 222 material between the two publications. Lombard, IL 60148 - GamePro General video-gaming magazine with 951 Mariner's Island Blvd. some Jaguar coverage. San Mateo, CA 91202 - Instant Replay Newsletter devoted to the Jaguar, with 7570 South Manor Avenue news and reviews. Write to Frank Eva Oak Creek, WI 53154 for more information. - Video Games General video-gaming magazine with 9171 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300 some Jaguar coverage. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 - Wild Cat A one-man, home-made Atari video gaming Phil Patton "fanzine." Subscvriptions are $12/year 131 Dake Ave. for eight issues, at 12 pages each issue. Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Covers all Atari consoles and computers. Internet/USENET newsgroups and services: - Atari Explorer Online Magazine A bi-weekly electronic magazine covering news on Atari computers and video game systems. Subscriptions are available through the Internet; send electronic mail to stzmagazine-request@virginia.edu. Also see the section on Internet FTP sites. - rec.games.video.atari USENET newsgroup. Contains news of all Atari video-game systems. - Jaguar electronic mailing list: To subscribe, send e-mail to "listserv@ctrc.idde.saci.org". In the text of the letter, have a line that reads "subscribe jaguar-l <first-name> <last-name>", where <first-name> and <last-name> are your first name and last name, respectively. Once you are on the list, send messages to "jaguar-l@ctrc.idde.saci.org"; everyone on the list will receive a copy of your message. There is also a UK-specific Jaguar mailing list. To subscribe, send e-mail to "mxserv@bolton.ac.uk". In the text of the letter, have a line that reads "subscribe jag-uk-l". For further information, write to jw4@BOLTON.AC.UK for details. - World-Wide Web Pages | General-purpose Atari/Jaguar Web pages: http://www.dl.ac.uk/MISC/ATARI/atari.html http://www2.ecst.csuchico.edu/~jschlich http://www.bucknell.edu/~svensson | http://www.infinet.com/~rbatina | Hyper Image has a web page devoted to progress reports on their latest | Jaguar games in development: | http://www.hyperimage.com | | Llamasoft has a web page which contains updates on upcoming Jaguar | projects, as well as ruminations on lovely llamas, hot music CDs, and | other musings from Jeff Minter: | http://hyrax.med.uth.tmc.edu/misc/zoo/zoo.htm | | Toad Computers has a web page which allows you to order Jaguar games | from them directly: | http://www.charm.net/~toad Internet FTP sites: - ftp.netcom.com /pub/rj/rjung Contains the latest version of this FAQ file. /pub/vi/vidgames/faqs Frequently-asked question files for a variety of home games and consoles, arcade titles, and other video-gaming information. Includes the latest version of this FAQ file. - rahul.net /pub/wilsont/AEO Includes the latest copies of Atari Explorer Online Magazine. Internet TELNET site: - Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG freenet-in-{a,b,c}.cwru.edu or 129.22.8.51 or nextsun.INS.CWRU.edu Access via modem at (216) 368-3888. You can log on as visitor to explore the system and apply for a Free-Net account online. At the opening menu, enter "2" to log in as a visitor. At the next menu, enter "2" again to explore the system. You will then read an opening disclaimer and a login bulletin, then be sent to the main menu. Once inside, type "go atari". Follow the menus to read discussions, reviews, news, and information. In order to post messages and send e-mail, you need a Free-Net account. Apply for a Free-Net account by entering "1" at the second menu instead of "2". BBS: - Video Game Information Service. (201) 509-7324, 300/1200/2400/9600/14400 bps. Multiple lines Located in West Orange, New Jersy (USA). The BBS is completely dedicated to video gaming, and maintains files of cheats and reviews for all game systems. Carries video-game-related conferences from other computer networks, including Fidonet, Worldnet, and Globalnet. - Star-Linx BBS (602) 464-4817, 300-14,400 bps It's located in Mesa, Arizona (USA), and has complete access to the USENET rec.games.video.* hierarchy. There is also a data store containing a wide variety of Jaguar-related reviews, articles, pictures, and other information. On-line services: - America On-Line The PC Games/Video Games discussion group has areas devoted to the Atari Lynx and the Atari Jaguar consoles. Use the keyword PC GAMES, then go to the Video Games discussion board. From there, select Atari Discussion, then the console of your choice. - GEnie | A dedicated/expanded Jaguar roundtable has been established. Type | M475;1 to reach it. For assistance regarding the roundtable, send | e-mail to JAGUAR$ on GEnie. Registered developers can join the Independent Association of Jaguar Developers (IAJD) on the GEnie computer network. Membership in the IAJD is limited to Jaguar developers registered with Atari Corp. To apply for membership, send e-mail to ENTRY$ on GEnie. - CompuServe The Atari Gaming Forum features multiple message sections and multiple libraries devoted to the Jaguar where players, industry representatives, and magazine writers and editors exchange information and commentary. There are several file libraries offering news, screenshots, and video clips. An assortment of message sections provide current Jaguar information and discussions. Atari has designated the Atari Gaming Forum as the official site for Jaguar support for users and Jag developers on CompuServe. Many Atari personnel, including developer and technical support, customer service, numerous vice presidents and Sam Tramiel himself frequent the forum on a regular basis. For video game designers and developers, there is a private message section and file library offering updates of Jaguar development tools. To access the Atari Gaming Forum, type GO JAGUAR. There is some secondary support for the Atari Jaguar in the Video Games Forum, which can be accessed by typing GO VIDGAM. ============================================================================== Q. How is development for the Jaguar done? A. Jaguar game development environments exist for the Atari TT030 computer or an IBM PC/compatible. Art development can be performed on any machine, whether a low-end Apple Macintosh or commercial rendering software such as SoftImage. Wavefront's "GameWare" is the official 2D/3D graphics development system; Atari itself uses GameWare for in-company development, and registered third-party Jaguar developers can buy GameWare licenses at special discount prices. Estimated price for a developer's package is $9,000 for the TT030 setup, and $7,500 for the PC/compatible platform. The package includes a Jaguar development unit, documentation, and development/debugging software. The Jaguar has modified boot firmware to run the development board (the "Alpine board"), and it has a cable coming out to provide signals to the Alpine board that are not normally present via the cartridge connector. CD-ROM developement packages (including the cartridge development kit) is ranged at about $8,000, and should be upgradeable from the card-only kit. Software routines packaged with the system include a multi-channel polyphonic FM/Wavetable synth; JPEG decompression; video set-up; drawing primitives; 3D rendering with gourad shading, texture mapping, and camera | manipulation. GCC is the primary 68000 C compiler; support for other | languages is not available from Atari, but developers are free to use | whatever tools they may prefer. The development toolkit currently runs | under DOS, TOS, or Linux. Work is also proceeding on a Linux development | system using the GNU tools. The centerpiece of the TT030 deveopment platform is DB, an assembly- language level debugging tool. The Jaguar and the TT030 are connected with a parallel cable, and software can be debugged interactively without interfering with the Jaguar's screen display. DB supports the use of scripts and aliases, which simplifies the use of complex or common | functions. | Support for the development packages is primarliy provided by Brainstorm | (Atari France), who work closely with Atari Corp. Atari grants final code approval, but does not see the need to "censor" games. Every game is given one man-month of compatibility and quality testing before it is approved. Atari offers technical support via FAX, mail, electronic mail and voice. Atari allows developers to source their own cartridges, documentation and shells if desired. Jaguar software is encrypted with a proprietary key, thus preventing unauthorized developers from releasing Jaguar software. Interested developers should contact Bill Rehbock at (408) 745-2088. Include: Company name, mailing address, phone number, fax number, and brief company/personal background relating to software development. Due to the high volume of inquires, information kits are prioritized according to background (SNES/Genesis/Computer) of previous titles developed. Atari will approve developers only if they are convinced that the developer is serious about releasing software. After the non-disclosure agreement is signed, an approved developer can get the technical specs alone for $300. Cross Products (SNASM) offers an alternative Jaguar Development system. It comes with a multiwindowed debugger, assemblers, compilers, and SCSI support, for approximately $3,700. The package allows for full screen, source level debugging of multiple processors, in C or assembler. This is only software for the IBM PC; the Jaguar development hardware (Alpine board, modified Jaguar, etc.) must be purchased separately from Atari, for a price of $5,500. Cross Products can be reached at Cross Products 23 The Calls Leeds LS2 7EH, England Telephone: 0532 429814 FAX: 0532 426163 BBS: 0532 340420 Internet e-Mail: cross@cix.compulink.co.uk ==============================================================================