These notes are designed to help you install the Roland Audio Production Card (RAP-10) and configure it for use in Windows 95. This process will consist of the following four steps:
I. Typical Hardware Setup
Interrupts and Addresses
IBM-compatible computers can be
expanded to accept many different devices such as a mouse, modem, printer, sound
card, or MIDI card. Your computer uses interrupts (also called IRQs) and port
addresses (or I/O addresses) to distinguish between these different devices.
Since this guide is not intended to explain the concepts of IBM computers in
detail, we will not jump into the particular definitions of IRQs and addresses.
Just remember that the IRQ and port address numbers must be unique for EVERY
device in your computer.
DMA Channels
The RAP-10 card also uses two
DMA channels (Direct Memory Access) for the recording and
playback of digital audio. As with interrupts and addresses, no two devices can
use the same DMAs. The RAP-10 needs a DMA for each channel of audio. This means
that in order to record or play back digital audio in stereo, the RAP-10 will
need two DMA channels (left and right). Other devices in your computer that may
use DMA channels are scanners, SCSI interfaces, tape backup drives, and other
sound cards. There are no switch or jumper settings on the RAP-10 card for DMAs
- they are selected entirely with software. The default DMA settings are 5 and
6, but you will need to select a different pair if one of these is in use by
another device. For monophonic playback, only one DMA channel is required.
Conflicts
When two different devices in your computer are
set to the same interrupt, address, or DMA a conflict results. A conflict is the
most common problem encountered when installing a new device. This may result in
your computer crashing, reporting an error message, or playing MIDI or audio in
an unusual manner. In order to avoid conflicts, it is important to be familiar
with the interrupt and address settings of the various devices in your computer.
Here are some typical devices and their settings :
| Device | IRQ | Port Address |
| MIDI card | 2/9 | 330-331 |
| COM 2 (Mouse or Modem) | 3 | 2F8 |
| COM 1 (Mouse or Modem) | 4 | 3F8 |
| Sound card | 5 | 220-22F |
| Floppy drive controller | 6 | 3F0-3F7 |
| LPT1 (Printer) | 7 | 378-37F |
| Reserved for system use | 8 | 070-071 |
| Video card | 2/9 | 3D0-3DF |
| Reserved for system use | 13 | 0F0-0FF |
| Hard disk controller | 14 | 1F0-1F7 |
| SCSI card (scanners, etc.) | 15 | 330-33F |
Note: All port addresses are written using Hexadecimal notation.
As you can see, there are many devices and settings in your computer to examine before installation. The RAP-10 is set to interrupt 2/9 and address 330 when shipped from the factory. The notation of interrupt 2/9 means that interrupts 2 and 9 are redirected IRQs. This means anything set on IRQ 2 also shares IRQ 9. Notice that video cards and MIDI cards typically have the same interrupt settings of 2/9. Although this is usually OK, some computers may have problems with these two devices sharing the same interrupt.
COM 1 and COM 2 refer to the 9 and 25-pin serial port connectors on the back of your computer. A mouse may be attached to one of these ports. If not, you probably have a PS/2 style mouse that uses a round 8-pin connector. A PS/2 style mouse typically uses IRQ 12, leaving your serial ports available for other devices. A Fax/Modem will also use one of the available serial ports. This is true whether it is connected to the computer internally or externally.
Note: Due to the fact that IBM computers and devices are manufactured by many different companies, default settings may vary. Contact your computer or device manufacturer for more information.
II. Changing Hardware Settings
To change an IRQ or port address setting of a Roland MIDI card, you must change jumpers or switches on the card itself. Below are the jumper and switch settings used to change the IRQ and port address settings of the RAP-10. The settings that are shaded are the defaults.
Note: The default settings for the RAP-10 are usually the least likely to conflict with other cards. Therefore it is recommended that you do not change these settings unless you are sure you have a conflict with another device.
Interrupt (IRQ)
There is a set of jumpers labeled J1 on
the RAP-10 card. With the connectors of the card facing down and to the right,
the J1 jumpers are located near the bottom-center. Move the jumper to the
desired location using this chart to select an interrupt:
Port Address
There is a set of switches labeled SW1 above
the J1 interrupt jumpers on the RAP-10. You will find an ON and OFF position for
each of the switches. The first switch does not affect the address -- it enables
or disables the joystick port on the card. Move switch 1 to the ON position to
enable the joystick port. To set the address, move switches 2, 3, and 4 to the
desired locations using this chart:
RAP-10 Card Installation
Note: Since
computers vary dramatically by manufacturer and type, it is a good idea to
consult your computer manufacturer before installation. If you are not
comfortable installing the card, please consult a local computer
technician.
Now that the card is set to the appropriate IRQ and port address settings, it must be physically installed in the computer. Remove the cover of your computer - this will typically require a screwdriver and/or key. Slide the card into an available slot in the PC. Be careful not to drop anything like a screwdriver or other tool in your computer. Use a screw to fasten the card firmly in your computer. Replace the computer's cover.
III. Installing the Roland Audio Tools Software
This will install the Roland Audio Tools software version 3.7 and the driver for Windows, necessary to control the RAP-10 card.
Windows 95 Drivers
The driver and software that came with
the RAP-10 card supports both Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. If you were using the
RAP-10 previously with Windows 3.1, you generally will need to reinstall the
software in Windows 95 so that it will recognize the driver.
Roland Audio Toolworks Software
Some early versions of
the RAP-10 card came with the "Roland Audio Toolworks" software. If you look at
your diskettes and see that they are labeled "Toolworks" instead of "Tools", you
will need to upgrade to the newer software. The new software consists of two zip
files you can download from CompuServe (Go Roland), America Online (Keyword
Roland), or from the Roland US web site (http://www.rolandus.com). You may also
receive the new software via US mail by contacting Roland at (323) 890-3700,
extension 2289.
Before Installation
First, we need to make sure that
Windows 95 did not automatically detect and misidentify the RAP-10 card.
Installing the Roland Audio Tools software and the RAP-10 driver.
Selecting the RAP-10 Card as the Primary Windows MIDI Device
Selecting the RAP-10 Card as the Primary Wave Audio Device
At this point we will test the RAP-10 to make sure it is installed and configured properly. We will be using the Media Player program included with Windows. Testing the MIDI Playback
Testing the Digital Audio Playback