EWS64-S [Hardware Page]

On this page questions and answers about EWS64-S hardware issues have been listed. Items proceeded by a tiny Terratec Logo originate from the official Terratec FAQ. Questions that still need an answer are proceeded by a question mark. Some questions can appear on more than one page.

Sound falls out in games after installing Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro 990117

After installing Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro (USB) software, game-sound completely mutes during startup of the game or soon after that. It doesn't return after ending the game, only after restarting the computer.

Contribution by Christoph Wilms, Terratec

Go to Windows' Settings, Configuration, Multimedia and check if the Play Device is set to Codec. If yes, change this to EWS Synthesizer. This should do the trick for games that support DirectX.

My PII automatically assigns IRQ9 to the Synthesizer, which results in a conflict. Windows won't let me change the IRQ. 981107

Contribution by Sascha Kamps, Terratec

Use the 64SCFG.EXE to assign a different IRQ to the EWS' synthesizer. Some BX allow to set an IRQ to a special PCI slot, so you can use a PCI device on IRQ 9 and free its IRQ for the EWS.

What joysticks are compatible with the EWS64-S?

We know that Terratec tested the following joysticks in combination with the EWS64-S:

MS Sidewinder, MS Force Feedback, MS Gamepad, Logitec Wingman, Thrustmaster Rage and Thrustmaster Top Gun.

Can I connect external digital equipment to the EWS64-S?

You need the optional Digital Xtension R for that. But than you have something: digital coax IN/OUT plus optical IN/OUT (=more than the EWS64XL has). The letter 'R' stands for 'Rear', which means that the device is mounted as a plane at the back slots of your computer. It doesn't use an expansionslot, but it does occupy the space of a slot.

How do I connect my external Midi-equipment to the EWS64-S?

The midi-connections go via the joystick port. You need an optional cable. We have been told that you should use a cable supplied by Terratec. The fact of the matter is that a Midi-interface needs an opto-coupler to achieve a galvanic separation between two midi-devices.

Also see the topic I have attached an external MIDI device to the EWS64 S but I cannot access it on this page.

As soon as I start viewing videos under Windows 98 a blue screen with the error message 'Exception Error 0E ... VPICD.VXD' is displayed.

This error appears to be caused by graphics card drivers. So far, this error has only occurred on systems with Matrox G200-based AGP cards. At present, the problem can only be solved by changing the DirectSound settings of the synthesizer listed in the Device Manager. Set the DirectSound mode to Game Mode.

The serial number of my card is shown as 'FFFFFFFF'. Is my card faulty?

In the Device Manager under 'TerraTec Audio Devices' in the 'Properties' of the 'TerraTec EWS64S Synthesizer' on the 'Information' tab, the serial number of my card is shown as 'FFFFFFFF'. The 64SINIT.EXE program shows the same serial number. This does not mean that your hardware is faulty. It is just an internal serial number. This serial number can also change if you change the resources on the card or reburn the card's EEPROM.

As soon as I attach a joystick and move it, the EWS64 S acts strangely or I no longer hear any sound.

This problem has occurred on just a few of our customer's systems. Please call our technical support line or send an e-mail message to EWS' support department. Type the following into the subject line 'joystick0001'. In the e-mail message please list in detail the measures you have taken so far.

I have attached an external MIDI device to the EWS64 S but I cannot access it.

It is important that you use a TerraTec MIDI adapter kit (MIDI KIT Master). The electronics in this MIDI kit are different to MIDI kits from other manufacturers.
Check the Gameport/MIDI routing on the EWS64 S menu in the taskbar (click right mouse button) and make sure that the routing is set to the corresponding interface (MIDI-1 or MIDI-2).
This error did occur with our first driver version. If you are running a driver version lower than 2.14 we recommend that you upgrade your drivers. You can always find the latest driver version on the Terratec webpage or on our Download Page.

Can I attach digital devices that operate at a 48 KHz sampling rate to the 'Digital Xtension R'?

No, the EWS64 S only supports the standard frequency of 44.1 KHz via the 'Digital Xtension R'. This sampling rate is normally supported by CD players, Mini Disc recorders, etc. You can connect devices that work at a different frequency but you may hear background noises on the recording or differences in speed.

My ForceFeedback joystick does not receive any feedback signals.

Microsoft uses MIDI lines for ForceFeedback transfers. You should configure the second MIDI interface with an IRQ (see item: How can I use the MIDI-2 for input also?) and set the 'MIDI-Settings' (MIDI settings) of the EWS64 S to 'Gameport <-> MIDI-2'.

The MIDI-2 driver only works as an output driver. How can I use the MIDI-2 for input also?

For MIDI recording the interface needs an IRQ. To avoid installation problems due to insufficient resources the MIDI-2 driver is initially installed without an IRQ and can thus only be used for output. You can configure an IRQ for the MIDI-2 driver by selecting SETUP on the EWS64 S taskbar menu.

� 1998-1999, Computer ConText, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, except for contributions made by others.