E-Machines Futura MX issues in IIci

[Hunter259]

So I recently picked up an E-Machines Futura MX off ebay and have been unable to find the patched control panel to disable the menu bar item to prevent freezing on 7.5.x and higher as well as being completely unable to figure out how to get 1024x768 out of it. I have the 10 dip switch vga adapter and have tried every combination of switches to no avail. Changing the internal rotary does nothing as it keeps reading the dip switches even in unsupported configurations. Just absolutely lost on how to go forward.

 

[David Cook]

Attached are various control panels and utilities that I have in my collection regarding Futura. Circa version 3.5.5 to 3.5.6.1. Hope one of them is what you're looking for.

Text that follows is from the Future FAQ. http://web.archive.org/web/20230215.../www.vintagemacworld.com/radius/emfutdsp.html

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This document is relevant only for the Futura II cards that are not DSP (digital signal processor) capable. These non-DSP capable Futura II cards are identified as those having a rotary switch for display configuration. Information on the Futura II DSP-capable cards is in another article.


Q: Is my display card compatible with System 7.5 and later?


A: Extensive testing has not been done with E-Machines cards system 7.5 or later. Therefore, final compatibility results are not available. System 7.5 and later will likely remain unsupported.It is very likely, however, that the hardware itself will be fine under System 7.5 and later; the E-Machines software, on the other hand, will not be. In particular, the E-Machines control panel is known to be incompatible with System 7.5 and later.


Q: Where do I get software updates for my E-Machines card?


A: The latest versions of all E-Machines software are available in the Radius Software libraries on America Online (keyword: Radius), eWorld (shortcut: Radius), CompuServe (Go: MACBVEN), AppleLink (Third Parties P-Z), and the Radius Online BBS at (408) 541-6190.


Q: How do I check my ROM Version for my display card?


A: To check the ROM version, the card must be first be installed into a Macintosh CPU that has at least one NuBus slot. Next, the E-Machines Diagnostics program must be used to determine the ROM version. The Diagnostics program is located on the E-Machines Accessories disk that came with your product. It is also available for download as part of the E-Machines 3.5.5 archive in the Radius Software libraries on America Online (keyword: Radius), eWorld (shortcut: Radius), CompuServe (Go: MACBVEN), AppleLink (Third Parties P-Z), and the Radius Online BBS at (408) 541-6190.


Q: Does my card support Apple's switch on the fly operation?


A: The E-Machines display cards do not support switch-on-the-fly resolution changing.


Q: I Installed the Futura II into a new Power Macintosh and I am getting a scrambled display. Is my Futura II card Power Macintosh compatible?


A: The Futura II is Power Macintosh compatible with ROM version 1.1 or later, and E-Machines software 3.5.6. Because these Futura II cards have a re-programmable FLASH ROM , a software updater entitled, "Futura II Update for Power Macintosh" is available on many on-line services to update the Futura II display card. The E-Machines 3.5.6 software upgrade is also included. Please note that the Power Macintosh 6100 (or any PDS-based Power Macintosh thereafter) require a seven-inch board, such as the Futura, and Apple's NuBus Adapter card, available from Apple resellers.


The Futura II Update for Power Macintosh is available in the Radius Software libraries on America Online (keyword: Radius), eWorld (shortcut: Radius), CompuServe (Go: MACBVEN), AppleLink (Third Parties P-Z), and the Radius Online BBS at (408) 541-6190.


Q: I installed my Futura II card into a Power Macintosh and received a "Bad F-Line" error upon startup. If I remove the E-Machines software, everything works fine. What's wrong?


A: E-Machines software version 3.5.6 is required for Power Macintosh systems. This version of the E-Machines software is included in the "Futura II Update for Power Macintosh" software archive. You may obtain the "Futura II Update for Power Macintosh" software from the Radius Software libraries on America Online (keyword: Radius), eWorld (shortcut: Radius), CompuServe (Go: MACBVEN), AppleLink (Third Parties P-Z), and the Radius Online BBS at (408) 541-6190.


Q: I have more than one display on my Power Macintosh and my system occasionally crashes, what could be wrong?


A: If a monitor that is NOT being driven by an E-Machines card is the primary display containing the menu bar, then you must disable the "E-Machines Menu Available On Menu Bar" option in the E-Machine control panel's Menu Options section. This feature is only available for E-Machines cards driving primary monitors and will otherwise cause problems.


Q: I'm not getting a proper image on my display. How do I configure the card to make it work with my monitor?


A: The Futura II display cards configure in a couple of ways depending on the ROM revision of the card.


The E-Machines Diagnostic program, located on the E-Machines Accessories software disk, can be used to determine the ROM version of your Futura II SX or Futura II LX.


If your card has ROM version 1.0.2 or earlier, it will configure as follows:


The E-Machines cable, part number 0008773-0001 must be used. The E-Machines cable has red, green, and blue BNC cable connections to be used on monitors with BNC connections. BNC connectors are rather large barrel-like fasteners that twist on and lock down. With this cable, the Monitor Configuration Switch on the E-Machines display card will be functional. This cable is available by dialing 800-977-7060.


With this setup, the display card will also respond properly to Apple cable sense codes for Portrait, 12", 13", 16", 19" and 21" modes of operations. If your monitor supports standard Apple timings, the display will operate in the desired mode. Or, you may choose to upgrade to ROM v1.1 or later as discussed next.


If your card has ROM Version 1.1 or later, it will configure as follows:


Restart your Macintosh while continuously pressing the 'E' key. This will trigger the card's "round robin" configuration mode. During the startup process, the screen will begin to cycle through different timing modes and resolutions. When a clear image appears with your desired screen resolution, release the 'E' key immediately. Your Macintosh will again restart and the image should now be proper.


With this setup, the display card will also respond properly to Apple cable sense codes for Portrait, 12", 13", 16", 19" and 21" modes of operations. If your monitor support standard Apple, the display will operate in the desired mode.


A Flash ROM update program, entitled "Futura II Update for Power Macintosh," will bring the Futura II display card to v1.1 . This update is available on many on-line services. The E-Machines 3.5.6 software upgrade is also included. (see above for further details).


Q: Why can't I change resolutions on my multi-resolution monitor? Each time I select a different switch setting, there is no change of the display.


A: (same as above) Without the proper E-Machines cable, the switch on the E-Machines display card will not be functional. To order the cable, dial 1-800-977-7060 and request part number 0008773-0001.

 

[Hunter259]

Finally got around to testing some of the software you sent. The included control panels were still crash city but the GH1 patch just worked! Mac OS 8.1 on a iici running in millions of colors is just crazy to see . Now just to recreate the RGB cable to get 1024x768 at millions working....

 

[Hunter259]

I've had no luck trying to find info on that cable or how it works. Does anyone have anything about that 0008773-0001?

 

[olePigeon]

@Hunter259 From what I can tell, it's a special video cable with the Sync separated out via BNC. It's pretty weird. Does the MX have a BNC connector on it?

Theoretically you should be able to just connect a passive adapter (no dip switches) and set the timings via the video card itself.

I just read that last part of the FAQ, I see what you're asking now. Hmmm. I wonder if it's a proprietary cable, or if something else would suffice.

 

[Hunter259]

We've tried a no sense adapter but with zero luck. Is that sync separation different than what is standard on mac DA-15? On that it is straight through to VGA for sync signals.

 

[olePigeon]

We've tried a no sense adapter but with zero luck. Is that sync separation different than what is standard on mac DA-15? On that it is straight through to VGA for sync signals.

I have no idea, sorry. I was in the middle of typing out what I had found with the "Presenter" FAQ about using a no-sense cable. Was going to suggest clipping the pin on a cheap VGA cable and see if that works. Looks like you already tried something similar.

Do you have a copy of the manual? I have a physical copy for my LX, but it appears to be suitable for different cards. It has a section on the resolution switch with a table for all the options. I wasn't sure if you had access to that or not.

It also seems to indicate that you can ignore the switch if you connect it to a 3rd party display. It's all rather confusing. But I could put up a copy of the switch table if you like.

Edit: Also, I was wrong about the cable. It looks to be a standard BNC cable with 5 connectors. I googled the manual for a Sony GDM monitor which is apparently compatible with the E-Machines card, and they're all BNC monitors. Likewise with the example of the SuperMac display. So you'd need a monitor with BNC inputs for that cable to be of any use. I suspect a cable like this would work: https://iec.net/product/mac-lc-to-5-bnc-cable-with-separate-sync-6/

 

[Hunter259]

I don't have the manual actually. Information on E-Machines products are next to none at this point. I have seen those cables I just don't get why a VGA monitor wouldn't work. The tables I've found have multiple configs which do include a vga setting. Even if we ignore that, it specifically supports montiors with a separate HSYNC and VSYNC which already exist in DA-15. I have used my modified adapter along with a standard dip switch one running off the internal video but the card does not report a monitor connected. Very odd.

 

[olePigeon]

@Hunter259 It seems like you shouldn't need to fiddle with the dial unless you're connecting a cable directly without any special adapters. I think the dial behaves like the switchable adapters.

The manual says, "Some manufacturers provide video cable adapters to set the resolution for the display, or to convert a PC-style connector to a Macintosh-style connector. Refer to the owner's manual for your display for information about setting up your display." It then goes on to say, "If you are connecting a SuperMac or third party display to your E-Machines graphics card, go on to 'Installing the E-Machines Software' on page 11." It skips the Resolution Switch section.

However, in the addendum included in my copy, the picture of the SuperMac display uses the BNC style cable.

In any event, here's the chart from my manual just incase it's different from yours:

Display​	Display ID​	Supported Resolutions​	Swtich Settings​
T16 II - Dual Sync	SONY GDM 1670	832 X 624 (75 Hz)	5
	SONY GDM 1632	1024 X 768 (75 Hz)	6
		832 X 624 (75 Hz) / 1024 x 768 (75 Hz)	D
T16 II - Multi Sync	1108-T16IIMR	640 X 480 (67 Hz)	7
		832 X 624 (75 Hz)	5
		1024 x 768 (75 Hz)	6
		640 X 480 (67 Hz) / 832 X 624 (75 Hz)	C
		832 X 624 (75 Hz) / 1024 x 768 (75 Hz)	D
		832 X 624 (75 Hz) / 1152 X 870 (70 Hz)*	F
		* for use with T16IIMR display only
T19 II - Dual Sync	SONY GDM 1970	1024 x 768 (75 Hz)	6
	SONY GDM 1932	1152 X 870 (75 Hz)	A
		1024 x 768 (75 Hz) / 1152 X 870 (75 Hz)	E
T19 II - Multi Sync	SONY GDM 1937	640 X 480 (67 Hz)	7
		832 X 624 (75 Hz)	5
		1024 x 768 (75 Hz)	6
		640 X 480 (67 Hz) / 832 X 624 (75 Hz)	C
		832 X 624 (75 Hz) / 1024 x 768 (75 Hz)	D
		1024 x 768 (75 Hz) / 1152 X 870 (75 Hz)	E
VGA Display (with PC-to-Mac adapter)		640 X 480 (60 Hz)	3
T16	1108-T16	832 X 624 (67 Hz)	1
T16a	1108-T16a	832 X 624 (75 Hz)	5
T19	1108-T19	1024 x 808 (72 Hz)	2
TX	1108-TX	1024 x 808 (72 Hz)	2
	SONY GDM 1601

 

[olePigeon]

Hmm. Looking at the table, it has a VGA Display with PC-to-Mac adapter for 640x480 @ 60 Hz at dial 3.

If you want it at 1024x768, then I'd try setting the adapter switches to 1024x768 with Sync on Green, and set the video card dial to 6. Then maybe try changing the Sync options.

 

[Hunter259]

You wouldn't mind pulling the ROM off of your LX would you? RGB 19" setting is actually crashing the system when I try to open tattletech displays with another display plugged into the built in video. I've tried all the settings above with a no sense adapter with no luck. Nothing in monitors or tattletech displays. Almost like it just can't detect it plugged in. I've found the supermac cable and it's just a straight RGB pass through with everything else not connected. Starting to think something is wrong with the card.

 

[olePigeon]

I don't have any way to read ROMs, sorry. That's been on my Christmas list for several years, but I've never gotten one.

Have you tried it with the adjustable adapter, setting the adapter to 1024x768, and the card dial to 6?

 

[Hunter259]

Yup nothing. Every other type 7 code works (Sense Codes) to certain degrees on an old VGA LCD. Since tattletech crashes when using that RGB 19 (1024x768) dip switch setting it does appear to be doing something.

 

[halkyardo]

Just another data point; I put a Futura SX into my IIfx but I'm running into what looks to be the exact same problem - with a 10-switch adapter I can get any other screen mode out of it, but when I set it for 1024x768, it doesn't show up in the Monitors control panel, and the rotary switch on the card doesn't seem to do anything. Baffling.

I'm starting to wonder if Low End Mac's claim that this card supports 1024x768 weren't based in reality!

 

[Phipli]

Just another data point; I put a Futura SX into my IIfx but I'm running into what looks to be the exact same problem - with a 10-switch adapter I can get any other screen mode out of it, but when I set it for 1024x768, it doesn't show up in the Monitors control panel, and the rotary switch on the card doesn't seem to do anything. Baffling.

I'm starting to wonder if Low End Mac's claim that this card supports 1024x768 weren't based in reality!

Have you tried setting 4 or 8?

 

[halkyardo]

No joy

If I understand this FAQ page from Radius' old website correctly, the display-mode switch only functions when the 0008773-0001 cable is connected. The Presentor FAQ from the same website also mentions this cable, and implies that it supplies a unique E-Machines specific sense code.

Having been futzing with the card and a 10-switch adapter this evening, I can confirm that it's definitely not any of the standard 3-bit or extended sense codes (except for the "NTSC Encoder" code, which my adapter cannot produce) - see the attached screenshot of my notes.

The fact that all of the Type-6 Multiscan extended modes give the same 640x480 66Hz output, despite the card being able to do 832x624 in other modes, makes me think that the card does not understand Type 6 codes - I suspect it might pre-date their introduction.

There are definitely more possible extended sense codes out there - the 011 and 101 codes could be extended in the same way as Type 6, and there is total of 63 possible Type 7 codes (excluding 11 11 11 for 'no monitor'). Unfortunately I'm not aware of an adapter flexible enough to allow exploration of all these options, but I think I have the right connectors around to maybe build one... Watch this space.

The other option of course is to try and figure out how the card software selects the display mode, and work backwards from there. I've got as far as finding where it calls SDeleteSRTRec to remove the sResources for all but the selected mode, but it's not immediately clear to me how it makes that decision.

 

[Phipli]

No joy

If I understand this FAQ page from Radius' old website correctly, the display-mode switch only functions when the 0008773-0001 cable is connected. The Presentor FAQ from the same website also mentions this cable, and implies that it supplies a unique E-Machines specific sense code.

Having been futzing with the card and a 10-switch adapter this evening, I can confirm that it's definitely not any of the standard 3-bit or extended sense codes (except for the "NTSC Encoder" code, which my adapter cannot produce) - see the attached screenshot of my notes.

The fact that all of the Type-6 Multiscan extended modes give the same 640x480 66Hz output, despite the card being able to do 832x624 in other modes, makes me think that the card does not understand Type 6 codes - I suspect it might pre-date their introduction.

There are definitely more possible extended sense codes out there - the 011 and 101 codes could be extended in the same way as Type 6, and there is total of 63 possible Type 7 codes (excluding 11 11 11 for 'no monitor'). Unfortunately I'm not aware of an adapter flexible enough to allow exploration of all these options, but I think I have the right connectors around to maybe build one... Watch this space.

The other option of course is to try and figure out how the card software selects the display mode, and work backwards from there. I've got as far as finding where it calls SDeleteSRTRec to remove the sResources for all but the selected mode, but it's not immediately clear to me how it makes that decision.

Do you have a photo of the card?

 

[halkyardo]

Do you have a photo of the card?

Here ya go. Nothing of interest on the back. The ROM board ID is “Futura SX”.

When I got it, the rotary switch was set at 5 (832x624 75Hz). I’ve left it set there, but the only documented sense code that yields that resolution (16” RGB) doesn’t respond to the switch, so I’m assuming it’s looking for a different sense code. I’ve read that Radius used some undocumented sense codes in some of their monitor cables (see the comments at https://github.com/elliotnunn/super...oj.1994-02-09/Internal/Asm/DepVideoEqu.a#L761), so it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility that E-Machines did too.

I’ve cobbled together a tester on a breadboard and when I get a quiet evening I think I’m going to just go through all the codes one by one and see what I find. Once you weed out the duplicates there are only around 20-30 unique codes to try.

 

[Phipli]

Here ya go. Nothing of interest on the back. The ROM board ID is “Futura SX”.

When I got it, the rotary switch was set at 5 (832x624 75Hz). I’ve left it set there, but the only documented sense code that yields that resolution (16” RGB) doesn’t respond to the switch, so I’m assuming it’s looking for a different sense code. I’ve read that Radius used some undocumented sense codes in some of their monitor cables (see the comments at https://github.com/elliotnunn/super...oj.1994-02-09/Internal/Asm/DepVideoEqu.a#L761), so it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility that E-Machines did too.

I’ve cobbled together a tester on a breadboard and when I get a quiet evening I think I’m going to just go through all the codes one by one and see what I find. Once you weed out the duplicates there are only around 20-30 unique codes to try.

It has the common e-machines issue - the electrolytic capacitor next to the Nubus connector (left of) is fitted backwards. They had an issue in their assembly plant, it seems more common than not! Not just us hobbyists that get mixed up with tantalum and electrolytic polarity

 

[halkyardo]

BINGO.

After some trial and error, it appears that the mysterious E-Machines 0008773-0001 cable uses the Type-7 sense code 11-01-01 - SENSE0 open, and a diode from SENSE2 to SENSE1. With this sense code, and this sense code only, the Futura SX uses the rotary switch to select the display mode.

The even better news is that this sense code IS possible to generate on a 10-switch adapter, using switch setting 679 (or 9 only if your monitor does sync on green). With the card's rotary switch set to 4, this gives me a nice stable 1024x768 that looks great on the little LCD I use with my IIfx.

The bad news is, the card doesn't seem to be compatible with A/UX - when the display reinitializes during the A/UX boot process, it hangs at a gray screen showing the E-Machines logo in the bottom right. That's a bit of a downer, I quite like A/UX.

It has the common e-machines issue - the electrolytic capacitor next to the Nubus connector (left of) is fitted backwards. They had an issue in their assembly plant, it seems more common than not! Not just us hobbyists that get mixed up with tantalum and electrolytic polarity

Ha! I was just thinking that it looked a bit wonky, as if it had been snagged on something. Pretty sure I've got an appropriate replacement in my parts bin.

... though that's got me thinking, I wonder if that's what's causing the boot hang. My other graphics card (a Memory Plus 24NB) had an extremely weird issue where it would hang with a gray screen at the same point in the boot, only on A/UX, and only if other NuBus cards were present in the system. I recapped it (there were some very obviously leaking electrolytics, though no board damage), and it's been fine ever since.