Gravis GrIP User Manual

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Page 1 GrIP Game System User’s Guide How to Use this Guide How to Use this Guide...
Page 2 Click on a Topic or click on Introduction the arrow at the bottom of Connections the page to continue reading through the book. GrIP MultiPort’s Control Modes The GrIP-Pad Throughout this book, you can click on green-high- GrIP Software lighted text to jump to a related topic.
Page 3 Book Topics Introduction Chapter Topics Click on a Topic or click on Introduction the arrow at the bottom of the page to continue reading Registration through the book. What You’ll Need GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 4 Gravis GrIP opens the door to radical game development. GrIP technol- ogy imposes no practical limit on the number of controllers, buttons, and axes that can be connected to a single PC game port.
Page 5 Chapter 1 – Introduction Book Topics Chapter Topics ...Introduction, cont’d. Reading four GrIP controllers through the MultiPort uses less than 1% Speed Compensation Note of the CPU cycle time, allowing your games to operate at full speed. If you are using a speed-...
Page 6 Book Topics Chapter Topics Registration Complete the registration card in your GrIP package and mail or fax it back right away. We supply our registered customers with full war- ranty and technical support. If you have Internet Web access, register on-line at www.gravis.com.
Page 7: What You'll Need
IBM PC or compatible 486DX-66 or better recommended • DOS 5.0 or greater • IBM PC-compatible game port • Double-speed or better CD-ROM drive recommended (required for initial installation) • Hard drive • Windows® 95 required to create custom GrIPKey keysets GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 8 Connections Chapter Topics Click on a Topic or click on Connecting the MultiPort the arrow at the bottom of Connecting GrIP Game Controllers the page to continue reading through the book. Connecting Standard 15-Pin Game Controllers Throughout this book, you...
Page 9 1. If your computer is running, turn it off to avoid possible electrical damage to your MultiPort or computer. 2. Plug the MultiPort‘s 15-pin connector into your computer‘s joystick port. If your game adapter has two joystick ports, use Port A. GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 10 LED on the Pass-Thru wing lights up. This switches the MultiPort into Pass-Thru (standard game port) Mode and cuts off power to the four GrIP sockets so you can safely connect GrIP controllers. The ”GrIP wing“ on the MultiPort has four sockets, labeled Ports 1–4.
Page 11 Emulation). If you are running Windows 95, the GrIP LED lights up GamePad Emulation: green to signal GrIP mode. Any time you run a game with GrIP support, the GrIP LED lights up green. •...
Page 12 This activates any attached 15-pin controllers and deactivates the GrIP connectors. The green LED on the MultiPort‘s Pass-Thru wing indicates that the MultiPort is in Pass-Thru Mode. You cannot use 15-pin controllers and GrIP controllers at the same time. GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 13 Book Topics Chapter 3 GrIP MultiPort’s Control Modes Chapter Topics Click on a Topic or click on Overview the arrow at the bottom of GrIP Mode the page to continue reading through the book. Keyboard Emulation GamePad Emulation Throughout this book, you...
Page 14 GrIP Mode. The game software determines the functions of each button and control on your GrIP controller. Look in the game‘s manual or Setup for its GrIP controls. Keyboard Emulation allows you to assign a game‘s keyboard com- mands to the GrIP controller‘s buttons using the...
Page 15 GrIP Support Windows 95 and games that support Gravis GrIP require the MultiPort to be in GrIP Mode. When you are running Windows 95, and any time Many major software developers you want to play a game with GrIP support, you must put the...
Page 16: Keyboard Emulation
GrIP controller‘s buttons. You can save button definitions for up to 4 GrIPKey and deselect Keyboard Emulation, or you can double-click GrIP controllers in a control file called a set, or keyset, for each of your on the GCC task bar icon and games.
Page 17 GrIP-Pad in GamePad Emulation. If and supports only one controller you have another type of GrIP controller, see its manual to determine and two buttons, GamePad Emulation support will be limited its button functions in GamePad Emulation.
Page 18: Pass-Thru Mode
2 buttons and 2 axes (the joystick ’X‘ and ’Y‘ axes) on each of 2 attached controllers. If your game port is substandard, and supports only one controller and two buttons without the MultiPort, Pass-Thru Mode support will be limited by the capabilities of the game port. GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 19 The GrIP-Pad Chapter Topics Click on a Topic or click on Features the arrow at the bottom of GrIP Mode Button Functions the page to continue reading through the book. Keyboard Emulation Button Functions GamePad Emulation Button Functions Throughout this book, you...
Page 20 Emulation, the GrIP-Pad offers a variety of preset control options; these work the same in every game. In GrIP Mode, the MultiPort lets you connect and use up to four GrIP- Pads or other GrIP controllers at once for multi-player games, with all button functions available for each controller.
Page 21: Button Functions
Look in the game‘s manual or setup for its GrIP controls. Most GrIP-supporting games let you select your own button settings. In GrIP Mode, the game can use each of the GrIP-Pad‘s eight buttons for a different game command.
Page 22 Port 3 Port 1 These settings are for A B C A B C GamePad Emulation only. If your game supports GrIP, the Left 2 GamePads 2 GamePads buttons may function differently. See your game’s manual or Setup for a Right AT BT AT&BT...
Page 23 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter 5 GrIP Software Chapter Topics Introduction Click on a Topic or click on the arrow at the bottom of Drivers the page to continue reading through the book. GrIP Control Center (GCC)
Page 24 DOS and Windows 95 drivers. These driver programs are required for GrIP mode. If you are not running Windows 95, only the DOS driver will be installed on your computer. GCC – The GrIP Control Center.
Page 25 GRIP.GLL All DOS-based games that support Gravis GrIP require the GRIP.GLL file. It is installed into your GrIP software folder. The SET GRIP= line that the GrIP installation program adds to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file tells games where to find the file (e.g. SET GRIP=C:\GRAVIS\GRIP).
Page 26 Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics GrIP Control Center The GrIP Control Center (GCC) is a Windows 95 task bar utility that allows you to check the status of your connected controllers and turn Keyboard Emulation on and off.
Page 27 The Keyboard Emulation on/off checkboxes allow you to disable and re-enable Keyboard Emulation from the task bar—without starting the GrIPKey software. If you have not configured your GrIP controller with a GrIPKey set (which you do by choosing Configure GrIP from GrIPKey’s File menu...
Page 28 Auto Joystick Mode Switching This option is selected by default, and in most cases, you should leave it selected. When this option is enabled (selected), the GrIP driver will automatically put the GrIP MultiPort (if there is one attached) into GamePad Emulation mode when a game tries to access the joystick port directly.
Page 29 The GrIPKey software allows you to assign keyboard commands to buttons on any GrIP-compatible game controller. You can save button definitions for up to 4 GrIP controllers in a control file called a keyset (or set) for each of your games.
Page 30 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. Sample functions (a new KeySet will be blank) 3. To enter the game‘s keyboard commands: a. Click the Add New Function button in the Keyset win- dow.
Page 31 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. Examples If you assign the keys A, B, and C to a Step mode button, here is what will happen when you play the game: with Loop:...
Page 32 4. Click OK, then repeat step 3 for each game command that you want to assign to a button on your GrIP controller. 5. When all the game‘s commands are entered in the Keyset window, you can assign them to buttons on your GrIP controller:...
Page 33 Click the numbered Show Controller button for the port where a GrIP controller is connected (or choose View–Pad#). This opens a new window with an image of the controller. b. Select a function from the Keyset window, and drag it over top of a button on the controller image.
Page 34: The Main Toolbar
Paste Print Keyboard Help Emulation On/Off Click on the New tool to open a new, untitled GrIP control Keyset window. Open Click on the Open tool to open an existing Keyset window. Save Click on the Save tool to save the active set.
Page 35 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. Allows you to move a function from one Keyset window to another. Select a function in the active Keyset window, then click on the Cut tool to copy the function to the Clipboard and remove it from the Keyset window.
Page 36 The Keyset Window The Keyset window allows you to develop a list of game functions and assign them to buttons on your GrIP controller. You can create or open as many Keysets as you like. You may wish to create separate Keysets with different commands for each controller.
Page 37 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. The Function Configuration Window You will do all your button programming in the Function Configura- tion window. To open the Function Configu- ration window, choose Edit/Add Function..., or click on the Add...
Page 38 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. The Description Tab (Function Configuration Window) Function Description Enter a descriptive label for the game command function in this field. Comments If you like, you can use this...
Page 39 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. Step Mode Step mode allows you to program a single button with a series of game commands (keystroke “Step strings”) that are always ex- ecuted in the same order—or reverse order (for instance, cycling through a collection of weapons).
Page 40 Press String In this field, you can enter a separate keystroke or keystrokes to be sent to the game when you press a button on the GrIP controller. Release String In this field, you can enter a separate keystroke or keystrokes to be sent to the game when you release a button.
Page 41 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. Step Mode Entries: Add New String Click on this to open a New Step String window. Delete String Click on this to delete the currently selected Step string.
Page 42: Controller Window
Controller Window The Controller windows (labeled Keyset # – Slot #) correspond to the GrIP controllers attached to Ports 1 and 2 of a standard PC game port or to Ports 1–4 of a GrIP MultiPort. You can assign the functions in the Keyset window to the buttons and direction controls on your GrIP controller by dragging them from the Keyset window to this Controller window.
Page 43 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. To Unmap a Button Right-click on a button and select Unmap to unmap the function currently assigned to it. (This unmaps the function from the button but leaves the function definition intact in the KeySet window.)
Page 44 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. To Change Controller Types When you first open the Controller window, the software polls your game port or MultiPort to determine which type of controller you have connected.
Page 45 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. The Menus File Menu GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 46 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. Opens a new, untitled GrIP control set. Open Opens an existing set. Select a set file from the file dialog box. Close Closes the active set.
Page 47 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. The Properties button brings up a screen where you can select addi- tional paper and printer options. GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 48 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. Printer Properties For image type selections, click the More Options... button. For the fastest printing, and for printers with limited graphics support, a Line Art option is available. For a more realistic image, select one of the Dithering options.
Page 49 Select Letter- or Draft-quality output from the Printer Quality dropdown box. Configure GrIP Loads the settings in the active GrIPKey set into the GrIP driver. Once you have selected this option, the GrIP controllers‘ buttons will func- tion according to the GrIPKey set.
Page 50 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. Edit Menu Undo Undoes the last action. Allows you to move a function from one Keyset window to another. Select a function in the active Keyset window, then select Cut to copy the function to the Clipboard and remove it from the Keyset window.
Page 51 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. Copy Allows you to copy a function from one Keyset window to another. Select a function in the active Keyset window, then select Copy to copy the function to the Clipboard.
Page 52 By default, this is selected. Keystroke Viewer Select this option to open the Keystroke Viewer window to test your controller’s configuration. Then pick up your GrIP controller and press a button; you should see the keystrokes configured to that button in the Viewer window.
Page 53 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. Pads #1–4 Select these options to display programming windows for each of the connected controllers. Options Menu Preferences Select Preferences to change the default controller type.
Page 54 1. Select Options/Auto Mapping. 2. Select the first function in the Keyset list. 3. Pick up your GrIP controller, and press the button where you would like that function. 4. GrIPKey automatically selects the next function in the list. Press the button where you would like the second function, and continue through the end of the Keyset list.
Page 55 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GrIPKey Keyboard Emulation Software, Cont’d. Help Menu Tip of the Day... Displays a tip. Help Topics Opens the GrIPKey Help file. Select a topic from the Contents list. Go To Gravis Home Page If you are connected to the Internet, selecting this option will open GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 56 Internet browser application and take you directly to the Ad- vanced Gravis Home Page (www.gravis.com). About GrIPKey... If you ever need to contact Gravis for technical support, first select this option to check the version number of your GrIPKey software. GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 57 GrIPKey software requires Windows 95, the GKLOAD utility allows you to configure your GrIP controller with a GrIPKey set from a DOS (whether you enable it from command prompt. That means that you can use your GrIP controller to GrIPKey, GKLOAD, or GCC) in play any keyboard-controlled DOS game.
Page 58 Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics GravUtil Testing Software GravUtil is a useful program for testing your GrIP controllers and game port. Your GrIP controllers do not require GravUtil. If they are working properly, you don’t need GravUtil. To run GravUtil: Double-click the GravUtil icon in your Gravis program group.
Page 59 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GravUtil Testing Software, Cont’d. 1. Click on the appropriate controller button on GravUtil’s main screen. 2. Follow the instructions on-screen to test the pad. For detailed instructions, press F1 or click on the Help button.
Page 60 ...GravUtil Testing Software, Cont’d. The Speed Compensation option applies only if you are using the Note: If your MultiPort or GrIP game port on a Gravis UltraSound card. For more information, press F1 controllers are in GrIP mode, to access GravUtil’s Help.
Page 61 Book Topics Chapter 5 – GrIP Software Chapter Topics ...GravUtil Testing Software, Cont’d. system. All game ports use the same address (201 hex), and a joystick will not work properly if more than one device in your system is using that address.
Page 62: Calibration Information
Gravis GrIP as Joystick 1, Joysticks 2–4 are configured for Gravis GrIP at the same time. This is a requirement of the GrIP driver. Click Recall Last if you wish to go back to the previous joystick selec- tion.
Page 63 1. Click Apply to apply your new joystick selections (if you have changed the Current joystick & Joystick Selections). 2. If you are setting up a non-GrIP device, click Calibrate and follow the instructions on screen to calibrate the joystick. With the “Gravis GrIP”...
Page 64 MultiPort and other GrIP devices. FCC (Firebird Control Console) is the keyboard emulation software for the Gravis Firebird 2 joystick; if you do not have the Firebird 2 software installed on your computer, this option will be unavail- able.
Page 65: Troubleshooting
Keyboard Emulation Won't Work in a Game Click on a Topic or click on the arrow at the bottom of GrIP Support Won’t Work in a Game the page to continue reading through the book. 15-Pin Joystick Won’t Work with MultiPort...
Page 66 GrIPKey emulates standard keyboard controls. If you turn on Keyboard Emulation and configure the MultiPort with a GrIPKey set, DOS-based games will not recognize the GrIP controller as a joystick; you MUST select Keyboard control in the game’s setup. GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 67 GrIP Support Won’t Work in a Game My game says it supports Gravis GrIP. I’ve selected GrIP in the game‘s Setup, and I‘ve switched the MultiPort into GrIP Mode, but when I start the game, the MultiPort stays in GamePad Emulation. Why? If you are running a game from Windows 95, check to make sure that the GrIP driver is listed in the Drivers section of your Control Panel.
Page 68 GrIP support. Reinstalling the GrIP software should restore this. As I start my game, the GrIP LED switches to green, but there‘s no GrIP support once I start playing. Your game port cable may be plugged in only partially. Make sure it is plugged in securely.
Page 69 Also, make sure that you have selected the correct joystick description in your game‘s Setup. Choose ”Joystick“ or a more specific description of your joystick—not ”Gravis GrIP“—if you are using the MultiPort with a standard controller in Pass-Thru Mode. GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 70 Book Topics Chapter Topics MultiPort Stuck in GrIP Mode My MultiPort is stuck in GrIP Mode; the bi-color LED stays green, and I can‘t play games in GamePad Emulation. When you exit a GrIP-compatible game, the game software should switch the MultiPort back into GamePad Emulation automatically. If your computer crashes in the middle of a game, or if this instruction in the game has been altered or omitted, your MultiPort may ”stick“...
Page 71: Technical Support
Support by Electronic Mail Throughout this book, you Warranty can click on green-high- lighted text to jump to a Garantie de Advanced Gravis (Français) related topic. Garantie von Advanced Gravis (Deutsch) To return, click the Back Garantia de Advanced Gravis (Español) button in the tool bar.
Page 72: Technical Support Instructions
Technical Support Instructions Technical support is available to all registered owners of Gravis prod- ucts. Before you call, please read the README file on the Gravis CD or floppy disk and, if you can, please read the Frequently Asked Ques- tions (FAQ) on the Gravis Web site (www.gravis.com).
Page 73 800-17838 Norway 800-11335 Finland 9800-13228 Portugal 05-05313318 France 05-906053 Spain 900-993129 Germany 0130-810654 Sweden 020-795845 Hungary 00800-11727 Switzerland 155-8605 Ireland 1800-553168 0800-894383 If your country is not listed, please call either (604) 431-1807 (Canada) or +31-36-536-4443 (Netherlands). GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 74 Chapter 7 – Technical Support Book Topics Chapter Topics Support By Electronic Mail Contact Advanced Gravis at the following addresses: This Web site is the hub of Gravis‘ Internet Web Site: http://www.gravis.com online support network. For the Internet E-mail: pcstick@gravis.com (Canada) most current and detailed information and files, look here.
Page 75: Warranty Information
GRAVIS) warrants to the original purchaser of the Gravis MultiPort and GrIP-Pad (hereinafter referred to as MULTIPORT) manufactured by GRAVIS that it will be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the original date of purchase.
Page 76: Warranty Claim Instructions
The means of product shipment to GRAVIS is at your cost and discre- tion. We suggest that you insure your Gravis MULTIPORT in case of GrIP User’s Guide...
Page 77 Book Topics Chapter Topics ...Warranty, cont’d. damage during shipment. GRAVIS is not responsible for product lost or damaged in shipment. We regret that warranty claims originating in the U.S. that are shipped to the Canadian address must be refused due to customs and importation require- ments.
Page 78 Garantie de Advanced Gravis Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd. (ci-après désigné sous le nom GRAVIS) garantit à l’acheteur original de la Gravis GrIP Game System (ci-après désigné sous le nom MULTIPORT) fabriqué par GRAVIS, qu’elle ne présente aucun défaut de matériau ou de fabrica- tion, et cela pour une période d’un an à...
Page 79 Book Topics Chapter Topics ...Garantie de Advanced Gravis Pendant la période de garantie, GRAVIS s’engage à réparer les composants défectueux (ou, àson choix, remplacer sans supplément la MULTIPORT par une autre MULTIPORT remise àneuf), sous réserve que la MULTIPORT, accompagnée d’une preuve d’achat, soit expédiée en port pré-payé...
Page 80 Book Topics Chapter Topics ...Garantie de Advanced Gravis Les frais d’expédition d’un produit à GRAVIS sont à votre charge et le choix du mode de transport vous appartient. Nous vous suggérons d’assurer votre MULTIPORT contre la perte ou les dommages subis pendant le transport.
Page 81 Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd. (im folgenden Gravis genannt) garantiert dem Erstbesitzer des von GRAVIS hergestellten Gravis GrIP Game System (im folgenden MULTIPORT genannt) für die Dauer für ein Jahr ab Kaufdatum, daß das Produkt frei von Material- und Verarbeitungsfehlern ist. Alle Garantieansprüche müssen direkt über GRAVIS abgewickelt werden, geben Sie daher den MULTIPORT...
Page 82 Kosten, vorausgesetzt, der MULTIPORT wurde zusammen mit einem Kaufnachweis an eine der genannten Adressen von Ad- vanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd. geschickt. Dabei bleibt es Gravis überlassen, das defekte Gerät zu reparieren oder durch ein generalüberholtes auszutauschen. Kanadische und internationale Kunden 101-3750 North Fraser Way Burnaby, B.C.
Page 83 Art Sie das Produkt an GRAVIS zurückschicken. Wir empfehlen Ihnen, den Joystick gegen Verlust und Transportschäden zu versichern. GRAVIS lehnt jede Haftung für Produkte ab, die während des Versands beschädigt werden oder verlorengehen. Garantieansprüche aus den USA, die an die kanadische Adresse geschickt werden, werden aus Zollgründen abgewiesen und an den...
Page 84 GRAVIS) garantiza al comprador original del bastón de mando Gravis GrIP Game System (denominado en adelante MULTIPORT), fabricado por GRAVIS, que el producto estará libre de defectos de material y mano de obra por un período de 1 año desde la fecha de adquisición original.
Page 85 Durante el período de garantía, GRAVIS reparará los componentes defectuosos (o a opción de GRAVIS los reemplazará por un MULTIPORT reacondicionado sin costo adicional), siempre que el usuario devuelva el MULTIPORT, con comprobante de adquisición y lo envíe con flete prepago a: Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd.
Page 86 El costo del medio de transporte del producto a GRAVIS estará a cargo y discreción del cliente. Sugerimos asegurar el MULTIPORT contra pérdida o daños durante el transporte. GRAVIS no acepta responsabilidad por la pérdida o daños de los productos durante el...
Page 87: How To Use This Guide
Click the down arrow not fit within the window. Drag the hand tool in the direction you or drag the slider down want to move the page. to move forward. Use the Text tool to select text to copy. GrIP User’s Guide...