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IBM PS/2 and Soundblaster CT2910 problems

Brian Todd

Brian Todd

Experienced Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2022
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229
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The Netherlands
Hi guys, I finally managed to get hold of a Soundblaster 16 CT2910, which the seller claims is working. I have the jumpers set to I/O 220, 8-bit DMA 1, 16-bit DMA 5, IRQ 5, IDE Interrump 15. As soon as I put the board in my PS/2 Model 30 and try to boot, I get an "101 - System Board" error message, and the boot sequence halts. Am I doing something wrong or is the SB toast?
 
I'm not sure about PS/2 model 30, but most XT class computers have their HDD controller on IRQ5, if I recall correctly. What version of DOS or windows do you have? Do you have MSD (microsoft diagnostics, it comes with DOX 6x and windows 3.1, I think)? If so, take the card out, run MSD and see if the HDD controller is on IRQ5 causing you a conflict.
 
jafir said:
I'm not sure about PS/2 model 30, but most XT class computers have their HDD controller on IRQ5, if I recall correctly. What version of DOS or windows do you have? Do you have MSD (microsoft diagnostics, it comes with DOX 6x and windows 3.1, I think)? If so, take the card out, run MSD and see if the HDD controller is on IRQ5 causing you a conflict.
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Thanks Jafir, this is a really good idea. I am running Windows 3.0 and DOS 4.01 but also have DOS 6.x so will be able to find MSD I'm sure. Will try to run the diagnostics tomorrow and will report back!
 
I suspect that Caluser may be right. I tried the SB16 in my 486 and it worked fine after being installed, also passing the Creative diagnostics. I have tried all IRQ jumper settings in the Model 30, but consistently get the "101 - System Board" error at boot. I cannot find any literature whether the SB16 actually supports an 8-bit slot, so would appreciate any guidance from anyone!
 
I have this model
 

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Make sure IRQ 5 is clear on the Model 30, otherwise you have to use IRQ 7, which is usually used for the parallel port. Since the XT doesn't have the second DMA controller, you need to set both the "low" and "high" DMA channels to "1".

If you have the Creative software installed into the C:\SB16 directory, try this in your autoexec.bat:

Code: 
SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 H1 P330 T6
C:\SB16\DIAGNOSE.EXE /S

This sets the card to address 0x220h (match the jumpers on the card!), IRQ 5, low DMA channel 1, hi DMA channel 1, MIDI port to address 0x330h, and type of card to SB16. The DIAGNOSE program soft sets the hardware resources beyond the base address. If you need to use IRQ 7 (likely on the Model 30), change "I5" to "I7".
 
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Brian Todd said:
Thanks roadfan let me try that and report back!
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Fede, I have exactly the same model as you have. Do you have an 8086 or a 286 model?

Roadfan, I tried ever conceivable jumper setting but can't even get to autoexec.bat as the system immediately gives the "101 - System Board" error message.....
 
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