Omarkoman wrote on 2023-08-30, 21:54:

I bought this sound card for my pure DOS build

Can you post a picture of the back of the card?
I would like to see if i can make out where the ground pins on the Wavetable connector go to...

hope this helps?

Omarkoman wrote on 2023-09-03, 00:05:

hope this helps?

Yes.
https://www.epanorama.net/documents/pc/waveblaster.html
Your lower row has all the grounds... so its 1 / 25 .

If you want to use this : https://www.serdashop.com/waveblaster
it has to point up ... (ground is on the outer edge of the dreamblaster s2)

Oh wow! Ok so has to point up, fingers crossed I havent damaged it already connecting it pointing down!

I’ll hook it up and post result!!! Thank you!!!

Omarkoman wrote on 2023-09-03, 00:46:

...fingers crossed...

Me too.
I also didnt know the orientation could be "wrong".
Lets hope its not blown up... And many people with the same problem will find this thread...
I will absolutely check all my cards for the orientation from now on...

Wavetable daughterboard orientation isn't exactly rocket science.

Find pin 1 on the sound card's wavetable header (it should be silk-screened on the PCB). Do the same for the daughterboard card. Now, orient the daughterboard card so that its pin 1 attaches to the pin 1 on the sound card's wavetable header. Seat the daughterboard firmly on the sound card. Done.

Joseph_Joestar wrote on 2023-09-03, 02:07:

Wavetable daughterboard orientation isn't exactly rocket science.

Find pin 1 on the sound card's wavetable header (it should be silk-screened on the PCB). Do the same for the daughterboard card. Now, orient the daughterboard card so that its pin 1 attaches to the pin 1 on the sound card's wavetable header. Seat the daughterboard firmly on the sound card. Done.

The OP's question was already answered by nice and helpful fellow Vogons users and the question most probably came up exactly because there was no silkscreen marking.

Omarkoman wrote on 2023-09-02, 20:34:

warmachine wrote on 2023-09-01, 01:15:

I have three different 1868f cards and they all work with the
serdaco wavetable boards that I have.

Just to check, when the serdaco card is installed on the soundcard, they are always in pointing down direction ?

This is correct for the cards that 8 have.

thanks for that, just goes to show how difference PCB layouts can be !

MJay99 wrote on 2023-09-03, 02:14:

The OP's question was already answered by nice and helpful fellow Vogons users and the question most probably came up exactly because there was no silkscreen marking.

thank you

Serge is a really great guy he is sending me a replacement ewave for free. I definitely won't be making that mistake again. Most pin headers on such as ide, usb etc have one pin missing to aid orientation but the wavetable is anyone's guess without knowing grounds and not having visible silk screen.

Update - tried the S2 on two new ESS cards I received today. No sound for general midi. I fear the wavetable board is damaged.

Is there any chance this can be repaired at all? Or pretty much it goes to bin?

Do you have a picture of your sound cards that you tried?
Also this may be a long shot but you could try in Win98? I have the same card so I could help you rule out a few things:)

Serge kindly sent me over this diagram.
Do you have a multimeter?

I have it connected the right way, I am 100% sure. I checked the pin layout and definitely have it on correctly. Even matches Phils YT video as its exactly same Sound Card model and S2.

I got an email from Serge at Serdashop and he suggested its likely that its damaged and cant be repaired. I got offered a discount for new one so will be placing an order for replacement.

That sucks. Mine pretty much blew up my PC 🙁 I think maybe it would be a good idea if Serge put a little FAQ or quick installation instructions on his page (or add a warning in the package "please be careful when installing, otherwise your system can be damaged!' Check orientation or similar.

What are you going to do with your old S2?

Not sure… keep it as a memoire 🤣🤣🤣

At about 2:50 in this video, the very same card
that you have is shown and it is mentioned that
the wavetable header does not work.

https://youtu.be/onF9mQhLP3w?si=61ukpDigPmLQUzTk

It's either a big coincidence, or that particular card just doesn't work.

I tried the S2 in another card I just bought and I get no sound so I assumed the yellow card damaged it. I can try it in one more card but would be unlikely I got a card (the new one I bought) that has non functioning wavetable header.