lolo799 wrote on 2021-09-27, 09:56:
guest_2 wrote on 2021-09-26, 16:55:
Unfortunately PCMCIA-PCI (adapters for use in laptops to allow a PCI cards) do not exist.
Those exist, look up for Magma CardBus to PCI enclosure.
Thanks
The only thing I can find for sale is this 1 slot expansion 'Magma 1 Slot PCI expansion chassis 01-04740-05'
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/362917869066?hash= … QEAAOSws6ZaQk5D
Im not sure but this may not be PCMCIA to PCI (only PCI to PCI?)
This looks like what you mean, but not for sale - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330847 … _bit_33MHz.html
This too, sold for £228 - https://reverb.com/item/25855943-magma-2-slot … sion-unit-36061
The issue then is what PCI soundcard supports DOS with OPL. There is the Soundblaster live but this has terrible emulation of OPL3 in DOS. The drivers for DOS do work though.
There was a Soundblaster 16 PCI version but it as rare as rocking horse poo and it also had no dedicated hardware for Adlib/OPL. It was emulated only so probably not much better than a Soundblaster Live! I also already have a SB Live card
There would be the need of space and PSU for the enclosure
Next questions which people here may know.
What is the best PCI soundcard (if there is one) that has dedicated OPL3 hardware instead of emulation? Why creative didnt include OPL3 hardware on the PCI cards is beyond me. I guess expense only, but it cant have cost much more to keep hardware support for DOS gaming
Does a PCMCIA to ISA enclosure exist? This would mean any card like a Soundblaster 16, AWE32, AWE64 etc. can be used on a laptop
I suppose my best option is keep looking for a good PCMCIA soundcard. Even a basic one that can be used for DOS only is good. With my current Maestro 3 drivers, nothing in DOS will even launch due to the WDM drivers. I did manage to install VXD drivers which allowed DOS apps to launch but then the Windows 98 support was messed up