Lotus 1-2-3 v2.4 flickers on EGA graphics \ VOGONS

Lotus 1-2-3 v2.4 flickers on EGA graphics

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First post, by Ommex

Posted on 2024-08-06, 17:08

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I've been working on a video project that is showcasing older hardware and software, and part of that involves showing off Lotus 1-2-3 on an emulated IBM PC/AT. The setup for the software went smoothly, but once I ran Lotus 1-2-3, the screen began to flash between gray and black quite unpleasantly. I configured it as per the system's specs, so I'm not sure what exactly the issue is.

Machine: IBM PC/AT 5170
CPU: Intel 80286 @ 8 MHz
FPU: Intel 287XL
RAM: 512 kB
Video: IBM EGA (256k VRAM, Enhanced Mode EGA)
Resolution: 640x350

I set up Lotus 1-2-3 with the following settings:
Enhanced Graphics Adapter
EGA 80x25 Black
Basic Fonts

I'm not sure if this is an emulation issue or a software issue, so I'd appreciate any help.

Reply 1 of 5, by GloriousCow

Posted on 2024-08-06, 17:34

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It would help to tell us which emulator you used.

MartyPC: A cycle-accurate IBM PC/XT emulator | https://github.com/dbalsom/martypc

Reply 2 of 5, by Ommex

Posted on 2024-08-06, 18:23

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GloriousCow wrote on 2024-08-06, 17:34:

It would help to tell us which emulator you used.

Thought I mentioned it in the original post, but looks like I forgot. I'm using 86box, the latest version (Build 6000). I've heard 86box is very accurate at emulating older hardware, which is why I use it.

Reply 3 of 5, by Ommex

Posted on 2024-08-07, 09:08

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UPDATE: After attempting some troubleshooting, it seems like the issue is with the WYSIWYG feature. If I go to Display > Mode and set it to Text mode, the flickering stops. However, this also causes the icons on the right side of the screen to be replaced by ASCII recreations. The glitching begins when WYSIWYG.ADN is loaded in. However, I'm not sure how to get icon menus without disabling WYSIWYG.

Reply 4 of 5, by Ommex

Posted on 2024-08-07, 09:13

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UPDATE 2: Turns out, someone else had a similar issue on this very forum back in 2007, and a solution was posted there. I'm linking the solution here:

Re: Problem with WYSIWYG in Lotus 123 2.4

1) Enter WYSIWYG mode (":" key)
2) Go to Display-> Options-> Adapter-> Blink-> Yes
3) Go to Display-> Options-> Adapter-> Blink-> No
4) Go to Display-> Options-> Adapter-> 1 (VGA)

Reply 5 of 5, by Battler

Posted on 2024-08-07, 22:57

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I have just committed the fix for it.

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