FAQ: Atari Jaguar Frequently-Asked Questions
Robert A. Jung
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Another month, another updated post of the Atari Jaguar FAQ. This month's
changes are mostly historical and technical, as we shamelessly "borrow" much
of John Mathieson's interview from Atari Explorer On-line. And because
people kept dickering over it, a direct address to the "the 68000 is/isn't
the CPU" question. And then there's some informational reference updates,
and news from the Winter CES, and...Well, just read it.
As always, updates and suggestions go into the e-mailbox, please...
--R.J.
B-)
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Send whatevers to rj...@netcom.com | If it has pixels, I'm for it.
--------------------------------------+------------------------------Lynx up!
"You weren't chosen because you are the best pilot in the Air Force. You were
chosen because you are the class clown and frankly, you're expendable."
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/ | \ /| | |/ / | | |_ | | | |/ / | _ <
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Created by Robert Jung (rj...@netcom.com), because no one else wanted to.
Dedicated to ASTEROIDS, for getting me hooked in the first place
Last update: 1/27/1995
==============================================================================
This file is not maintained by, overseen by, endorsed, or otherwise associated
with Atari Corp. or any of its subsidiaries. It's just a collection of
questions and answers, with a few news tidbits thrown in.
This file is posted on a monthly basis to rec.games.video.atari,
alt.atari-jaguar.discussion, news.answers, and rec.answers around the first
of the month. It is maintained by Robert Jung at rj...@netcom.com on the
Internet. Send corrections, news, updates, comments, questions, or other
stuff to that address. All mail is welcome!
Updates since the last publicly posted FAQ have a vertical bar in the first
column.
==============================================================================
Q. What is the Atari Jaguar?
A. The world's first 64-bit home console video game system. Developed after
three years of research, manufactured by IBM, the Jaguar offers high-speed
| action, spectacular graphic effects, and CD-quality sound.
==============================================================================
Q. How does IBM fit into this?
A. IBM has a $500 million contract with Atari Corp. to assemble, test,
package, and distribute Jaguar units. Manufacturing is done at IBM's
Charlotte, NC facility, and the Jaguar is IBM's first attempt at producing
a consumer grade product for an outside vendor. Specifically, Jaguar
circuit boards are manufactured and assembled by an IBM subcontractor;
IBM cases, tests, and packages final Jaguar units; units are then sent to
Atari for distribution.
IBM has no known participation in the design of the Jaguar. IBM has no
plans to create games for the Jaguar.
==============================================================================
Q. Okay, who did design the Jaguar?
A. The primary designers of the Jaguar are Martin Brennan and John Mathieson.
| They started their own company in 1986 called Flare 1, and designed an
| original multiprocessor game console. After the system was finished, Flare
| wanted to "evolve" the system, but needed funding for the job. Atari was
| contacted, believed in the idea, and agreed to participate. Atari, Brennan,
| and Mathieson started a new company called Flare 2 to develop the system.
| As Jaguar development moved along, it became apparent that the machine would
| leapfrog the new systems from Nintendo and Sega, so they decided to bring
| the machine to light. The entire process took three years, from initial
| design to production-ready models.
| The proprietary chips are manufactured by Toshiba and Motorola.
==============================================================================
Q. What are the specifications of the Jaguar?
A. Physical dimensions:
Size: 9.5" x 10" x 2.5"
Controls: Power on/off
Display: Resolution up to 800 x 576 pixels (1300+ with additional
hardware)
24-bit "True Color" display with 16,777,216 colors
simultaneously
Multiple-resolution, multiple-color depth objects (monochrome,
2-bit, 4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit) can be used
simultaneously
Ports: Cartridge slot/expansion port (32 bits)
RF video output
Video edge connector (video/audio output)
(supports NTSC and PAL; provides S-Video, Composite, RGB
outputs, accessible by optional add-on connector)
Two controller ports
Digital Signal Processor port (includes high-speed synchronous
serial input/output)
Controllers: Eight-directional joypad
Size 6.25" x 5" x 1.6", cord 7 feet
Three fire buttons (A, B, C)
Pause and Option buttons
12-key keypad (accepts game-specific overlays)
The Jaguar has five processors, which are contained in three chips. Two of
the chips are proprietary designs, nicknamed "Tom" and "Jerry". The third
chip is a standard Motorola 68000 used as a coprocessor. Tom and Jerry are
built using an 0.5 micron silicon process.
- "Tom"
- 750,000 transistors, 208 pins
- Graphics Processing Unit (processor #1)
- 32-bit RISC architecture (32/64 processor)
- 64 registers of 32 bits wide
- Has access to all 64 bits of the system bus
- Can read 64 bits of data in one instruction
- Rated at 26.591 MIPS (million instructions per second)
- Runs at 26.591 MHz
- 4K bytes of zero wait-state internal SRAM
- Performs a wide range of high-speed graphic effects
- Programmable
- Object processor (processor #2)
- 64-bit RISC architecture
- Programmable processor that can act as a variety of different video
architectures, such as a sprite engine, a pixel-mapped display, a
character-mapped system, and others.
- Blitter (processor #3)
- 64 bits
- Performs high-speed logical operations
- Hardware support for Z-buffering and Gouraud shading
- DRAM memory controller
- 64 bits
- Accesses the DRAM directly
- "Jerry"
- 600,000 transistors, 144 pins
- Digital Signal Processor (processor #4)
- 32 bits (32-bit registers)
- Rated at 26.6 MIPS (million instructions per second)
- Runs at 26.6 MHz
- Same RISC core as the Graphics Processing Unit
- Not limited to sound generation
- 8K bytes of zero wait-state internal SRAM
- CD-quality sound (16-bit stereo)
- Number of sound channels limited by software
- Two DACs (stereo) convert digital data to analog sound signals
- Full stereo capabilities
- Wavetable synthesis, FM synthesis, FM Sample synthesis, and AM
synthesis
- A clock control block, incorporating timers, and a UART
- Joystick control
- Motorola 68000 (processor #5)
- Runs at 13.295MHz
- General purpose control processor
Communication is performed with a high speed 64-bit data bus, rated at
106.364 megabytes/second. The 68000 is only able to access 16 bits of this
bus at a time.
The Jaguar contains two megabytes (16 megabits) of fast page-mode DRAM,
in four chips with 512 K each. Game cartridges can support up to six
megabytes (48 megabits) of information, and can contain an EEPROM
(electrically erasable/programmable read-only memory) chip to save game
information and settings. Up to 100,000 writes can be performed with the
EEPROM; after that, future writes may not be saved (performance varies
widely, but 100,000 is a guaranteed minimum). Depending on use, this limit
should take from 10 to 50 years to reach.
The Jaguar uses 24-bit addressing, and is reportedly capable of accessing
data as follows:
Six megabytes cartridge ROM
Eight megabytes DRAM
Two megabytes miscellaneous/expansion
All of the processors can access the main DRAM memory area directly. The
Digital Signal Processor and the Graphics Processor can execute code out of
either their internal caches, or out of main memory. The only limitations
are that
(1) "jump" instructions in main memory have certain restrictions; the JMP
(unconditional jump) command is longword-aligned, while the JR
(jump-indexed-by-register) command must be either word- or longword-
aligned. And
(2) running out of the cache is much faster (up to four times faster) and
efficient.
Some believe that the inability to jump/branch in main memory makes the
main memory feature useless.
Swapping data between the caches and the main memory is a quick, low
overhead operation, and therefore the main memory is often used as "swap
space" for cache code. The RISC compiler now included in the Jaguar
developer's kit produces code that transparently swaps code through the
cache. This effectively lets developers write RISC code without concern
for the cache size limits.
Compressed cartridge data can be uncompressed in real-time, and ratios of
up to 14:1 have been cited. In theory, a Jaguar cartridge can store up to
84 megabytes (672 megabits) of data, though actual results will vary widely.
Compression is performed with JagPEG, an enhanced JPEG image decompression
mechanism.
Other Jaguar features:
- Support for ComLynx I/O for communications with the Atari Lynx hand-held
game system and networked multiconsole games (on DSP port, accessible
by optional add-on connector). Networking of up to 32 Jaguar units
available.
- The two controller ports can be expanded to support "dozens" of
controllers
- Digital and analog interfaces
- Keyboards, mice, and light guns are possible
- Expansion port allows connection to cable TV and other networks
- Digital Signal Processor port allows connection to modems and digital
audio peripherals (such as DAT players)
- One megabyte per second serial interface
- 9600 baud, RS-232 serial port (accessible with optional interface)
- General-purpose I/O bits via the cartridge port
- Can accomodate future expansions of different processor types, I/O types,
video types, and memory types and/or quantities.
==============================================================================
Q. Is the Jaguar really a 64-bit system?
A. The question is hard to resolve, largely because the definition of what
constitutes an "N-bit" system has not been set. Of the five processors in
the Jaguar, only the object processor and the blitter are "true" 64-bit
components. Because the blitter and the object processor are in the Tom
chip, by extension Tom is a 64-bit chip. The Jaguar also uses a 64-bit
memory architecture, according to Jez San of Argonaut Software.
Some say the Jaguar should be considered a 32-bit system, as that is the
maximum register size in the programmable processors (the 68000, the
graphics processor, and the DMA sound processor). Others say the Jaguar
can be considered a 64-bit system, because 64-bit components are used, and
the GPU can access 64 bits of data if required. Again, the lack of an
agreed-upon definition serves to complicate the issue.
| According to Jaguar designer John Mathieson, "Jaguar has a 64-bit memory
| interface to get a high bandwidth out of cheap DRAM. ... Where the system
| needs to be 64 bit then it is 64 bit, so the Object Processor, which takes
| data from DRAM and builds the display is 64 bit; and the blitter, which
| does all the 3D rendering, screen clearing, and pixel shuffling, is 64 bit.
| Where the system does not need to be 64 bit, it isn't. There is no point
| in a 64 bit address space in a games console! 3D calculations and audio
| processing do not generally use 64-bit numbers, so there would be no
| advantage to 64 bit processors for this.
|
| "Jaguar has the data shifting power of a 64 bit system, which is what
| matters for games, so can reasonably be considered a 64 bit system. But
| that doesn't mean it has to be 64 bits throughout."
For the record, the opinion of most third party developers and observers
| is that the Jaguar is indeed a 64-bit system. The emphasis is on the word
| "system"; while not every component is 64 bits, the Jaguar architecture, as
| a COMPLETE SYSTEM, is.
==============================================================================
|
Q. The Jaguar uses a 68000. Isn't that the CPU?
|
A. Again, quoting from Jaguar designer John Mathieson, "It may be the CPU in
| the sense that it's the centre of operation, and boot-straps the machine,
| and starts everything else going; however, it is not the centre of Jaguar's
| power. ... The 68000 is like a manager who does no real work, but tells
| everybody else what to do."
|
| And...
|
| "Atari were keen to use a 68K family device, and we looked closely at
| various members. We did actually build a couple of 68030 versions of the
| early beta developers systems, and for a while were going to use a 68020.
| However, this turned out too expensive. We also considered the possibility
| of no [Motorola 680x0 chip] at all. I always felt it was important to have
| some normal processor, to give developers a warm feeling when they start.
| The 68K is inexpensive and does that job well. I maintain that it's only
| there to read the joysticks."
|
==============================================================================
Q. How can a graphics processor be the CPU?
A. The 64-bit custom graphics chip is a good general purpose RISC unit, but it
has been optimized for graphics work. Developers are free to specify which
processor(s) to use in a program, as desired.
==============================================================================
Q. What kind of special effects can the Jaguar do?
A. The Jaguar is capable of doing the following visual effects:
- High-speed scrolling (Object Processor).
- Texture mapping on two- and three-dimensional objects (GPU and Blitter).
- Morphing one object into another object (GPU).
- Scaling, rotation, distortion, and skewing of sprites and images
(Object Processor).
- Lighting and shading from single and multiple light sources (GPU and
Blitter).
- Transparency (Object Processor).
- "Rendering" up to 850 million one-bit pixels/second (35 million 24-bit
pixels/second, 26 million 32-bit pixels/second), or 50 million Goroud
shaded pixels/second. "Rendering" is believed to mean transferring a
pixel from a frame buffer to the screen.
- Sprites of "unlimited" size and quantity. Realistically, sprites can be
over 1,000 pixels wide/tall, and the number of sprites allowed is
limited by processor cycles instead of a fixed value in hardware
(Object processor).
- Programmable screen resolutions, from 160 to 800 pixels per line. The
resolution can be increased even further with additional hardware up to
a reported 1350 pixels per line.
One of the Jaguar modes is called "CRY mode", which supports lighting and
effects in 3D graphics. Red, green, and blue color elements are ranged
from 0 to 255, and the lighting level for any pixel can be changed by
setting one byte linearly. E.g., the relative proportions of red, blue,
and green are indicated with one byte, while a second byte selects an
overall intensity of 0 to 255. CRY allows much smoother shading of single
colors, but doesn't allow blending between colors as smoothly.
Actual graphics performance is hard to measure, as there are no industry-
standard benchmarks. Rebellion Software has claimed that the Jaguar can
render "10,000 Gourard shaded, large, 65536 color, any shape polygons per
second," while still performing other tasks. Presumably this level can
be increased further with optimized programming.
==============================================================================
Q. How come the Jaguar claims to have "32-bit" graphics, when 16 million
colors only need 24 bits for rendering?
A. The additional 8-bits is for programmers to implement whatever visual
effects may be desired. Examples cited include Z-buffering (for polygon
graphics) and an alpha channel (for transparency).
==============================================================================
Q. What's the information on the CD-ROM drive?
A. A double-speed CD-ROM drive has been announced for release in 1995, with an
estimated price of $150. It is reported that the CD-ROM drive is capable
of sustained data transfer at 352.8K per second, or run at normal audio
rates of 175K per second. Access time is reportedly 210 milliseconds. The
CD-ROM drive features a modified data bus interface for access to the Tom
and Jerry chips almost directly; this allows for a higher throughput rate
on the sound and graphics. Storage on a disc is approximately 790
megabytes (6,320 megabits). The CD-ROM drive plugs into the Jaguar's
cartridge slot on top of the machine, and offers a cartridge slot to
permit playing cartridge or CD games; the cartridge port is accessible
while using the CD-ROM drive. CD game information can be saved to an
optional memory cartridge.
The Jaguar CD-ROM drive allows delivery of full-screen, full-motion video.
The CinePak video decompression system has been licensed from SuperMac
Technologies. It is a 7K routine in the GPU, and can easily be included
in any CD-ROM software that wants/needs it. It allows full-screen video
playback at 24 frames per second. Movie quality pictures can then be
overlaid on the screen with computer generated graphics if the game
demands it. Time-Warner has licensed a library of film clips from its
movies to Atari for use in Jaguar games.
The Jaguar CD-ROM is also designed to interface with audio CD, Karaoke CD,
and CD+Graphics. Kodak PhotoCD is an optional feature, and is expected to
be available as a supplimental cartridge. The system will not be 3DO
compatible, but CD-i compatability is being negotiated. An optional MPEG-1
(Motion Picture Experts Group) compression cartridge will also be
available, to allow users to play full length motion pictures from CD. It
will reportedly include extra RAM for buffering, and support the whitebook
video format. Suggested retail price is $150.
The Jaguar CD-ROM will have the "Virtual Light Machine" built in. This
program will play audio CDs and generate accompanying "psychedelic" color
and visual effects on the television/monitor. The player/user can use the
joypads to modify the patterns.
The CD-ROM drive is being manufactured by Philips in the United States.
Its dimensions are 6.5" x 10.5" x 3.5", and weighs 1 pound, 10 ounces.
==============================================================================
Q. What's this "Panther" I hear about?
A. Quick history lesson: Sometime in the late 1980s, Atari Corp. was doing
research and development on "next generation" video game consoles. There
were two systems, a 32-bit machine called the Panther, and a 64-bit machine
called the Jaguar. It is reported that work on the Jaguar was progressing
better/faster than expected, so Atari abandoned the Panther to focus their
| energies on the Jaguar instead. Supposedly, if both machines were fully
| developed, the Jaguar would have followed the Panther only two years later.
Reports of development work on the Panther have been whispered since 1988;
some people have erroneously mistaken those rumors to be about the Jaguar.
The Panther reportedly was considered a "32-bit" machine by Atari, though
for reasons unknown. It featured three chips, consisting of a Motorola
68000 running at 16Mhz, an object processor called the Panther, and an
Ensoniq sound processor called Otis, featuring 32 sound channels. The
Panther could supposedly display 8,192 colors from a palette of 262,144
colors, and could display 65,535 sprites of any size simultaneously.
==============================================================================
Q. What do I get when I buy a Jaguar?
A. The Jaguar package has a suggested retail price of $250, and contains the
Jaguar itself, one controller, an AC adapter, and the game CYBERMORPH.
| Atari plans to release a "core" system, without CYBERMORPH, for $200.
==============================================================================
Q. Is there a difference in Jaguar games/units sold in different countries?
Do I need to keep track of PAL and NTSC versions of a game?
A. There is no difference in the Jaguar game software. A properly-written
Jaguar game detects PAL or NTSC at startup and changes the playfield size
and game speeds accordingly. A properly-written Jaguar game will run at
the same speed on either machine.
The Jaguar consoles themselves are configured differently, according to the
country they are sold in. The primary differences are in the video output
format (NTSC or PAL) and the power adapters (110 volt or 220 volt). For
example, to use an American-market Jaguar in Europe, you need a 220
volt-to-110 volt adapter (readily available) and a SCART television set to
accept the Jaguar's RGB signals. Some European TV sets may also require
changing the Jaguar display from a 60Hz frame rate to 50Hz.
The 50Hz/60Hz frame rate is set by soldering pads on the bottom of the
Jaguar PCB. On an NTSC Jaguar, they're located on the bottom of the PCB
near the controller ports. The set labelled "R140" determines between
50Hz and 60Hz. Connect the two points for 50Hz, or leave them
disconnected for 60Hz, as follows:
60Hz 50Hz
o-o R135 o-o
o o R136 o o (Information courtesy of Martin Zimmer,
o o R137 o o ma...@haari.mayn.sub.de)
o o R140 o-o
PAL Jaguars sold in Europe have the R140 pads connected with a zero ohm
SMD resistor, which can be removed with a soldering iron. It is possible
to wire a switch to the points, allowing the Jaguar to be toggled between
50Hz/60Hz. This is mainly useful for PAL Jaguars to play games at the
original speed and screen resolution of the NTSC version.
==============================================================================
Q. Hey! My Jaguar makes a quiet hissing sound! What's going on? Is it
dangerous?
A. Atari has cited several reasons for the hissing noise. Some have said that
the sound is from the RF generator. The RF shield has holes in it
(ostensibly to help air flow and keep the unit cool), and it is believed
that the holes produce the noise.
Others say the sounds are produced by coil L29 which is responsible for the
proper voltage regulation to +10.0V, together with U38. The coil's copper
wire vibrates when the current through it changes abruptly, making the hiss.
There are two solutions: 1) Use plastic spray or silicone rubber glue to
fix the coil's wire. 2) Replace the original Jaguar power-supply with a
variable power-source, using 7.5V DC instead of 9V DC (it is not certain
whether the Jaguar CD will require 9V DC, which would make this "fix"
unworkable with the CD drive).
In any case, the "hissing" noise is not dangerous, but merely annoying. It
is usually audible only if you put your ear next to the unit and listen
closely, and is not interference in the audio output. It is roughly
analogous to the buzz made by electric clocks.
Later Jaguars supposedly do not have this problem.
==============================================================================
Q. My Jaguar comes up with a red screen instead of a game! Is it broken?
A. Most often, the "red screen" problem appears after the Jaguar logo has
disappeared off the TV screen, and is caused by one of the following:
1. Poor contact between the Jaguar and the cartridge (most likely). Make
sure that the cartridge is firmly seated in the cartridge slot, and that
contacts are not dirty/dusty.
2. Bent pins in the cartridge slot (rare). This may be caused by rough
edges on some cartridges. The pins should be carefully straightened.
3. Defective cartridge (rare). If the red screen only appears with one
cartridge but not others, the game may be defective. Exchange it for
another.
If the Jaguar logo appears without problems, then the Jaguar is probably
working fine, and it's only the data transfer between the unit and the
cartridge that's causing the problem.
==============================================================================
Q. I want something better than RF output from my Jaguar. What do I do?
A. Atari has an S-Video cable and a Composite video cable available for use
with the Jaguar. Either cable costs $19.95.
If you are willing to build your own, the schematics for the expansion port
are as follows:
Pinouts for Jaguar Video Cable
(view is looking at the rear of the Jaguar)
01A 02A 03A 04A 05A 06A 07A 08A 09A 10A 11A 12A
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
01B 02B 03B 04B 05B 06B 07B 08B 09B 10B 11B 12B
01A - Left Audio 01B - Right Audio
02A - Audio Ground 02B - Audio Ground
04A - Chroma Ground 04B - Red
05A - Blue 05B - Composite Sync
06A - Horizontal Sync
07A - Green 07B - Luma Ground
08A - Chroma 08B - Luma
10B - Video Ground
11A - +10V power supply 11B - Composite Video
S-Video Cable
##\ /---(##- P2 RCA Male (Red)
### /
P1 ###>>--(Shielded cable)-----<-----(##- P3 RCA Male (White)
### \ ___
##/ \---<## P4 4 pin SVHS 3/. .\4
Jaguar Mini-DIN 1< . . >2
Plug Male \_=_/ (front)
Conn Pin Signal Conn Pin
+----+--------+--------------+----+-----+
P2 Center Right Audio P1 01B
P2 Shell Audio Ground P1 02B
P3 Center Left Audio P1 01A
P3 Shell Audio Ground P1 02A
P4 1 Luma Ground P1 07B
P4 3 Luma P1 08B
P4 4 Chroma P1 08A
P4 2 Chroma Ground P1 04A
P4 Shell Not Connected P1 N/A
Composite Video Cable
##\ /---(##- P2 RCA Male (Red)
### /
P1 ###>>--(Shielded cable)-----<-----(##- P3 RCA Male (White)
### \
##/ \---(##- P4 RCA Male (Yellow)
Jaguar
Conn Pin Signal Conn Pin
+----+--------+--------------+----+-----+
P2 Center Right Audio P1 01B
P2 Shell Audio Ground P1 02B
P3 Center Left Audio P1 01A
P3 Shell Audio Ground P1 02A
P4 Center Comp Video P1 11B
P4 Shell Video Ground P1 10B
For Jaguar owners who wish to use SCART, a Jaguar-to-SCART RGB cable can
be made as follows:
SCART socket:
20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2
+--------------------------------------------+
\ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- I
\ I
I -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- I
+------------------------------------------+
19 17 15 13 11 9 7 5 3 1
RGB connection using an 8-pin shielded cable:
SCART Signal Jaguar A/V port
+-----+---------------+---------------+
6 Left Audio 1A
2 Right Audio 1B
4 Audio Ground 2A
15 Red 4B
7 Blue 5A
11 Green 7A
16 H-Sync (Blank) 6A
20 Composite Sync 5B
17 Video Ground 10B (connected by cable shield)
==============================================================================
Q. How does the ComLynx port on the Jaguar work? Can I connect my Lynx to it?
A. The Jaguar does not have a ComLynx port per se, but has a ComLynx signal
on the system bus. An expansion port add-on would make the port
available, and developers have announced plans for such accessories (see
below). It is possible to daisy-chain multiple Jaguars for multiplayer
games into a "Jaguar network". In theory, it'd also be possible to connect
Jaguars and Lynxes, though no plans for cross-system software are in the
works currently.
There is also talk that the Jaguar's ComLynx signal can allow Lynxes to be
used as peripherals: software can be developed to allow Lynxes to be part
of a Jaguar game as "smart" controllers.
| Atari plans to release a "JagLink cable", to allow two Jaguars to be
| connected up to 100 feet apart. Expected release is the second quarter of
| 1995, for a price of $29.95.
For enterprising engineers who wish to build a ComLynx cable for two
Jaguars, the following schematics from jo...@netcom.com are available.
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!
12 Contact IDE Card Edge Connector (Atari Jaguar DSP Connector)
View from the front of the connector (not the solder side):
Top Cable pinouts
7 8 9 10 11 12 Jaguar 1 Jaguar 2
L +------------------+ R 2 (TX) ______ ______ 2 (Tx)
e [ x x x x x x ] i \/
f [ x x x x x x ] g 3 (RX) ______/\______ 3 (Rx)
t +------------------+ h 6 (Ground) __________ 6 (Ground)
6 5 4 3 2 1 t
Key signals: 2 - Transmit, 3 - Receive, 6 - Ground
Assembly Notes:
As shown, the only 3 wires needed for the cable are 2, 3 and 6 (Tx, Rx,
and Ground). All of these wires are on the bottom connector, so that
is a good indicater of which way the cable plugs in the Jaguar.
Shielded and RF-Choked cables work best. Due to the nature of this
connector, it will be hard to shield this cable completely.
If you cannot find a 12-contact IDE Card Edge Connector, a 10-contact
version can be used. A quick one can be built with no soldering using
JDR MicroDevices (Part# IDE10). This is made for ribbon cable, but you
can use regular shielded cables with a little work. As long as lines 2,
3, and 6 remain properly connected, there should be no difference.
Usage tips:
* DO NOT PLUG THIS CABLE IN UPSIDE-DOWN! You may damage internal
components if you plug it incorrectly.
* TURN OFF BOTH JAGUARS BEFORE CONNECTING. You may damage internal
components if you do not.
* Since there isn't much strengh in the wires, remove the cable by the
connectors.
If all this makes you nervous, don't build it. Use Atari's own Jaguar
network cable, or professional interface attachments such as ICD's Catbox
instead (see below).
==============================================================================
Q. Who are the third-party publishers/developers for the Jaguar?
A. The following companies have been announced as official developers,
licensees, or publishers for the Jaguar:
Attention to Detail (ATD) Imagitech Design
Llamasoft Rebellion Handmade Software
Anco Software Ltd. Maxis Software Telegames
Beyond Games Inc. Microids Tiertex Ltd.
Dimension Technologies Midnite Software Inc. Titus Eurosoft
Ocean Software Ltd. Tradewest High Voltage Software
Rebellion Software Trimark Interactive Krisalis Software Ltd.
Virtual Experience U.S. Gold Ltd. Loriciel U.S.A.
Silmarils Millenium Park Place Productions
Ubi Soft Gremlin Software Microprose/S. Holobyte
Accolade Virgin Interplay
21st Century Software Activision Id Software
Twilight Brainstorm 3D Games
All Systems Go Argonaut Software Euro-Soft
ICD Incorporated Photosurrealism DTMC
Epic Megagames V-Reel Productions Sunsoft
Domark Group Ltd. Elite Br0derbund
WMS Industries (Bally/Williams) Rage Software
Readysoft Spacetec Visual Concepts
Bullfrog Productions Imagineer Jaleco
Sculptured Software Williams Brothers Accent Media Productions
Anthill Industries Audio/Visual Magic Bethesda Softworks
Black Scorpion Software Visual Sciences Ltd. Steinberg Soft-und Hardware
Borta & Associates Clearwater Software Computer Music Consulting
Cybervision CyberWare Delta Music Systems Inc.
Pixel Satori Elite E-On
EZ Score Software Inc. GameTek Inc. Genus Microprogramming
H2O Design Corp. HiSoft Limelight Media Inc.
Manley & Associates NMS Software Ltd. PIXIS Interactive
Rest Easy Software Creations Team Infinity
Team 17 Software Ltd. Techtonics Technation Digital World
Teque London Ltd. Thrustmaster American Laser Masters
Tengen Eclipse Zeppelin Games
Infogames(?) Natsume(?) iThink, Inc.
Time/Warner Interactive Acid Software 20th Century Fox Int.
Alfaro Corporation Ltd. B.S.A. Bando Svenska AB
Beris Bitmotion Software Bizzare Computing
Brandlewood Computers Ltd. Cannonball Software
Celebrity Systems Inc. Condor Software Cross Products Ltd.
DAP Developments Data Design Denton Designs Ltd.
Diskimage Electro Brain Corp. Electrom
Extreme Factor 5 Flair Software Ltd.
Frankenstein Software Funcom Productions Human Soft Ltd.
JVC Musical Industries Inc. Kungariket Multimedia
Lost in Time Software Malibu Interactive Michton Inc.
Media Technology Scandinavia Merit Industries Inc.
Miracle Designs Nebulous Games Neon-Buttner
i-SPACE Network 23 Software NMS Software Ltd.
Odyssey Software Inc. Orion Technologies Phobyx
Rage Software Ltd. Rainmaker Software Riedel Software Prod.
Scangames Interactive Wave Quest Inc. 4Play
Selgus Limited Shadowsoft Inc. Sigma Designs
Sinister Development Soft Enterprises Softgold Gmbh
Software 2000 Software Development Systems
Tantalus Entertainment Hyper Image Virtual Artistry, Inc.
| SpringerSoft Core Design
Also, Atari Games/Tengen has licensed the Jaguar architecture for use in
future arcade games. Sigma Designs is developing a Jaguar card for IBM
PCs and compatables that runs Jaguar CD software, and acts as a ReelMagic
MPEG card. The card is expected to be released by the end of 1994.
==============================================================================
Q. What are all of the current Jaguar games available in the United States?
A. Current Jaguar Games List:
Title Players Publisher Type
----------------- ------- ------------ ---------------------------
Alien vs. Predator 1 Atari Action/Adventure
Brutal Sports 1-2 Telegames Sports
Football
Bubsy in Fractured 1 Atari Platform
Furry Tales
Checkered Flag 1 Atari Sports
Club Drive 1-2 Atari Action/Simulator
Crescent Galaxy 1 Atari Shooter
Cybermorph 1 Atari Action/Strategy
Doom: Evil Unleashed 1-2(1) Atari Action/Adventure
Dragon 1-2 Atari Action/Fighting
Evolution:Dino Dudes 1 Atari Puzzle/Strategy
Iron Soldier 1 Atari Action/Simulator
Kasumi Ninja 1-2 Atari Action/Fighting
Raiden 1-2 Atari Arcade
Tempest 2000 1-2 Atari Action/Arcade
| Val D'Isere Skiing 1-2 Atari Sports
| and Snowboarding
Wolfenstein 3D 1 Atari Action/Adventure
Zool 2 1-2? Atari Platform
(1) Multiplayer games supported by connecting multiple Jaguars together.
==============================================================================
Q. What are the upcoming Jaguar games?
A: Note: These lists are hardly definitive. They're based on many sources,
and in some cases, might be dead wrong. Games also often change from
pre-release to production.
Upcoming Jaguar cartridge games (? = Uncertain entry):
Title Players Publisher Type
----------------- ------- ------------ ---------------------------
Aero the Acro-Bat 1-2 Sunsoft Action/Platform
Air Cars 1-8 Midnite Sw Sports/Driving
Al Michaels 1-2 Accolade/Atari Sports
Announces Hardball
Alone in the Dark 1? Infogames(?) Adventure
American Football 1-2 Park Place Sports
Another World 1 Interplay Action/Strategy
Apeshit 1-2 Ocean Action/Platform
Arena Football 1-2 V-Reel Prod. Sports
League
Assault: Covert Ops 1-2? Midnite Sw Action
Bases Loaded 1-2 Jaleco Sports
| Batman Forever 1-2? Atari Action
Batman: The 1? Atari? Action?
Animated Series
Battle Sphere 1-16 4Play Action/Shooter
| Battlewheels 1-2? Beyond Games Action
| Burn-Out 1-2 Virtual Exp. Action/Sports
Bugs Bunny's Cartoon 1? Sunsoft Action
Capers
Cannon Fodder 1-2? Virgin Action
Casino Royale 1-2? Telegames Strategy
Center Court Tennis 1-2 Zeppelin Sports
Cheesy 1? Ocean ?
Cisco Heat 1 Jaleco Driving/Arcade
Clay Fighters(?) 1-2 Interplay Action/Fighting
Commando 1 Microids Action/Strategy
'Dactyl Joust 1? Atari Action/Arcade?
| Conan 1-2 ? Action/Fighting
Defender 2000 1-2? Atari Action/Arcade
Demolition Man 1? Virgin Action/Shooting
Dino Dudes 2 1 Atari Puzzle/Strategy
Double Dragon V: 1-2 Tradewest Action/Fighting
The Shadow Falls
Downhill 1? Rainmaker Action/Sports
Dungeon Depths 1 Midnite Sw Adventure
Droppings 1? Delta Music ?
European Soccer 1-2 Telegames Sports
Challenge
Extreme Skiing/ 1-2? Loriciel USA Sports
Showboarding
F-1 Racer 1-2? Domark Sports
Falcon(?) 1 S. Holobyte Simulator
Fight For Life 1-2 Atari Action/Fighting
Flashback 1 U.S. Gold Action/Adventure
Galactic Gladiators 1-2 Photosur. Action/Strategy
Graham Gooch's World 1-2? Telegames Sports
Class Cricket
Grand Prix 1? Microprose Sports
Gunship 2000 1 Microprose Action/Strategy
Hammerhead 1? Rebellion Flight/Simulator
| Hover Hunter 1-8 Hyper Image Action
Hover Strike 1 Atari Action/Arcade
Hyper Force 1-2? Visual Impact ?
Indiana Jag 1 Virtual Exp. Action/Platform
| International 1-2 Telegames Sports
| Sensible Soccer
Iron Soldier 2 1 Atari Action/Shooter
| James Pond 3 1 Telegames Platform
Kick Off 3 1-2 Anco Software Sports
Legions of the 1? Atari Action/Adventure
Undead
Lester the Unlikely 1 DTMC Action/Strategy
Lifewire 1? Black Scorpion ?
Lobo 1? Ocean Action?
Mortal Kombat(?) 1-2 WMS Ind.(?) Arcade/Fighting
Mortal Kombat II(?) 1-2 WMS Ind. Arcade/Fighting
Mountain Sports 1-2 DTMC Action/Sports
Navy Commando 1-2? Microids Action?
Nanoterror 1? Delta Music ?
Nerves of Steel 1? Rainmaker Action/Adventure
Neurodancer 1? PIXIS Int. Adventure?
| Phear 1? H2O Develop. Puzzle/Strategy
Pinball Dreams 1-2? 21st Century Action
| Pitfall: The Mayan 1 Activision Action
| Adventure
Powerdrive 1? Elite/Telegame Action/Driving
| Power Drive Rally 1 Rage/Time-Wrnr Action/Driving
Quake 1 id Software Action/Adventure
Rainbow Warrior 1? 3D Games Action?
Rayman 1? UBI Soft Int. Action/Platform
Rise of the Robots 1 Time-Warner Action/Adventure
Robotron:2084 1-2 Atari Action/Arcade
Ruiner 1-2? High Voltage Action/Pinball
Soccer Kid 1? Krisalis/Ocean Platform
| Space War 2000 1-2 Atari Action
Star Raiders 2000 1? Atari Action
Supercross 3D 1-2? Atari Sports
Super Off-Road 1-2 Tradewest Arcade/Driving
Syndicate 1 Ocean/Bullfrog Strategy
| Thea Realm Fighters 1-2 Atari Action/Fighting
Theme Park 1 Ocean/Bullfrog Simulation
Thunderstalker 1? Telegames ?
Tiny Toon 1-2? Atari Platform
Adventures
Troy Aikman NFL 1-2 Tradewest Sports
Football
Twin Crystals 1? Sinister Dev. ?
Ultimate Brain Games 1-2? Telegames Puzzle
Ultra Vortex 1-2 Beyond Games Action/Fighting
Valus Force 1-2? ? ?
Virtuoso 1? Telegames Action
Virtual Warriors 1-2 Rainmaker Action/Fighting
Warlock 1? Trimark Int. Adventure?
Waterworld 1? Ocean ?
| Wayne Gretzky and 1-2 Time-Warner Sports
| the NHLPA All-Stars
White Men Can't 1-2 Trimark Int. Sports
Jump
Wild Cup Soccer 1-2? Telegames Action/Sports
World Cup 1-2? Anco Software Sports
Zzyorxx II 1? Virtual Exp. Action/Shooter
Upcoming Jaguar CD-ROM games:
Title Players Publisher Type
----------------- ------- ------------ ---------------------------
| Artemis 1? SpringerSoft ?
| Baldy 1? Atari Puzzle/Strategy
Barkley: Shut Up 1-2 Accolade/Atari Sports
and Jam!
Battlechess 1-2 Interplay Strategy
Battlemorph: 1 Atari Action/Strategy
Cybermorph 2
B.I.O.S.-Fear 1-2? All Systems Go ?
Blue Lightning 1 Atari Action
Braindead 13 1? ReadySoft Action
Brett Hull Hockey 1-2? Accolade/Atari Sports
| CD League Bowling 1-2 V-Reel Prod. Sports
Chaos Agenda 1? Atari Adventure?
Creature Shock 1 Virgin Action/Adventure
Crime Patrol 1 American Laser Adventure?
Demolition Man 1 Virgin Action
Dracula the Undead 1 Atari Adventure
Dragon's Lair 1 ReadySoft Arcade
Dragon's Lair II 1 ReadySoft Arcade
Evidence 1 Microids Action/Adventure
Freelancer 2120 1 Imagitec Action/Adventure
| Highlander 1 Atari Action/Adventure
| Highlander II 1 Atari Action/Adventure
| Highlander III 1 Atari Action/Adventure
Horrorscope 1? V-Reel Prod. Action/Fighting
| Hosenose and Booger 1-2? All Systems Go Platform
Isle of the Dead 1 Rainmaker Adventure
Jack Nichlaus' 1-2? Accolade/Atari Sports
Cyber Golf
Legions of the 1? Atari Adventure
Undead (expanded from cartridge version)
Little Devil 1 Gremlin Grph. Adventure?
Mad Dog McCree 1 American Laser Arcade
| Powerslide 1 Telegames Driving
| Primal Rage 1-2 Time-Warner Arcade
| Redemption 1? Atari Adventure
Return to Zork 1 Activision Adventure
Robinson's Requiem 1? Silmarils Adventure
| Scottish Open 1-2? Core Design Sports
| Virtual Golf
| Soul Star 1 Core Design Action/Shooter
Space Ace 1 ReadySoft Arcade
Space Pirates 1? Atari Action/Adventure
Starnet 1 Virtual Exp. Adventure
Star Trek: The Next 1 Microprose Adventure
Generation(?)
| Striker '95 1-2 Rage/Time-Wrnr Action/Sports
The Outpost 1? Atari Adventure?
| Thunderhawk 1 Core Design Action/Shooter
| Varuna's Forces 1 Accent Media Action/Shooter
| Vid Grid 1 Atari Puzzle
Virtuoso 1 Telegames Action
==============================================================================
Q. What other Jaguar products are worth noting?
A: * All Systems Go is working on the "Jukebox". This hardware device plugs
in to the Jaguar's cartridge port, and holds a number of game cartridges at
once. You can then select between them without needing to manually change
cartridges each time. Multiple Jukeboxes can be connected to store/select
more games at once. Release date is expected to be December 1994, with a
price of $49.95 for each Jukebox.
* All Systems Go also has the "Control Station" in the works. This device
plugs into the Jaguar controller ports and allows games to be played by
infrared remote. The Station will also allow controller enhancements, such
as slow motion and rapid fire, and come with a universal remote controller
for the TV, VCR, and other devices. Expected release date is early 1995.
No price is available at this time.
* Atari Corp. is developing a voice modem to allow multiplayer Jaguar games
over telephone lines. Developed by Phylon Communications, the modem allows
players to speak to each other over included stereo headsets while playing.
| Communications at 9600 baud. If you have call-waiting, the modem will allow
| the game to be paused while you take the call. Expected release date is
| Fall 1995, for $149.95.
* ICD and Black Cat Design have announced plans to sell the "CatBox", an
interface adaptor. The CatBox measures 6 x 2.5 x 1.25 inches, and provides
industry-standard S-Video, composite video, left and right audio out, stereo
headphones with amplification and volume control, analog RGB video, RS-232,
ComLynx, a pass-through DSP port, and differential pair networking with
standard RJ-11 phone wiring. This allows Jaguar networks (the "CatNet")
to be set up with up to 32 units 1,000 feet apart. The CatBox starts
shipping December 28, 1994, for $69.95. ICD can be reached at (815)
968-2228.
* MARS Merchandising sells the "JagDapter", which provides Composite video,
stereo sound, split composite, RGB, and S-Video outputs. Price is $49.95
and it is now shipping. MARS can be reached at (708) 627-7462.
* Thrustmaster is manufacturing a combination steering wheel/pedal for
Jaguar driving games, and a flying yoke for flying games. No prices or
tentative release date are known.
| * Victor Maxx has Cybermaxx, a virtual reality helmet. It uses standard RCA
| video and audio inputs to display a two-dimensional image in front of you.
| For full "virtual reality" effects, Jaguar games must be written expressly
| for the helmet (none exist at this time). The helmet provides 62 degrees
of vision and tracks the player's head movements. It weighs one pound,
includes stereo sound, and doubles as a video display. Units cost $700 and
| include three IBM PC games and a VCR tape. Some have complained that the
| helmet is uncomfortable and awkward to use, so caution is advised.
* Atari Corp. and Virtuality Group have signed an agreement to develop
virtual reality hardware and software for the Jaguar. The companies plan
to have a virtual reality headset available by the end of 1995 for $200.
It is unknown whether or not Virtuality Group's arcade games will be ported
to the Jaguar, or whether new software will be developed.
* Time-Warner Cable's Full Service Network (FSN) will offer Jaguar games
over cable lines. The games are downloaded to the customer and played at
home. Instructions can be printed with additional FSN equipment. Full
details are available from local FSN service providers.
* Atari Corp. offers "Tempest 2000: The Soundtrack" audio CD. The disc
consists of 12 tracks of techno-rave music by Imagitec Design Inc., all
| either from the game or inspired by it. The disc costs $12 and is
| available from Atari Corp. directly.
==============================================================================
Q. Where can I get a review and/or comments about <insert game name here>?
A: Nick Paiement runs a database that records ratings for Jaguar games. The
ratings are provided by players, and average/high/low results are
calculated by Nick. The results and "ballots" are posted regularly to the
USENET newsgroup rec.games.video.atari. Or, send electronic mail to
pai...@dmi.usherb.ca with the subject "get_jaguar" for full details.
Spacetec is working on the "Space Player," a controller that is reported to
offer six degrees of movement (up, down, left, right, in and out).
==============================================================================
Q. Where can I find secrets, tips, and hints for <insert game name here>?
A. Mark Perreira maintains the Jaguar FAC (Frequently-Asked Codes) file,
which contains tricks and codes to assorted Jaguar games. If you have a
new secret, or want a copy of the file, send e-mail to ma...@netcom.com.
Atari Corp. has established a game tip hotline, at (900) 737-ATARI (2827).
The cost is $0.95 per minute; minors should get their parent's permission.
==============================================================================
Q. Where can I meet other Jaguar enthusiasts?
A. * Bobby Tribble maintains the Internet AtariLink Directory, a database of
Lynx and Jaguar owners and where they live. This allows fans of
multiplayer games to write, to meet, and possibly to get together and
play games. All arrangements are made by the people involved, allowing
individual control of the level of privacy.
To get a copy of the list, join it, or update an entry, send e-mail to
btri...@ocf.berkeley.edu. At a minimum, please include your e-mail
address, your name, and the general area where you are. Other
information may be given if you desire, but is not mandatory. Anyone
capable of sending mail to Bobby is welcome to join. Folks without
computer access who want to join are welcome by referral. Please provide
an e-mail address where they can be reached and/or a voice phone number
(with their permission).
If you have Internet access and the "finger" command on your system, you
can "finger btri...@ocf.berkeley.edu" to see the latest list.
* The Jaguar Owners Club is a group of enthusiasts based in the United
Kingdom/Great Britian. Membership is open to both Jaguar owners and the
Jaguar-interested. For membership information, write to:
Jaguar Owners Club
P.O. Box 27
Borehamwood, Herts.
WD6 2AF
==============================================================================
Q. Agh! My Jaguar is broken! How can I fix it?
A. Send your Jaguar (all components, if possible) to:
Jaguar Repair Service
Atari Computer Corporation
390 Caribbean Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94088
Include a letter of explaination indicating the problem you have.
Depending on available supplies, Atari will repair or replace your Jaguar.
If your Jaguar is still under warranty, include a copy of the receipt or
credit-card bill and it will be performed for free. Otherwise, you will
be billed. Estimated time of replacement/repair is three to four weeks.
==============================================================================
Q. How can I reach Atari Corp.?
A. Customer Service: (800) GO-ATARI (800-462-8274)
9:00am to 5:00pm PST, Monday-Friday
Customer Service can also be reached on GEnie as "Atari," or on the
Internet as "at...@genie.geis.com". PLEASE NOTE that this is for Customer
Service ONLY; do not send electronic mail to that address if it does not
pertain to service problems.
Mailing Address: Atari Corp.
1196 Borregas Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1302
Atari UK can be reached at
Atari House
Railway Terrace
Slough, Berkshire
SL2 SBZ, England
Telephone: 0753 533344
FAX: 0753 822914
==============================================================================
Q. Where can I get other information about the Jaguar?
A. Publications:
- Die Hard Game Fan General video-gaming magazine with some
18612 Ventura Blvd. Jaguar coverage.
Tarzana, CA 91356
- Electronic Gaming Monthly General video-gaming magazine with
| 1920 Highland Avenue some Jaguar coverage. Not recommended;
| Suite 222 very biased/slanted, with reports of
| Lombard, IL 60148 plagerizing other sources without credit.
|
| - EGM^2 "Sister" magazine to Electronic Gaming
| 1920 Highland Avenue Monthly (above). Some duplication of
| Suite 222 material between the two publications.
| Lombard, IL 60148
- GamePro General video-gaming magazine with
951 Mariner's Island Blvd. some Jaguar coverage.
San Mateo, CA 91202
- Instant Replay Newsletter devoted to the Jaguar, with
7570 South Manor Avenue news and reviews. Write to Frank Eva
Oak Creek, WI 53154 for more information.
- Video Games General video-gaming magazine with
9171 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300 some Jaguar coverage.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
- Wild Cat A one-man, home-made Atari video gaming
Phil Patton "fanzine." Subscvriptions are $12/year
131 Dake Ave. for eight issues, at 12 pages each issue.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Covers all Atari consoles and computers.
Internet/USENET newsgroups and services:
- Atari Explorer Online Magazine
A bi-weekly electronic magazine covering news on Atari computers and
video game systems. Subscriptions are available through the Internet;
send electronic mail to stzmagazi...@virginia.edu. Also see
the section on Internet FTP sites.
- rec.games.video.atari
USENET newsgroup. Contains news of all Atari video-game systems.
- Jaguar electronic mailing list:
To subscribe, send e-mail to "list...@ctrc.idde.saci.org". In the
text of the letter, have a line that reads "subscribe jaguar-l
<first-name> <last-name>", where <first-name> and <last-name> are your
first name and last name, respectively. Once you are on the list,
send messages to "jagu...@ctrc.idde.saci.org"; everyone on the list
will receive a copy of your message.
| There is also a UK-specific Jaguar mailing list. To subscribe, send
| e-mail to "mxs...@bolton.ac.uk". In the text of the letter, have a line
| that reads "subscribe jag-uk-l". For further information, write to
| j...@BOLTON.AC.UK for details.
- World-Wide Web Pages
http://www.dl.ac.uk/MISC/ATARI/atari.html
http://www2.ecst.csuchico.edu/~jschlich
http://www.bucknell.edu/~svensson
Internet FTP sites:
/pub/rj/rjung Contains the latest version of this FAQ file.
/pub/vi/vidgames/faqs
Frequently-asked question files for a variety of
home games and consoles, arcade titles, and other
video-gaming information. Includes the latest
version of this FAQ file.
/pub/wilsont/AEO Includes the latest copies of Atari Explorer
Online Magazine.
Internet TELNET site:
- Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG
freenet-in-{a,b,c}.cwru.edu or 129.22.8.51 or nextsun.INS.CWRU.edu
Access via modem at (216) 368-3888.
You can log on as visitor to explore the system and apply for a
Free-Net account online. At the opening menu, enter "2" to log in as a
visitor. At the next menu, enter "2" again to explore the system. You
will then read an opening disclaimer and a login bulletin, then be sent
to the main menu. Once inside, type "go atari". Follow the menus to
read discussions, reviews, news, and information. In order to post
messages and send e-mail, you need a Free-Net account. Apply for a
Free-Net account by entering "1" at the second menu instead of "2".
BBS:
- Video Game Information Service.
(201) 509-7324, 300/1200/2400/9600/14400 bps. Multiple lines
Located in West Orange, New Jersy (USA). The BBS is completely
dedicated to video gaming, and maintains files of cheats and reviews
for all game systems. Carries video-game-related conferences from
other computer networks, including Fidonet, Worldnet, and Globalnet.
| - Star-Linx BBS
|
| (602) 464-4817, 300-14,400 bps
|
| It's located in Mesa, Arizona (USA), and has complete access to the
| USENET rec.games.video.* hierarchy. There is also a data store
| containing a wide variety of Jaguar-related reviews, articles,
| pictures, and other information.
On-line services:
| - America On-Line
|
| The PC Games/Video Games discussion group has areas devoted to the
| Atari Lynx and the Atari Jaguar consoles. Use the keyword PC GAMES,
| then go to the Video Games discussion board. From there, select Atari
| Discussion, then the console of your choice.
- GEnie
Registered developers can join the Independent Association of Jaguar
Developers (IAJD) on the GEnie computer network. Membership in the
IAJD is limited to Jaguar developers registered with Atari Corp. To
apply for membership, send e-mail to ENTRY$ on GEnie.
- CompuServe
| The Atari Gaming Forum features multiple message sections and
| multiple libraries devoted to the Jaguar where players, industry
| representatives, and magazine writers and editors exchange
| information and commentary. There are several file libraries
| offering news, screenshots, and video clips. An assortment of
| message sections provide current Jaguar information and
| discussions. Atari has designated the Atari Gaming Forum as
| the official site for Jaguar support for users and Jag developers
| on CompuServe. Many Atari personnel, including developer and
| technical support, customer service, numerous vice presidents
| and Sam Tramiel himself frequent the forum on a regular basis.
| For video game designers and developers, there is a private
| message section and file library offering updates of Jaguar
| development tools. To access the Atari Gaming Forum, type
| GO JAGUAR. There is some secondary support for the Atari
| Jaguar in the Video Games Forum, which can be accessed by
| typing GO VIDGAM.
==============================================================================
Q. How is development for the Jaguar done?
A. Jaguar game development environments exist for the Atari TT030 computer or
an IBM PC/compatible. Art development can be performed on any machine,
whether a low-end Apple Macintosh or commercial rendering software such as
SoftImage. Wavefront's "GameWare" is the official 2D/3D graphics
development system; Atari itself uses GameWare for in-company development,
and registered third-party Jaguar developers can buy GameWare licenses at
special discount prices.
Estimated price for a developer's package is $9,000 for the TT030 setup,
and $7,500 for the PC/compatible platform. The package includes a Jaguar
development unit, documentation, and development/debugging software.
The Jaguar has modified boot firmware to run the development board (the
"Alpine board"), and it has a cable coming out to provide signals to the
Alpine board that are not normally present via the cartridge connector.
CD-ROM developement packages (including the cartridge development kit) is
ranged at about $8,000, and should be upgradeable from the card-only kit.
Software routines packaged with the system include a multi-channel
polyphonic FM/Wavetable synth; JPEG decompression; video set-up; drawing
primitives; 3D rendering with gourad shading, texture mapping, and camera
manipulation.
The centerpiece of the TT030 deveopment platform is DB, an assembly-
language level debugging tool. The Jaguar and the TT030 are connected with
a parallel cable, and software can be debugged interactively without
interfering with the Jaguar's screen display. DB supports the use of
scripts and aliases, which simplifies the use of complex or common
functions. Also included is a new version of the well-known MAC-65 macro
assembler for 68000 and RISC code assembly.
Atari grants final code approval, but does not see the need to "censor"
games. Every game is given one man-month of compatibility and quality
testing before it is approved. Atari offers technical support via FAX,
mail, electronic mail and voice. Atari allows developers to source their
own cartridges, documentation and shells if desired. Jaguar software is
encrypted with a proprietary key, thus preventing unauthorized developers
from releasing Jaguar software.
Interested developers should contact Bill Rehbock at (408) 745-2088.
Include: Company name, mailing address, phone number, fax number, and brief
company/personal background relating to software development. Due to the
high volume of inquires, information kits are prioritized according to
background (SNES/Genesis/Computer) of previous titles developed. Atari
will approve developers only if they are convinced that the developer is
serious about releasing software. After the non-disclosure agreement is
signed, an approved developer can get the technical specs alone for $300.
Cross Products (SNASM) offers an alternative Jaguar Development system. It
comes with a multiwindowed debugger, assemblers, compilers, and SCSI
support, for approximately $3,700. The package allows for full screen,
source level debugging of multiple processors, in C or assembler. This is
only software for the IBM PC; the Jaguar development hardware (Alpine
board, modified Jaguar, etc.) must be purchased separately from Atari, for a
price of $5,500.
Cross Products can be reached at
Cross Products
23 The Calls
Leeds
LS2 7EH, England
Telephone: 0532 429814
FAX: 0532 426163
BBS: 0532 340420
Internet e-Mail: cr...@cix.compulink.co.uk
==============================================================================