Appian Hurricane User guide

Appian
Hurricane

Multiple Monitor Graphics Card

User Guide

Copyright © 2001 Appian Graphics Corporation
All rights reserved. This document may not be copied

or otherwise reproduced without the prior written
consent of Appian Graphics Corp. Printed in the USA.

Text Part No. 780-00274-00
Appian Graphics, Hurricane, AGX1, AppianDX,

AppianSync, HydraThread and HydraVision are
trademarks and registered trademarks of Appian
Graphics Corp. All other products and names are
trademarks and registered trademarks of their
respective owners.

This material is made available for use under a license
from Appian Graphics Corp. and its use is subject to
all conditions and restrictions provided by the license
agreement. Appian software programs and Appian
hardware devices are covered by one or more of the
following U.S. patents:

5,835,090
5,848,294
5,949,437

Additional patents are pending.

ii

How to Contact Appian Graphics

In the United States (US), as well as Europe, the
Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), use the following
information to get help fast:

General

Sales 800-727-7426 (US)
Technical

Support
Fax

Address (US)

Address (EMEA)

Email

Web site www.appian.com

425-882-2020 (US)
[phone] (EMEA)

800-422-7369, 7am – 5pm PST (US)
[phone] (EMEA)

425-882-8618 (US)
[phone] (EMEA)

Appian Graphics Corp.
18005 NE 68th Street, Suite A120
Redmond, WA 98052

Appian Graphics Ltd.
Top Floor, 73 New Bond Street
London, W1S 1RS
United Kingdom

[e-mail] (US)
[e-mail] (EMEA)

Information We Will Need

Please have the following information available before
you contact Appian Technical Support:

Ÿ The name and serial number of your Appian product
Ÿ Information about your computer; including the

manufacturer, the system BIOS, the
type/brand/model of your monitor(s), and other
devices installed in your system.

Ÿ A detailed description of the problem

iii

Contents

Chapter 1 1

Introduction to Hurricane............................................. 1

Included with the Hurricane ................................................2

Using Multiple Monitors.......................................................3

Chapter 2 4

Get Started.................................................................... 4

General System Requirements............................................4

Prepare for Hardware Installation ........................................4

Install the Hurricane...........................................................5

Hurricane Monitor Cabling...................................................6

Chapter 3 8

Install and Use Software for Windows NT 4.0............ 8

Install the Windows NT 4.0 Driver and HydraVision Software..9

Install Local Help Files......................................................10

Use HydraVision ..............................................................11

Multi-Monitor Controls..................................................15

Desktop Management Controls ..................................... 18

Hot Keys Controls.......................................................22

MultiDesk...................................................................23

Chapter 4 25

Install and Use Software for Windows 98/ME/200025

Install the Windows 98/ME Driver.....................................26

Install the Windows 2000 Driver ........................................ 27

Enable Additional Monitors................................................28

Install Local Help Files......................................................29

Use HydraVision ..............................................................30

Desktop Management Controls ..................................... 32

Hot Keys Controls.......................................................37

MultiDesk...................................................................38

Chapter 5 40

Technical Information.................................................40

Monitor Cables and Connector Pinouts ...............................40

DVI Connector Pinouts ................................................41

DB-15 Connector Pinouts.............................................42

Functional Specifications ................................................... 43

iv

Chapter 6 44

Troubleshooting..........................................................44

Frequently Asked Questions .............................................. 44

Uninstall Hurricane Drivers and HydraVision Software ........48

Appendix A 49

Regulatory Information..............................................49

FCC Compliance Statement..............................................49

Industry Canada Compliance Statement............................50

CE Compliance Statement................................................50

Figures and Tables

Figure 1. Hurricane Connectors...........................................6

Figure 2. DVI-to-VGA Adapter .............................................6

Figure 3. Dual Monitor Array.............................................11

Figure 4. HydraVision Syste m Tray Icon............................. 12

Figure 5. Accessing HydraVision for Windows NT 4.0 ...........12

Figure 6. Display Properties Dialog Box Example ................13

Figure 7. Multi-Monitor Dialog Example...............................15

Figure 8. Extended Display Settings Dialog Example............16

Figure 9. Desktop Management Dialog Example .................. 18

Figure 10. Hot Keys Dialog Example ..................................22

Figure 11. MultiDesk System Tray Icon..............................23

Figure 12. MultiDesk Pop-Up Menu ..................................... 24

Figure 13. Enable Additional Monitors Example....................28

Figure 14. HydraVision System Tray Icon ........................... 30

Figure 15. Accessing HydraVision ......................................30

Figure 16. Desktop Management Dialog Example................32

Figure 17. Hot Keys Dialog Example ..................................37

Figure 18. MultiDesk System Tray Icon..............................38

Figure 19. MultiDesk Pop-Up Menu ..................................... 39

Figure 20. DVI Connector Pinouts......................................41

Figure 21. DB-15 Connector Pinouts ..................................42

Table 1. DVI Connector Description ................................... 41

Table 2. DB-15 Connector Pinouts .....................................42

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vi

Chapter 1

Introduction to Hurricane

Thank you for purchasing the Appian Hurricane
multiple monitor graphics card. This guide introduces
you to Appian Hurricane architecture, performance
capabilities and included software. This guide also
contains an overview of HydraVision display
management software, details about video support,
and important technical information. Be sure to read
this entire User Guide.

The Hurricane provides dual-monitor support. With
two display channels, the Hurricane is designed to
support multiple monitor configurations in Windows
98/ME, Windows 2000 and Windows NT 4.0.

The Hurricane card is a single -slot, multiple monitor
graphics solution featuring a high-speed PCI or AGP
bus interface, 32MB of on-board SDRAM
(Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), and
full VGA and SVGA compatibility. The card interface
to the PCI (versions 2.1 and above) or AGP (1X, 2X
or 4X) bus incorporates multi-function capabilities for
complete multiple monitor operating system support.
The result is a fast, high-resolution display.

The Hurricane also features Appian’s powerful and
easy-to-use HydraVision multiple monitor desktop
management software for Windows 98/ME, Windows
2000 and Windows NT 4.0. HydraVision software
allows the user to define the placement and behavior
of windows and dialog boxes in the multiple monitor
display space, and provides a variety of productivity
tools designed specifically for managing multiple
monitors.

1 Chapter 1: Introduction to Hurricane

HydraVision display management software provides
language support for Brazilian Portuguese, Danish,
Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese,
Korean, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, Simplified
Chinese and Traditional Chinese.

If you are running Windows in any of the above
languages, HydraVision will automatically load the
appropriate localized control panel or tab. If you are
running Windows in a non-supported language,
HydraVision and the local help files will be available in
English only.

Included with the Hurricane

Before using your Hurricane hardware and software,
please verify that your package contains the items
listed below.

Ÿ Appian Hurricane AGP or PCI graphics card
Ÿ Appian Hurricane Installation CD-ROM
Ÿ Registration/Warranty Card
Ÿ DVI -to-VGA adapter

Please contact Appian Technical Support if you find
any of these items missing or damaged. Fill out and
return the registration/warranty card to ensure full
support from Appian for your Hurricane product.

To get the best performance from your Hurricane
card, use the supplied Windows 98/ME, Windows
2000 or Windows NT 4.0 drivers and HydraVision
display management software. Each operating system
requires a separate program for configuring displays.
Be sure to use the appropriate device drivers and
configuration program for your operating system.

Appian Hurricane User Guide 2

Using Multiple Monitors

The Hurricane supports the use of multiple monitors in
Windows 98/ME, Windows 2000 and Windows NT 4.0.
Using a multiple monitor configuration is an efficient
and cost -effective way to increase the size of your
computer display area, commonly called the desktop.
With multiple monitors, you can view a single
application as a large window stretching across
several monitors, or you can display different
applications on each monitor.

3 Chapter 1: Introduction to Hurricane

Chapter 2

Get Started

General System Requirements

Ÿ A PC platform with a full-length PCI or AGP slot

compliant with PCI revision 2.1 or higher, or AGP
revision 2.0 or higher

Ÿ Windows 98/ME, Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4.0

with Service Pack 4 or higher

Ÿ Pentium II class processor
Ÿ At least 32MB of installed system memory (RAM), or

twice as much system RAM as graphics memory

The Hurricane is VGA compatible and provides full
support for Super VGA drivers written to Video
Electronics Standards Association (VESA)
specifications.

Prepare for Hardware Installation

To complete the installation, you may need some or all
of the following tools:

Ÿ Medium size flat head screwdriver
Ÿ Medium size Phillips head screwdriver
Ÿ 3/16” wrench or nut driver

To prepare your computer for installation of the
Hurricane card, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the computer and the power for all external
devices (monitor, printer, etc.).

Appian Hurricane User Guide 4

2. Disconnect all cables from the rear of your computer
to give you more room to work. Note where each
cable connects so you can reconnect it after
installing the Hurricane card.

3. Remove the cover-mounting screws on the
computer. If necessary, refer to your system
instruction manual for information on removing the
computer cover.

4. Carefully remove the cover from the computer. The
system motherboard should now be in full view.

Install the Hurricane

To install your Appian Hurricane card, perform the
following steps:

5. Remove any previously installed graphics card(s)
from the system.

6. Locate an available PCI or AGP expansion slot for
the Hurricane card. If necessary, remove the
expansion slot cover and partner screw using the
appropriate tool.

Ö WARNING! The Hurricane is static sensi tive. To

avoid damage to the card from static
electricity, ground yourself before handling the
card by touching the metal frame on your
computer. This dissipates any static electricity
and prevents damage to sensitive components.

7. Hold the Hurricane card by its top edge and slide it
into the available slot. The PCI or AGP bus interface
should fit into the slot. Make sure the Hurricane
card is firmly seated in the slot.

8. Once the Hurricane card is correctly seated in the
slot, secure it with the partner screw.

9. Replace and secure the computer cover.

10. Proceed to the monitor cabling section below.

5 Chapter 2: Get Started

Hurricane Monitor Cabling

The Hurricane card provides support for one DVI-I
monitor or two VGA monitors using the supplied DVI-to­VGA adapter.

To connect the Hurricane c ard to the desired display
devices, plug the monitor cable into the card (See
Figure 1).

To connect a DVI monitor to the Hurricane, use the
supplied DVI-to-VGA adapter (Figure 2). To connect a
VGA monitor to the DVI-I connector, attach the
supplied DVI-to-VGA adapter to the DVI-I connector
and plug your monitor cable into the adapter.

Figure 1. Hurricane Connectors

Figure 2. DVI-to-VGA Adapter

Appian Hurricane User Guide 6

Once the cable installation is complete, you will be
ready to load the provided device drivers and
HydraVision display management software.

To install the device driver for Windows NT 4.0, go
to Chapter 3.

To install the device driver for Windows
98/ME/2000, go to Chapter 4.

7 Chapter 2: Get Started

Chapter 3

Install and Use Software
for Windows NT 4.0

This chapter explains how to install and use the
Hurricane Windows NT 4.0 driver and HydraVision
desktop management software.

HydraVision consists of a Desktop Manager that
tracks windows and dialog boxes, a graphical user
interface (GUI) control panel that allows you to
control multiple monitors running in a single system,
and the Appian MultiDesk utility.

$ NOTE: For general information regarding driver

installation in Windows NT 4.0, please refer to
your Windows documentation.

$ NOTE: Hurricane requires that you run Windows

NT 4.0 with Service Pack version 4 or later. The
Service Pack version number is shown on the blue
start up screen. If you have an older Service
Pack, upgrades are available from Microsoft
(www.microsoft.com).

Ö WARNING! To avoid possible conflicts,

temporarily disable your virus protection
software during installation of Hurricane
software. You may reactivate virus protection
after the installation is complete.

Appian Hurricane User Guide 8

Install the Windows NT 4.0
Driver and HydraVision Software

To install the Hurricane Windows NT 4. 0 device driver
and HydraVision software, perform the following
steps:

1. Boot your system in VGA mode. From the boot
menu, select Windows NT Workstation Version

4.0 [VGA Mode] at the prompt.

2. From the Windows Start menu, select Settings,
then Control Panel .

3. Double-click the Display icon and select the
Settings tab from the Display Properties dialog
box.

4. Click the Display Type button.

5. Click the Change button.

6. Insert the Appian Hurricane installation CD-ROM.

7. Click the Have Disk button.

8. Select the path to the Windows NT driver file
(.inf) using the Browse button. Click OK.

9. The Change Display window appears with the
Appian driver displayed. Click OK.

10. A warning box from Windows appears stating that
you are installing third-party software drivers.
Click Yes to proceed.

11. The Hurricane driver files and HydraVision
software are now installed, and a message
appears confirming successful installation. Click
OK.

12. You are returned to the Display Type window.
Click Close to exit.

13. You are returned to the Display Properties
dialog box. Click Close to exit.

9 Chapter 3: Software for Windows NT 4.0

14. You will now be prompted by Windows to restart
your system. Click Yes.

15. Windows now restarts in single monitor mode. You
can change the resolution and refresh rate for the
Hurricane card from the Settings tab of the
Display Properties dialog box. You can enable
additional monitors from the Multi-Monitor tab of
the Display Properties dialog box.

$ NOTE: When selecting your analog display

options, keep in mind that most applications
require a color depth greater than 256 colors for
optimal display.

Install Local Help Files

Appian Help provides a choice between connecting to
on-line help or to local HTML-based help. Local HTML­based help files can be installed from the CD-ROM
that shipped with your product package. If you wish
to have local HTML-based help files accessible from
the Help button of the Display Properties dialog box,
perform the following steps:

$ NOTE: You must have an Internet browser

installed on your system to view Appian help files.

1. Insert the Appian Hurricane installation CD-ROM
into the appropriate drive.

2. Run the Help Setup program by selecting Run
from the Windows Start menu and selecting the
path to the Help setup.exe file (in the Help
folder) using the Browse button.

3. Click OK.

4. Follow the program prompts to complete the
installation.

Appian Hurricane User Guide 10

Use HydraVision

HydraVision software works with the Hurricane
hardware and device drivers to create a seamless
multiple monitor desktop. HydraVision allows multiple
monitors connected to the Hurricane card to appear
as one large display rather than several smaller ones.
You can spread one application across all monitors or
put a different application on each monitor.

Figure 3. Dual Monitor Array

The above figure shows four applications displayed on
two monitors. The desktop and applications stretch
across both monitors. HydraVision allows you to drag,
drop and resize application windows to fit anywhere
on a multiple monitor desktop.

Using multiple monitors with Windows can be awkward
when windows and dialog boxes are split across
monitors or appear where they’re not wanted. The
HydraVision Desktop Manager solves this problem by
allowing you to set preferences for window and dialog
box placement.

HydraVision installation in Windows NT 4.0 enables
the Appian Desktop Manager and adds the
HydraVision display management software to your
Windows Control Panel group, where it appears as
additional tabs in the Display Properties dialog box.
The HydraVision control panel allows you to adjust
the Desktop Manager and other display options.

11 Chapter 3: Software for Windows NT 4.0