Appian Hurricane User manual

Appian
Hurricane
Multiple Monitor Graphics Card
User Guide

ii
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.

iii
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 425-882-2020 (US)
[phone] (EMEA)
Sales 800-727-7426 (US)
Technical
Support 800-422-7369, 7am –5pm PST (US) [phone] (EMEA)
Fax [phone] (US)
[phone] (EMEA)
Address (US) Appian Graphics Corp. 18005 NE 68th Street, Suite A120
Redmond, WA 98052
Address (EMEA)
Appian Graphics Ltd.
Top Floor, 73 New Bond Street
London, W1S 1RS
United Kingdom
Email [email protected] (US)
[e-mail] (EMEA)
Web site www.appian.com
Information We Will Need
Please have the following information available before
you contact Appian Technical Support:
ŸThe name and serial number of your Appian product
ŸInformation about your computer; including the
manufacturer, the system BIOS, the
type/brand/model of your monitor(s), and other
devices installed in your system.
ŸA detailed description of the problem

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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

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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 System 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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1Chapter 1: Introduction to Hurricane
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.

Appian Hurricane User Guide 2
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.
ŸAppian Hurricane AGP or PCI graphics card
ŸAppian Hurricane Installation CD-ROM
ŸRegistration/Warranty Card
ŸDVI-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.

3Chapter 1: Introduction to Hurricane
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.

Appian Hurricane User Guide 4
Chapter 2
Get Started
General System Requirements
ŸA 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
ŸWindows 98/ME, Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4.0
with Service Pack 4 or higher
ŸPentium II class processor
ŸAt 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:
ŸMedium size flat head screwdriver
ŸMedium size Phillips head screwdriver
Ÿ3/16” 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.).

5Chapter 2: Get Started
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.
ÖWARNING! The Hurricane is static sensitive. 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.

Appian Hurricane User Guide 6
Hurricane Monitor Cabling
The Hurricane card provides support for one DVI-I
monitor or two VGA monitors using the supplied DVI-to-
VGA adapter.
To connect the Hurricane card 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

7Chapter 2: Get Started
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.

Appian Hurricane User Guide 8
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).
ÖWARNING! 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.

9Chapter 3: Software for Windows NT 4.0
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.

Appian Hurricane User Guide 10
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 HTML-
based 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.

11 Chapter 3: Software for Windows NT 4.0
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.

Appian Hurricane User Guide 12
The Desktop Manager starts automatically with
Windows. You can tell that HydraVision is running by
the presence of the Appian icon in the Windows
system tray.
Figure 4. HydraVision System Tray Icon
Right-click on this icon to access HydraVision
features or help, or to unload the HydraVision
Desktop Manager. In addition to accessing
HydraVision from the system tray, you can also
access HydraVision by right-clicking on the Windows
desktop and selecting Properties.
Figure 5. Accessing HydraVision for Windows NT 4.0
The HydraVision Desktop Manager allows you to
adjust display options, such as hot keys, within a
user-friendly graphical interface.
$NOTE: Some application windows and dialog boxes
are not written to Windows standards.
HydraVision may not be able to recognize and
control these application’s windows and dialog
boxes.

13 Chapter 3: Software for Windows NT 4.0
Figure 6. Display Properties Dialog Box Example
The above figure shows an example of the Windows
Display Properties dialog box with the Appian
HydraVision tabs. All the normal Display Properties
tabs are still available, including the Settings tab,
which allows you to change desktop resolution and
color depth for analog displays.
The HydraVision tabs (Multi-Monitor, Desktop
Management and Hot Keys) allow you to modify
your display options.
HydraVision also provides a dialog for extended
display control, accessible from the Multi-Monitor
tab. The Extended Display Settings dialog allows
you to define and adjust each monitor in your system
separately.

Appian Hurricane User Guide 14
Along the bottom of each HydraVision dialog are four
buttons: OK, Cancel, Apply and Help.
úOK implements the changes you’ve made in the
Display Properties dialog box and exits the
control panel. Changes take effect immediately
unless you see a message prompting you to
restart your computer.
úCancel discards all changes made to any section
of Display Properties and closes the dialog box.
úApply implements your changes without closing
the Display Properties dialog box.
úHelp connects to either local or on-line HTML-
based help. You can also get context-sensitive
on-screen help by moving your mouse over the
relevant text for each control.