Primax Soundstorm

For more information, see this article's corresponding Wikipedia page: Gravis Ultrasound.

This device is in the WorkNeeded:OriginalParts category because it was flagged as missing information on the original parts. It may have replacement parts listed but those cannot be assumed to be identical to the originals. If you have a list of the original parts, please feel free to add them by copying the relevant table from EditorsToolbox:Tables

This device is in the WorkNeeded:ReplacementParts category because it was flagged as missing information on replacement parts. If it has the original parts listed you may be able to search for replacements using the parametric searches available from parts distributors. If you have or make a list of replacement parts, please feel free to add them by copying the relevant table from EditorsToolbox:Tables

Primax Soundstorm

Preliminary Information
Release Year	1995
Leak Risk	Low
Batteries	None
Mounting Technology	Through Hole, SMD, Sockets
Capacitor Types	Aluminum Electrolytic, Tantalum, Ceramic
Destructive Entry	No

The Primax Soundstorm (also known as Primax Altrasound, MusicSound and Gravis Ultrasound CD3, depending on model and region) is a Gravis Ultrasound clone sound card. Initially released in 1994, the card is fully GUS-compatible and uses Gravis's GF1 chip. Several versions of the card were released, using two distinct PCB models:

• Primax SOUND-M16B (Primax MusicSound, also sold by Gravis themselves as the Gravis Ultrasound CD3) can be distinguished by the inclusion of 3 IDE CD interfaces (Sony, Panasonic, Mitsumi) as well as the "UltraSound compatible" marking on the PCB. FCC ID (found on top right corner of the board): IAX-AGTULTRASYS
• Primax SOUND-M16C (Primax Soundstorm and Altrasound) can be distinguished by the inclusion of 4 IDE CD interfaces (Sony, Panasonic, Mitsumi and universal IDE) and 4 DIP-20 memory chips on the bottom left corner.

Both models are equipped with 512kB of memory and can be upgraded to a maximum of 1024kB using an additional SOJ-40 memory IC, commonly found in graphics cards of the era.

Known Issues

The card is not detected altogether or suffers from memory problems

Causes

• Loose socketed memory chips
• Loose GAL16V8B chip
• Corrosion/oxidation in the sockets of the memory and GAL chips

Solutions

• Reseat the ICs
• Clean the sockets and IC pins.

Original Parts

Primax Soundstorm/Altrasound (SOUND-M16C REV: 0.1)

PCB markings below ICS Gravis GF1 chip: SOUND-M16C REV: 0.1

Capacitor Specifications and Footprint Information

RefDes	Qty	Capacitance	Voltage	Mount	Diameter/Size	Temp	Type
C18, C19, C25, C26, C43, C44, C45, C46, C47, C67, C68, C69, C74, C75, C79, C80, C81, C85, C88, C89, C100	21	1 µF	50 V	Through Hole		105C	Aluminium Electrolytic
C2, C17, C96, C97	4	10 µF	25 V	Through Hole		105C	Aluminium Electrolytic
C58, C61	2	22 µF	16 V	Through Hole		105C	Aluminium Electrolytic
C56, C87	2	33 µF	25 V	Through Hole		85C	Aluminium Electrolytic
C14, C30, C57, C101	4	47 µF	10 V	Through Hole			Aluminium Electrolytic
C51, C52, C54, C55, C94, C95	6	100 µF	25 V	Through Hole		85C	Aluminium Electrolytic
C50, C53	2	470 µF	16 V	Through Hole		85C	Aluminium Electrolytic
C48, C49	2			Through Hole			Ceramic

Related Links

• High resolution images of the M16B Rev: 0.1 board
• High resolution images of the M16C Rev: 0.1 board