Primax Soundstorm

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

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

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