Topic: Opcode Datport and Win XP

[cmoorevt]

So I am using an opcode datport to pass signal from my dat deck to computer.  I bought the opocde way back when I had win 98.  In Win 98, there was an icon for the datport in the taskbar of my desktop, down near the clock.  Clicking the icon allowed me to change the settings on the datport-say from 44.1k samples rate  to 48k etc...

I've current machine has Win XP.  The datport connects as a USB audio device and I can pass signal at the factory default setting of 48k.  I need to switch it to 44.1 but with Win XP, the datport icon is not on my taskbar.  Interestingly, when I turn the computer on and windows first loads, the icon appears, but then disappears when windows is finished loading.  I can click the icon during the windows startup, but it doesn't allow me to get to the controls.

I've played with the taskbar settings and have told it to show the opcode device control, but it still does not appear.

Any ideas?  Opocode has long gone out of business, so I can't get anything from them.  Is there an alternate way to get to my datport controls?  Does anyone else even still use this thing?

Thanks.

[K.C.]

i bought one from a friend a few years back, and tried using it with Win XP.  i had the same problem with the icon, but the bigger problem was my transfers had small clicks in the recordings.  from what i've heard, the Datport is not really compatible with XP, unless there is some trick i don't know about.  your best bet is to find a cheap, used soundcard(M-Audio 2496) which is what i ended up doing.  too bad i didn't know about all this before i bought it from him 

[Steve J]

I've had similar problems with native Win98 programs in WinXP. It might just be that it won't work correctly; but I would use the Task Manager to check and see if a program for the Datport is running. You might see that the program had started, even though the icon is not in the tray. Then run a search for the the file and create a shortcut to the file on the desktop. Then, when you need to view the program window, double-click the shortcut and the program window should appear. I still haven't found a way to make an icon appear all the time in the tray, because it seems that every time there's an update to WinXP, I have to wrestle with the whole tray icon issue all over again.

Another way just occurred to me; but have no idea if it will work. If you do find the executable for the interface, try right-clicking and select "Properties." See if there is a tab lableled "Compatibility." If there is, you should see a check box for "Compatibility mode." Check this and select "Windows 98 / Windows ME" and click apply. Restart and see if you get an icon in the tray.

[cmoorevt]

Thanks guys.  Task Manager does show a datport.exe as a process, I can find the .exe file, but when I click it or create a shortcut and click that, all I get is an "Audio Device Config" info window that says "USB Audio Device-Copyright 1998 Opcode Systems, Ver.1.4 March 24, 1999"  My only option is to click OK and the window disappears.

I also tried the Compatibility trick.  It IS an option when I rightclick the exe file>Propertie, and I can change the compatibility to Win 95/98, or ME/NT or 2K.  Unfortunately none of the changes result in the icon appearing.

The thing doesn't owe me anything, as I've done a ton of transfers with it.  It's been running 48k transfers perfectly, without clicks, and I was hoping to get it to do a couple of 44.1's, but its not looking likely.    Guess its time for a 2496...

[todd e]

i have a few of these ports/cards.  great, but the one limitation (incompatible with winXP)  however, once you have the sample rate set, the process should be a problem, it's getting the correct sample rate set.  i did an interesting thing for my, since i hate having to dig up the old win98 box, is use a hardware sample rate converter (Behringer SRC2000).  I put this in-line with my Sony R500 and into the DATport.  That way I can set my dat-port for 44.1k ALWAYS, and then use the Behringer to to my downsampling or sometimes, no sampling needed. 

Just a tip.  If you need someone to change your settings, please let me know.  I will gladly set to 44.1k or back to 48k, if you don't have a win98 box.

titotito at gmail

[dnsacks]

you could always set your pc up to dual boot in win98 and winxp -- boot in 98 to x-fer dats (only) and re-boot in xp to do everything else.

[Steve J]

you could always set your pc up to dual boot in win98 and winxp -- boot in 98 to x-fer dats (only) and re-boot in xp to do everything else.

Now there's an idea!