TACHYON: THE FRINGE Readme

=========
Contents:
=========

System Requirements
Getting Started
3D Card Information
Sound Card Information
Joystick Information
Corrections to the Manual
Known Issues
Technical Support
Readme Reward


====================
System Requirements:
====================

With 3D video card (recommend):
Pentium 200 MHz with MMX
8 MB video memory (16 MB Recommended)
DirectX 6 (included on CD)
32 MB RAM (64 MB Recommended)
64 MB RAM required for AGP cards
500 MB available hard disk space
4X Speed CD-ROM drive
Mouse
Windows 95, 98

Without 3D video card:
Above system requirements with Pentium II 400 MHz
Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000

Hardware Supported:
Playable with Mouse or Joystick
Force Feedback Joysticks
3D video cards: All major 3D cards supported with Direct 3D, 
including 3dfx VOODOO II & III, RIVA TNT I & II, ATI RAGE FURY, 
GE FORCE
Sound cards: Windows 95 compatible sound card. Full duplex 
DirectX compatible sound card required for complete use of Voice-
Over-Net features.  Most major sound cards supported.


================
Getting Started:
================

We have installed icons in your start menu to run the game, read 
this readme file, and to uninstall the game.

Please refer to the Install Guide that came with your game for 
further details on setting up and playing Tachyon: The Fringe.

For the latest enhancements to the game, please use the Update 
Tachyon button after you launch the program.

Have fun and enjoy Tachyon: The Fringe!


====================
3D Card information:
====================

For best results, adjust your gamma control settings in your 3D 
card's driver control panels rather than the in-game gamma 
sliders. It should be set down to the range of 1.1 to 1.3, 
depending on your monitor. In addition, you may want to adjust 
the contrast and brightness settings of your monitor so that
black appears as a deep black (not dark gray) and white appears 
as bright and crisp.  

Certain older 3D Cards such as the Matrox Millenium II do not 
support features such as additive blitting. It is recommended 
that you play in Software Mode. To change to Software mode, 
simply open up the Tachyon.cfg file with WordPad. Under the 
[VIDEO] section, change USE_HARDWARE=1 to USE_HARDWARE=0, then 
save the file.   

3dfx cards supported exclusively in Direct 3D modes.

Visit www.novalogic.com for additional 3D card support 
information.  


=======================
Sound Card information:
=======================

The Tachyon sound device auto-detect system will list the sound 
hardware drivers it finds on your system. Please note that, in 
certain cases, the driver name may not be the same name as the 
hardware card. For example, some Turtle Beach cards will appear 
in the list as "Creative Labs EAX".


=====================
Joystick information:
=====================

If Tachyon doesn't show the option for a joystick in the Options 
window, then Windows does not recognize your joystick.  Use the 
Game Controller Option as soon as you launch the program to find 
your joystick.


==========================
Corrections to the Manual:
==========================

* Mouse Controls: The mouse controls have been enhanced for 
easier use. The mouse defaults to Fine Look controls (formerly 
you had to hold down right mouse button for this mode).  Pressing 
the right mouse button now toggles between Fine Control and Fast 
Turning Control. You do not have to hold down the right mouse 
button anymore to stay in either mode. If you prefer the style 
detailed in the manual and keychart, simply open up the 
Tachyon.cfg file with WordPad. Under the [CONTROL] section, 
change MOUSE_NO_TOGGLE=0 to MOUSE_NO_TOGGLE=1, then save the 
file.   

* Element Keys (5,6 and 7), Multiplayer Statics key (Scroll 
Lock) and Chat List (Keypad /) will not function until you 
upgrade Tachyon. Use Update Tachyon when you launch the program.

* The Lock-On Warning card description is incorrect. This is the 
proper description:

Lock-On Warning 
Developed by Navitec, the Lock-On Warning system will show a 
light when someone has you targeted. If you have this card it is 
you first clue that you have been spotted by the enemy. A warning 
noise is sent to his onboard communications system and a visible 
warning light is displayed on his HUD. 


=============
Known Issues:
=============

Voice-Over-Net may experience problems with certain hardware 
audio cards. If your game is experiencing problems while using 
VON, you can disable VON in the Options menu or switch to a 
software mode (such as Better 2-Speaker Audio) in the Audio 
Setup. Please note that software mode will degrade the audio 
quality of game sounds. 

Weapons will not show up in the Configure screen if you accept 
the jobs "Withdraw From Independence" or "Taking Away 
Independence", launch and then return to the starbase mid-
mission. Simply Accept the "Letzer Ring Course" job and they will 
return.

If you are using Keyboard Only and are experiencing problems 
changing your ship’s thrust make certain that the Throttle 
Controller is disabled.  In-game press the F11 key to bring up 
your Game Options. 


==================
Technical Support:
==================

If you are having a problem you need assistance with, check our 
websites( http://www.novalogic.com or http://www.novaworld.com ) 
for up-to-date information on the product.  If you do not find 
the answer to your problem, you can contact us by the following 
means:

email: support@novalogic.com
phone: 1.818.878.0325 (M-F, 9-5 Pacific time, excluding holidays)
fax: 1.818.880.3448

When contacting us by email, note as completely as possible the 
nature of the problem and particulars about you system (CPU, 
speed, video and sound card types).


==============
README REWARD:
==============

For taking the time to read the Readme, here is a special game 
hint. There is a crate filled with 1000 credits sitting between 
the station and an asteroid field directly below it (the bottom 
of the station is the side without the docking pad) in the 
Draconis Ripstar Field.
