🚀 go-pugleaf

Hi; sort of a second-generation reply!

>In article <Dnv4Lz.7oH@on.bell.ca>, Chris Suski <csuski> wrote:

>> I have a bit of a problem with my G-lock.When connected my WB screen
>> looks somewhat fuzzy and unstable .Also I would like to use it
>> for editing with Video Director but genlock needs to use joystick
>> port so does Viedeo Director. Does anyone knows how to get around it if
>> possible??Does G-lock get some control signals from joystick port or
>> only power??Any help be appreciated.
>> Chris.

>You have my sympathies, owning one of those pieces of junk.  An unstable
>monitor screen is fairly normal, and there is nothing that can be done
>about it (believe me, we've tried!).

>The G-Lock gets control signals from the j/port, and prevents the Scala
>dongel working with it.  If possible, dump the G-Lock and get a Neptune or
>similar.

Chris, I have no technical information to help you; sorry to hear that a
piece of equipment which you obviously are relying on isn't doing the job.

The reason for my post is as follows...

In my past life (1992 to 1994 as a very large, Toronto, Canada, Amiga
only dealer) we had more problems with G-locks than any other piece of
hardware- video or general Amiga kit.

At the local Toronto Amiga trade show, the 1992 World of Amiga in Dec'92,
we had a tidy arrangement with the official Canadian distributor for GVP,
they had their booth next to us, sold us product almost 25% less than any
other dealer (no discounts on some items).

We sold 24 G-locs at the three day show.  I refused to carry//special order
even with pleading customers who were willing to sign disclaimers for us if
a special ordered G-loc was ordered in for them.

Of the 24 we sold, two were never heard about again; the other 22 were

i) either returned to GVP for "repairs" (3 months turnaround, average!.. and
we generally liked//rated GVP high on our list of developers//manuf's//
suppliers.

ii) a few we were able to tweak in our own service department with our video
software experts (top quality) and technicians (not sufficiently supplied
with specs to do much for the G-loc).

Some (20 to 25%) were made to work in acceptable manner for a mid-range
genlock...but knock on wood...everything was tweaked to work at optimum
with the customers' complete system; installed software and uses included
as best as we could foresee interactions.  Change anything in the system and
we couldn't be sure what would happen...still none of these customers came
back for other than some tutoring and hints.

Best part of my years owning this Amiga dealership....give a customer a
fair shake and they bend over backward to accomodate sometimes busy tech
service//missed repair date promises; they praise you to the skies to
their friends....they stop by when they have time and see that you're not
busy and bring you a coffee, and sit and chat....It's not just the Amiga
I love; its something about the people that use this odd computer!

iii) About five customers, all video professionals (yes SuperGens, etc.
were available, but G-loc paper specs showed some things that SuperGens
couldn't do....these people politely contacted us, we explained our
experiences and that we could at best, maybe tweak reasonable amateur
quality results, and our channels of returning to GVP was going to take
a long, long time.

(Yes I had both the sales quantity punch and the personal werewithall to
call GVP, top level; and demand immediate action.  Still, big as we were,
we also had huge expansion plans (everything closed the week C= closed),
we did not want to step on toes of any and all contacts who were
extending information, plugs, favourable terms and shipping priorities
(many a smaller dealer lost there long awaited back-ordered products if
we called with an order the day their B/O's arrived).

Long story short; these five video professionals, who did a lot of other
work with us were absolutely superb in offering to take the matter out of
our hands for their own defective products and called GVP direct, very,
very LOUDLY!

iv) All of the remaining, as in item (i) above returns, by us, to our
Canadian distributor>>then to GVP eventually filtered back.  Unfortunately
several made a second and a few made a third trip back.

Chris, I know that this doesn't help you in your present quandry, but in
my own way I'm trying to reinforce Neil O'Rourke's comments to you.  While
I've read some nice reviews in British mags; it was a product that never made
it in my eyes.

Chris, I think that you should follow Neil's advice; blunt as it is!

Best luck and regards,

Willy Tamm         wjustice@inforamp.net