CPCWiki - THE Amstrad CPC encyclopedia! - User contributions [en]

File:Amstrad Computer User8604 025.jpg

2010-01-10T16:05:34Z

Alan Sugar:

SP0256 on Printer Port (DIY)

2010-01-07T09:27:33Z

Alan Sugar:

Below is a french do it yourself project for connecting a [[SP0256]] speech chip to a printer port, using Data, Strobe=ALD, and Ack=Status.

It isn't actually a CPC project (for the CPC one would need to replace LPRINT by PRINT #8) (and the CPC's printer port has only a Busy pin, no Ack pin), aside from that, it should be compatible with the CPC printer port (the CPC's GNDed D7 printer bit is no problem, since allophone numbers are only 6bit wide).

<gallery caption="SP0256 on Printer Port (DIY) (French)">
Image:SV_SPO256_001.jpg
Image:SV_SPO256_002.jpg
</gallery>

No idea what the 74374 latch is intended for, the printer port output should be latched anyways, so it seems to be totally useless. Using SBY (instead of LRQ) means that software can't use the "1-byte FIFO" of the SP0256, which is no good (the reason for that poor design was probably that LRQ would need to be inverted by additional hardware before passing it to ACK).

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]]

ACU Real Time Clock (DIY)

2010-01-07T09:25:53Z

Alan Sugar:

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8504 078.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8504 079.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8504 080.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8504 081.jpg
</gallery>

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]]

ACU Romboard (DIY)

2010-01-07T09:25:40Z

Alan Sugar:

A DIY project to make a [[romboard]]

Designed by [[Phil Craven]]

<gallery>
image:ACU8812035.jpg
image:ACU8812037.jpg
image:ACU8812038.jpg
</gallery>

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]]

Music Machine

2010-01-07T09:23:45Z

Alan Sugar: /* Reviews */

[[Image:Rammusicmashine.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Ram Music Machine]]

A digital sound sampling and playback device. The Music Machine was built by a British Company called [[Ram Electronics|Ram Electronics]].

The Amstrad CPC version was almost identical to the the ZX Spectrum version, only difference was the address decoding logic.

The Music Machine came with a simple microphone. Recording quality could be improved by using a better(and more expensive) microphone. It came with its own sound sampling software and a sequencer.

No known emulator supports the Music Machine. There was a club advertised through the magazine Sinclare User which sent out a computer tape twice a year full of interesting software developed for the Ram Music Machine. This was contributed to by the members and included thing such as a 128k sampler, fsk syncing mods to the original software and many useful midi tools to name but a few.<br>

The Music Machine was never used for producing sound effects in [[:Category:Demos|Demos]].

== Technical Specifications ==

Information from the manual:

The Music Machine incoporates two Ferranti devices for digital-to-analogue (DAC) and analogue-tod-digital (A to D) conversion. The part numbers are ZN429E8 and ZN449 respectively. The circuit also include a Motorola [[6850 ACIA chip]] (Asynchronous Communications Interface Adapter) for handling the MIDI channel, two anti-alias filters (one for input and one for output), a discrete microphone amplifier and a headphone amplifier. The clock signal for the ACIA and the ZN449 is provided by a ceramic oscillator.

The incomming signal from the microphone amplifier is sampled to an 8-bit resolution at a rate of 19.444 thoudsand samples per second. This yields an analogue bandwidth of approximately 9.5KHz which is in fact the cutoff frequency of the filters.

All of the devices on The Music Machine data bus are accessible to the Amstrad within its I/O space. ACIA transactions must use 16-bit IO instructions; the converters are accesible via 8-bit IO instructions.

{|
|-
| ''I/O MapPortMeaning''
|
|
|-
| ADC START
| &F8F8
| Reading or writing to this port will start analogue to digital conversion
|-
| ADC READ
| &F8F4(Read only)
| The contents of the A-to-D can be read via this port. Note that the A-to-D must have been startet at least 20uS before this port can be read
|-
| DAC WRITE
| &F8F0(Write only)
| Data can written to the DAC via this port
|-
| INTERUPT SEL
| &F8E8(Write only)
| Writing 01 to this port disables internal Amstrad interrupts and replaces the IRQ signal from ACIA. Writing 00 restores normality.
|-
| ACIA Status
| &F8EE(Read only)
| Se Motorola datasheet
|-
| ACIA Data read
| &F8EF(Read only)
| Se Motorola datasheet
|-
| ACIA Control
| &F8EC(Write only)
| Se Motorola datasheet
|-
| ACIA Data write
| &F8ED(Write only)
| Se Motorola datasheet
|}

== Pictures ==

<gallery> caption="The Music Machine">
Image:Music machine 1.jpg|
Image:Music machine 2.jpg|Edge connector missing
Image:Music machine back.jpg|Backside
Image:Music machine inside 1.jpg|PCB
Image:Music Machine - inside 1.JPG|Inside 1
Image:Music Machine - inside 2.JPG|Inside 2
Image:Music machine microphone 1.jpg|The microphone
Image:Music machine microphone 2.jpg|The microphone

</gallery>

== Tape ==

<gallery> caption="Music Machine">

Image:Music Machine Tape - side B.jpg|Music Machine Tape side B
Image:Music Machine Tape - side A.jpg|Music Machine Tape side A

</gallery>

== Manual ==

[[Media:Music_Machine_Manual.pdf|Music Machine Manual]] (pdf)

== Reviews ==

[[Amstradbladet 1987, Issue 9|Amstradbladet 1987, Issue 9]] (Page 22, In Danish)

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8703 064.jpg|Review in [[Amstrad Computer User]]
image:Amstrad Computer User8703 065.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8703 066.jpg
</gallery>

== Other similar devices ==

[[Digiblaster|Digiblaster]] (Playback) (DIY)

[[Amdrum|Amdrum]] (Playback)

[[EMR MIDI Interface|EMR MIDI Interface]] (Midi)

== Weblinks ==

[http://www.compeng.dit.ie/staff/tscarff/6800/6850acia/6850.htm Information about the Motorola 6850 ACIA]

[http://www.microhobby.com/200903/hard/ram_music_machine.htm Spanish site about the Music Machine]

[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/hardware/feat17.html Advert for the Music Machine]

[http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Keyboard%2FSynth/product/RAM/Music+Machine/10/1 Review]

[http://www.wacci.org.uk/magazine/136/136_10.html Data transfer via ][[MIDI|MIDI]][http://www.wacci.org.uk/magazine/136/136_10.html ]

== Datasheets ==

[[Media:A6850.pdf|Datasheet for ACIA 6850]] (pdf)

[[Media:ZN448.pdf|Datasheet for Ferranti ZN448/ZN449]] (pdf)

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Music_and_sound]] [[Category:Manual]]

Music Machine

2010-01-07T09:23:27Z

Alan Sugar:

[[Image:Rammusicmashine.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Ram Music Machine]]

A digital sound sampling and playback device. The Music Machine was built by a British Company called [[Ram Electronics|Ram Electronics]].

The Amstrad CPC version was almost identical to the the ZX Spectrum version, only difference was the address decoding logic.

The Music Machine came with a simple microphone. Recording quality could be improved by using a better(and more expensive) microphone. It came with its own sound sampling software and a sequencer.

No known emulator supports the Music Machine. There was a club advertised through the magazine Sinclare User which sent out a computer tape twice a year full of interesting software developed for the Ram Music Machine. This was contributed to by the members and included thing such as a 128k sampler, fsk syncing mods to the original software and many useful midi tools to name but a few.<br>

The Music Machine was never used for producing sound effects in [[:Category:Demos|Demos]].

== Technical Specifications ==

Information from the manual:

The Music Machine incoporates two Ferranti devices for digital-to-analogue (DAC) and analogue-tod-digital (A to D) conversion. The part numbers are ZN429E8 and ZN449 respectively. The circuit also include a Motorola [[6850 ACIA chip]] (Asynchronous Communications Interface Adapter) for handling the MIDI channel, two anti-alias filters (one for input and one for output), a discrete microphone amplifier and a headphone amplifier. The clock signal for the ACIA and the ZN449 is provided by a ceramic oscillator.

The incomming signal from the microphone amplifier is sampled to an 8-bit resolution at a rate of 19.444 thoudsand samples per second. This yields an analogue bandwidth of approximately 9.5KHz which is in fact the cutoff frequency of the filters.

All of the devices on The Music Machine data bus are accessible to the Amstrad within its I/O space. ACIA transactions must use 16-bit IO instructions; the converters are accesible via 8-bit IO instructions.

{|
|-
| ''I/O MapPortMeaning''
|
|
|-
| ADC START
| &F8F8
| Reading or writing to this port will start analogue to digital conversion
|-
| ADC READ
| &F8F4(Read only)
| The contents of the A-to-D can be read via this port. Note that the A-to-D must have been startet at least 20uS before this port can be read
|-
| DAC WRITE
| &F8F0(Write only)
| Data can written to the DAC via this port
|-
| INTERUPT SEL
| &F8E8(Write only)
| Writing 01 to this port disables internal Amstrad interrupts and replaces the IRQ signal from ACIA. Writing 00 restores normality.
|-
| ACIA Status
| &F8EE(Read only)
| Se Motorola datasheet
|-
| ACIA Data read
| &F8EF(Read only)
| Se Motorola datasheet
|-
| ACIA Control
| &F8EC(Write only)
| Se Motorola datasheet
|-
| ACIA Data write
| &F8ED(Write only)
| Se Motorola datasheet
|}

== Pictures ==

<gallery> caption="The Music Machine">
Image:Music machine 1.jpg|
Image:Music machine 2.jpg|Edge connector missing
Image:Music machine back.jpg|Backside
Image:Music machine inside 1.jpg|PCB
Image:Music Machine - inside 1.JPG|Inside 1
Image:Music Machine - inside 2.JPG|Inside 2
Image:Music machine microphone 1.jpg|The microphone
Image:Music machine microphone 2.jpg|The microphone

</gallery>

== Tape ==

<gallery> caption="Music Machine">

Image:Music Machine Tape - side B.jpg|Music Machine Tape side B
Image:Music Machine Tape - side A.jpg|Music Machine Tape side A

</gallery>

== Manual ==

[[Media:Music_Machine_Manual.pdf|Music Machine Manual]] (pdf)

== Reviews ==

[[Amstradbladet 1987, Issue 9|Amstradbladet 1987, Issue 9]] (Page 22, In Danish)

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8703 064.jpg|Review in [[Amstrad Computer User]]
image:Amstrad Computer User8703 065.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8703 066.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8703 067.jpg
</gallery>

== Other similar devices ==

[[Digiblaster|Digiblaster]] (Playback) (DIY)

[[Amdrum|Amdrum]] (Playback)

[[EMR MIDI Interface|EMR MIDI Interface]] (Midi)

== Weblinks ==

[http://www.compeng.dit.ie/staff/tscarff/6800/6850acia/6850.htm Information about the Motorola 6850 ACIA]

[http://www.microhobby.com/200903/hard/ram_music_machine.htm Spanish site about the Music Machine]

[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/hardware/feat17.html Advert for the Music Machine]

[http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Keyboard%2FSynth/product/RAM/Music+Machine/10/1 Review]

[http://www.wacci.org.uk/magazine/136/136_10.html Data transfer via ][[MIDI|MIDI]][http://www.wacci.org.uk/magazine/136/136_10.html ]

== Datasheets ==

[[Media:A6850.pdf|Datasheet for ACIA 6850]] (pdf)

[[Media:ZN448.pdf|Datasheet for Ferranti ZN448/ZN449]] (pdf)

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Music_and_sound]] [[Category:Manual]]

File:Amstrad Computer User8703 066.jpg

2010-01-07T09:21:52Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8703 065.jpg

2010-01-07T09:21:03Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8703 064.jpg

2010-01-07T09:20:14Z

Alan Sugar:

ACU Romboard (DIY)

2010-01-07T09:19:33Z

Alan Sugar:

A DIY project to make a [[romboard]]

Designed by [[Phil Craven]]

<gallery>
image:ACU8812035.jpg
image:ACU8812037.jpg
image:ACU8812038.jpg
</gallery>

ACU Romboard (DIY)

2010-01-07T09:18:09Z

Alan Sugar:

<gallery>
image:ACU8812035.jpg
image:ACU8812037.jpg
image:ACU8812038.jpg
image:ACU8812039.jpg
image:ACU8812040.jpg
</gallery>

ACU Romboard (DIY)

2010-01-07T09:17:26Z

Alan Sugar: Created page with '<gallery> image:ACU8812035.jpg image:ACU8812036.jpg image:ACU8812037.jpg image:ACU8812038.jpg </gallery>'

<gallery>
image:ACU8812035.jpg
image:ACU8812036.jpg
image:ACU8812037.jpg
image:ACU8812038.jpg
</gallery>

ACU Real Time Clock (DIY)

2010-01-07T09:14:11Z

Alan Sugar: Created page with ' <gallery> image:Amstrad Computer User8504 078.jpg image:Amstrad Computer User8504 079.jpg image:Amstrad Computer User8504 080.jpg image:Amstrad Computer User8504 081.jpg </galle…'

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8504 078.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8504 079.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8504 080.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8504 081.jpg
</gallery>

File:Amstrad Computer User8504 092.jpg

2010-01-07T08:56:18Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8504 081.jpg

2010-01-07T08:55:30Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8504 080.jpg

2010-01-07T08:53:15Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8504 079.jpg

2010-01-07T08:52:48Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8504 078.jpg

2010-01-07T08:52:22Z

Alan Sugar:

Peripherals

2010-01-06T22:36:38Z

Alan Sugar: /* Hardware debuggers/Hacking devices */

* [[I/O Port Summary]]

''Please try to keep things in alphabetical order.''

== Data transfer ==

=== Modems ===

* [[Commstar v21/23 modem]] ([[Pace]])
* [[Digitelec DTL 2000/2100 Modem]]
* [[MicroLink Dual-Speed Modem]] ([[MicroLink]])
* [[MicroLink Multi-Speed Modem]] ([[MicroLink]])
* [[Mini-Max Modem]] ([[KDS_Electronics]])

=== Serial Interfaces ===

* [[AMSSIO]] (RS232 interface) (DIY)
* [[Amstrad Serial Interface]]
* [[Cirkit serial interface]]
* [[CPCI RS232 Interface]] (DIY)
* [[KDS Electronics Serial Interface|KDS Serial Interface]] ([[KDS Electronics]])
* [[SCA CPC Prolink]]
* [[Spectre Comms Serial Interface]]
* [[Schneider RS232 Interface]]

=== Others ===

* [[CPC Booster|CPC Booster/CPC Booster+]]
* [[Simple RS232 for Printer usage]] (DIY)
* [[Virtual Net 96]] ([[Wizcat]])
* [[Teletext adaptor]] by [[Microtext Ltd.]]
* [[Volex TTX 2000a]]

== Digitizer / Scanner ==

* [[ARA digitizer]]
* [[Dart Scanner for DMP-Printers|Dart Scanner]] (Dart Electronics)
* [[VIDI digitizer]] ([[Rombo Productions]])

== Drives ==

=== Disc Drives ===

* [[3½" & 5¼" Disk Drives]]
* [[Amstrad Disk Drive|Amstrad DDI-1 / FD-1 Disk Drive]]
* [[Cumana 3" Disk Drive]]
* [[Data Media Disc System]]
* [[Jasmin AM5D 5 "1/4 floppy drive]]
* [[KDS 5¼" Disc Drive]] ([[KDS Electronics]])
* [[F1|Vortex Disc Drives]] ([[Vortex Computersysteme|Vortex]])

=== Hard Disc Drives ===

* [[Dobbertin Harddisc]] ([[Dobbertin]])
* [[IDE8255]] internal/extrernal IDE/CF interface
* [[Vortex Winchester Drive]] ([[Vortex Computersysteme|Vortex]])

=== Drive Emulators ===

* [[HxC Floppy Emulator]]
* [[SDiskEmul]]
* [[TFE Floppy Emulator]]
* [[VDrive]]

== Guns ==

* [[Gunstick]] (MHT Ingenieros)
* [[Amstrad Magnum Phaser|Magnum Light Phaser]] (Amstrad)
* [[Trojan Light Phazer]] (Trojan) (CPC+)
* [[Loriciel Phaser (West Phaser)|West Phaser]] (Loriciel)

== Hardware debuggers/Hacking devices ==

* [[Action Replay]] ([[Datel Electronics]])
* [[Disc Wizard]] ([[Evesham Micros]])
* [[Draysoft Doubler]]
* [[Hackit|Hackit / Le Hacker]] ([[Siren Software]])
* [[Mirage Imager]] (Mirage Microcomputer Limited)
* [[Multiface II]] ([[Romantic Robot]])
* [[Transtape]] (Hard Micro)

== Input devices ==

=== Light-Pens ===

* [[Amstrad LP-1 light pen]]
* [[ASS]] Light-Pen
* [[dk'tronics Lightpen|Dk'tronics Light Pen]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* [[Light Pen "Professionel" / Mark II]]

=== Others ===

* [[Amstrad JY-1/JY-2 joysticks]]
* [[CPCKey|Attaching an AT keyboard to the CPC]]
* [[Grafpad II]]
* [[Joystick Y-cables]]

== Memory expansions / ROM boxes ==

=== Memory Expansions / RAM box ===

* [[CPC4MB| CPC4MB - 4 MB memory expansion]]
* [[Data Media SP64]]
* [[Dk'tronics memory expansion‎|Dk'tronics RAM Memory Expansions]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* [[Dk'tronics Silicon Disc]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* [[Dobbertin EPROM 224]] ([[Dobbertin]])
* [[Dobbertin Memory Expansion]] ([[Dobbertin]])
* [[Inicron RAM-Box]] (Inicron)
* [[Otten & Fecht 1 MB RAM-Disc]]
* [[RAM BOX]] 512Kb memory expansion
* [[RAM7 2Mb memory expansion]]
* [[Universeller EPROM Programmer 4004]] ([[Dobbertin]])
* [[Vortex Expansions RAM card]] ([[Vortex Computersysteme|Vortex]])

=== ROM Box / ROM Board ===

* [[AMRAM2]] (Silicon Systems)
* [[Amstrad ROM Expander]] ([[Simon Dean]] - DIY)
* [[HX-RX1|Cirkit HX-RX1 Rom Expansion Card]]
* [[CPC.Flash]] internal/external 4MB ROM upgrade
* [[Dobbertin ROM Board]] ([[Dobbertin]])
* [[Fleet EPROM Programmer|Fleet EPROM Programmer]]
* [[KDS ROM Board]] ([[KDS Electronics]])
* [[Maplin ROM Box]]
* [[Microgenic ROM Board]] (Microgenic)
* [[Microstyle RAMROM]]
* [[Microstyle ROM Board Xtra]]
* [[Ramcard 128]] ([[RAM7]])
* [[Rombo Rombox]] ([[Rombo Productions]])
* [[Inicron ROM-RAM-Box]] (Inicron)
* [[Micro Power ROM Box]]
* [[X-ROM]] ROM expansion and ROM burner
* [[CPC GX4000-Multi EPROM Cartridge]] Use a GX cartidge for modified ROM software

== Mouse ==

* [[AMX Mouse]] (Advanced Memory Systems)
* [[Atari-ST mouse adapter]] (DIY)
* [[dk'tronics Mouse Interface|Dk'tronics Mouse Interface]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* [[CPC-Mousepack 2.0]] (Gerdes/Centaur/Reis-ware/ASS)
* [[Wireless mouse (DIY)]]
* [[GEOS mouse|GEOS mouse]] ([[Commodore 64|C64]])
* [[Marconi|Marconi trackball]]
* [[SYMBiFACE II:PS/2 mouse|PS/2 mouse]] of [[SYMBiFACE II]]

== Monitors ==
* Computers [[monitor_compatible|compatible]] with Amstrad Monitors
* [[Amstrad]] [[CM14]] Colour Monitor
* [[Amstrad]] [[CTM640/CTM644]] Color Monitor
* [[Amstrad]] [[GT64/GT65]] Green Monitor
* [[Amstrad]] [[MM12]] Monochrome Monitor
* [[Amstrad MP1/MP2 modulator]]
* [[Amstrad MPV 001 modulator]]
* CPCAI HF-modulator (CPC Schneider International 11/1986, Page 78ff. Someone please scan it, my issue lacks those pages!)
* [[MP2F|Amstrad MP-2F Scart Adapter]]
* [[MP-3|Amstrad MP-3 TV modulator for CTM 64x]]
* [[TV SCART cable]] (DIY)
* [[LCD And Plasma TV Solution]] (DIY)

== Multi function expansions ==

* [[CPC Booster|CPC Booster/CPC Booster+]]
* [[SYMBiFACE II]]
* [[CPCMax!]]
* [[CPCISA by Yarek]]
* [[CPCX]]

== Printers ==

* ([[8bit Printer Ports]])
* Amstrad [[DMP1]] printer
* Amstrad/Schneider [[DMP2000]] Printer
* Amstrad/Schneider [[DMP2100]] Printer
* Amstrad [[DMP2160]] printer
* Amstrad [[DMP3000]] printer
* Amstrad [[DMP3160]] printer
* Amstrad [[DMP3250]] printer
* Amstrad [[DMP4000]] printer
* [[Robotron 6313|EuroPrint FT80X]]
* [[Robotron 6313|Präsident 6320]]
* [[Robotron 6313]]
* [[NLQ401|Schneider NLQ401]]
* [[Star Printers]]

== Synthesizer, sampler and music related ==

* [[Amdrum]]
* [[Amstrad SSA-1 Speech Synthesizer]]
* [[Digiblaster]] (DIY, 8bit DAC on printer port)
* [[Digivox sampler]]
* [[Dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* [[DHCP MIDI Interface]] (DHCP Electronics)
* [[EMR MIDI Interface]] (ElectroMusic Research)
* [[Music Machine]] (RAM Electronics)
* [[MHT Speech Synthesizer]]
* [[Silicon Systems MIDI Interface]]
* [[Sound Blaster]] ([[Siren Software]])
* [[TMPI speech synthesizer]] (TechniMusique)

== Miscellaneous ==

* 64 Kb Printer Buffer (DIY)
* [[Amstore|Northern Computers Amstore]]
* [[CPCISA by Yarek|CPCISA]]
* [[Dk'tronics Real Time Clock]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* Dk'tronics Utopia OS
* Dobbertin Real Time Clock
* FO-Dos card
* [[Fischertechnik robot]]
* [[Graphiscop II]]
* HDCPC
* [[Kersten PC Emulator]]
* Loritel
* [[Real Time Clock]] (DIY)
* [[RAM7 Cartridge Hacker]]
* [[Ambug]] Robot (DIY)
* [[TC-1|Amstrad TC-1 Radio/Alarm-Clock]]
* [[Split Extension Connector|Cheetah Marketing Split Extension Connector]]
* [[KDS Electronics]] [[KDS Power Controller|Power Controller]]

[[Category:Peripherals|*]]

Peripherals

2010-01-06T22:36:19Z

Alan Sugar: /* Hardware debuggers/Hacking devices */

* [[I/O Port Summary]]

''Please try to keep things in alphabetical order.''

== Data transfer ==

=== Modems ===

* [[Commstar v21/23 modem]] ([[Pace]])
* [[Digitelec DTL 2000/2100 Modem]]
* [[MicroLink Dual-Speed Modem]] ([[MicroLink]])
* [[MicroLink Multi-Speed Modem]] ([[MicroLink]])
* [[Mini-Max Modem]] ([[KDS_Electronics]])

=== Serial Interfaces ===

* [[AMSSIO]] (RS232 interface) (DIY)
* [[Amstrad Serial Interface]]
* [[Cirkit serial interface]]
* [[CPCI RS232 Interface]] (DIY)
* [[KDS Electronics Serial Interface|KDS Serial Interface]] ([[KDS Electronics]])
* [[SCA CPC Prolink]]
* [[Spectre Comms Serial Interface]]
* [[Schneider RS232 Interface]]

=== Others ===

* [[CPC Booster|CPC Booster/CPC Booster+]]
* [[Simple RS232 for Printer usage]] (DIY)
* [[Virtual Net 96]] ([[Wizcat]])
* [[Teletext adaptor]] by [[Microtext Ltd.]]
* [[Volex TTX 2000a]]

== Digitizer / Scanner ==

* [[ARA digitizer]]
* [[Dart Scanner for DMP-Printers|Dart Scanner]] (Dart Electronics)
* [[VIDI digitizer]] ([[Rombo Productions]])

== Drives ==

=== Disc Drives ===

* [[3½" & 5¼" Disk Drives]]
* [[Amstrad Disk Drive|Amstrad DDI-1 / FD-1 Disk Drive]]
* [[Cumana 3" Disk Drive]]
* [[Data Media Disc System]]
* [[Jasmin AM5D 5 "1/4 floppy drive]]
* [[KDS 5¼" Disc Drive]] ([[KDS Electronics]])
* [[F1|Vortex Disc Drives]] ([[Vortex Computersysteme|Vortex]])

=== Hard Disc Drives ===

* [[Dobbertin Harddisc]] ([[Dobbertin]])
* [[IDE8255]] internal/extrernal IDE/CF interface
* [[Vortex Winchester Drive]] ([[Vortex Computersysteme|Vortex]])

=== Drive Emulators ===

* [[HxC Floppy Emulator]]
* [[SDiskEmul]]
* [[TFE Floppy Emulator]]
* [[VDrive]]

== Guns ==

* [[Gunstick]] (MHT Ingenieros)
* [[Amstrad Magnum Phaser|Magnum Light Phaser]] (Amstrad)
* [[Trojan Light Phazer]] (Trojan) (CPC+)
* [[Loriciel Phaser (West Phaser)|West Phaser]] (Loriciel)

== Hardware debuggers/Hacking devices ==

* [[Action Replay]] ([[Datel Electronics]])
* [[Disc Wizard]] (Evesham Micros)
* [[Draysoft Doubler]]
* [[Hackit|Hackit / Le Hacker]] ([[Siren Software]])
* [[Mirage Imager]] (Mirage Microcomputer Limited)
* [[Multiface II]] ([[Romantic Robot]])
* [[Transtape]] (Hard Micro)

== Input devices ==

=== Light-Pens ===

* [[Amstrad LP-1 light pen]]
* [[ASS]] Light-Pen
* [[dk'tronics Lightpen|Dk'tronics Light Pen]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* [[Light Pen "Professionel" / Mark II]]

=== Others ===

* [[Amstrad JY-1/JY-2 joysticks]]
* [[CPCKey|Attaching an AT keyboard to the CPC]]
* [[Grafpad II]]
* [[Joystick Y-cables]]

== Memory expansions / ROM boxes ==

=== Memory Expansions / RAM box ===

* [[CPC4MB| CPC4MB - 4 MB memory expansion]]
* [[Data Media SP64]]
* [[Dk'tronics memory expansion‎|Dk'tronics RAM Memory Expansions]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* [[Dk'tronics Silicon Disc]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* [[Dobbertin EPROM 224]] ([[Dobbertin]])
* [[Dobbertin Memory Expansion]] ([[Dobbertin]])
* [[Inicron RAM-Box]] (Inicron)
* [[Otten & Fecht 1 MB RAM-Disc]]
* [[RAM BOX]] 512Kb memory expansion
* [[RAM7 2Mb memory expansion]]
* [[Universeller EPROM Programmer 4004]] ([[Dobbertin]])
* [[Vortex Expansions RAM card]] ([[Vortex Computersysteme|Vortex]])

=== ROM Box / ROM Board ===

* [[AMRAM2]] (Silicon Systems)
* [[Amstrad ROM Expander]] ([[Simon Dean]] - DIY)
* [[HX-RX1|Cirkit HX-RX1 Rom Expansion Card]]
* [[CPC.Flash]] internal/external 4MB ROM upgrade
* [[Dobbertin ROM Board]] ([[Dobbertin]])
* [[Fleet EPROM Programmer|Fleet EPROM Programmer]]
* [[KDS ROM Board]] ([[KDS Electronics]])
* [[Maplin ROM Box]]
* [[Microgenic ROM Board]] (Microgenic)
* [[Microstyle RAMROM]]
* [[Microstyle ROM Board Xtra]]
* [[Ramcard 128]] ([[RAM7]])
* [[Rombo Rombox]] ([[Rombo Productions]])
* [[Inicron ROM-RAM-Box]] (Inicron)
* [[Micro Power ROM Box]]
* [[X-ROM]] ROM expansion and ROM burner
* [[CPC GX4000-Multi EPROM Cartridge]] Use a GX cartidge for modified ROM software

== Mouse ==

* [[AMX Mouse]] (Advanced Memory Systems)
* [[Atari-ST mouse adapter]] (DIY)
* [[dk'tronics Mouse Interface|Dk'tronics Mouse Interface]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* [[CPC-Mousepack 2.0]] (Gerdes/Centaur/Reis-ware/ASS)
* [[Wireless mouse (DIY)]]
* [[GEOS mouse|GEOS mouse]] ([[Commodore 64|C64]])
* [[Marconi|Marconi trackball]]
* [[SYMBiFACE II:PS/2 mouse|PS/2 mouse]] of [[SYMBiFACE II]]

== Monitors ==
* Computers [[monitor_compatible|compatible]] with Amstrad Monitors
* [[Amstrad]] [[CM14]] Colour Monitor
* [[Amstrad]] [[CTM640/CTM644]] Color Monitor
* [[Amstrad]] [[GT64/GT65]] Green Monitor
* [[Amstrad]] [[MM12]] Monochrome Monitor
* [[Amstrad MP1/MP2 modulator]]
* [[Amstrad MPV 001 modulator]]
* CPCAI HF-modulator (CPC Schneider International 11/1986, Page 78ff. Someone please scan it, my issue lacks those pages!)
* [[MP2F|Amstrad MP-2F Scart Adapter]]
* [[MP-3|Amstrad MP-3 TV modulator for CTM 64x]]
* [[TV SCART cable]] (DIY)
* [[LCD And Plasma TV Solution]] (DIY)

== Multi function expansions ==

* [[CPC Booster|CPC Booster/CPC Booster+]]
* [[SYMBiFACE II]]
* [[CPCMax!]]
* [[CPCISA by Yarek]]
* [[CPCX]]

== Printers ==

* ([[8bit Printer Ports]])
* Amstrad [[DMP1]] printer
* Amstrad/Schneider [[DMP2000]] Printer
* Amstrad/Schneider [[DMP2100]] Printer
* Amstrad [[DMP2160]] printer
* Amstrad [[DMP3000]] printer
* Amstrad [[DMP3160]] printer
* Amstrad [[DMP3250]] printer
* Amstrad [[DMP4000]] printer
* [[Robotron 6313|EuroPrint FT80X]]
* [[Robotron 6313|Präsident 6320]]
* [[Robotron 6313]]
* [[NLQ401|Schneider NLQ401]]
* [[Star Printers]]

== Synthesizer, sampler and music related ==

* [[Amdrum]]
* [[Amstrad SSA-1 Speech Synthesizer]]
* [[Digiblaster]] (DIY, 8bit DAC on printer port)
* [[Digivox sampler]]
* [[Dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* [[DHCP MIDI Interface]] (DHCP Electronics)
* [[EMR MIDI Interface]] (ElectroMusic Research)
* [[Music Machine]] (RAM Electronics)
* [[MHT Speech Synthesizer]]
* [[Silicon Systems MIDI Interface]]
* [[Sound Blaster]] ([[Siren Software]])
* [[TMPI speech synthesizer]] (TechniMusique)

== Miscellaneous ==

* 64 Kb Printer Buffer (DIY)
* [[Amstore|Northern Computers Amstore]]
* [[CPCISA by Yarek|CPCISA]]
* [[Dk'tronics Real Time Clock]] ([[Dk'tronics]])
* Dk'tronics Utopia OS
* Dobbertin Real Time Clock
* FO-Dos card
* [[Fischertechnik robot]]
* [[Graphiscop II]]
* HDCPC
* [[Kersten PC Emulator]]
* Loritel
* [[Real Time Clock]] (DIY)
* [[RAM7 Cartridge Hacker]]
* [[Ambug]] Robot (DIY)
* [[TC-1|Amstrad TC-1 Radio/Alarm-Clock]]
* [[Split Extension Connector|Cheetah Marketing Split Extension Connector]]
* [[KDS Electronics]] [[KDS Power Controller|Power Controller]]

[[Category:Peripherals|*]]

CPC-Mousepack 2.0

2010-01-06T22:27:34Z

Alan Sugar: /* Screenshots */

[[Image:CPC mousepack 5.jpg|thumb|The mouse that came with the CPC mousepack]]

A mouse for the Amstrad CPC. The CPC mousepack was manufactured by the German company [[Reisware]] and a similiar product to the more known one from the British company [[Advanced Memory Systems]] the [[AMX Mouse]].

Mousepack came with software. But nothing else is known about this product. Please supply!

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="CPC Mousepack 2.0">
Image:CPC mousepack 1.JPG|The box and contents
Image:CPC mousepack 2.jpg|Back of boxcover
Image:CPC mousepack 3.jpg|Front of boxcover
Image:CPC mousepack 4.jpg|Box open
Image:Mauspack 2 1.jpg|
Image:Mauspack 2 2.jpg|
</gallery>

== Screenshots ==

<gallery>
image:Mousepack screenshot 1.png
image:Mousepack screenshot 2.png
</gallery>

== Aliases ==

The "Mousepack" mouse is sometimes referred to under different names (the names seem to be mainly coming from the software/copyright text on the floppy disks):
Gerdes Mouse ([[Gerdes]]).
Centaure mouse (Centaur graphics program, included on one of the disks).
ASS Reis-Mouse ([[All System Software]]).
Reisware-Mouse ([[Reisware]])

== Download ==

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]]

Datel Electronics

2010-01-06T22:26:34Z

Alan Sugar:

[[Image:Datel Hardware advert.png|thumb|right|350px|Advert as seen in [[Amstrad Computer User]]]]

'''Datel Electronics''' was a company that manufactured various hardware devices for the Amstrad CPC

== Products ==

* [[Action Replay MKII]]
* [[Datel Digital Sound Sampler]]
* [[Datel roboTEK]]

[[Category:CPC related companies]]

Datel Electronics

2010-01-06T22:25:47Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Mousepack screenshot 2.png

2010-01-06T22:24:37Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Mousepack screenshot 1.png

2010-01-06T22:24:21Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Datel Hardware advert.png

2010-01-06T22:23:55Z

Alan Sugar:

Datel Electronics

2010-01-06T22:23:09Z

Alan Sugar: Created page with ''''Datel Electronics''' was a company that manufactured various hardware devices for the Amstrad CPC == Products == * Action Replay MKII * Datel Digital Sound Sampler …'

'''Datel Electronics''' was a company that manufactured various hardware devices for the Amstrad CPC

== Products ==

* [[Action Replay MKII]]
* [[Datel Digital Sound Sampler]]
* [[Datel roboTEK]]

Hisoft TurboBasic

2010-01-06T22:02:38Z

Alan Sugar:

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8610057.jpg|Review in [[Amstrad Computer User]]
image:Amstrad Computer User8610059.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8610061.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8610062.jpg
</gallery>

Hisoft TurboBasic

2010-01-06T22:02:12Z

Alan Sugar:

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8610057.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8610059.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8610061.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8610062.jpg

</gallery>

Hisoft TurboBasic

2010-01-06T22:01:54Z

Alan Sugar: Created page with '<gallery> image:Amstrad Computer User8610057.jpg image:Amstrad Computer User8610058.jpg image:Amstrad Computer User8610059.jpg image:Amstrad Computer User8610060.jpg </gallery>'

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8610057.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8610058.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8610059.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8610060.jpg

</gallery>

Hisoft

2010-01-06T22:00:54Z

Alan Sugar: /* Releases for CPC */

'''Hisoft''' was British software company.

== Logos ==

<gallery caption="Hisoft">

Image:Hisoft (Old Version).jpg|Old Version
Image:Hisoft (New Version).jpg|New Version

</gallery>

== Publicity ==

* [http://www.cpcwiki.eu/manuals/Hisoft%20Software.rar Hisoft Software.pdf]

== Releases for CPC ==

* [[HiSoft C|Hisoft C]]
* [[Hisoft Devpac]] (Gena - Mona)
* [[Hisoft Devpac 80]]
* [[Hisoft Font 464]]
* [[Hisoft Forth]]
* [[Hisoft FTL Modula 2]]
* [[Hisoft Lisp]]
* [[Hisoft Pascal 4T]]
* [[Hisoft Pascal 80]]
* [[Hisoft TurboBasic]]
* [[Knife Plus]]
* [[The Knife]]
* [[The Torch]]

[[Category: CPC related companies]]

EMR MIDI Interface

2010-01-06T21:53:37Z

Alan Sugar: /* Reviews */

A [[MIDI]] Interface for the Amstrad CPC.
Manufactured by the British company [[EMR]]

== Technical specs ==

== Software using the EMR Interface ==

[[EMR Miditrack Performer]]

== Other MIDI solutions for the CPC ==

[[Music Machine]]

== Reviews ==

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8608042.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8608043.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8608044.jpg
</gallery>

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="EMR Midi Interface">
Image:emr midi 1.JPG|
Image:emr midi 2.JPG|Connectors
Image:emr midi 3.JPG|Top view
</gallery>

== I/O Ports ==

Uses port #F8F2

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Music and sound]]

EMR MIDI Interface

2010-01-06T21:51:30Z

Alan Sugar:

A [[MIDI]] Interface for the Amstrad CPC.
Manufactured by the British company [[EMR]]

== Technical specs ==

== Software using the EMR Interface ==

[[EMR Miditrack Performer]]

== Other MIDI solutions for the CPC ==

[[Music Machine]]

== Reviews ==

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8608044.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8608045.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8608046.jpg
</gallery>

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="EMR Midi Interface">
Image:emr midi 1.JPG|
Image:emr midi 2.JPG|Connectors
Image:emr midi 3.JPG|Top view
</gallery>

== I/O Ports ==

Uses port #F8F2

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Music and sound]]

File:Amstrad Computer User8608044.jpg

2010-01-06T21:48:29Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8608043.jpg

2010-01-06T21:47:50Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8608042.jpg

2010-01-06T21:47:12Z

Alan Sugar:

Amstrad SSA-1 Speech Synthesizer

2010-01-06T21:43:29Z

Alan Sugar:

[[Image:Amstrad SSA1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Amstrad SSA1 box cover]]
[[Image:Ssa-1.JPG|right|thumb|250px|The bundle]]

A Speech Synthesizer from [[Amstrad]] based on the [[SPO256]]-AL2 Speech Synthesizer

== Software ==

* |SAY,@<string> - Converts a string af [[ASCII]] text to speech
* |ECHO,<mode> - Activates text to speech conversion on text printed to the screen.
* |APHONE,<allophone>[,<allophone>] - Send allophones directly to the interrupt driven allophone buffer.
* |ROOM,@<value> - Find out how many free locations in the allophones buffer.
* |QUIET - Clears the allophone buffer.
* |SPON - Activates the speech interrrupt event.
* |SPOFF - To prevent output of data from the allophone buffer.
* |SPSTATUS,@<value> - Read the status of the speech processor.
* |SPOUT,<allophone>[,<allophone>] - Sends allophones directly to the soundprocessor.

== Technical Specs. ==

The clock frequency (passed to the speech chip) is fixed, the exact frequency is unknown (?)

Uses I/O port: [[I/O_Port_Summary|#FBEE]], of which (according to the manual) only A10,A4,A0 are decoded.

Port FBEEh READ:
bit7 Status 1 (0=Speech Busy, 1=Ready/Halted) (SBY Pin, Speech Busy)
bit6 Status 2 (0=Ready to Receive Data, 1=Busy) (/LRQ Pin, Load Request)
bit5-0 Not used (garbage, probably usually highz)
Port FBEEh WRITE:
bit7-6 Reserved (must be zero)
bit5-0 Allophone number ;data can be send when Status.Bit6=0

* [[SP0256]]
* [[SP0256 Voice Generator]]
* [[SP0256 Instruction Set]]
* [[SP0256 Allophones]]
* [[SP0256 Pin-Outs]]

== Supported Games ==

* 3D Boxing
* 3D Stunt Rider
* Alex Higgin's World Snooker / World Pool
* Darkwurlde
* Glen Hoddle Soccer
* Roland In Space
* Tubaruba

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="Amstrad SSA1">
Image:Amstrad ssa1 1.JPG|Frontpage
Image:ssa1 2.JPG|Inside
Image:ssa1 3.JPG|Inside
Image:ssa1 4.JPG|Inside
Image:ssa1 5.JPG|Inside
Image:ScreenPacked.jpg|
Image:ScreenBoxed.jpg|
Image:FullSSA1.jpg|
Image:FullManual Tape.jpg|
Image:SSA1 FullBox.jpg|
</gallery>

== Reviews ==

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 014.jpg|The SSA1 compared to the dk'Tronics synth
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 015.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 016.jpg
</gallery>

== Examples of the Amstrad synth in use ==

{{#ev:youtube|fesVxipNaw8|300}} {{#ev:youtube|v8WKbKK3Apg|300}}

== Other Speech Synthesizers ==

* [[dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer]]
* [[TMPI speech synthetizer]] (TechniMusique)

== Weblinks ==

== Manual ==

<gallery caption="Amstrad SSA1 (Manual)">
Image:Ssa1 frontpage.jpg|Frontpage
Image:ssa1 content.jpg|Contents
Image:ssa1 p1.jpg|Page 1
Image:ssa1 p2.jpg|Page 2
Image:ssa1 p3.jpg|Page 3
Image:ssa1 p4.jpg|Page 4
Image:ssa1 p5.jpg|Page 5
Image:ssa1 p6.jpg|Page 6
Image:ssa1 p7.jpg|Page 7
Image:ssa1 p8.jpg|Page 8
Image:ssa1 p9.jpg|Page 9
Image:ssa1 p10.jpg|Page 10
Image:ssa1 p11.jpg|Page 11
Image:ssa1 p12.jpg|Page 12
Image:ssa1 p13.jpg|Page 13
Image:ssa1 p14.jpg|Page 14
Image:ssa1 p15.jpg|Page 15
Image:ssa1 p16.jpg|Page 16
Image:ssa1 p17.jpg|Page 17
Image:ssa1 p18.jpg|Page 18
Image:ssa1 p19.jpg|Page 19
Image:ssa1 p20.jpg|Page 20
</gallery>

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Music and sound]][[Category:Manual]]

Dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer

2010-01-06T21:42:27Z

Alan Sugar: /* Reviews */

[[Dk'tronics]] Speech Synthesizer based on [[SPO256]]-AL2 chip.

== Overview ==

The DK'tronics speech synthesizer came with the standard handbook which gave instructions for all DK'tronics add-ons. The speech synthesizer also had the classic DK'tronics casing as all their CPC products had, with the exception of a fly-lead which could be connected to the stereo output of the CPC. It also had two mono outputs for the supplied speakers, a volume control on the right hand side and the balance could be adjusted with a small screw-driver through a hole below the volume. Two versions of the synthesizer were available. One where the software was supplied on a cassette and a second version with the software on an internal ROM within the unit. When the ROM version was connected and working properly, it reported the message 'Speech ROM Ver. 1.1' on the screen.

DK'tronics changed suppliers of the speakers more than once, so several different versions of the speakers exist, including one version with a swiveled bracket for wall or desk mounting.

== Software ==

The software supplied on cassette or ROM gave the user 11 new RSX (bar) commands to manipulate the SPO256
either directly or using it's 'text to speech' ability (with questionable success). The commands available were:

* |SPEAK - Loaded the ROM software, listed the commands and said the sentence 'DK'tronics speech synthesizer' (badly)
* |SPON - Used to turn on the read buffers interrupt
* |SPOF - You can guess what that one did yourself
* |FEED,n - Feed data directly into the speech buffer (up to 30 comma separated values between 5 and 63)
* |FLUS - Cleared both the speech and text buffers
* |SPED,n - Controls the speed of the text (n being a value between 0 and 15 where 0 is the fastest speed)
* |OUTM,1 - Redirected the print command's output to the speech to text converter
* |OUTM,2 - Redirect both the print and all other text (List etc.) to the converter
* |OUTM,3 - Redirected all text (as with 2), but also printed to the screen in parallel
* |LEFT,v - Reported the available memory left in the buffer (where v is a variable)
* |SAY, "x" - Was the standard command to send text to the synthesizer (where x is the text to be spoken)

However on the 464 the user was required to assign the text to a variable, whereas 664 and 6128 users could
use the command directly:

464 a$="Sample text": |Say, @a$

664/6128 |Say, "Sample text"

Although the speech to text converter was very much a hit and miss affair (some words sounded perfect, whereas other words were barely recognisable), with some careful mis-spelling of words and a little speed manipulation, it was possible to achieve clear and understandable sentences.

Another method of producing speech without loading the software, was to feed the buffer directly. This could be done by polling the address &FBFE for it to drop below the value 128 and then feeding the buffer directly by outputting a value to the same address. This loop had to be repeated for each value.

The values (known as allophones) where included in a table in the handbook along with examples of common words.

The handbook also included programming examples in both BASIC and Assembly.

== Technical ==

Uses I/O port: [[I/O_Port_Summary|#FBFE]]

Port FBFEh READ:
N/A Status 1 (none, SP0256.Pin8 is not connected) ;SBY Pin, Standby
bit7 Status 2 (0=Ready to Receive Data, 1=Busy) ;LRQ Pin, Load Request
bit6-0 Not used (garbage, probably usually high-z)

Port FBFEh WRITE:
bit7-6 Reserved (must be zero)
bit5-0 Allophone number

* [[SP0256]]
* [[SP0256 Voice Generator]]
* [[SP0256 Instruction Set]]
* [[SP0256 Allophones]]
* [[SP0256 Pin-Outs]]

The interface does NOT contain an oscillator, instead, it is probably driven by the 4MHz signal on the expansion port (?). Thus producing shorter sounds with higher pitch as when using the recommended 3.12MHz oscillator.

Note: The |SPED command inserts a crude software-delay between the separate allophones (ie. it is NOT a hardware-feature that changes OSC1/OSC2 clock speed or so).

== Supported Games ==

* Jumpjet (Anirog Software)

== Other speech synthesisers for the CPC ==

* [[Amstrad SSA-1 Speech Synthesizer]]
* [[TMPI speech synthesizer]] (TechniMusique)

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer">

Image:Dk tronics speech 1.JPG|
Image:Dk tronics speech 2.JPG|
Image:Speechsynth.png|

</gallery>

<gallery caption="dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer (ROM Version)">

Image:30-08.2009 001.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 002.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 003.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 004.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 005.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 006.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 007.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 008.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 009.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 010.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 011.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 012.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 013.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 014.jpg|

</gallery>

<gallery caption="dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer (Normal Version)">

Image:30-08.2009 101.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 102.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 103.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 104.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 105.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 106.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 107.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 108.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 109.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 110.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 111.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 112.jpg|

</gallery>

== Downloads ==

* [[media:DKSPEECH.ROM‎|DK'Tronics Speech ROM]]

* [[file:DKTronics_Speech_Synth_Docs.pdf]] - DK'Tronics User Manual (English)

== Reviews ==

On Page 11 in [[Amstradbladet 1985, Issue 3]] (Danish)

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 014.jpg|dk'Tronics synth compared to the Amstrad SSA1
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 015.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 016.jpg
</gallery>

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Music and sound]]

Dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer

2010-01-06T21:41:52Z

Alan Sugar: /* Reviews */

[[Dk'tronics]] Speech Synthesizer based on [[SPO256]]-AL2 chip.

== Overview ==

The DK'tronics speech synthesizer came with the standard handbook which gave instructions for all DK'tronics add-ons. The speech synthesizer also had the classic DK'tronics casing as all their CPC products had, with the exception of a fly-lead which could be connected to the stereo output of the CPC. It also had two mono outputs for the supplied speakers, a volume control on the right hand side and the balance could be adjusted with a small screw-driver through a hole below the volume. Two versions of the synthesizer were available. One where the software was supplied on a cassette and a second version with the software on an internal ROM within the unit. When the ROM version was connected and working properly, it reported the message 'Speech ROM Ver. 1.1' on the screen.

DK'tronics changed suppliers of the speakers more than once, so several different versions of the speakers exist, including one version with a swiveled bracket for wall or desk mounting.

== Software ==

The software supplied on cassette or ROM gave the user 11 new RSX (bar) commands to manipulate the SPO256
either directly or using it's 'text to speech' ability (with questionable success). The commands available were:

* |SPEAK - Loaded the ROM software, listed the commands and said the sentence 'DK'tronics speech synthesizer' (badly)
* |SPON - Used to turn on the read buffers interrupt
* |SPOF - You can guess what that one did yourself
* |FEED,n - Feed data directly into the speech buffer (up to 30 comma separated values between 5 and 63)
* |FLUS - Cleared both the speech and text buffers
* |SPED,n - Controls the speed of the text (n being a value between 0 and 15 where 0 is the fastest speed)
* |OUTM,1 - Redirected the print command's output to the speech to text converter
* |OUTM,2 - Redirect both the print and all other text (List etc.) to the converter
* |OUTM,3 - Redirected all text (as with 2), but also printed to the screen in parallel
* |LEFT,v - Reported the available memory left in the buffer (where v is a variable)
* |SAY, "x" - Was the standard command to send text to the synthesizer (where x is the text to be spoken)

However on the 464 the user was required to assign the text to a variable, whereas 664 and 6128 users could
use the command directly:

464 a$="Sample text": |Say, @a$

664/6128 |Say, "Sample text"

Although the speech to text converter was very much a hit and miss affair (some words sounded perfect, whereas other words were barely recognisable), with some careful mis-spelling of words and a little speed manipulation, it was possible to achieve clear and understandable sentences.

Another method of producing speech without loading the software, was to feed the buffer directly. This could be done by polling the address &FBFE for it to drop below the value 128 and then feeding the buffer directly by outputting a value to the same address. This loop had to be repeated for each value.

The values (known as allophones) where included in a table in the handbook along with examples of common words.

The handbook also included programming examples in both BASIC and Assembly.

== Technical ==

Uses I/O port: [[I/O_Port_Summary|#FBFE]]

Port FBFEh READ:
N/A Status 1 (none, SP0256.Pin8 is not connected) ;SBY Pin, Standby
bit7 Status 2 (0=Ready to Receive Data, 1=Busy) ;LRQ Pin, Load Request
bit6-0 Not used (garbage, probably usually high-z)

Port FBFEh WRITE:
bit7-6 Reserved (must be zero)
bit5-0 Allophone number

* [[SP0256]]
* [[SP0256 Voice Generator]]
* [[SP0256 Instruction Set]]
* [[SP0256 Allophones]]
* [[SP0256 Pin-Outs]]

The interface does NOT contain an oscillator, instead, it is probably driven by the 4MHz signal on the expansion port (?). Thus producing shorter sounds with higher pitch as when using the recommended 3.12MHz oscillator.

Note: The |SPED command inserts a crude software-delay between the separate allophones (ie. it is NOT a hardware-feature that changes OSC1/OSC2 clock speed or so).

== Supported Games ==

* Jumpjet (Anirog Software)

== Other speech synthesisers for the CPC ==

* [[Amstrad SSA-1 Speech Synthesizer]]
* [[TMPI speech synthesizer]] (TechniMusique)

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer">

Image:Dk tronics speech 1.JPG|
Image:Dk tronics speech 2.JPG|
Image:Speechsynth.png|

</gallery>

<gallery caption="dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer (ROM Version)">

Image:30-08.2009 001.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 002.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 003.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 004.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 005.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 006.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 007.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 008.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 009.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 010.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 011.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 012.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 013.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 014.jpg|

</gallery>

<gallery caption="dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer (Normal Version)">

Image:30-08.2009 101.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 102.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 103.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 104.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 105.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 106.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 107.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 108.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 109.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 110.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 111.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 112.jpg|

</gallery>

== Downloads ==

* [[media:DKSPEECH.ROM‎|DK'Tronics Speech ROM]]

* [[file:DKTronics_Speech_Synth_Docs.pdf]] - DK'Tronics User Manual (English)

== Reviews ==

On Page 11 in [[Amstradbladet 1985, Issue 3]] (Danish)

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 014.jpg|dk'Tronics synth compared to the Amstrad SSA1
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 015.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 016.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 018.jpg
</gallery>

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Music and sound]]

Dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer

2010-01-06T21:41:39Z

Alan Sugar:

[[Dk'tronics]] Speech Synthesizer based on [[SPO256]]-AL2 chip.

== Overview ==

The DK'tronics speech synthesizer came with the standard handbook which gave instructions for all DK'tronics add-ons. The speech synthesizer also had the classic DK'tronics casing as all their CPC products had, with the exception of a fly-lead which could be connected to the stereo output of the CPC. It also had two mono outputs for the supplied speakers, a volume control on the right hand side and the balance could be adjusted with a small screw-driver through a hole below the volume. Two versions of the synthesizer were available. One where the software was supplied on a cassette and a second version with the software on an internal ROM within the unit. When the ROM version was connected and working properly, it reported the message 'Speech ROM Ver. 1.1' on the screen.

DK'tronics changed suppliers of the speakers more than once, so several different versions of the speakers exist, including one version with a swiveled bracket for wall or desk mounting.

== Software ==

The software supplied on cassette or ROM gave the user 11 new RSX (bar) commands to manipulate the SPO256
either directly or using it's 'text to speech' ability (with questionable success). The commands available were:

* |SPEAK - Loaded the ROM software, listed the commands and said the sentence 'DK'tronics speech synthesizer' (badly)
* |SPON - Used to turn on the read buffers interrupt
* |SPOF - You can guess what that one did yourself
* |FEED,n - Feed data directly into the speech buffer (up to 30 comma separated values between 5 and 63)
* |FLUS - Cleared both the speech and text buffers
* |SPED,n - Controls the speed of the text (n being a value between 0 and 15 where 0 is the fastest speed)
* |OUTM,1 - Redirected the print command's output to the speech to text converter
* |OUTM,2 - Redirect both the print and all other text (List etc.) to the converter
* |OUTM,3 - Redirected all text (as with 2), but also printed to the screen in parallel
* |LEFT,v - Reported the available memory left in the buffer (where v is a variable)
* |SAY, "x" - Was the standard command to send text to the synthesizer (where x is the text to be spoken)

However on the 464 the user was required to assign the text to a variable, whereas 664 and 6128 users could
use the command directly:

464 a$="Sample text": |Say, @a$

664/6128 |Say, "Sample text"

Although the speech to text converter was very much a hit and miss affair (some words sounded perfect, whereas other words were barely recognisable), with some careful mis-spelling of words and a little speed manipulation, it was possible to achieve clear and understandable sentences.

Another method of producing speech without loading the software, was to feed the buffer directly. This could be done by polling the address &FBFE for it to drop below the value 128 and then feeding the buffer directly by outputting a value to the same address. This loop had to be repeated for each value.

The values (known as allophones) where included in a table in the handbook along with examples of common words.

The handbook also included programming examples in both BASIC and Assembly.

== Technical ==

Uses I/O port: [[I/O_Port_Summary|#FBFE]]

Port FBFEh READ:
N/A Status 1 (none, SP0256.Pin8 is not connected) ;SBY Pin, Standby
bit7 Status 2 (0=Ready to Receive Data, 1=Busy) ;LRQ Pin, Load Request
bit6-0 Not used (garbage, probably usually high-z)

Port FBFEh WRITE:
bit7-6 Reserved (must be zero)
bit5-0 Allophone number

* [[SP0256]]
* [[SP0256 Voice Generator]]
* [[SP0256 Instruction Set]]
* [[SP0256 Allophones]]
* [[SP0256 Pin-Outs]]

The interface does NOT contain an oscillator, instead, it is probably driven by the 4MHz signal on the expansion port (?). Thus producing shorter sounds with higher pitch as when using the recommended 3.12MHz oscillator.

Note: The |SPED command inserts a crude software-delay between the separate allophones (ie. it is NOT a hardware-feature that changes OSC1/OSC2 clock speed or so).

== Supported Games ==

* Jumpjet (Anirog Software)

== Other speech synthesisers for the CPC ==

* [[Amstrad SSA-1 Speech Synthesizer]]
* [[TMPI speech synthesizer]] (TechniMusique)

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer">

Image:Dk tronics speech 1.JPG|
Image:Dk tronics speech 2.JPG|
Image:Speechsynth.png|

</gallery>

<gallery caption="dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer (ROM Version)">

Image:30-08.2009 001.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 002.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 003.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 004.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 005.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 006.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 007.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 008.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 009.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 010.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 011.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 012.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 013.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 014.jpg|

</gallery>

<gallery caption="dk'tronics Speech Synthesizer (Normal Version)">

Image:30-08.2009 101.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 102.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 103.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 104.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 105.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 106.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 107.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 108.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 109.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 110.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 111.jpg|
Image:30-08.2009 112.jpg|

</gallery>

== Downloads ==

* [[media:DKSPEECH.ROM‎|DK'Tronics Speech ROM]]

* [[file:DKTronics_Speech_Synth_Docs.pdf]] - DK'Tronics User Manual (English)

== Reviews ==

On Page 11 in [[Amstradbladet 1985, Issue 3]] (Danish)

<gallery>
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 014.jpg|dk'Tronics synth compared to the Amstrad SSA1
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 015.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 016.jpg
image:Amstrad Computer User8507 017.jpg
</gallery>

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Music and sound]]

File:Amstrad Computer User8610062.jpg

2010-01-06T21:34:53Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8610061.jpg

2010-01-06T21:34:20Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8610059.jpg

2010-01-06T21:33:52Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8610057.jpg

2010-01-06T21:33:19Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8811023.jpg

2010-01-06T21:31:53Z

Alan Sugar:

VIDI digitizer

2010-01-06T21:31:11Z

Alan Sugar: /* Publicity */

[[Image:vidi.JPG|right|thumb|250px|The VIDI video digitizer]]

A digitizer for the Amstrad CPC from [[Rombo Productions]].

The VIDI can digitize any video source!

== Disc ==

<gallery caption="Vidi">

Image:Vidi - Disc.jpg|Vidi Disc

</gallery>

== Reviews ==

The VIDI digitizer was reviewed in [[Amstradbladet 1987, Issue 4]] page 8 (Danish)

The VIDI digitizer explained in [[Amstrad_Action,_Issue_115,_1995|Amstrad Action, Issue 115]] page 19

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="Examples of digitizing with the VIDI interface">

Image:vidi example 1.gif|Example of VIDI digitizing
Image:vidi example 2.gif|Example of VIDI digitizing
Image:vidi example 3.gif|Example of VIDI digitizing
Image:RIMG0073.JPG|Intern VIDI

</gallery>

== Publicity ==

<gallery caption="Vidi">

Image:Vidi Publicity 1.jpg|Publicity 1
Image:Vidi Publicity 2.jpg|Publicity 2
Image:Amstrad Computer User8612049.jpg|Review in [[Amstrad Computer User]]
Image:Amstrad Computer User8612050.jpg
</gallery>

== Manual ==

* [[Media:Vidi Manual.pdf|VIDI Manual]] (pdf)

== Download ==

* [[Media:Rombo Video Digitiser.zip|Rombo Video Digitiser.zip]] (DSK for Emulators)

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Manual]]

VIDI digitizer

2010-01-06T21:30:59Z

Alan Sugar: /* Publicity */

[[Image:vidi.JPG|right|thumb|250px|The VIDI video digitizer]]

A digitizer for the Amstrad CPC from [[Rombo Productions]].

The VIDI can digitize any video source!

== Disc ==

<gallery caption="Vidi">

Image:Vidi - Disc.jpg|Vidi Disc

</gallery>

== Reviews ==

The VIDI digitizer was reviewed in [[Amstradbladet 1987, Issue 4]] page 8 (Danish)

The VIDI digitizer explained in [[Amstrad_Action,_Issue_115,_1995|Amstrad Action, Issue 115]] page 19

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="Examples of digitizing with the VIDI interface">

Image:vidi example 1.gif|Example of VIDI digitizing
Image:vidi example 2.gif|Example of VIDI digitizing
Image:vidi example 3.gif|Example of VIDI digitizing
Image:RIMG0073.JPG|Intern VIDI

</gallery>

== Publicity ==

<gallery caption="Vidi">

Image:Vidi Publicity 1.jpg|Publicity 1
Image:Vidi Publicity 2.jpg|Publicity 2
Image:Amstrad Computer User8612050.jpg|Review in [[Amstrad Computer User]]
Image:Amstrad Computer User8612051.jpg
</gallery>

== Manual ==

* [[Media:Vidi Manual.pdf|VIDI Manual]] (pdf)

== Download ==

* [[Media:Rombo Video Digitiser.zip|Rombo Video Digitiser.zip]] (DSK for Emulators)

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Manual]]

File:Amstrad Computer User8612050.jpg

2010-01-06T21:29:34Z

Alan Sugar:

File:Amstrad Computer User8612049.jpg

2010-01-06T21:29:08Z

Alan Sugar:

Amdrum

2010-01-06T21:28:18Z

Alan Sugar: /* Reviews / Commercials */

[[Image:cheetah logo.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Company logo]]
[[Image:Amdrum.JPG|thumb|250px|Box and Manual for the Amdrum]]

A drumkit by the British company [[Cheetah]].

The drumkit was able to play 8bit sound samples.

Quality of the playback was nice, considering the time and price.

The samples was read from the suplied tapes.

There was serveral tapes with different themes!.

Along with the Amdrum came a sequencing program.

It was possible to copy the samples to disc, but the sequencing program had to be patched!

Amdrum was probably Cheetahs version of the SpecDrum (As revealed on the PCB "AMSTRAD SPECDRUM")

No CPC emulator supports the Amdrum. To hear 'Amdrum' in action the Spectrum emulator Spectaculator emulates the SpecDrum.

No other software than Cheetahs own sequencer is know to use the Amdrum.

== Technical Specifications ==

The PCB(oneside) contains five chips:

{|{{Prettytable|width: 700px; font-size: 2em;}}
|74LS30N||Port decoding
|-
|74LS32N||Port decoding
|-
|SN74LS04N||?
|-
|064C0P||Amplifier?
|-
|Ferranti ZN428E-8||8bit DAC
|}

The Amdrum probably uses port #FF50 I/O, needs to be confirmed though.

[[Media:ZN428.pdf|Datasheet of the ZN428]]

== Kits ==

=== Afro Kit Covertape ===

<gallery caption="Afro Kit Covertape - Instructions">

Image:Afro Kit 1.jpg|Afro Kit Covertape
Image:Afro Kit 2.jpg|Afro Kit Instructions
Image:Afro Kit Errata.jpg|Afro Kit Errata

</gallery>

=== Electro Kit Covertape ===

<gallery caption="Electro Kit Covertape - Instructions">

Image:Electro Kit 1.jpg|Electro Kit Covertape
Image:Electro Kit 2.jpg|Electro Kit Instructions

</gallery>

=== Latin Kit Covertape ===

<gallery caption="Latin Kit Covertape - Instructions">

Image:Latin Kit 1.jpg|Latin Kit Covertape
Image:Latin Kit 2.jpg|Latin Kit Instructions

</gallery>

== Tapes ==

=== Amdrum Tape ===

<gallery caption="Amdrum Tape">

Image:Amdrum Tape A.jpg|Amdrum Tape side A
Image:Amdrum Tape B.jpg|Amdrum Tape side B

</gallery>

=== Afro Kit Tape ===

<gallery caption="Afro Kit Tape">

Image:Afro Kit Tape A.jpg|Afro Kit Tape side A
Image:Afro Kit Tape B.jpg|Afro Kit Tape side B

</gallery>

=== Electro Kit Tape ===

<gallery caption="Electro Kit Tape">

Image:Electro Kit Tape A.jpg|Electro Kit Tape side A
Image:Electro Kit Tape B.jpg|Electro Kit Tape side B

</gallery>

=== Latin Kit Tape ===

<gallery caption="Latin Kit Tape">

Image:Latin Kit Tape A.jpg|Latin Kit Tape side A
Image:Latin Kit Tape B.jpg|Latin Kit Tape side B

</gallery>

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="AMDRUM">
Image:Amdrum1.jpg|
Image:Amdrum2.jpg|
Image:Amdrum inside1.jpg|Component side
Image:Amdrum inside2.jpg|"AMSTRAD SPECDRUM"
Image:Amdrum screen shot 1.gif|Screen shot
Image:Amdrum screen shot 2.gif|Screen shot
Image:Amdrum_1.jpg|Box
Image:Amdrum_2.jpg|Amdrum inside box
</gallery>

== Manual ==

* [[Media:Amdrum Manual.pdf|Amdrum Manual]] (pdf)

== Reviews / Commercials ==

<gallery caption="Commercials for the Amdrum">
Image:amdrum commercial.jpg|Commercial for Amdrum
Image:Amstrad Computer User8610028.jpg|Review of the Amdrum in [[Amstrad Computer User]]
Image:Amstrad Computer User8610029.jpg
Image:Amstrad Computer User8610030.jpg
</gallery>

== Weblinks ==

[http://www.engadget.com/2005/10/28/music-thing-the-zx-spectrum-specdrum-module/ Site about the SpecDrum]

[http://www.crashonline.org.uk/27/specdrum.htm Review of the Spectrum version]

[http://www.worldofspectrum.org/hardware/feat42.html Another review]

== Other playback devices ==

[[Music Machine]],[[Digiblaster]]

== Videos ==

A presentation(from around 1985) of the ZX Spectrum version of the Amdrum(Specdrum), also mention of the upcomming Amstrad CPC version

{{#ev:youtube|m6R_W9CZWGU|200}}

== Download ==

* [[Media:Amdrum.zip|Amdrum.zip]] (CDT for Emulators)
* [[Media:Amdrum Afro Kit.zip|Amdrum Afro Kit.zip]] (CDT for Emulators)
* [[Media:Amdrum Electro Kit.zip|Amdrum Electro Kit.zip]] (CDT for Emulators)
* [[Media:Amdrum Latin Kit.zip|Amdrum Latin Kit.zip]] (CDT for Emulators)

[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Music and sound]] [[Category:Manual]][[Category:Video contents]]