CPCWiki forum

I've gotten a bit curious about the Digiblaster expansion.
  So I looked at the schematics. It seems relative simple.
So I guess the only way of getting myself a Digiblaster, is to build it myself?
  How many here has a Digiblaster for your real CPC? Do you know of anyone I can pay to make it for me (because I'm lazy)?

EDIT: Adding link to schematics.
http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Digiblaster_howto

I voted " No dude, but I'd like to have it!"
I've not got ANY expansions for my CPCs except an Amstrad FD-1.There's so much that I want to get for the CPC too, but never see/hear of much expansion wise.

I'm in the process of building one.


Let's see if I can do it right!  8)

woody.cool, I'm using a CPC464 too. I also only had the FD-1 external drive at first. But then I managed to build myself a 3.5" drive, and later bought a 64k expansion. So now I have a CPC464 with 128k, 2 disk-drives and tape station.  :) I prefer to stick with the 464 because it's the one I grew up with.

robcfg, I have the centronics plugs, so I only need to buy the components. But I never know how to assemble the components. I should probably buy one of those printboards that's full of holes, but I've never really gotten the grasp of electronics, even though I've been very interested.

We ought to have an electronics-dude here at the forum, that we can pay for doing projects like this for us.  :)

For now I've written octoate asking him if he's interested in selling his old Digiblaster he made for his CPC464 long time ago. If he isn't interested in selling, and if you manage to make your own, then you should start a small production line for this thread.  8) hehe

Quote from: mr_lou on 11:19, 24 May 10
woody.cool, I'm using a CPC464 too. I also only had the FD-1 external drive at first. But then I managed to build myself a 3.5" drive, and later bought a 64k expansion. So now I have a CPC464 with 128k, 2 disk-drives and tape station.  :) I prefer to stick with the 464 because it's the one I grew up with.

I have a CPC6128 as well as a CPC464. I grew up with the CPC6128, but prefer the CPC464 because on the odd occasion that I use tapes, they are far more reliable in the internal tape deck of the CPC464 than an external player of a CPC464.

 

QuoteI should probably buy one of those printboards that's full of holes

That's exactly what I've got  ;)

I voted for "Yup, I made it myself!"

I built it in the 90s. Sad that I lost it :(

Digiblaster is really very simple to build.
Perhaps someone could improve it to get stereo sound?
(use 2 ports instead of 1?)
Could be done by exact port number.
Digiblaster uses the printer port which has range between EF00 and EFFF.
Perhaps this could be splitted?

I made my own. I made a PCB layout for Centronics Port, still have it somewhere I'm sure. I'll upload it if anyones interested in etching the boards.

Bryce.

Just a question concerning those additionnal Sound cards :

Do they add a channel ?
Does the jack output features the normal sound signal (the 3 AY channels) + the extra channel ? (mixed) or do you have to pass through and Hi-Fi mixer ?

I know the speech synthe are some thing like that, but more as some kind of programmable pseudo MIDI stuff...
This one add 8bit samples so you have to put direct datas instead of instructions to a special vocal synthetizer.
Yet the advantage : it can pass through the printer port, so in fact you "print" the sample...

Is it better CPU-wise to use this ?

Another advantage is that you keep you extention port free for other stuff (better mass-repartition on the ass of your Amstrad...lol...).

Quote from: MacDeath on 18:21, 24 May 10
Do they add a channel ?
Does the jack output features the normal sound signal (the 3 AY channels) + the extra channel ? (mixed) or do you have to pass through and Hi-Fi mixer ?

As far as I understand, it only gives you an additional feature, of being able to playback sampled music, like MOD files on the Amiga.
The Digiblaster outputs only sampled music. AY-sounds still comes from the standard output plug, not from Digiblaster.
However, I think it would be relatively easy to connect the AY-output to the Digiblaster, so that you only have 1 general output for both sound types.

Quote from: MacDeath on 18:21, 24 May 10
Is it better CPU-wise to use this ?

As far as I understand, using Digiblaster (sampled music) is actually rather harsh on the CPU. Devilmarkus tells me it takes about 96% of the CPU. But I'm thinking, that doesn't matter if it's used for background music in a game-menu.

Quote from: MacDeath on 18:21, 24 May 10
Another advantage is that you keep you extention port free for other stuff (better mass-repartition on the ass of your Amstrad...lol...).

That's true! I thought so too.

Playing samples is heavy for CPU.Do not dream , it is not possible to play a game and to play digiblaster (or samples) in the same time as they eat almost all CPU time.

You can't feed the normal AY sounds into a digiblaster. The digiblaster is nothing but an extremely simple digital to analogue converter. Send values to the printer port and it creates analogue levels according to the value sent. This is obviously more taxing on the CPU, because you literally "build" the values of the output curve with digital values. Definitely not something you can do in the background.

Bryce.

Well I didn't have the patience to wait for Octoates reply, so I've ordered the parts now.
Then time will tell if I manage to build the thing.

How's it going with you robcfg?  :)

Quote from: mr_lou on 21:27, 24 May 10
Well I didn't have the patience to wait for Octoates reply, so I've ordered the parts now.
Then time will tell if I manage to build the thing.

Sorry, my mail queue is still growing and I am not the fastest one to answer, but I wouldn't sell it anyway. It's so simple to build and very cheap that it won't make any sense to sell it.

Quote from: Octoate on 23:37, 24 May 10
Sorry, my mail queue is still growing and I am not the fastest one to answer, but I wouldn't sell it anyway. It's so simple to build and very cheap that it won't make any sense to sell it.

Surely that would depend on what I'd be willing to pay?  ;)
Anyway, I'm not complaining about your response time. I'm merely acknowledging my own impatience.  :)

It might be simple to build for some, but I'm sure that for others it's a complex task. From finding the parts, to assembling them. Otherwise we'd all have one.  8)

And we should all have one, shouldn't we? The poll seems to indicate so at least.


Anyway, I have a question about Digiblaster playback. When I listen to MDL files using standard AY output, I've noticed that volume commands from the MOD are ignored. Are they also ignored when using Digiblaster output? Is this a general limitation with sampled sound on the CPC, or only when using AY output?



EDIT:
MacDeath: I've just seen the demo  Digital  Orgasm (http://www.prodatron.net/files/prodatron/digitalorgasm.zip), which uses sampled music. And despite of this, lots of  things are going on on the screen. That's impressive I think. (Even  more so that it runs on my CPC464 (128k / CRTC2)).

The digiblaster sound output is seperate from the AY.

It is possible to play digiblaster at the same time as AY but to get best effect you would need to mix them externally to the CPC using extra hardware. They both have their own outputs.

Playing a digiblaster tune does take a lot of CPU power. It would not be possible to play digiblaster in a game.
A demo can do it because the play routine has been patched and the effects have been squeezed into the very little spare time.
The whole demo has been "cycle counted" so that everything runs and the music plays ok.

In a game you don't have that luxury because cycles change as things change on screen, and in addition because the digiblaster is not interrupt driven you can't play it interrupted and must use the cpu to time data sent to it.

However, having a sampled tune in a title screen or something similar is a good alternative, or pausing the game to play it.

Now this is where the kc compact is good, you can reprogram the interrupts and here, digiblaster could be played while a game is running.

EDIT: My digiblaster was given to me already constructed, but I also bought some parts to build my own.

Quote from: arnoldemu on 09:45, 25 May 10
The digiblaster sound output is seperate from the AY.

It is possible to play digiblaster at the same time as AY but to get best effect you would need to mix them externally to the CPC using extra hardware. They both have their own outputs.

That's what I thought! So indeed that does mean that we can make a music-disk with 6-channel music.  :)
The player routines just have to be merged. E.g. the player routine for an MDL file + the player routine for a STarKos track.
First create a 3-channel MDL file using Digitracker, then a 3-channel SKS file using STarKos (or Arkos Tracker), and then play both tracks at the same time. Could be groovy.  8)
The Digiblaster just has to be built with an extra jack-input plug, so that you can connect the output of the AY into the input of the Digiblaster, so that the output of the Digiblaster contains both outputs.  :) Kinda like the sound from the Amiga 500 goes into the TV-modulator using a Y-cable.

Who can make a player-routine that takes care of playing an MDL and SKS file at the same time?

Quote from: arnoldemu on 09:45, 25 May 10
However, having a sampled tune in a title screen or something similar is a good alternative, or pausing the game to play it.

That's what I think yes. I vote that everyone gets a Digiblaster, and future games uses sampled music in the title screen more often.  :)

Quote from: arnoldemu on 09:45, 25 May 10
EDIT: My digiblaster was given to me already constructed, but I also bought some parts to build my own.

Those who has extra Digiblasters should sell 'em to one of the many who voted "No dude, but I'd like to have one".  ;)

Ok, it seems that quite a few people chose the "No dude, but I'd like to have one", I'll see what it would cost to make a small batch of them (Centronics only though) and get back to you with a price. Who's REALLY interested, or did you all just click it, but not really want one?

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 11:56, 25 May 10
Who's REALLY interested, or did you all just click it, but not really want one?

You can't ask a question like that.
You'll have to put up a price, and ask who's interested enough to pay that amount + shipment.
I've just ordered the parts, so I know that the parts alone is about at least 10 euro. It will probably take you at least 1 hour to built and test. How much is your time worth an hour?  ;)

I'm gonna try and see if I can built one myself, now that I've ordered the parts. I was thinking about trying to put it inside my CPC, since I never use the printerport for anything anyway. And then hook the output up to the existing jack output.  8)
Not sure if it's a good idea yet, but it sure sounds groovy, doesn't it? hehe

How much is my time worth? You can't ask a question like that! :D If that was a factor, I wouldn't be able to supply them at any reasonable price. The price also depends on how many people want them. It's less time and effort to make a batch of say 10 parts, than it is to make them singly, so I would only make one batch. The component prices won't change much for such a small batch, so yes, I presume the parts would cost about 10€ per Digiblaster. But I can't offer 3 or 4 different types, the choice of Internal / external / English / German / Plus versions will have to be decided collectively. A plus version would probably make most sense, as you can connect it to a normal CPC with a printer cable. The english version is probably a no-go, because I doubt I can source those edge connectors any more. Or I could just offer the bare board (components but no connector) and let the user connected as he/she sees fit.

Bryce.

Luckily I managed to save a lot of those edge connectors from my girlfriend's fathers basement, before he cleaned it up and threw a lot of old hardware out. There was a bunch of those connectors from old PC floppy cables.  :)

Since my CPC's has those edge connectors, I'm not in your target group. But in my opinion, I think you should make a poll, asking how many is interested in buying one with centronics plug, and put an estimated price too.
I also think you should add an input plug from the AY-output, so that people don't have to switch plugs when switching between games/demos that uses AY-output / Digiblaster output.

A little question about that: Since the Digiblaster output is mono, it would probably render the AY-output mono as well, if we just connect the two outputs together, right? But can that be prevented by using 2 diodes to split the Digiblaster output into stereo before connecting with the AY-output?

I'm planning on either using a little stereo jack to stereo jack cable from AY-output to Digiblaster input, to mix the outputs, so that I don't have to switch between the AY-output and Digiblaster output manually all the time. Or else just solder everything together inside my CPC, to achieve the same effect, only more compact.  :)

You'll probably have to make some sort of mixer arrangement, with "dual-mono" from the digiblaster being mixed with the AY output. Haven't checked exactly what the AY output signal looks like, but a few diodes might be enough.

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 12:58, 25 May 10
You'll probably have to make some sort of mixer arrangement, with "dual-mono" from the digiblaster being mixed with the AY output. Haven't checked exactly what the AY output signal looks like, but a few diodes might be enough.

That's what I hope. But how to mix 2 signals otherwise? A small circuit needed?

The proper way would be to use a pair of op-amps with some balancing and gain feedback resistors and a capacitor or two to filter out the DC, but that's getting too complicated. The easiest (cheap and nasty) way is to balance the signal with two resistors (in line with each input signal) or maybe use potentiometers so that you can balance the two inputs to the same volume level.

Bryce.

Or was that complete "spanish" ?

Hmm... well, I'm no electronics expert. I'm just enthusiastic.  ;)

Found this when googling. http://www.all-electric.com/schematic/simp_mix.gif

Don't you agree, that if you're about to make a batch of new Digiblasters, they should mix the AY-output into 1 general output? Wouldn't that make the Digiblaster more attractive in the future?

I might attempt to build-in such a mixer in my own Digiblaster somehow.

Ok, here's a picture (they tell a thousands words I'm told :) )

The Potentiometer is a dual channel type (hence the dotted line), so that you adjust right and left channels together. The value should probably be around 1K (just guessing, would have to calculate properly).

Yes an input from the AY would be a nice addition, just it adds to the cost.

Bryce.

Shouldn't there be a diode on each AY-input channel, to prevent AY from going mono?

EDIT: (Or should those diodes be on the Digiblaster output instead?)

So what's the price on a Digiblaster device with built-in AY-input and mixer? It should be put in a nice little box too of course.  :)

When the signal has passed through half of the variable resistor, it has the choice of going through the speaker (approx. 8 Ohms) or back through the other half of the variable resistor and back into the AY (relatively huge resistance). Like many humans, signals also like to take the path of least resistance ie: through the speaker, so the signal goes where it's supposed to without the need of a diode.

Bryce.

Hm. But what I mean is, that the AY-left is connected to the Digiblaster mono-out on the diagram. The AY-right is also connected to the Digiblaster mono-out. In short that means, that the AY-left is connected to the AY-right, which in my head means that AY-output becomes mono.
To prevent this, I would put a diode on each of the two Digiblaster outputs, so that AY-right and AY-left can't possible  be connected. Are you still saying that's not necessary?

What sense makes the Digiblaster?
Remember Wings Of Death/Atari ST...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXokFFlROfM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXokFFlROfM)

or Turrican/Atari ST...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_Y_5gnY68A&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_Y_5gnY68A&feature=related)




...it sounds wonderful WITHOUT any expansion.
Is the Z80 strong enough to do it the same way like the ST?
If so, take advantage of the AY and forget the Digiblaster.

If I remenber correctly, the ST had kind of a trick to use digidrums, that is a form of sampled sound, so it wasn't done only with the AY chip.

Quote from: Leonie on 23:00, 25 May 10
What sense makes the Digiblaster?
Remember Wings Of Death/Atari ST...
...it sounds wonderful WITHOUT any expansion.
Is the Z80 strong enough to do it the same way like the ST?
If so, take advantage of the AY and forget the Digiblaster.

It is explained here:
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Digiblaster_howto (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Digiblaster_howto)

Amiga and the likes has internal D/A converters. And the Digiblaster is actually just a D/A converter for the CPC.  ;)
That's why.

Quote from: robcfg on 23:25, 25 May 10
If I remenber correctly, the ST had kind of a trick to use digidrums, that is a form of sampled sound, so it wasn't done only with the AY chip.

On a standard STFM, you only have AY, so what they did was mix the samples (8-bit unsigned), and then using a lookup table worked out volume values for each of the 3 AY channels. Then sent those. So they had better sample resolution by using 3 channels at the same time.
They also had a programmable interrupt timer so they also had the freedom to allow the cpu to do other tasks.

The STE had extra hardware that could play sample data directly (8-bit or 16-bit, mono or stereo) from a a buffer in memory automatically and signalled when it had done. (DMA sound playback)

Were you thinking more of the STE?

@Mr Lou,
        In the circuit I posted, the output will be dual mono from the digiblaster and normal stereo from the AY. Although they seem to be connected, the path between the left and right channels are kept seperated by the variable resistor, so to answer your question: No, you don't need any additional diodes and will still have stereo AY output.

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 10:14, 26 May 10
In the circuit I posted, the output will be dual mono from the digiblaster and normal stereo from the AY. Although they seem to be connected, the path between the left and right channels are kept seperated by the variable resistor, so to answer your question: No, you don't need any additional diodes and will still have stereo AY output.

Ok thanks. As you can see my knowledge is very limited (which is also why I prefer having someone else build my stuff)  :-X

Anyway, you say that potentiometer probably must be about 1k, but that you should calculate to get a precise value. Would you mind calculating so we can have the correct value? :-)

Any progress in finding an estimated price for those interested in buying?  :)

Quote from: mr_lou on 10:55, 26 May 10
Anyway, you say that potentiometer probably must be about 1k, but that you should calculate to get a precise value. Would you mind calculating so we can have the correct value? :-)

A potentiometer with 1,2k or 900ohms would work, too ;)

@Markus: Did you just pull those figures out of a hat? Or did you actually do the maths?

@Mr Lou: 1K is 99% most likely correct, but you will have to remove the 470 Ohm resistor from the Digiblaster output. To be 100% sure I would have to measure the peak output of both the AY output and the digiblaster. That could take a while as I don't have a fully constructed CPC at the moment.

Bryce.

Edit: just looking at the digiblaster circuit (v2): The 22µf capacitor seems to be a tad high? Not sure whether the author chose it because it was what he had lying around or whether there was good reason for it. Such a high value may slightly distort higher frequencies. A smaller value (maybe around 100nf) may improve the sound quality.

Then designing a version with an input so you can connect the sound output of the CPC on it (a minijack cable) is more than needed, or it simply makes no sense IMO.
Also 8 bit samples must actually make a good amount of Datas...perhaps depending on the "speedclock" ...er...frequency of such signal...

Quote from: Bryce on 11:49, 26 May 10
1K is 99% most likely correct, but you will have to remove the 470 Ohm resistor from the Digiblaster output.
...
A smaller value (maybe around 100nf) may improve the sound quality.

Two good things to know!  :)
But why do I feel you're avoiding the price-question? I think I've asked 3 times now.  :-X

Quote from: MacDeath on 12:30, 26 May 10
Then designing a version with an input so you can connect the sound output of the CPC on it (a minijack cable) is more than needed, or it simply makes no sense IMO.

I vote for the "More than needed" option then.  :)
What makes you think it makes no sense?

Quote from: MacDeath on 12:30, 26 May 10
Also 8 bit samples must actually make a good amount of Datas...perhaps depending on the "speedclock" ...er...frequency of such signal...

Yes, but not necessarily more than the size of an overscan image (just to compare with something).

I've done a lot of experiments on the JavaME platform regarding sampled music too. That platform is mostly limited to MIDI music, but in all secrecy also offers something similar to MODs called MXMF files (Mobile eXtensible Music File). An MXMF file consists of a MIDI track + a corresponding DLS file containing the custom samples.
This format however is also greatly limited, mostly on Sony Ericsson phones, where the samples used in the tune must be max 30kb total - and the MXMF files are always played back in mono.

Squeezing all the samples into 30kb is a tricky challenge, but nevertheless doable. To get an idea of what kind of sound you can get out of 30kb-sample-data, try listening to these MXMF examples on your phone:
- Metal flowers (http://indiegamemusic.com/viewtrack.php?id=372)
- Religions (http://indiegamemusic.com/viewtrack.php?id=84) (I've already tried converting this track to CPC with success as well).
(the built-in player on the phone should handle it, but it does require a phone newer than e.g. SE K800)

The MXMF files are bigger than the 30kb, but that's because the MIDI data within the MXMF file takes up a lot of bytes.
If you're curious about MXMF on mobile phones, here's all my research on the subject (http://www.j2meforums.com/forum/index.php?topic=22589.0).

Wouldn't it be neat to have the Digitracker MDL format (or maybe even STarKos SKS format) added to IndieGameMusic.com for CPC coders to find music for their games?  ;D hehe
I'd do it if enough CPC musicians would add tracks.

 :D I'm not avoiding the question, I just haven't had time to check the prices. The resistors and diodes are a no-brainer, but I'd have to check: A) How many parts could I produce on one PCB  B) The price of the connector  C) the price of the 2 Sockets and a mini-pot (assuming you want the AY throughput)

Bryce.

Edit: Ok, rough estimate: If I made a batch of 8 parts, they would cost 20€ + Postage each. (with AY throughput / two stereo sockets and a centronics connector).

Quote from: Bryce on 15:47, 26 May 10
If I made a batch of 8 parts, they would cost 20€ + Postage each. (with AY throughput / two stereo sockets and a centronics connector).

That seems cheap. Is that including everything? I can create a new poll asking who's interested in buying a Digiblaster for 20 euro + shipment (or you can).

Is there some kind of converter one can buy for other-than-german CPC's? Something that looks kinda like this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Amstrad-Schneider-CPC-6128-664-disk-drive-adaptor-cable-/230471285139?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_VintageComputing_RL&hash=item35a928b993) but for the printer port.

Quote from: Bryce on 11:49, 26 May 10
@Markus: Did you just pull those figures out of a hat? Or did you actually do the maths?

Your circuit looks like a voltage divider.
So it doesnt matter if the potentiometer has exact 1k.
It could also have 2k or 100k.
But it shouldnt have less than 1k+/-10%
And you need both potentiometers the same resistor value, of course.

Quote from: Devilmarkus on 16:38, 26 May 10
And you need both potentiometers the same resistor value, of course.

As far as I understand it's only 1 potentiometer, but it's a dual one.

QuoteWhat makes you think it makes no sense?

It would make no sense to get an audio upgrade if it's more complicated to get it working alongside the built-in audio system...
When doing thing, you have to do them correctly. ;)

QuoteIf I made a batch of 8 parts, they would cost 20€ + Postage each.

Pre-assembled or as a "solder-it-yourself-you-lazy-morons!!!" kits ? (humor intended...)
The Kit "sounds" good to me, I mean soldering some components on a board is not that hard and would waste your time.


Concerning the 8bit samples Datas, I suppose there may be some kind of Data compression, yet it may add some weight to the CPU work...


I'm soon to get a Breadboard...you know, the stuff allowing to make prototype montages and so on...
And my brother is soon to get a board to program microcontrollers... could be great if I can get some ACID erzatz with this...

@Markus: It looks like a voltage divider, but it's not one. It's a balance of two separate inputs, so if the value is too high, both sources will have very low (or zero) volume. If the value is too low, the balancing effect won't work.

The other option could be to put a 37way Sub-D connector on the board so that you can connect it to your CPC via a printer cable, or leave the connect off completely and let the buyer add the proper connector.

Bryce.

Hmm, if I'd known you'd say that was cheap I would have suggested 30€ :D

If you want to play samples via the AY the main problem is the amount of CPU-Power it needs.
So I don´t understand why an audio-expansion like Digiblaster needs CPU-Power.
That´s ridiculous.  ::)

Quote from: Leonie on 17:18, 26 May 10
If you want to play samples via the AY the main problem is the amount of CPU-Power it needs.
So I don´t understand why an audio-expansion like Digiblaster needs CPU-Power.
That´s ridiculous.  ::)

So look @ the digiblaster's schematics.
It's only byte output to speaker. That's all.
Nothing is buffered.
So you need the CPU power to write the bytes fast enough to the printer port.

Quite simple. To create a waveform of any decent resolution, say 4khz, you would need to pull the values from RAM and send them to the printer port at a rate of 4000 per second. Which doesn't leave much overhead to do other things. The higher the sample rate, the faster you need to be sending values. Using the AY normally, you send it a frequency value and the AY creates the waveform without any additional workload for the CPU.

Bryce.

Quote from: MacDeath on 16:50, 26 May 10
Pre-assembled or as a "solder-it-yourself-you-lazy-morons!!!" kits ? (humor intended...)
The Kit "sounds" good to me, I mean soldering some components on a board is not that hard and would waste your time.

I hope it's pre-assembled!
It's pre-assembled, right Bryce?

Quote from: Bryce on 17:07, 26 May 10
The other option could be to put a 37way Sub-D connector on the board so that you can connect it to your CPC via a printer cable, or leave the connect off completely and let the buyer add the proper connector.

Yes... but somehow I think both options would be annoying for people. Too much cable.
The ideal connection would be a box that just clicked on there, just like a RAM expansion.

Quote from: Bryce on 17:07, 26 May 10
Hmm, if I'd known you'd say that was cheap I would have suggested 30€ :D

If you can make a Digiblaster unit, pre-assembled with AY-input-through (meaning a female mini-jack input plug on the side of the box or else a cable with a male mini-jack sticking out of the box), for 20 euro, then I would think most people would buy.
But what's included in these 20 euro?
You assemble it?
Is there a box around it? (not too big I hope)

Yes, that's assembled of course (with two female audio sockets), but without a housing. The circuit board is so small, it hardly justifies a box. I estimate the PCB would be the exact width of the connector (50mm) and about 25mm deep. If I build it with SMD parts it could be even smaller.

Bryce.

That sounds great!

All that's left to do then, is to make a poll asking how many wants to buy one for 20 euro + shipment.

I'll leave that up to you.

Haven't heard the thundering of feet just yet. If anyone want's one, then post a reply here...

Btw, I just threw together a sample layout for the standard Digiblaster v2 without AY throughput, mounted directly onto the back of the connector. It would be 43mm x 34mm...

If you want a scaled copy to use, let me know...

Bryce.

Would you also build it with a centronics plug for CPC 6128 (german) and CPC+ ?
If yes, I want one...

Quote from: Bryce on 18:20, 26 May 10
Haven't heard the thundering of feet just yet. If anyone want's one, then post a reply here...

Don't expect people to pm you about it. I really think you should start an "ordering" thread. This thread has become too long anyway.
(If you don't, I will)  :D

Quote from: Devilmarkus on 18:29, 26 May 10
Would you also build it with a centronics plug for CPC 6128 (german) and CPC+ ?
If yes, I want one...

The centronics variant is the only one he has planned.

@Bryce
If/when you create an ordering poll with the question "Would you  like to buy a Digiblaster from me for 20 euro + shipment", you should  add two choices:
1) Yes, I'd buy one with centronics plugs
2) Yes, I'd buy one with edge-connector

That way we can get an idea of separate interest.

Yeah, but you're kind of missing the point. You see, I'm not out looking for customers, I've more than enough to do, and I'm certainly not going to start chasing people for interest. If they are interested enough to want one they can have one, ie: let me know. I you want to start a poll, by all means.

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 19:03, 26 May 10
Yeah, but you're kind of missing the point. You see, I'm not out looking for customers, I've more than enough to do, and I'm certainly not going to start chasing people for interest. If they are interested enough to want one they can have one, ie: let me know. I you want to start a poll, by all means.

Oh, I thought it was about finding at least 8 people before you were interested in beginning the whole process...

I don't mind building them for people, if the interest is there. But it's not like I want to start a business doing it. I'll gladly do it as a favour for those you don't think they are up to it themselves. That's all.

Bryce.

I'd buy one fore sure...

I understand all you say, but in the end having people preordering would help you cover the costs, no?

I'll add you to the list.... 2 :)

Bryce.

Put me too on the list if it's possible.

thanks.

Me, too PLEASE :)

1x German Centronics:  GND not connected to Pin9 (8bit port mod)
AY Input / throughput: Yes

Ok, that's 4 now (5 actually). Ok, it's time to decide exactly what gets delivered.

Choices:

Connector: a) None b) English c) German d) CPC Plus ?

AY Input / throughput: Yes / No ?

Let me know your thoughts on the matter...

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 11:39, 27 May 10
Ok, that's 4 now (5 actually). Ok, it's time to decide exactly what gets delivered.

Busy man all the sudden? hehe
I managed to cancel my order at the shop, so I'm "shopping" at "Bryce's" as well now.  :)

Quote from: Bryce on 11:39, 27 May 10
Connector: a) None b) English c) German d) CPC Plus ?

I vote that the standard plug will be centronics. And then you can ship some without a plug for those who wants an edge connector. My reason for this opinion is, that most people probably has edge connectors from old floppy cables lying around, and they are easy to cut and solder onto a board. I have a feeling it's easier than adding your own centronics plug anyway.

But why are you asking about CPC plus? Aren't the plus already able to play sampled sounds?

Quote from: Bryce on 11:39, 27 May 10
AY Input / throughput: Yes / No ?

Definitely yes! For two reasons:
1) I suspect we might be able to make one or more 6-channel music demo later on. ;-) Could be awesome.
2) No switching plugs all the time

Yes, but I'm not sure whether digiblaster software is compatible with the CPC+ sampling hardware, so I thought I'd add the option.

I've managed to source quite a few edge connectors too now, and I think I might be able to come up with a layout that can use either centronics or edge connectors, so I think both should be possible to order.

I'll let you know when I've finished the layout and get a final confirmation of "who wants what" before I fire up the "Acme Circuit Board Machine" :)

Bryce.

Edit: I'd like to fine tune the Digiblaster if possible, what is the best sample / demo with the best quality, to guage my readings on?

I also want one ;)

Edit: You should also add a volume potentiometer (I saw in v2 it's removed)

Quote from: Bryce on 12:43, 27 May 10
Yes, but I'm not sure whether digiblaster software is compatible with the CPC+ sampling hardware, so I thought I'd add the option.

On the CPC+ it has a command-list that it reads from ram at HSYNC time. this tells it to interrupt, repeat or write data to ay registers.

So the digiblaster is theoretically compatible with the CPC+... although I read somewhere that the printer port on the CPC+ is not updated as frequently as on the CPC (something like 100 times a second), so digiblaster may not work on this?

About finetuning:
I could send a few converted MDL's + digitracker.
So you could compare them with original Amiga MOD's
Perhaps this would help?

Quote from: Bryce on 12:43, 27 May 10
I've managed to source quite a few edge connectors too now, and I think I might be able to come up with a layout that can use either centronics or edge connectors, so I think both should be possible to order.

I'll let you know when I've finished the layout and get a final confirmation of "who wants what" before I fire up the "Acme Circuit Board Machine" :)

That's cool! Great news.

Edge-connector for me please.

Wouldn't it be easier to create a poll then, so you can get a clear overview of "who wants what"?

Yeah, but then I'd have to go to the bother of finding out how to create a poll :D

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 13:26, 27 May 10
Yeah, but then I'd have to go to the bother of finding out how to create a poll :D

You can also use the old fashioned way: Write down on a piece of paper who wants what. ;)
So far people didn't know they had to tell you what kind of plug they needed, so you might need to pm them the question.

Looking forward to hearing about the progress with Digiblaster v3, and subsequently make some music with it.

Hi all,
         I just tried out Digi-Track with the Digiblaster and have discovered a slight issue with the AY throughput idea.
As you can see in the diagram below, the sound output from the CPC (3.5mm Socket) has a fixed and limited output level (Limited by R117 - R120), this is meant to be fed into an active speaker or amplifier. The Digiblaster on the other hand has a passive speaker level output (ie: 10 times louder than the AY output). To implement AY throughput, I need to get them to the same level as each other. To do this I could:

A) Add an op-amp and associated components, which means the circuit would then need a voltage source AND the price would go up considerably.

B) Throttle the output of the Digiblaster, which would not only have a negative effect on the quality, but also mean that an active speaker or amplifier would be required to hear anything (which the original digiblaster didn't need)

C) Forget about the AY throughput and go back to the original digiblaster design, with just a few modifications to improve the quality.

or

D) You all de-solder the 10K and 22K resistors in your CPCs and replace them with 1K and 2.2K resistors :D

What's the preferred solution?

Bryce.

P.s. I'd forgotten how impressive this little circuit is. I was newly impressed by the samples Markus sent me :)

Bummer.

I see no other solution than C
We forget about the AY-throughput.  :'(

(But I want it next year in April then  ;) )

But wait... you say that Digiblaster signal is already amplified? Does that mean I can't use Digiblaster with my regular speakers with built-in amplifier that I currently use?

It's not exactly "amplified", it's just that the signal is created out of several 5V signals strapped together, so the voltage is naturally higher than a normal audio output. You can still use the active speakers, but you need to keep the volume close to zero. Lowering the 470 Ohm resistor (on V2) will lower the output volume, if it is too high.

The "April" addition could still have AY throughput, but then it already has the voltage and amplifiers required ;)

Bryce.

I've been thinking....   (yes, I do that sometimes).

I'd like to know what the price would be for option A.

Because... if we don't have AY-through, it will be come quite annoying loading games that has Digiblaster music in the gamemenu, and AY-music while playing.
I surely don't want to switch plugs to my speakers all the time. Do you?

EDIT: Switch plugs and adjust volume...

Option A would add around 10€ to the price and mean that you'd need to connect it to the 5V source too.

Bryce.

30 euro + shipment would be ok for me.

But the additional PSU needed would be a drag.

Any chance we can use the CPC PSU for the Digiblaster, and then have a cable from the Digiblaster to the CPC? So that only 1 PSU is needed to power both the Digiblaster and CPC?
Would that be 32 euro then?

I don't mean a separate PSU, just an inline connection between the monitor and the CPC on the 5V line.
(It would still be 30€ :) )

Bryce.

What do you think about using a power connection like the SD-HxC Interface's one?
So users wouldn't need further cables...

Quote from: Bryce on 23:37, 28 May 10
I don't mean a separate PSU, just an inline connection between the monitor and the CPC on the 5V line.
(It would still be 30€ :) )

Groovy! Well, I'll have me one of those then, with edge connector.  :)

Gimme ya paypal addy so I can transfer the funds.

Quote from: CPCIak on 15:27, 30 May 10
What do you think about using a power connection like the SD-HxC Interface's one?
So users wouldn't need further cables...

I think that's kinda what he's going to do. It's going to be like his mouse project. Power comes from the monitor (or another PSU if you're using e.g a TV), into the Digiblaster, and then there's a wire from the Digiblaster which goes into the CPC.

(http://www.octoate.de/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/PS2Mouse.jpg)

Hi all,
      at the weekend I finished the Digiblaster III design and built one to try out. I had intended building four of them, but I was overcome by a serious case of "stupid", which involved a) losing an entire bag of 10K resistors (no idea how I did this, but they are gone) and b) realising that the layout won't fit on the edge connector version (the board protrudes too far down)  :-[ Anyway, here's some pictures of the centronics version. I have enough material (when I find the 10K resistors) to make four of these and I will get around to making an edge connector version later this week.

So what's different between the Digiblaster II and version III ? For a start, I've added a line-in connector, so that you can feed the CPCs AY output through it so that everything comes out the one set of speakers. The Digiblaster now outputs dual-mono and the AY output remains stereo. The other change I've made was to make it REALLY linear. The original Digiblaster (and version II) used binary weighting to perform the DAC, this has several issues: For a start it means buying loads of different and uncommon value resistors. Secondly it's almost impossible to get the values correct, so that Bit 2 is exact 2x bit 1 and so on. And thirdly, the output impedance varies depending on the binary value. So instead I've used an R2R network, which solves all of these issues. The variable resistor you can see at the bottom is to balance the Digiblasters output with the AY output, so that they all have the same volume. The output signal is at line-out level, so it should be connected to a set of active stereo speakers.

Whoever wants one of the centronics ones let me know. They are 20€ plus 4€ post if you are in Europe.
I'll put the schematics and layout details on the Wiki later, for anyone who wants to build it themselves.

Bryce.

I'd like to buy one Centronics version!

And I'd like to buy one Centronics version too.

Hi all,
     I got busy last night and built another 3 Digiblasters. Those who have already ordered and paid (You know who you are) should receive them within the next few days. Edge-Connector versions will take a couple more days, sorry :(

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 08:34, 23 June 10
I got busy last night and built another 3 Digiblasters.

That's great news!  :)

Quote from: Bryce on 08:34, 23 June 10
Edge-Connector versions will take a couple more days, sorry :(

That's terrible news!  :'(


Oh well, I'll live... Take your time, no rush.

Looking forward to hearing some feedback from some of the new Digiblaster v3 owners.  :)

Yeah, sorry about that Mr Lou, you started the request and end up being almost the last person to get one  :(
On top of that I keep getting distracted by good weather, beer and football, which doesn't help progress.

Bryce.

Hi!

Well, the Digiblaster III seems to be a nice piece of hardware. Hope to meet one day a guy with the DIII, because I built myself the original Digiblaster long ago. Would be interresting to compare the "sound" of both versions.

BTW: In case you want to hear some samples on the Digiblaster I, II or III, you can take a look here:
http://www.colorado-boys-muenchen.de/users/futureos/files/Fraktal&StarTrek.zip (http://www.colorado-boys-muenchen.de/users/futureos/files/Fraktal&StarTrek.zip)

and here:
http://www.colorado-boys-muenchen.de/users/futureos/files/MegRyan.zip (http://www.colorado-boys-muenchen.de/users/futureos/files/MegRyan.zip)

In both cases your CPC needs a 512 KB RAM expansion and FutureOS, which you can get here:
http://www.FutureOS.de (http://www.futureos.de)

Enjoy the samples...

Thanks, the difference in sound between V2 and V3 is very little, the changes I made to the resistors improve the linearity and stabilised the output impedance, it also seems to have slightly boosted the bass tones a little (I built a Digiblaster II to compare them). The main difference is the through-put for the AY, which was really asking to be added. I will be adding the schematcis and layouts for V3 to the wiki when I have everything finished, so you can build one yourself and make the comparison, if you like.

Help needed:
I need some support for the edge-connector layout. Problem is I don't own a UK 6128. Can someone in possession of a UK 6128 please measure the dimension 'A' shown below on the badly drawn 6128 profile below, ie: from the desk surface to the edge connector PCB. I need to know how far down the PCB can protrude.

Thanks,
Bryce.

The Digiblaster just arrived today. Thanks a lot Bryce, I'll test it next weekend.

Wow, that was fast, I only brought it to the post office yesterday at 17:00 !!

Let us know you're thoughts and opinion as soon as you've tried it out.

I assume it has arrived in one piece? :D

Bryce.

@ Bryce:
the German 664 has it's edge connectors near at bottom.
So you will have no place free under your edge connector to have PCB here.

The 6128 looks similar.
(Its the German one but you can see clearly the PCB under the centronics connector.)
The UK-CPC has the edge connector here.

Don't worry Bryce - I got it in one piece :D

Maybe you should use a flat cable plus edge connector for 464/664:
http://cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=454.0;attach=276

That's the connector I use, but I will alter the layout slightly to make it similar to the Centronics version. If you check your newly acquired Digiblaster closely, you'll notice the connector is also one that was intended for a flat cable.

Bryce.

Hi all,
      guess who's been a busy bastard industrious person today. Finished the edge-connector layout and produced two boards...
To the two people who ordered edge-connector versions... PM on its way.

Bryce.

Hey Bryce, nice work!

May I order an edge version one?

Sorry for german... miss the english words...

@Bryce: Kannst Du den Drucker-Port eigentlich auch durchschleifen? Das wär mal eine Neuerung, dann muss man nicht immer umstecken.

Hi TFM/FS,
       first (for others) the question asked was whether it would be possible to make a thru-connector for the printer to be connected at the same time.

Answer: Difficult, the resistors pull all the data bits low, so you would need to add an 8-way switch to physically switch from Digiblaster to Printer. 8-way switches aren't common, and 4x 2-way switches would take a lot of space, expensive and be just as much work as disconnecting the printer. I also doubt that many people still print with their CPC? But maybe I'm wrong.

Bryce.

Update:

Just like the German National Football Team, I managed 4 at the weekend :)

And just like the English National Team, I'll be "hitting the post" some time later today :D

(sorry lads, just had to get that one in :) )

As you can see from the picture below, the Edge-connector version has a slightly different layout and is also slightly smaller. Those of you who are expecting one, they should arrive some time later this week.

Bryce.

Quote from: TFM/FS on 20:56, 27 June 10
Sorry for german... miss the english words...

Ja ja, immer diese abgefuckte Englisch-Schreiberei...
Ein Theater ist das!
Wieso lernt der Rest der Welt nicht Deutsch?
Das wäre mal sinnvoll!

BTW: Ich bin der Meinung, dass der Digiblaster ein wenig nackig daherkommt. Mit Gehäuse würde er besser aussehen.

Hi Leonie,
          try to stick with english in the english threads :) Yes it's a bit naked, but it's a lot of work cutting out custom housing from the generic boxes available and that would mean putting the price up quite a bit. It's also a very tight fit on the Edge-connector version, so a box wouldn't fit. If the end user wishes to add a box, they can customise it as they wish. Some people prefer the "naked" look anyway.

Bryce.

Außerdem, bin ich kein Deutscher, kann aber Deutsch sprechen, also hat "Der Rest der Welt" schon angefangen, Deutsch zu lernen :) Und die Engländer... naja, die müssen erst Fußball lernen, danach können die mit Sprachen anfangen :D

It's damn easier to learn english than german, but I'm not good in anything else than the Z80 language. (german translation: Manche Sachen sollte man auch wirklich im deutschen Teil des Formus bequatschen ;-)

Now, back to the Digiblaster. Bryce, do you have plans to make some more of the centronics vesion of the DB-III?

Hi TFM/FS
          unfortunately I've now used up my entire supply of Centronics connectors, so I hadn't intended making any more. I will however put all the plans on the Wiki next week when I have time, so anyone can make one themselves. I have two edge connectors left, but they are promised to others and will be built next week.

Oh, wait, I have a finished circuit board (without components), you can have that if you like, if you have a connector (Schneid-Klemm Typ).

Bryce.

Thanks Bryce,

I'm not in a hurry since I will not see my trusty CPC for another 10.5 months. But if you ever decide to make another mini series of the digiblaster, then count me as customer.

Think it makes sense to wait for some people who want the DB-III, because then the circuit boards may be cheaper to produce.

Hi all,
      to those who are interested in building their own DigiBlaster, I have now added all the required information and track layouts for both the edge and centronics version to the Wikis DigiBlaster page: http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Digiblaster#DigiBlaster_V3

Bryce.

That's sweet Bryce! You've done a great job with this project.

I have a little heads up though.

On CPC464 with expanded memory and/or floppy, there's not enough room to plug in the OUT jack plug. Not a normal one anyway. It has to be one of those 90 degree bend ones then. See picture.

So I'll have to dig up a cable with one of those on.

I tried plugging my speakers to the IN plug instead, and it seemed to play ok though?

Hi Mr_lou,
         glad you like it. I hadn't really thought about the issue of 464 with expansion, becasue I assumed most would be using it on a 6128, but you should be easily able to find a plug that fits in there anyway.

There's no problem using either socket as the output, the only difference between the two sockets is that using the IN means that you're passing the signal through all three capacitors (but this has absolutely no effect on the signal). The two additional capacitors are there to remove the DC "buzz" found sometimes on the AY output.

Hope you're happy with the build and sound quailty otherwise,

Bryce.

Great. Then I'll use the IN plug till I find a cable. I was just out now to the local electronic store, but they were out driving so I didn't get to talk with them.

The Digiblaster v3 is very neat. It kinda clicks on perfectly on my CPC464, and it's neat how little space it actually takes up.

I will start experiment soon, when I get some time. :)

Yeah, I went for a "very low profile" design. On the 6128 it should be similar and also doesn't protrude above the top of the CPCs case.

Looking forward to hearing some "Hits",

Bryce.

I got my cable today. Must say it's neat to not need to switch cable. :)

Yesterday I tried connecting my new Digiblaster v3 to my CPC6128, and found that the music sounds distorted. It's much better on my CPC464. How can this be you think? Something wrong with my CPC6128?

The quality on my CPC464 is decent, although there is noise with low volumes, and playback in general gives a somewhat bubbly sound, as if playback it halted every 100ms for about 3-5ms.
The noise-at-low-volumes is probably just plain 8-bit, but what's with the bubbly sound? Part of Digitracker playback perhaps?

I've also noticed, that when switching between AY-output and Digiblaster output, the music is played at a slightly lower pitch on the Digiblaster than AY-output. This probably means it'll be a bit tricky to playback a STarKos track and a Digitracker track at the same time, while having them both tuned to eachother.
Nevertheless, having a STarKos track + Digitracker track played back at the same time surely must be on the ToDo list. :) We need a coder who can merge the two players somehow.

Oh wait - I was just reading reviews on DealExtreme and then switched pages and for a few secs I was really confused :D

I've just noticed another thing.

When connecting AY-through, and I play something using Digiblaster, then the Digiblaster output is also played in the CPC-speakers. Is this safe? Maybe there should have been some diodes afterall, preventing the signal to go back into the CPC?

Yeah, the Digiblaster sound goes back into the CPC (to the speaker too), but it's not a problem, there's nothing there it can break :)

As far as the bubbly sound is concerned (I think I know what you,re referring to), this seems to be a side effect of how the samples are played by the CPC, not an effect that the Digiblaster could cause.

If the sound seems different on the 6128 you may need to clean the contacts on the 6128 Printer Port? They should sound identical.

Bryce.

Quote from: Bryce on 13:02, 02 July 10
As far as the bubbly sound is concerned (I think I know what you,re referring to), this seems to be a side effect of how the samples are played by the CPC, not an effect that the Digiblaster could cause.
If the sound seems different on the 6128 you may need to clean the contacts on the 6128 Printer Port? They should sound identical.
Bryce.

Further... Which kind of player are U using? And... are U playing AY and DB at the SAME time?

(Never blame the hardwhore if you can blame the softfare, ehh... hardware, software!)

Quote from: TFM/FS on 21:41, 02 July 10
Further... Which kind of player are U using? And... are U playing AY and DB at the SAME time?

I'm using Digitracker, and only Digiblaster output.

Quote from: mr_lou on 06:47, 03 July 10
I'm using Digitracker, and only Digiblaster output.

Hmm, ... Digitracker should be ok... and as long as you only use Digiblaster output the cpu time should be nice.

However, to verify that the issue is not a software problem you can also try the Star Track Sample I made... download:
http://www.colorado-boys-muenchen.de/users/futureos/files/Fraktal&StarTrek.zip (http://www.colorado-boys-muenchen.de/users/futureos/files/Fraktal&StarTrek.zip)

If this also sounds "bubbly" then it's not a software issue. Else if it sounds like it shall do, the problem it not a Hardware issue. (Well, just blame the opposite ;-)

And especially ... GOOD LUCK!!!

Quote from: TFM/FS on 00:53, 05 July 10
However, to verify that the issue is not a software problem you can also try the Star Track Sample I made...

I can't write the DSK with either of the two utilities I'm using.  :(

One just gives med "Bad format", and the other util is complaining a lot more....

MAGIC:    MV - CPCEMU Disk-File
Disk-Info

TRACKS:    80
HEADS:    2
TRACKL:    1300
00: 0-2-9-4E-E5 [1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ]
00: 1-2-9-4E-E5 [1 Could not write sector 1
2 Could not write sector 2
3 Could not write sector 3
4 Could not write sector 4
5 Could not write sector 5
6 Could not write sector 6
7 Could not write sector 7
8 Could not write sector 8
9 Could not write sector 9
]
01: 0-2-9-4E-E5 [1 Could not write sector 1
2 Could not write sector 2
3 Could not write sector 3
4 Could not write sector 4
5 ^C

The problem is that the disk uses a non-amsdos format, so you will also not be able to read it (only with Future OS roms and 3,5" floppy)

TFM means:
Come, get this disk for free and then buy Futore-OS for 99€99 to watch it ;)

Here's the sample:
[youtube=LPYBy-F-8s4]fos[/youtube]

Quote from: mr_lou on 20:07, 07 July 10
I can't write the DSK with either of the two utilities I'm using.  :(

Can you try CPCdiscXP? This works fine.

If no, have you covered the second hole on the disc? Sorry for that, but I've no idea what else it could be.

Quote from: Devilmarkus on 20:14, 07 July 10
The problem is that the disk uses a non-amsdos format, so you will also not be able to read it (only with Future OS roms and 3,5" floppy)

No, that's wrong. The disc has the Vortex standard format, you can read it with XD-DOS, V-DOS and FutureOS.

But this it not the problem! Like I understand it, the problem it writing the disc image to a real 3.5" disc (which shall be DD or have a covered hole). CPCdiscXP (amog others) usually do well.

Quote from: Devilmarkus on 20:14, 07 July 10
TFM means:
Come, get this disk for free and then buy Futore-OS for 99€99 to watch it ;)

Markus, FutureOS is free for everybody - except for you. For you the price is now 999 Euro, but you save the 99 Cents. Isn't that great :-)


Markus, another thing: Your presentation of the sample plays too quick. You can use WinCPC (or even better a real CPC!) to hear it in the correct speed - you Dragonbreed!  :laugh:

Quote from: TFM/FS on 21:51, 07 July 10
Can you try CPCdiscXP? This works fine.

I can try CPCdiscXP later, when I'm less lazy to switch on my Windows machine.

Quote from: TFM/FS on 21:51, 07 July 10
If no, have you covered the second hole on the disc? Sorry for that, but I've no idea what else it could be.

I only use real DD discs.

Today my Digiblaster arrived!
Thanks, Bryce for building it!

It's a bit too large but I had my CPC 6128 on a carpet so it worked good.

I quickly made an audio test.
JavaCPC Digiblaster vs Bryce Digiblaster III

Results:
http://cpc-live.com/Enjoy_The_Silence_Digiblaster.mp3 (Bryce's Digiblaster III)
http://cpc-live.com/Enjoy_The_Silence_JavaCPC.mp3 (Emulated Digiblaster)

Both versions sounds similar, maybe Bryce´s hardware baby sounds slightly better.
Basically, both versions sounds a bit too scratchy.
It sounds like the samplerate isn´t that high.
What is the Digiblaster´s maximum samplerate?

The bit depth will have more of an effect than the frequency, but both together make a huge difference.  The difference between 8-bit and 16-bit at the same frequency for example is huge.  Of course on the CPC both those are much lower, probably 4-bit and 11KHz and some more knowledgeable person will be along with a more definite answer shortly :D

JavaCPC's Digiblaster uses 8bit unsigned.
The frequency depends on the used sample.
(I can't tell you the frequency range, Digiblaster can play)

Quote from: Shredder11 on 11:02, 10 July 10
The bit depth will have more of an effect than the frequency...

Don´t underestimate low samplerates!
16-Bit with a samplerate less than 15 Khz sounds really odd. (let alone 8 Khz or 3 Khz...) 

Quote from: Shredder11 on 11:02, 10 July 10
Of course on the CPC both those are much lower, probably 4-bit and 11KHz...

Yes, samples played via AY-3-8912...
But the Digiblaster offers 8-Bit-Quality, or not?
Is the Digiblaster capable to sound as good as the Amiga´s Paula?


EDIT: @Markus, du hast es bereits erwähnt, also 8-Bit.

@ Markus: That was quick, I only sent it yesterday. And yes... Oops I forgot to mention, that the one I sent you was one of the original prototypes. It protrudes 3mm further down than the final version, so it hits the desktop a little. You can file off about 1.5mm from the bottom (as far as the lowest PCB track), which might be just enough to avoid the clash with the table, if not, a carefully placed Amstrad Action under the CPC should be enough to put things right :D

The DigiBlaster is also 8-bit (unsigned), but the sample rate depends on the software being used, I've no idea what Digitracker or the other packages use though. It can easily handle very low frequencies, but the higher end of the frequency scale will depend on the maximum sample rate.

Bryce.

You can send up to 162 kb/second to the Digiblaster.