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LambdaSpeak Speech Synthesizer, Sample Player, RTC, MP3, Serial Interface, MIDI

Started by LambdaMikel, 08:56, 01 May 17

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LambdaMikel

Updated software. "RTC.BAS" on LS300.dsk shows how to set and use the RTC / calendar / temperature sensor.


LambdaMikel

Here is a demo of the Talking Clock for the CPC (a BASIC program on the LambdaSpeak 3 Software Distribution DSK that uses the RTC):


https://youtu.be/Dsok873zTjM


LambdaMikel

Here is the last of the test videos - this time 115200 serial over FTDI with Linux PC:


https://youtu.be/8MZMzynYyxI
This completes the LambdaSpeak 3.0 tests.



LambdaMikel


LambdaMikel

#405
... this is how your "final prototype / final product" looks like after you listened to the feature requests from  potential users / buyers  ;)   
Thanks for that, @zhulien ! The serial interface / MP3 board option, RTC, and loop back audio into CPC speaker should make a big difference in value for money, glad you suggested it  :)

GUNHED

Now, it's a comprehensive expansion card like the SF3. And both actually fit together very well.  :)
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

LambdaMikel

Thanks @GUNHED , but it doesn't have storage facility or RAM / ROM expansion, and I am not going to add this either. Maybe the little EEPROM could be used to store some data. But the ATmega firmware is full.

I have changed the title of this thread btw to reflect the fact that it is for all CPCs, and more than just a Speech Synth by now.

Somebody suggested though to open up the I2C and SPI capability such that it support arbitrary I2C and SPI devices. The hardware is capable of doing this, but it is not clear to me how a high level API for the CPC to I2C and SPI should look like (maybe similar to UART? send message blocks, buffer them, transmit them). Anyhow, this ATmega is full.

I can offer an alternative firmware for opening up I2C and SPI with a new API at some point though, using the same hardware.

But originally I had though this to be a different project,

http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/cpc-hardware-tinkering-platform/
but nobody seems to be interrested in such a device.

I still think the little click! boards are extremely ingenious and if we can find a generic way of leveraging them for the CPC, it could mean the end of all CPC hardware development  :)

GUNHED

Therefore I like the idea of the combination of SF3 and LambdaSpeak 3. Guess 3 is a good number  ;) :) :) :)
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

LambdaMikel

Happy to say that LambdaSpeak 3 reached its final form and the new version passed all tests  :)
@GUNHED @Bryce @zhulien I will start making them for you now.

If somebody else would like one, please drop me a PM for details. The MP3 and RTC module and the SPO256-AL2 are optional, and they add to the price. I can also solder in pin headers instead of the modules, then one can use DuPont cables to use the serial interface.

Thanks again to all who provided ideas and helped shape the final product, especially @zhulien @GUNHED @bryce.




GUNHED

Excellent! Now is also the time for the wishlist of the community. A 16 KB ROM has quite some space and YOU can tell now what you like to be part of the LambdaSpeak III software RSX library.  :) :) :)
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

LambdaMikel

OK, here is the cost breakdown for LS 3.0

Basic LS 3.0 - no SPO256-AL2, no MP3, no RTC, no LambdaDrum, no Epson board:

       
  • PCB: 8 $
  • CPLD: 8 $
  • ATmega 644 20pu: 8 $
  • other parts: 12 $
  • shipping from the US to Europe: 14 $
Sum: 50 $.

To this, you can add the following options:

       
  • click Epson speech board: 39 $
    (this is not really an option, it is required, but you might already own one)
  • SPO256-AL2 (I only have ~ 5 of these): 35 $
    for authentic SSA1 and DKtronics modes (not emulated)
  • 128 KB EEPROM: 5 $ 
    (required for LambdaDrum - the 4 Channel 16 khz 8Bit PCM Sample Player / Drum Computer)
  • RTC option: 6 $
  • MP3 option: 4 $
So, a "deluxe LS 3.0 with everything" (shown in the pictures) will cost you

50 + 39 + 35 + 5 + 6 + 4 = 139 $.

If someone finds cheaper options for, for example, SPO256-AL2, let me know. The cheapest I found was 35 $ (including shipping).

If you already own a SPO256-AL2 and the click Epson speech board, then it is not too expensive - 65 $.








GUNHED

My personal suggested configuration:

       
  • LS3 board: 50$
  • click Epson speech board: 39 $
  • 128 KB EEPROM: 5 $ 
  • (required for LambdaDrum - the 4 Channel 16 khz 8Bit PCM Sample Player / Drum Computer)
  • RTC option: 6 $
  • MP3 option: 4 $
50 + 39 + 5 + 6 + 4 = 93 $.

But let's ship a bunch of them from USA to Europe, then the price will drop further to about 93$, which is about 84 Euros. That's a decent price for all the functionality.

Now I would volunteer to send LS3 to you all over in Germany/Europe if case LambdaMikel is fine with that.
Maybe it's time to start a list of potential buyers, or is it to early?
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

LambdaMikel

Thanks for the initiative and enthusiasm, @GUNHED !!

It has to be small batches though, because I do not have the capacity to produce a lot of these in a small period of time (and there might not be that many buyers anyhow). But I will publish the Gerbers and Firmware such that others could also build it. I will need to work on the Github site with the info also.

But I guess if we could send over batches of 5 to Germany and then dispatch / distribute from there, that would already reduce postage significantly.

Currently, I am assembling a batch of 6. I would also like to hear from these first customers first before assembling more. Every CPC is different. So @GUNHED and @Bryce and @zhulien and 2 other members will get theirs soon.

LambdaMikel


GUNHED

Very well, guys if you use Gerbers work together to save money.  :)
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)


GUNHED

Great picture! Perfect for the manual.  :)  Ehm... I will do some day.  ;)
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

LambdaMikel

Quote from: GUNHED on 14:34, 05 May 19
Great picture! Perfect for the manual.  :)  Ehm... I will do some day.  ;)
I think the |help command will be perfect for that... with picture of course  :)

GUNHED

http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

LambdaMikel

Getting there... first batch going to be tested tomorrow, shipping probably on Friday if tests go well.
A new era of CPC speech+PCM sound+MP3 begins  :)

GUNHED

The world will never be the same! This is so great for game development!  :)
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

LambdaMikel

Quote from: GUNHED on 17:10, 09 May 19
The world will never be the same! This is so great for game development!  :)


I gladly accept the offer for world leadership, thanks!  ;) :laugh:
Glad I am not getting more likes, otherwise I would have to spend all my evenings soldering these things.
Thank god nobody is interested in it, now I can move on to the next project (hello, TRS-80...)  :D

LambdaMikel

@XeNoMoRPH , I have parts for exactly 1 LS 3 left - are you interested? Since you just bought LS 1.95, your price will be reduced.




Audronic

Quote from: LambdaMikel on 23:26, 09 May 19
I can move on to the next project (hello, TRS-80...)  :D


Which TRS-80 ? Model 1/3/4 CoCo ?


Ray
Procrastinators Unite,
If it Ain't Broke PLEASE Don't Fix it.
I keep telling you I am Not Pedantic.
As I Live " Down Under " I Take my Gravity Tablets and Wear my Magnetic Boots to Keep me from Falling off.

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