YMari - OPL3 Cartridge by Tori / Yogi

[Van]

Here is the 'XEL Standard Audio input' for the R_in and L-IN

 

Audio out.bmp

 

Of course will take some testing to get the levels right but if it looks good to you I'll leave it as is.

Yogi

Edited June 29, 2017 by Van

[Matej]

From PLAYER emails:

 

LGB author of C64 OPL player:

Hi,

Thanks for the info. As for writing a player, I am more interested in technical detailed specification of the module formats capable of carry OPL2/OPL3 tunes, so I can write a player for them in 65xx ASM. For my case it's mainly Commodore 64, but of course Atari cannot be a big problem as the CPU is the same, and if we do an abstraction for module file load, the screen handling (if we need to display something during the playback at least), etc, then at least the very core of the project the player is really the same code, maybe the only difference that what address needed to write to access the OPL chip, but nothing too much different at that layer at least ... However I don't know if there is a good Atari emulator (runs on Linux, I don't use Windows at all, and I never did) which can emulate an OPL chip too. For C64, the VICE can emulate an SFX sound expander cartridge with both of OPL (default) and OPL2 chip on it at least, sadly I do not have that cartridge for real, so I use emulator for the C64 project as well to test ... For the Atari, the situation is "worse" that I never used Atari, not even emulator ... Though, I always thought it's a very nice and 'sexy' series of machines on its 8 bit line, it's a shame I never had/have one But honestly at least I have an 1024ST or so somewhere, but it's totally different story since it's not a 8 bit stuff 65xx but a motorola 68k based architecture already more comparable to the Amiga line if we see that from Commodore terminology at least.

 

ME:

I will write to Altirra Emulator author to include YMari OPL3 cartridge.

Also I will write to Adlibtracker2 author to send me file formats a2m / a2t detailed describtion.

I will donate you with ATARI 800XE + SDdrive + 1x YMari when you will make something for ATARI. Can we meet in Miskolc in future???

(But I have no YMari, still waiting for PCBs and soundchips from manufacturer)

Have a nice day.

Some emulator links: ... (lot of links to ATARI HW books, ASM, DATASHEETS, EMULATORS)

[Matej]

Here is the 'XEL Standard Audio input' for the R_in and L-IN

 

Audio outs.PNG

Audio out.bmp

 

Of course will take some testing to get the levels right but if it looks good to you I'll leave it as is.

Yogi

I can see in my mind golden cinch like on AWE64 was!!!

 

I wrote to author of Adlibtracker2 too to provide us describtion of A2M/A2T file formats...

I think 2x POKEY+OPL3 will be attractive for chipmusicians (non-atari too! from chipmusic.org etc etc)

Edited June 29, 2017 by Matej

[Matej]

Internal webpage detailed A2M/A2T - file formats describtion:

http://adlibtracker.net/files/techinfo.htm

 

Sourcecode:

 

http://www.adlibtracker.net/files/at2_sourcecode_03-06-2017.zip

When XXL or HEAVEN or other scene engineer will do OPL3 A2M/A2T module player for YMari.

I will donate Him/Her with real YM262 OPL3 SB16 like card (ISA or PCI) plus 1x YMari cartridge for testing stuff

in His/Her demoscene laboratory...

Edited June 29, 2017 by Matej

[Van]

So after a few versions and lots of edits here is the, <Ta Da> YAMari 2 XEL !

 

Works out to ~3.8" x ~2.6", ordered a test run with OSH Park

 

Added more filtering to the Vcc rail along with jumper headers for flexible address selection. The SMD OPL3 and YAC are mounted on the bottom side but the rest is thru hole construction.

 

There are extension headers added to one of the M-PBI connectors for a 2x22 header strip, which is really for my own use so it's pretty simple to remove from the production design or just not populate. It allows the choice of a 40p, 34p or 30p cable. I need these options as the Beta XEL board has a 30P M-PBI, the production XEL board will have a 34p and I'm using a 40p header for another prototype project.

 

Space was devoted to allow the Electrolytic Caps to be laid on their sides to minimize the height of the module. The analog section is separated from the digital as much as possible, and I may isolate the GND planes in the next version. There are both top and bottom GND planes and extensive use of vias to couple these planes. The board can be powered by the XEL for both the digital and analog sections or a separate Vcc supply can be used for the analog section.

 

T0ri's Op Amp design has inverting gain control Rs and a filter Caps which I retained, but I added a larger coupling cap and voltage divider to the output as per the MIDIbox design (which doesn't use the Rs and Cs in the feedback). There are also coupling caps and Rs for the XEL mixer stage. I plan on using an MCP 6004 rail to rail op amp, which has better BW response then the TL084 or TL074 when they are operated from a unipolar supply. The values for these components will have to be tested and I may add provisions for trim pots for mixer gain.

 

Yogi

 

[Matej]

So I have wrote to company in European Union how much will YMARI 2.21 cartridge version PCBs cost...

There will be white (normal version) and special edition for audio fanatics red (with golden contacts) - looking like GUS ultrasound (red mask+golden).

I will write prices here when they will answer. Also I have 10x cartridge shell at home so maybe there will be cased versions too.

 

I have wrote to Epi author of ENOtracker for PC. Waiting for reply...

[Van]

UPDATE: Got the OSH Park proto boards in Still waiting on the Yamaha chips, shipped on Jun 23 Anyway, started populating one with the parts I have on hand.

 

A test fitting on the XEL. The YAMari2XEL board overhangs the Beta XEL edge by 1/2", I'll re-position the M-PBI header placement to better match the V1.1 mobo.

 

A side note: in this pix you can see another mod board just above the YAMari, it's a $D2 page decoder. Breaks out the '138 Y2 to a second '138 that decodes $D2 down to 32Byte /CS blocks. The PoKEYs are still visible at $D200 to $D21F but other devices can be positioned in this I/O page such as a Covox at $D280.

 

 

The headers: on the bottom-side is the 2x15 socket for the Beta M-PBI (design is changed to 2x17 header). This socket has long pins so they form the top-side header, Arduino style. There is also a 2x2 RA header to pick up the added 4 signals from the mobo. The blue jumper wires route the additional M-PBI signals to pins on the 2x20 header.

 

 

Top-side: a 2x17 M-PBI header, conforming to the XEL V1.1 design and a 2x20 (30p M-PBI + 10 extra pins, for my own needs). There is an additional 2x5 header to connect additional XEL signals to the 2x20's extra pins.

 

 

I still have to order a few parts but I'll be off line for a week, family event/road trip Hopefully the OPL chips will be waiting for me when I return.

Yogi

[+mytek]

Wow very impressive! This project is moving along at a very good clip. I also like the simple way you implemented the MPBI pass-thru. On the XEL V1.1 board the MPBI has been pushed more towards the right, so that should help you out a bit as well with your space issues.

 

Question (unrelated to your project): did you go back to PH0 buffering and either a 74LS08 or a 74F08? I ask this because as you know Stephen's been having issues doing this on his XEL with the black Candle U1MB.

 

Looking good Yogi.

 

- Michael

[Van]

Wow very impressive! This project is moving along at a very good clip. I also like the simple way you implemented the MPBI pass-thru. On the XEL V1.1 board the MPBI has been pushed more towards the right, so that should help you out a bit as well with your space issues.

 

Question (unrelated to your project): did you go back to PH0 buffering and either a 74LS08 or a 74F08? I ask this because as you know Stephen's been having issues doing this on his XEL with the black Candle U1MB.

 

Looking good Yogi.

 

- Michael

Thanks, have a few more parts to order.

 

I still have the PH0 buffer by-passed. I can revert and try LS and ACT logic, have em OH. But today is kind of busy, getting ready for the trip.

Yogi

[Van]

Look what came in the mail today! Too bad I won't have anytime to play with em for a week, but it's a good sign that the DACs come in the tape reel package, looks like true NOS

 

The OPL3s look legit also, so fingers crossed.

Yogi

[Matej]

Beautiful!I will post my images of XE version gold contacts too soon!

[Van]

Back from vacation last week. So here's an update.

Finished up soldering (will post pixs later) but still need to test the board, will set up a midiBOX Core8 with a test harness to run some tests. Also worked a bit on another board I got in, the cart port switcher, once I got it all setup will open a thread.

 

Decided to tackle an Atari DRO player as a HW demo, OPL files can be easily produced with DOSbox and should work with ScreamTarcker or AT][ or what have you. Wanted to get start in on the Atari code so went through LGB's C64 SFX DRO player. Added more Comments in the source and sorted out C64 and OPL code. Then started editing the OPL related blocks, as the original is targeted to the OPL2 and the OPL3 has an expanded reg set. I'm posting a snippet of the main player loop, heavily commented, for anyone interested in the code:

.Snippet of Atari DRO play loop.txt

 

It's only the start of the Atari port so don't get too excited I think the OPL code is correct but still have to replace all the Display and Keyboard code and adjust the timing delay routines. Thinking a simple GR.0 text display for starters. So lots of research still todo.

Yogi

[+mytek]

Yogi future considerations for a XEL V1.1 compatible version of your sound board, would be to shrink it down so that it doesn't extend beyond the Mini-ITX footprint, and to not overlap the GTIA for Sophia upgrades. Even better if it didn't overlap Antic because of VBXE, but that is likely not possible (you have a lot of stuff on your board).

 

Do you require a scaled PDF of component placement for next rev XEL?

 

- Michael

Edited August 8, 2017 by mytekcontrols

[Van]

Yogi future considerations for a XEL V1.1 compatible version of your sound board, would be to shrink it down so that it doesn't extend beyond the Mini-ITX footprint, and to not overlap the GTIA for Sophia upgrades. Even better if it didn't overlap Antic because of VBXE, but that is likely not possible (you have a lot of stuff on your board).

 

Do you require a scaled PDF of component placement for next rev XEL?

 

- Michael

Agree , was looking over your photos with Sophia installed, just yesterday. The overhang of the XEL 'front/bottom' edge is ~10mm, with the V1.0 board, will be adjusting the M-PBI footprints to allow for this.

 

The next iteration will shrink a bit, at least as much as possible. The header length sets the board width for the most part. On this proto I used a 2x22 footprint for one header, will be reverting to 2x17 headers. The use of the 'Adr Option' headers takes up board real estate also. If the address was locked in, could do away with some of these too. I'm reluctant to consider an SMD design just yet, but it would yield the smallest board. ATM this is a PoC, so getting it running and developing driver softs is the main push.

 

Direct mounting to the M-PBI, the board will at the least overhang the CPU and somewhat the Antic so would interfere with Antonia or VBXE too. With these mods installed, almost the only option is a cable on the M-PBI header. This isn't a major issue for me, stock CPU and Video is fine here. I used an extra long 2x15 header for the M-PBI that adds ~10mm to typical pin length. This has the net effect of raising the attached PCB bottom 15mm above the top of mobo IC sockets but even this may not add enough clearance for the mods. Regardless of my setup, I don't want to close doors for others.

 

Using a ribbon cable extension allows more mounting options but eats more space in the case. For use in a XL or XE, would have to connect with cables anyway so remote mounting should be a design option anyway. Seems alot like 3D chess

Yogi

[+mytek]

Agree , was looking over your photos with Sophia installed, just yesterday. The overhang of the XEL 'front/bottom' edge is ~10mm, with the V1.0 board, will be adjusting the M-PBI footprints to allow for this.

 

The next iteration will shrink a bit, at least as much as possible. The header length sets the board width for the most part. On this proto I used a 2x22 footprint for one header, will be reverting to 2x17 headers. The use of the 'Adr Option' headers takes up board real estate also. If the address was locked in, could do away with some of these too. I'm reluctant to consider an SMD design just yet, but it would yield the smallest board. ATM this is a PoC, so getting it running and developing driver softs is the main push.

 

Direct mounting to the M-PBI, the board will at the least overhang the CPU and somewhat the Antic so would interfere with Antonia or VBXE too. With these mods installed, almost the only option is a cable on the M-PBI header. This isn't a major issue for me, stock CPU and Video is fine here. I used an extra long 2x15 header for the M-PBI that adds ~10mm to typical pin length. This has the net effect of raising the attached PCB bottom 15mm above the top of mobo IC sockets but even this may not add enough clearance for the mods. Regardless of my setup, I don't want to close doors for others.

 

Using a ribbon cable extension allows more mounting options but eats more space in the case. For use in a XL or XE, would have to connect with cables anyway so remote mounting should be a design option anyway. Seems alot like 3D chess

Yogi

 

Yea I really didn't think you could keep Antic territory clear, but it would be nice to at least be able to cohabitate with the Sophia board. From an aesthetics viewpoint it would also be nice to not overhang the XEL board on the front side, but from what I see in many of the Mini-ITX cases perhaps that is not really an issue (looks like they always leave extra space in the front).

 

Looking good though, and nice to see another peripheral taking form that'll use the MPBI port on the XEL. Starting to really make a case for creating an MPBI adapter board for XL/XE systems as well (note to self: this will be the next project after the 1088XEL V1.1 release).

 

- Michael

[Van]

 

Yea I really didn't think you could keep Antic territory clear, but it would be nice to at least be able to cohabitate with the Sophia board. From an aesthetics viewpoint it would also be nice to not overhang the XEL board on the front side, but from what I see in many of the Mini-ITX cases perhaps that is not really an issue (looks like they always leave extra space in the front).

 

Looking good though, and nice to see another peripheral taking form that'll use the MPBI port on the XEL. Starting to really make a case for creating an MPBI adapter board for XL/XE systems as well (note to self: this will be the next project after the 1088XEL V1.1 release).

 

- Michael

Yes, not liking the overhang of the XEL, just looks sloppy. Clearing the GTIA/Sophia is very do-able. Clearing the other two will have to happen in the Z-axis, either with a cable or longer header pins and/or sockets like with the U1MB.

 

The M-PBI retrofit sound really good to me. Been thinking about placement. Pulling most of the signals from the CPU, would be tight with the KB when raising the CPU. Might consider the area over the DRAMs in a 800XL. May be interesting to incorporate a DRAM-to-SRAM mod on the board also. Just some 'blue sky' ideas

Yogi

[Brentarian]

Hi Yogi,

We haven't heard from you in awhile. I was wondering how your YAMari-to-XEL project was coming along?

Edited October 31, 2017 by Brentarian

[Matej]

Any news Yogi? I have Xe/Xl carts pcb.Will post some photos soo...

[+mytek]

Any news Yogi? I have Xe/Xl carts pcb.Will post some photos soo...

 

Although I can't confirm, I think something bad might have befallen Yogi. He was an integral part of our 1088XEL BETA Test Group, as well as one of the most active contributors, and we haven't heard a thing from him since September 7th 2017. He hasn't officially logged into AA since September 18th 2017. I also sent off a letter to his last known address about 2 months or so ago, and have not received a reply.

 

And I forgot to mention, he doesn't reply to PM's or messages sent to the email listed in his profile.

 

- Michael

[+Stephen]

 

Although I can't confirm, I think something bad might have befallen Yogi. He was an integral part of our 1088XEL BETA Test Group, as well as one of the most active contributors, and we haven't heard a thing from him since September 7th 2017. He hasn't officially logged into AA since September 18th 2017. I also sent off a letter to his last known address about 2 months or so ago, and have not received a reply.

 

And I forgot to mention, he doesn't reply to PM's or messages sent to the email listed in his profile.

 

- Michael

I certainly hope this is not the case

[Matej]

someone lives in near town?

[emkay]

Although I can't confirm, I think something bad might have befallen Yogi.

You might not know how german that word is.

But, yeah, time passes. Not sure , why people disconnect. But some people simply leave this world, if you know what I mean.

Normally, I'm in contact with Analmux, but haven't got any feedback since a year or so. Knowing his heavy sickness , I'm pretty sure, what happened.

Some people may think, that things last forever...

[+mytek]

You might not know how german that word is.

But, yeah, time passes. Not sure , why people disconnect. But some people simply leave this world, if you know what I mean.

Normally, I'm in contact with Analmux, but haven't got any feedback since a year or so. Knowing his heavy sickness , I'm pretty sure, what happened.

Some people may think, that things last forever...

 

Thanks for the response, I found it very interesting, and yes I did look up the German meaning of that word.

 

I've done my share of disappearing for extended periods of time. So let's hope that's all it is .

[+Stephen]

You might not know how german that word is.

But, yeah, time passes. Not sure , why people disconnect. But some people simply leave this world, if you know what I mean.

Normally, I'm in contact with Analmux, but haven't got any feedback since a year or so. Knowing his heavy sickness , I'm pretty sure, what happened.

Some people may think, that things last forever...

Say it isn't so - you think he(analmux) has passed?

[_The Doctor__]

Check the public sources and make sure our friends are okay, no knowing sucks.... lots car accidents and stupid stuff these days... hope it's just snowed in or a recoverable fall or illness not the killer fly that's sweeping the world at the moment