Richard H.

That's an extremely rare model. I know of only one other (owned by a Dutch collector), it seems to be a late revision in the Vec design (perhaps due to customer complaints or something). I'll supply the protcol if anyone wants to write a Mac driver for my VecFlash. I'll even throw in a free cart True, but you can write new games to it at least 1 million times

Yes, it worked pretty good Of course, the algorithm didn't do a 100% perfect job + the bad clarity of the SPO256-AL2 chip didn't help, but it was understandable speech. Ken's SpeakJet algorithm will be MUCH better

TTS (Text To Speech) could be done on the computer (like SAM) or using a microcontroller. The CTS256A-AL2 was just such a microcontroller used with the old SPO256-AL2 speech synth. It contained an algorithm for the automatic real-time translation of English ASCII characters into allophone addresses for the SPO256-AL2 chip. Ken Lemieux (www.speechchips.com) incorporated the same algorithm into his ChipTalk program. He's now working on an embedded version, which will use the extended SpeakJet allophone set. Put this chip between the AtariVox and the console / computer, and it will translate text words into speech in real time.

Yes, it should work on anything that has a joystick port pinout similar to the 2600 / 7800. The following pins are used in the AtariVox - Pin 1 - digital (u) Pin 2 - digital (d) Pin 3 - digital (l) Pin 4 - digital ® Pin 7 - +5V Pin 8 - GND Take a look at Alex's driver notes, it should give you enough info to code a driver for another system - http://www.atariage.com/store/misc/atarivox.zip

Rob, have you got any pics of the AtariVox inside a cart - I'd love to see that BTW Albert will probably be offering the AtariVox optionally cased, hopefully using the enclosure I showed you. (I'm just in the process of finding out if they are available in the US)

These are done on the AtariVox - www.vectrex.biz/Berserk.wav (excuse the poor recording quality)

Nice BTW have you tinkered with the synth part of the SpeakJet yet ?

Just to let you know, future AtariVox sales will be handled by AtariAge not me. This arrangement means it can be bundled with compatible games (like MGD) which makes a lot more sense (as Ianoid suggested). I'm just getting my stockpile of built boards together to send to Albert, after which they'll be available through the AtariAge store. Thankyou

It's the 20th post down from the top - http://www.atariage.com/forums/viewtopic.p...r=asc&start=100

The EEPROM-save is going into z26 Full emulation of the SpeakJet chip (in the AtariVox) will be hard, although a simple emulation with a set of fixed samples would work. The SPO256-AL2 emulators that use samples sound OK (ish)

Alex suggested bundling his game with the AtariVox + perhaps handing over distribution to Atariage (like he's doing with MGD)

Yes, I'm sure we could work something out Please explain ?

If you hang on, I'm making the AtariVox version of this - www.vectrex.biz/VecVox_PC.JPG It allows you to connect it to a PC's serial port, and then use this AtariVox friendly version of the SpeakJet util software - www.vectrex.biz/PhraseALator.zip

It sounds OK to me, although with most allophonic speech, your ears have to get used to it a bit.

No

http://www.atariage.com/forums/download.php?id=28050 I think the button should be replaced with the volume control Looks like he's put black speaker felt over the speaker, nice touch I must agree, it looks pretty cool

The AtariVox's output power, when connected to an 8ohm speaker, is approximately 300 mW (with the Atari's 5V supply). Doesn't sound a lot, but it's pretty loud. I have mine connected to an un-powered speaker (like Alex) and never have the volume pot above half way.

Yes, it works on 2600 and 7800 Alex has put together some preliminary docs here - www.vectrex.biz/AtariVox_Driver.zip

BTW do most people already have a Sega extension cable ? The reason I ask, is that I only have a limited number of them Could you specify when ordering whether you require a cable or not ? Thanks...

I don't understand The VecVoice, VecVox and AtariVox all have / had an onboard volume pot Did you get it direct from me ?

Games need to be coded, or existing games hacked to make use of the EEPROM The AtariVox comes as a buiilt PCB (with cable) It's based on the SpeakJet chip, so you'll get an idea of what the AtariVox can do by reading the datasheet - http://www.magnevation.com/pdfs/speakjetusermanual.pdf

They're ready now I spent the weekend building a small stockpile of them

Whilst primarily used for speech, my SpeakJet-based AtariVox board (for 7800 and 2600) can also do sound. Check out the data sheet for the SpeakJet chip - http://www.magnevation.com/pdfs/speakjetusermanual.pdf It's quite similar to the AY-3-8910

For anyone wanting an AtariVox, I will have them ready to ship by the end of this week. I'll also put the ordering details on my page at - www.vectrex.biz/new_page_5.htm Thanks... (Programmers - AtariVox to PC interface coming soon)