Subj : Play audio from a serial port
To   : Bob Worm
From : AKAcastor
Date : Sun May 26 2024 11:50:22

 > So that explains why Wolfenstein won't work with a 
 > DSS - it can't detect nor
 > enable the DSS.

 BW> Some really mixed messages here... might require a bit 
 BW> of experimentation :)

I noticed when pasting that some of it seemed a bit mixed (I suspect the last part about why Wolfenstein won't work with a DSS is meant to be "why Wolfenstein won't work with a Covox").  Adding to the confusion I threw in the driver that is supposed to actually allow the Covox to work.

In Wolf3D the sound menu lists Disney Sound Source specifically.  (though I can't say I have ever tested it)

 BW> Of course, I don't have a Disney Sound Source, but I'm 
 BW> in that dangerous "how hard can it be?" mindset - if 
 BW> the protocol is documented somewhere then it would 
 BW> probably be possible to implement it using crap out of 
 BW> my cupboard - which is my favourite kind of 
 BW> implementation.

I like the way you think, Bob.

 > 1. It only switches on when the software tells it to 
 > (there's no physical switch)

 BW> I wonder if it handshakes back for detection? 
 BW> Probably... which would make life harder.

I'm speaking out of ignorance here and haven't done any research but I suspect detection will be based on one or more bits being latched (or reset?) when writing to the parallel port - it shouldn't be TOO complicated, I expect (simple is cheap), though it does add one more layer to the onion this project is becoming. ;)

 > 2. It can ONLY do 7 kHz

 BW> Probably a win for my purposes :)

At our age, how much is there to hear above 7 kHz anyway?  :D

 > 3. It doesn't need such extreme timing as a classic 
 > Covox, as it has its own
 > 16-sample FIFO buffer.

 BW> 16 samples? As in 2ms? I suppose in true Disney Sound 
 BW> Source style, "barely anything" is better than 
 BW> "absolutely nothing"! Will have a mooch around and see 
 BW> if there's an off the shelf FIFO to fit that bill.

I assume the driver to allow Covox to work with Wolf3D is emulating the 16-sample FIFO in software, on a "fast" machine that seems workable.

And hey, being able to supply 2ms of samples at a time is 16x more efficient than the alternative, right?  Practically luxurious! :)

 BW> Hmm. My interest is piqued but I really want to finish writing my Acorn 
 BW> terminal emulator before I move onto something else. 

I support your choice of priorities!  Terminal emulator sounds like an important project and deserves attention too.

I've never used any Acorn machines (unless you count everything ARM haha), I just know them by reputation. (since they weren't really marketed in North America - though I looked it up now and apparently some attempts were made to enter the North American market)

The A3020 looks like a nice machine, what kind of speed do you expect your terminal emulator to be able to operate at?  115.2k seems doable?  I am assuming this is serial port based, or are you writing a network client?


Chris/akacastor


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