[editor : Christopher Morgan] [publisher : Virginia Londoner, Gordon R Williamson, John E Hayes] #Magazine

#Abstract

This month we talk about voices - computer voices, that is - and several other topics as well. Consulting Editor Mark Dahmke speaks out on speech in the editorial "Computer Speech: An Update." We also have two theme articles: "An Extremely Low-Cost Computer Voice Response System," which shows how to computerize your vox humana for very little money, and "Articulate Automata," which looks at the physiology of speech.

Also in this issue is Steve Ciarcia's do-it-yourself computerized Big Trak; everything you've always wanted to know about dynamic memory; inexpensive AID and D/A conversion; and much more, including reviews of the new Radio Shack Daisy Wheel Printer II, the Heath H-14 printer, not to mention Zork and IRV.

[author : Mark C Dahmke] #Edito

Extract : «  In 1972 I saw an advertisement in Scientific American for the Votrax speech synthesizer — a multiple-board system that produced fairly intelligible speech. Although digital speech synthesis has been with us for more than a generation, it wasn't until the early seventies that relatively low cost, compact synthesizers were available for use in industry. At the time, I became very interested in the concept and wanted to experiment with a synthesizer, but the price was still too high for my budget. [...]

Some recent developments in speech synthesis include the Votrax SC01 single-chip formant synthesizer mentioned in "Articulate Automata" in this issue. Texas Instruments has been at the forefront of the LPC (linear predictive coding) approach. One of its most successful products, Speak & Spell, shows what can be done in the consumer products market.  »

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Infinite clipping produces acceptable computer speech.

[author : James C Anderson] #Electronic #Listing #Assembly #Audio #Book

Extract : «  A computer speech-output system can be built which requires no A/D (analog-to-digital) or D/A (digital-to-analog) converters, no multiple-pole filters, no complex hardware, very little software, and yet produces speech which is quite intelligible even to untrained listeners.

A data rate of 9600 bps (bits per second) produces speech quality and intelligibility acceptable for most hobbyist applications. This means that a 400-word vocabulary can be stored on one side of a single-density 8-inch floppy disk, the average word duration being 0.5 seconds. Similarly, the 16 hexadecimal digits, 0 thru F, can be spoken from the data stored in only 8 K bytes of memory, the average word duration for these digits being 0.4 seconds. The memory need not be high quality, and slow memory devices or components with a few random bit failures can be used. Thus, for limited vocabularies, the MIMIC speech processor may be the lowest-cost computer speechprocessing system available. [...]  »

A wireless remote-control link to a personal computer enhances Milton-Bradley's Big Trak.

[author : Steve Ciarcia] #Electronic #Listing #BASIC #Robotics

Extract : «  My guess is that when you first scanned the title of this article and a few of the photos, you immediately recognized Milton-Bradley's Big Trak. Perhaps it was one of the gifts your children received during the holidays.

Big Trak, shown in photo 1, is a computer-controlled, motorized toy tank. Commands to move, to turn, and to fire the "photon cannon" are programmed by a user (via a keypad) into the tank's control system. After the user presses the "Go" key, Big Trak takes off, executing the stored command sequence.

Big Trak's keypad contains a key for each command. Some commands are completed with a single key stroke, while other commands require multiple keystrokes for the entry of parameters. A list of command functions appears in table 1. [...]  »

A nonmathematical treatment of Fourier transforms.

[author : Mark Zimmermann] #Electronic #Listing #BASIC #Assembly #Audio #Book

Extract : «  [...] This article will try to sketch an introduction to Fourier analysis, one of the most powerful developments in modern mathematics. It will emphasize the feel of the subject, not the complicated algebraic formalisms. No advanced mathematical training is required, but it may help to have access to a small computer for some parts of the discussion. The programs that I've written for illustrative purposes are in either BASIC or 6502 assembly language, and were specifically designed for the 8 K-byte Commodore PET. It should be a fairly straightforward process to adapt these programs to comparable machines.

The first part of this article will introduce the one-dimensional Fourier transform, and emphasize its importance to music and human perception of sound. [...]  »

Pascal routines which allow the Apple to perform mass-transfer and processing of files via the Micromodem II

[author : Thomas H Woteki] #Listing #Pascal #Assembly #Networks

Extract : «  The Hayes Microcomputer Products Micromodem II is a powerful combination of hardware and firmware that facilitates computer-to-computer communication. The onboard ROM (read-only memory) contains programs for originating and answering calls (including dialing the telephone) and an ACIA (asynchronous communications interface adapter) device for parallel-to-serial conversion. In addition, the accompanying owner's manual provides a wealth of information on how to custom program the modem for such applications as repertoire dialing, modifying hardware defaults, and dumb terminal communications. All of the examples given are in BASIC. [...]

The routines are housed in an intrinsic unit dubbed "micromodem" (see listing 1). Library units are a UCSD addition to Pascal; commonly used routines can be stored in a library unit that can be called by any Pascal program. Intrinsic units have the advantage that the object code of the unit is never entered into the code file of the host program, thereby maximizing disk storage space. A slight disadvantage is that the library containing the unit must be on-line (available for access) whenever the host program is executed. I have the unit stored in my system library on the boot disk. [...]  »

Dynamic memory boards can have one-sixth the power and half the space of static types, but these advantages are useless if the board doesn't work.

[author : Larry Malakoff] #Memory

Extract : «  Mention the words dynamic memory to an S-100 bus user and the responses will vary from one end of the spectrum to the other. In the early days of the S-100 bus, many users had bad experiences with poorly designed dynamic-memory boards. The problems varied from inadequate memory refreshing to designs that worked with only a particular processor board. However, things have come a long way since then. For the vast majority of today's applications, dynamic memory offers the best cost/performance ratio available. With so many of the large S-100 computer manufacturers such as Cromemco, North Star, Vector Graphic, and others using dynamic memory in their systems, all users should seriously consider the advantages of including dynamic memory in their next system design. [...]  »

A set of "words" for the FORTH vocabulary adds string-handling capabilities to the language.

[author : John Cassady] #Listing #Forth #Programming

Extract : «  Anyone who is familiar with writing programs in BASIC and who later switches to writing in FORTH surely misses the convenience and ease of BASIC string handling. Fortunately, there is no need to deprive yourself all these features: they can be implemented in FORTH with the additional bonus of not being tied to the preconceived ideas of your software vendor. If you do not like the way the string operators work, you can change them: you control the source code.

Adding Strings to FORTH

Tools for manipulating strings of characters and other data items are useful to the personal computer programmer. The routines presented here are an extension to FORTH. They run in fig-FORTH (the versions of FORTH for various microprocessors written by the FORTH Interest Group) and should run with little adaptation in any standard FORTH. [...]

Summary

FORTH is a "framework" language. It doesn't have every function you need, but it allows you to add new words that can be used to solve problems in a given application. Here, we have defined fifteen words that allow us to manipulate strings of characters in fig-FORTH. (See listings 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7.) This is only one of several ways to manipulate strings in FORTH. Once defined, these words can be used to manipulate text during the solution of a larger program.  »

A look at the physiology of speech and at how the electronic equivalent of the human vocal tract (the voice synthesizer) is programmed.

[author : Kathryn Fons and Tim Gargagliano] #Electronic #Listing #Assembly #Audio

Extract : «  The time has arrived for computers to begin speaking for themselves! We discussed some basic techniques for using the TRS-80 Voice Synthesizer in the October 1979 BYTE ("The TRS-80 Speaks," page 113). Response from readers showed many were interested in a more detailed look at voice synthesis. The information presented here is concerned with the basic theory of voice synthesis and the basic procedures involved in constructing a vocabulary. The type of synthesis we focus on is electronic phoneme synthesis. A phoneme is a basic unit of sound from which speech can be constructed. [...]  »

With this simple system a little hardware goes a long way in processing and printing images.

[author : Clark A Calkins] #Listing #Assembly #Graphics #Printer

Extract : «  For a long time I have been interested in producing recognizable images using a basic Teletype just as you see in many computer stores; and I thought that an expensive camera and interface were required to digitize the picture. But in 1979 an article in Dr Dobb's Journal described just how to do this type of image processing with a Diablo printer. (See reference 1.) While I didn't have this type of printer, I figured the concept should work with my Model 43 Teletype or any other printer. After all, the hardware interface required looked simple enough. What could I lose? I worked out my ideas, implemented the system, and now I can process images inexpensively at home. So as a successful personal-computer experimenter, I'll pass on my experience to you. [...]  »

This fast converter requires a minimum of parts and supplies 8 bits of resolution or a 5 V range.

[author : Roger W Mikel] #Electronic #Encoding

Extract : «  Although there are many ways to achieve the conversion of data from analog to digital form, a converter that is simple, fast, inexpensive, and reasonably accurate is seldom available to the serious experimenter. Here I will describe a design that fulfills these characteristics.

To be of practical use, a converter should have at least 8 bits of resolution and be accurate to 0.4% (the value of the least significant bit). In most cases, the conversion should be complete in 10 to 20 µs; this is about as fast as most microprocessors can collect two measurements and do anything with them. [...]  »

Display frequencies in the range of 1 to 11,004 Hz on your OSMAC computer.

[author : Andrew Modla] #Algorithm #Listing #Assembly #Audio

Extract : «  Many electronic construction projects include a decade-frequency counter somewhere in their hardware. For example, I have seen decade-frequency counters in pH meters, digital voltmeters, capacitance meters, tachometers, digital thermometers, camera shutter-speed meters, event counters, etc. This article describes a frequency counter that is somewhere else — in software. This application is an example of the elimination of hardware by using software techniques. No additional hardware is required. Your microcomputer can replace decadecounter hardware in each of the construction projects named above.

I programmed my RCA COSMAC VIP microcomputer to perform as a general-purpose, audio-range decade-frequency counter. The program will count in the 1 to 11,004 Hz range. It checks the transitions of the COSMAC 1802 microprocessor EF4 input flag for one second. The binary count taken is then converted to a decimal value for display on the video monitor. After two seconds to show the count, the program begins to count again. [...]  »

How to build a remote temperature sensor.

[author : Tom Hall] #Electronic #Algorithm #Robotics

Extract : «  This article describes a practical application for computer-automated management of your home's heating and cooling needs. [...]

The first step is to determine how many of the temperature sensors you will need. For a week or so, measure the temperature in each room of your house about six or eight times a day. At least two of these times should be during cooking and washing periods. You will probably find that the temperatures in all the bedrooms are about equal. Several other rooms will probably be similar under most conditions. The number of sensors needed for your home will vary with your conditions, but you will probably not need a sensor in every room. You will want to place a temperature sensor outside, in the kitchen, in a bedroom, and in any room that shows a temperature difference of several degrees in a day's time. [...]  »

Modifying the SwTPC 6800 computer to accept either the 6800 or 6809 processor board.

[author : Thomas J Weaver] #ComputerKit #Build #Microprocessor #Electronic

Extract : «  Changing to a newer 6809 microprocessor is a simple way to upgrade a 6800-based computer. In fact, Southwest Technical Products Corporation makes a conversion kit for its 6800 system that includes a 6809 processor board (see photo 1) and complete instructions. The kit can be built in one evening, but does require some modifications to the existing system. [...]  »

[author : Yvon Kolya] #Printer #Review

Extract : «  [...] As I expected, the printer had an attractive appearance, using the standard Radio Shack colors black and silver. However, much to my surprise, I found the printer to be constructed entirely of heavy-gauge cast aluminum. The only nonmetal parts were the miscellaneous knobs and switches, which were brought out to the surface of the cover for the user to manipulate, and a rubber platen. Upon opening it up, I discovered that the metal exterior was well supported by a cast aluminum interior frame, with a layer of foam rubber sandwiched between the two for sound absorption. Everything else seemed to be made of steel or chrome, except the pulley wheels, which were nylon. All in all, the printer appeared to be very solidly constructed. It was a bargain to get all this excellence for hundreds of dollars less than an equivalent letter-quality printer. [...]  »

[author : Scott Mitchell] #Software #Review #Programming #Listing #BASIC

Extract : «  [...] Infinite BASIC is a software-utility package for the Radio Shack TRS-80 sold by Racet Computes. The package has a suggested retail price of $49.95, with an optional Infinite Business package available for $29.95.

The purpose of these packages is to add extra commands to either your disk BASIC or Level II cassette system. Infinite BASIC adds eighty commands to your BASIC vocabulary, so if you thought the Level III add-on for your cassette system was a good deal, you'll consider this a steal for the same price. Level III BASIC (from Microsoft Consumer Products, Bellevue, Washington) always consumes 4 K bytes of memory, even if you use only one or two of its features in your program. Infinite BASIC lets you take only the features you want and put them on a system tape or disk file, thereby saving memory space. Also, you can place the resulting object code in memory anywhere you wish. These two features make Infinite BASIC a versatile package for both disk and tape users. [...]  »

[author : Teri Li] #Software #Review #Programming

Extract : «  IRV is a new machine-language utility program for the BASIC programmer. It supplies features that all programmers will appreciate, and it uses less than 1 K bytes of programmable memory (unless you add to its definitions).

IRV gives you a flashing cursor, auto repeat on any key held down for more than one second, and keyboard control of the cassette remote plug (you can turn the cassette motor on and off simply by hitting shift-clear). [...]  »

[author : Bradford Rehm] #Printer #Review

Extract : «  What this country needs is a good $250 printer. It ought to accept characters at 9600 bps (bits per second) and print them at 100 lines per minute. It should produce letter-quality print in various formats, including 80, 96, and 132 columns per page and 6, 8, or 10 lines per inch. It should have graphics capabilities, and it should offer an adjustable tractor-feed mechanism that can use narrow or wide paper. It should be very reliable, easy to service, quiet, and pleasing to look at.

Has Heath given us the All-American line printer? Perhaps not, but the folks in Benton Harbor, Michigan, have chalked up real accomplishments in several areas. As a $595 kit, the H-14 comes closer than any other 80-column impact printer on the market (at this writing) to meeting the price criterion. The somewhat higher "assembled" price still falls below most of its competitors' prices. And the H-14 does this while making a fine showing in the area of capabilities. [...]  »

[author : Bob Liddil] #GameAdventure #Review

Extract : «  Adventure has evolved many times during its short history. From Crowther's and Wood's creation to the genius of Scott Adams to the wild antics of Greg Hassett, the journey has been exciting and entertaining for the fans of inventive computer puzzles. No single advance in the science of Adventure has been as bold and exciting as the introduction of Personal Software Inc's Zork, The Great Underground Empire.

The first thing that everyone will look for when Zork boots up is the blinking cursor, and the "I AM..." and "YOU SEE..." format that Scott Adams has popularized in his nine Adventures. That is not the case here. The screen layout is arranged in such a way as to move the WHERE prompt (which gives your current location in the game) down to the bottom of the screen. I found this most useful after reading ten or twelve lines of detailed area description. Additionally, the number of turns elapsed, the number of points accumulated, and the location form an information display on the bottom line of the screen. Other game information scrolls upward as the game progresses, giving a very professional screen layout for the game. [...]  »

#Book

An Age of Innovation, by the Editors of Electronics. New York: McGraw-Hill Publications Company, 1981; 22 by 29 cm (8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches), 267 pages, hardcover, ISBN 0-07-606688-6, $18.50.

Computers and Education, James L Poirot. Manchaca TX: Sterling Swift Publishing Company, 1980; 13.5 by 21 cm (5 1/4 by 8 1/4 inches), 84 pages, softcover, ISBN 0-88408-137-0, $6.95.

Computer Graphics Primer, Mitchell Waite. Indianapolis IN: Howard W Sams & Company Inc, 1979; 14 by 22 cm (5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches), 173 pages, softcover, ISBN 0-672-21650-7, $12.95.

CRT Controller Handbook, Gerry Kane. Berkeley CA: Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1980; 18 by 23.5 cm (6 7/8 by 9 1/8 inches), 206 pages, softcover, ISBN 0-931988-45-4, $6.99.

Electrical and Electronics Drawing, fourth edition, Charles J Baer and John R Ottaway. New York: Gregg Division of the McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1980; 16.5 by 24.5 cm (6 1/2 by 9 1/2 inches), 432 pages, hardcover, ISBN 0-07-003010-3, $16.25.

Machine Independent Organic Software Tools (Mint), M D Godfrey, H J Hermans, D F Hendry, and R K Hessenberg. New York: Academic Press, 1980; 15.5 by 23 cm (5 7/8 by 9 inches), 340 pages, hardcover, ISBN 0-12-286980-X, $28.

Microcomputer Primer, Mitchell Waite and Michael Pardee. Indianapolis IN: Howard W Sams & Company Inc, 1980; 14 by 22 cm (5 3/8 by 8 1/2 inches), 367 pages, softcover, ISBN 0-672-21653-1, $11.95.

Microcomputer Systems and Apple BASIC, James L Poirot. Manchaca TX: Sterling Swift Publishing Company, 1980; 13.5 by 21 cm (5 1/4 by 8 1/4 inches), 136 pages, softcover, ISBN 0-88408-136-2, $9.95.

Owning Your Home Computer, Robert L Perry. New York: Everest House Publishers, 1980; 18.5 by 25.5 cm (7 1/4 by 10 inches), 200 pages, softcover, ISBN 0-89696-093-5, $10.95.

Programming & Interfacing the 6502, With Experiments, Marvin L De Jong. Indianapolis IN: Howard W Sams & Company Inc, 1980; 14 by 22 cm (5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches), 407 pages, softcover, ISBN 0-672-21651-5, $15.95.

Radar & Radio Communications IC Handbook, Plessey Semiconductors. Irvine CA: Plessey Semiconductors, 1980; 14 by 22 cm (5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches), 436 pages, softcover ISBN-none, $4.

Son of Cheap Video, Don Lancaster. Indianapolis IN: Howard W Sams & Company Inc, 1980; 14 by 22 cm (5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches), 220 pages, softcover, ISBN 0-672-21723-6, $8.95.

Teams in Information Systems Development , Philip C Semprevivo. New York: Yourdon Press, 1980; 15.5 by 23 cm (6 by 9 inches), 126 pages, softcover, ISBN 0-917072-20-0, $16.75.

Using CP/M, Judi N Fernandez and Ruth Ashley. Somerset NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc, 1980; 17.5 by 25.5 cm (6 3/4 by 10 inches), 236 pages, softcover, ISBN 0471-08011-X, $8.95

#Book

Extract : «  Writing Interactive Compilers and Interpreters, P J Brown Wiley Interscience New York, 1979 256 pages, hardcover $26.95 [...]

Language in Thought and Action (4th edition) S I Hayakawa, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich New York, 1978 318 pages, softcover $8.95 [...]  »