Re: Bell & Howell questions

[mjmahon@aol.com (Michael J. Mahon)]

Bill Garber wrote:

>"Michael J. Mahon" <mjmahon@aol.com> wrote in message
>20040107203353.14410.00002687@mb-m28.aol.com">news:20040107203353.14410.00002687@mb-m28.aol.com...
>: Bill Garber wrote:
>:
>: <snip>
>:
>: >You wouldn't happen to know where
>: >the production data for the Mockingboards
>: >is would ya? I'm having lots of requests
>: >for them. How hahd could it be? Wonder
>: >if I could use the Ensoniq from a IIgs.
>: >Hmmmmm, now there's a thought and 1/2.
>:
>: The Mockingboard(s) and the Ensoniq are _very_ different
>: beasts, with very different software requirements.
>
>Of course they are different, but probably can be
>interfaced. Whether it will be compatible or not
>is another animal.

Ah, but the main appeal of replicating a relatively successful
sound card is the larger body of software that _already exists_
to use it.

A modern sound card could be designed for the Apple II which
would put both the Mockingboard and the Ensoniq to shame--
but it wouldn't have any existing software, and that's the only
hope of selling any.

(Consider the LANceGS for the //e as an example of a relatively
expensive hardware capability looking for software.  No sale.)

>: I believe that Rubywand has put a hand-drawn schematic
>: of the Mockingboard on line--might check his sound & music
>: FAQs.
>
>Teah, I saw that, and have it on my hard drive.
>I've been thinking about looking for the chips
>and attempting to build one. We'll see.

If you intend to make some money, or even recover costs, then
this is your best bet.

>: It is two 6522's driving two AY-3-8910's (and optionally two
>: speech synthesis chips made of unobtanium).  There is
>: no firmware on board, and the interfacing is pretty simple.
>
>Yes, it looks simple enough and it should be
>easy enough to add a more powerful amplifier.

Given that virtually all computer-appropriate speakers these
days are self-powered, no sound card needs more than a
line output.

(Inside the case of an Apple II, powered by an Apple II power
supply, is not the best place for an audio power amplifier.)

I don't want you to think that I'm merely "nay saying", Bill--
I'm just saying that you should think this out from the point
of view of whoever you think will want one.  (Of course, if _you_
are the market you're shooting for, then "Never mind."  ;-)

-michael

Check out amazing quality sound for 8-bit Apples on my
Home page:  http://members.aol.com/MJMahon/