-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ZX-EQ PSG Spectrolyzer Copyright (c) 2023 RBSC Developer: Pyhesty Last update: 12.03.2023 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About the project ----------------- The ZX-EQ PSG Spectrolyzer is a simple cartridge for the ZX platform that visualizes the spectrum of notes played by the programmable sound generator, such as the AY-3-8910 or YM2149 (PSG). The cartridge board is intended for the standard ZX cartridge slot. The board shows the effect of measuring the signal's level, in which each reproduced frequency (or frequency range) corresponds to one of 9 vertical LED indicators. All files of the ZX-EQ project are available in the RBSC's Github repository: - https://github.com/RBSC/ZX-EQ Hardware -------- The ZX-EQ cartridge is based on the PLD Altera EPM7128, that has 128 logical units. The PLD intercepts PSG port I/O, identifies the played note/frequency and displays its representation on the dedicated LED indicator. The cartridge doesn't need any special setup. It can be installed into any standard ZX slot that allows an unobstructed view of the cartridge's LED indicators. The cartridge visualizes the played notes/frequencies in games and demos in real time. After a note/frequency fades out, the LED indicators automatically switch off. The cartridge may be assembled in 2 different ways: - With discrete LED elements - simple, but allowing various color combinations - With LED assemblies - the so-called "bars", mostly single-colored The following color combinations are possible (those were tested and were found suitable for the project, however other color combinations are possible): - One color LEDs or LED assemblies: blue, red or green - Multi-colored LEDs or LED assemblies: blue with red or green with red (red LEDs are placed on top) Firmware uploading ------------------ The freshly-assembled ZX-EQ cartridge needs the firmware to be uploaded into the PLD chip. For updating/uploading the firmware into the cartridge you will need: - Quartus II Web Edition (Free) v15.0 or later software - Byte Blaster or USB Blaster programmer (can be purchased on Ebay or AliExpress) The procedure is simple - supply 5v onto the cartridge board, connect the USB Blaster to the JTAG connector's placeholder (mind the orientation of the connector!). Auto-detect the Altera chip with Quatrus software and then upload the POF file from the "Firmware" folder into the PLD chip. The Quartus Programmer software can be downloaded from here: - https://mirrors.pdp-11.ru/_ZX/_carnivore2/quartus/ Assembling notes ---------------- It's highly recommended to install all ceramic capacitors (100nF) onto the board. In addition, at least one tantalum capacitor should be installed. Cartridge case -------------- Any factory-made ZX cartridge manufactured from semi-transparent or transparent plastic is suitable for the ZX-EQ cartridge board. For example, the following quality ZX cartridge cases can be obtained from Overrich (South Korea) and Retro Game Restore (Taiwan): - https://retrogamerestore.com/store/ZX_cart_shell/ - https://www.ZX.org/news/en/black-white-and-transparent-ZX-cartidge-cases-overrich Also, there's a 3D model of the cartridge case in the repository. The case should be printed with semi-transparent filament. Where to buy parts ------------------ All parts for assembling the ZX-Eq cartridge can be purchased from varios sellers on AliExpress: 1. PLD: EPM7128STC100 2. LEDs: single 0805 size LEDs or LED assemblies 3. Resistors: 0805 1k 4. Capacitors: 0805 0.1uF 5. Tantalum capacitors: TypeB or TypeC, 10-100uF 6. Edge slot: ISA-50 or ISA-56 Slot See the partslist.txt document for more info. Visual Effects -------------- You can check how the cartridge visualizes various PSG effects by watching these videos: - Demo 1: https://youtu.be/9qOor28YGpI - Demo 2: https://youtu.be/czu8WWsEIOM - Demo 3: https://youtu.be/p7G4cLf7g2w IMPORTANT! ---------- The RBSC provides all the files and information for free, without any liability (see the disclaimer.txt file). The provided information, software or hardware must not be used for commercial purposes unless permitted by the RBSC. Producing a small amount of bare boards for personal projects and selling the rest of the batch is allowed without the permission of RBSC. When the sources of the tools are used to create alternative projects, please always mention the original source and the copyright! If you would like to commercially produce this cartridge, please contact the administrator of the RBSC (see info below). Contact information ------------------- The members of RBSC group Tnt23, Wierzbowsky, Pyhesty, Ptero, GreyWolf, SuperMax, VWarlock and DJS3000 can be contacted via the group's e-mail address: info@rbsc.su The group's coordinator could be reached via this e-mail address: admin@rbsc.su The group's website can be found here: https://rbsc.su/ https://rbsc.su/ru The RBSC's hardware repository can be found here: https://github.com/rbsc The RBSC's 3D model repository can be found here: https://www.thingiverse.com/groups/rbsc/things -= ! Z80 FOREVER ! =-