AtariVox/SaveKey + HSC

[trebor68]

Is it possible, or any interest, in bringing over the AtariVox and SaveKey support from Gopher2600 over to Test7800?

If so, would it be possible to include 7800 High Score Cartridge support as well?

Many games have been released under 7800basic and support both save methods.

AtariVox speech support is featured in the 7800 titles T:ME Salvo and Dungeon Stalker, as well a couple of other titles.

[JetSetIlly]

Is it possible, or any interest, in bringing over the AtariVox and SaveKey support from Gopher2600 over to Test7800?

Yes. I'll definitely add the SaveKey support.

I'm not sure what the 7800 High Score Cartridge is so I'll have to do some research.

The AtariVox speech emulation isn't entirely satisfactory or accurate. But I'll see how easy it is to port across and if it's straight forward I'll add it to Test7800.

[trebor68]

Yes. I'll definitely add the SaveKey support.

Excellent! Thank you.

I'm not sure what the 7800 High Score Cartridge is so I'll have to do some research.

A passthrough device that sits plugged into the cartridge slot similar to a Game Genie, but instead of processing cheat codes, it saves high scores. The original retail line has several cartridges that support the device already imbedded in the programming code. For example, here is the high score save screen for Xevious:

https://youtu.be/E_1v1JZR6LU?si=-BZ_cXzQ7fZ06OFq&t=292

The thread on AA which lists all titles, retail and post original retail, the support the high score cartridge (function):
https://forums.atariage.com/topic/128432-high-score-cart-values/

A thread on the HSC Format Breakdown:
https://forums.atariage.com/topic/232521-7800-hsc-format-breakdown/

Source Code details:
https://forums.atariage.com/topic/142139-high-score-cart-source-code/

A tidbit on (un)initialized data/formatting of the high score cart (data):
https://forums.atariage.com/topic/366014-hsc-uninitialized-data-formatting/

The 7800 Utility Cart has functionality the manages the HSC and AtariVox/SaveKey devices:
https://7800.8bitdev.org/index.php/Emulators_and_Tools#7800_Utility_Cart

Background on the hardware history:
https://atarimuseum.ctrl-alt-rees.com/videogames/consoles/7800/hsc/new_hsc/

The AtariVox speech emulation isn't entirely satisfactory or accurate. But I'll see how easy it is to port across and if it's straight forward I'll add it to Test7800.

Understood. Having either some sort of simulation is definitely a start to state the least. I own the device, and I believe Stella has some sort of way to read it via a serial port on a PC; however, serial port are (nearly), if not entirely, absent from modern computers. My i7 certainly does not have one. Working towards complete simulation/emulation of the hardware is definitely the route to go. Thank you for all your efforts. It is very much appreciated!

[JetSetIlly]

When I've finished with my current problem I'll take a look at the HSC information. Thanks

Understood. Having either some sort of simulation is definitely a start to state the least.

You say that but some people don't like what I've done in Gopher2600 at all. They want accurate emulation or nothing. But I think for development purposes, being able to hear something resembling the final output is fine.

I prefer to think of AtariVox speech as more of a protocol than a piece of hardware. I implement the protocol and I use Festival to be able to hear the results. Emulating the SpeakJet chip is a task for another day.

I own the device, and I believe Stella has some sort of way to read it via a serial port on a PC; however, serial port are (nearly), if not entirely, absent from modern computers. My i7 certainly does not have one.

Hmm. It should be possible to use a USB to Serial converter. It would need a bit of work to get right but I don't think it would be impossible. Stella would then need to communicate with USB rather than the serial device but it would be all the same data I would imagine.

I would experiment with it myself but I don't have a hardware AtariVox.