The ReActiveMicro Apple II Wiki - User contributions [en]

Apple IIGS VGA Adapter

2017-08-23T08:07:10Z

Jeremybh1:

The Apple IIGS VGA Adapter was created by [[Manila Gear]] in June 2016. It allows use of the Apple IIgs on VGA monitors that support 15kHz.

<strong>Project Status:</strong> Complete. In production. Actively sold by Manila Gear and ReActiveMicro.

<strong>Support:</strong> Post on the [[{{TALKPAGENAME}}|Discussion]] page (link above) or email [http://store.reactivemicro.com/contact-us/ ReActiveMicro Support].

<strong>Sales:</strong> Visit the [http://store.reactivemicro.com/shop/ ReActiveMicro Store].

== History ==
The Apple IIGS VGA Adapter was created by Jon Christopher Co and John Valdezco of Manila Gear in June of 2016.

John had been using the Gonbes GBS-8800 frequency upscaler board with a VGA monitor on his newly acquired Apple IIGS. John wasn't happy with the video output and the clutter associated with having an extra board and power supply for the Gonbes board. So John and Jon set about finding a simpler, better video solution! The result of their research efforts was the VGA Adapter.

== Overview ==
Obtaining high quality video output from the Apple IIGS is complicated by the DB15 connection, composite only sync and high pixel clock rate.

The Apple IIGS outputs analogue RGB video with composite sync on pin 3 at 15kHz horizontal scan. This adapter plugs directly into the IIGS DB-15F video out and outputs a 15kHz RGBHV signal over HD15/VGA. The VGA signal is generated by accurately extracting the video timing information (sync) and stabilising the colour information.

The adapter is capable of stable output of all video modes supported by the Apple IIGS including 640x200 SHR (Super High Res) with proprietary 16.36 MHz dot clock. The connecting monitor needs to be primarily compatible with 15kHz horizontal and can be a CRT or LCD screen. The Samsung SyncMaster 710N is well regarded as a good value LCD monitor that is compatible with the Apple IIGS VGA adapter.

== Different Versions of the Apple IIGS VGA Adapter ==
As currently sold by ReActiveMicro is the second revision of the Apple IIGS VGA Adapter. Shown on the left is version one and on the right the final, second revision.

<gallery class="center" widths=300px caption="Apple IIGS VGA Adapters through the years:">
File:VGA-Adapter-v1.JPG|The first production version. Green PCB.
File:VGA-Adapter-v2.JPG|The second production version. White PCB.
</gallery>

== Documentation, Files, and Software ==
<div class="new_window">
<gallery class="center" widths=150px heights=80 caption="The Most Current Manual">
File:Doc.png|Current VGA Adapter Manual - v1.0|link=https://goo.gl/xpASWv
</gallery>
</div>

4soniq

2017-08-04T00:56:01Z

Jeremybh1:

The 4soniq is a quadrophonic (four channel) sound card for the Apple IIGS. Manila Gear have designed the card to interface with the sound expansion connector near the memory expansion area. The 4soniq is capable of decoding and high quality filtering of the Ensoniq Digital Output Chip (DOC) into four separate channels of sound.

The 4soniq was created by [[Manila Gear]] in April 2016. It gives the Apple IIgs four separate channels of sound, instead of the usual one. Released software that supports 4-channel sound output include Kaboom! by Ninjaforce; Ninjaforce’s NinjaTracker and Sheppyware’s AmperSound GS. See the downloads section for more software.

Stereo sound is also supported by the 4soniq with high quality, line-output to speakers via the 3.5mm jack. Enthusiasts can unlock all of Ensoniq's 8 channels by pairing two 4soniq cards together!

<strong>Project Status:</strong> Complete. In production. Actively sold by Manila Gear and ReActiveMicro.

<strong>Support:</strong> Post on the [[{{TALKPAGENAME}}|Discussion]] page (link above) or email [http://store.reactivemicro.com/contact-us/ ReActiveMicro Support].

<strong>Sales:</strong> Visit the [http://store.reactivemicro.com/shop/ ReActiveMicro Store].

== History ==
Sydney, Australia, 29 April 2016—Manila Gear today announced the 4soniq interface card for the Apple IIGS. The card gives IIGS owners the ability to connect up to 4 separate powered speakers so they can enjoy quadraphonic surround sound. In addition to providing four channels of output, the 4soniq gives owners the ability to capture audio with a single channel input digitiser.

The 4soniq was announced at WOzFest /// where Jon Christopher Co demonstrated a prototype 4soniq card for attendees to inspect and use in KABOOM! gameplay.

“It all started when we were chatting about how the Apple IIGS can generate 8 channels of sound, and fellow Apple enthusiast Andrew Roughan wondered ‘if anyone ever attempted such a design.’ John and I checked it out and we decided to give it a shot!” said Jon. “We hope Apple IIGS users enjoy using it and programming for it as much as we have enjoyed creating it.”

== Different Versions of the 4soniq ==
There have been a few versions of the 4soniq.

<gallery class="center" widths=300px caption="4soniq through the years:">
File:4soniq-v0.8.JPG|The first prototype. Toner transfer with red silkscreen.
File:4soniq-v0.9.JPG|The second prototype. Toner transfer with blue silkscreen.
File:4soniq-v1.0.JPG|The first production version.
File:4soniq-v1.1.JPG|The second production version.
</gallery>

== Documentation, Files, and Software ==
<div class="new_window">
<gallery class="center" widths=150px heights=80 caption="The Most Current User Manual, Programmer's Guide, and Software">
File:Doc.png|User Manual - v1.0|link=https://goo.gl/Ml2fVp
File:Doc.png|Programmer's Guide - v1.0|link=https://goo.gl/bc7w06
File:Doc.png|Sound Check Program - v2|link=https://goo.gl/KLnJGy
</gallery>
</div>

4soniq

2017-08-04T00:53:12Z

Jeremybh1: JBH revision

The 4soniq is a quadrophonic (four channel) sound card for the Apple IIGS. Manila Gear have designed the card to interface with the sound expansion connector near the memory expansion area. The 4soniq is capable of decoding and high quality filtering of the Ensoniq Digital Output Chip (DOC) into four separate channels of sound.

The 4soniq was created by [[Manila Gear]] in April 2016. It gives the Apple IIgs four separate channels of sound, instead of the usual one. Released software that supports 4-channel sound output include Kaboom! by Ninjaforce; Ninjaforce’s NinjaTracker and Sheppyware’s AmperSound GS. See the downloads section for more software.

Stereo sound is also supported by the 4soniq with high quality output to speakers via the 3.5mm jack.

Enthusiasts can unlock all of Ensoniq's 8 channels by pairing two 4soniq cards together!

<strong>Project Status:</strong> Complete. In production. Actively sold by Manila Gear and ReActiveMicro.

<strong>Support:</strong> Post on the [[{{TALKPAGENAME}}|Discussion]] page (link above) or email [http://store.reactivemicro.com/contact-us/ ReActiveMicro Support].

<strong>Sales:</strong> Visit the [http://store.reactivemicro.com/shop/ ReActiveMicro Store].

== History ==
Sydney, Australia, 29 April 2016—Manila Gear today announced the 4soniq interface card for the Apple IIGS. The card gives IIGS owners the ability to connect up to 4 separate powered speakers so they can enjoy quadraphonic surround sound. In addition to providing four channels of output, the 4soniq gives owners the ability to capture audio with a single channel input digitiser.

The 4soniq was announced at WOzFest /// where Jon Christopher Co demonstrated a prototype 4soniq card for attendees to inspect and use in KABOOM! gameplay.

“It all started when we were chatting about how the Apple IIGS can generate 8 channels of sound, and fellow Apple enthusiast Andrew Roughan wondered ‘if anyone ever attempted such a design.’ John and I checked it out and we decided to give it a shot!” said Jon. “We hope Apple IIGS users enjoy using it and programming for it as much as we have enjoyed creating it.”

== Different Versions of the 4soniq ==
There have been a few versions of the 4soniq.

<gallery class="center" widths=300px caption="4soniq through the years:">
File:4soniq-v0.8.JPG|The first prototype. Toner transfer with red silkscreen.
File:4soniq-v0.9.JPG|The second prototype. Toner transfer with blue silkscreen.
File:4soniq-v1.0.JPG|The first production version.
File:4soniq-v1.1.JPG|The second production version.
</gallery>

== Documentation, Files, and Software ==
<div class="new_window">
<gallery class="center" widths=150px heights=80 caption="The Most Current User Manual, Programmer's Guide, and Software">
File:Doc.png|User Manual - v1.0|link=https://goo.gl/Ml2fVp
File:Doc.png|Programmer's Guide - v1.0|link=https://goo.gl/bc7w06
File:Doc.png|Sound Check Program - v2|link=https://goo.gl/KLnJGy
</gallery>
</div>

2soniq

2017-08-03T12:32:48Z

Jeremybh1:

The Apple IIGS was the promoted for it’s unique Graphics and Sound capabilities. It uses the 5503 Ensoniq Digital Oscillator Chip (DOC) to produce realistic sound effects and music as well as sample inputs such as voice and instruments. This professional grade chip is unfortunately limited to mono output via the 3.5mm jack on the IIGS due to a design change at Apple.

The '''2soniq''' overcomes this limitation to unlock stereo sound by interfacing to the Ensoniq DOC directly. Manila Gear designed the 2soniq as a high quality yet cost effective solution to overcome previous IIGS sound limitations.
Almost all Apple IIGS software is compatible with stereo sound with existing software such as instant music natively supporting 2-channel output with the 2soniq.

The '''2soniq''' is quick to install and requires no special software or drivers to being experiencing stereo sound output. Excellent compatibility can be expected as the 2soniq uses a 3.5mm stereo jack for use with powered speakers.

Manila Gear created the '''2soniq''' in April 2017 and have joined the many partnerships at ReActive Micro to sell and distribute the card.

Enthusiasts can unlock further capabilities of the IIGS by purchasing the '''4soniq''' - a four channel sound card also designed by Manilla Gear.

<strong>Project Status:</strong> Complete. In production. Actively sold by Manila Gear and ReActiveMicro.

<strong>Support:</strong> Post on the [[{{TALKPAGENAME}}|Discussion]] page (link above) or email [http://store.reactivemicro.com/contact-us/ ReActiveMicro Support].

<strong>Sales:</strong> Visit the [http://store.reactivemicro.com/shop/ ReActiveMicro Store].

== History ==
April 2017 - 2soniq v1.0 released to strong sales and positive enthusiast reviews

== Gallery ==
<gallery class="center" widths=600px caption="">
File:2soniq-v1.0.JPG|Production version 1.0.
</gallery>

== Documentation, Files, and Software ==
<div class="new_window">
<gallery class="center" widths=150px heights=80 caption="Manual, Programmer's Guide, and Software">
File:Doc.png|User Manual - v1.0|link=https://goo.gl/otaZ9g
File:Doc.png|Programmer's Guide - v1.0|link=https://goo.gl/bc7w06
File:Doc.png|Sound Check Program - v2|link=https://goo.gl/KLnJGy
</gallery>
</div>

2soniq

2017-08-03T12:28:16Z

Jeremybh1: JBH revision

The Apple IIGS was the promoted for it’s unique Graphics and Sound capabilities. It uses the 5003 Ensoniq Digital Oscillator Chip (DOC) to produce realistic sound effects and music as well as sample inputs such as voice and instruments. This professional grade chip is unfortunately limited to mono output via the 3.5mm jack on the IIGS due to a design change at Apple.

The '''2soniq''' overcomes this limitation to unlock stereo sound by interfacing to the Ensoniq DOC directly. Manila Gear designed the 2soniq as a high quality yet cost effective solution to overcome previous IIGS sound limitations.
Almost all Apple IIGS software is compatible with stereo sound with existing software such as instant music natively supporting 2-channel output with the 2soniq.

The '''2soniq''' is quick to install and requires no special software or drivers to being experiencing stereo sound output. Excellent compatibility can be expected as the 2soniq uses a 3.5mm stereo jack for use with powered speakers.

Manila Gear created the '''2soniq''' in April 2017 and have joined the many partnerships at ReActive Micro to sell and distribute the card.

Enthusiasts can unlock further capabilities of the IIGS by purchasing the '''4soniq''' - a four channel sound card also designed by Manilla Gear.

<strong>Project Status:</strong> Complete. In production. Actively sold by Manila Gear and ReActiveMicro.

<strong>Support:</strong> Post on the [[{{TALKPAGENAME}}|Discussion]] page (link above) or email [http://store.reactivemicro.com/contact-us/ ReActiveMicro Support].

<strong>Sales:</strong> Visit the [http://store.reactivemicro.com/shop/ ReActiveMicro Store].

== History ==
April 2017 - 2soniq v1.0 released

== Gallery ==
<gallery class="center" widths=600px caption="">
File:2soniq-v1.0.JPG|Production version 1.0.
</gallery>

== Documentation, Files, and Software ==
<div class="new_window">
<gallery class="center" widths=150px heights=80 caption="Manual, Programmer's Guide, and Software">
File:Doc.png|User Manual - v1.0|link=https://goo.gl/otaZ9g
File:Doc.png|Programmer's Guide - v1.0|link=https://goo.gl/bc7w06
File:Doc.png|Sound Check Program - v2|link=https://goo.gl/KLnJGy
</gallery>
</div>