The ReActiveMicro Apple II Wiki - User contributions [en]

Mockingboard

2024-05-12T18:32:21Z

Tomcharlesworth: Tweak the formatting around mb-audit.

[[Image:Title_Mockingboard.svg|440px|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/c/cb/Title_Mockingboard.svg]]

[[Image:2018-03-28-ReActiveMicro-Mockingboard-v2.2-Assembled-Wiki.png|thumb|Mockingboard v2.2 Current version from ReActiveMicro|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/5/5e/2018-03-28-ReActiveMicro-Mockingboard-v2.2-Assembled-Wiki.png]]

The[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mockingboard Mockingboard]is a 6 voice sound card for the Apple II/II ''plus'', IIe, IIGS family of computers. The sound card was originally designed by Sweet Micro Systems. In 2005 [[ReActiveMicro]] (then called GSE-Reactive) was the first company to reproduce a clone of the board called "Mockingboard v1.0". Since then ReActiveMicro has released several versions of the Mockingboard in both assembled and kit forms.

Product Status: Actively sold by ReActiveMicro.

Support: Post on the [[{{TALKPAGENAME}}|Discussion]] page (link above) or email [https://www.reactivemicro.com/contact-us/ ReActiveMicro Support].

Sales: Visit the [https://www.reactivemicro.com/shop/ ReActiveMicro Store].

==Installation==
Thanks for your support by purchasing your Mockingboard from ReActiveMicro! To install your Mockingboard reference the [[#Documentation, Files, and Software|User's Manual links]] at the bottom of the page. Generally the board is installed in Slot 4. The 2 Pin Audio Cable can be connected to your Apple II motherboard and to the 2 pin header on the lower left of the Mockingboard labeled "MB Speaker". When you reboot or power on the Apple II you should hear the "beep" over your speakers. If you do not, reverse the 2 pin cable and try again. The sound is only able to transfer with the cable connected one way.

For the Apple IIGS be sure to set your system on "Normal" speed in the Control Panel or the board will not work correctly.

Speech Chip option: The top socket is the primary socket when installing the chip. It is generally labeled SC-02, Arctic-02, SSI-263P, SSI-263AP, or 78A263A-P. The jumper on the "Stereo Speech" 2 pin header allows speech output to both speakers if a Speech Chip is installed. Removing the jumper sends speech only to one speaker.

==Kit Assembly==
The parts included with your v2.2 kit and the PCB have basic labels. There are 315 pads which need to be soldered. Those with intermediate knowledge should have little trouble assembling the kit from just these labels. The images of the Mockingboard can also be used for reference or determine orientation, such as the diodes.

<gallery class="center" widths=400px heights=260px>
File:2018-01-31-ReActiveMicro-Mockingboard-v2.1-Kit-Wiki.jpg|v2.1 of The Mockingboard Kit.
</gallery>

'''Note:''' Some care needs to be taken when installing capacitors and diodes.

If your kit includes Aluminum or Tantalum capacitors, or "caps" for short, then be sure to install them in the correct orientation. The PCB will be clearly marked with "+" signs for all cap locations when the orientation of the part matters, or a polarized part is normally used. Sometimes a non-polarized part is used in place of a polarized one and then its orientation does not matter. However install a polarized cap backwards and you will damage it. An Aluminum Electrolytic will have a strip pointing to the NEGATIVE end lead. A Tantalum Electrolytic will generally have a marking or stripe to denote (not always pointing to) the POSITIVE lead.

All caps will have value markings on them. "106" is 10uF, and "104" is .1uF. 10uF is also physically a lot larger than .1uF. This should help identify the two ceramic caps in the kit. They along with the Electrolytic caps can also clearly be seen in the assembled pic above.

A diode also has a marking on it, and needs to be installed correctly as it only allows current to flow in one direction. Install it backwards and you won't usually damage it, however the circuit will no longer operate as intended. They can also clearly be seen in the assembled pic above.

'''Show below are example illustrations of different caps, a diode, and their related markings.'''

<gallery class="center" widths=400px heights=250px>
File:Caps_Chart.svg|Caps Markings|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/d/d1/Caps_Chart.svg
File:Diode_Anatomy.svg|Diode Markings|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/e/e9/Diode_Anatomy.svg
</gallery>

Your kit may include resistors. If so they could be the less precise "4 band" style which are typically 5% tolerance. Or the more precise "4 band" style which are typically 1% tolerance. Here are some charts on how to read them to help make matching locations on your PCB more easy.

<gallery class="center" widths=400px heights=400px>
File:4_Band_Resistor_Chart.svg|4-band Resistor Markings
File:5_Band_Resistor_Chart.svg|5-band Resistor Markings
</gallery>

The "MB Sound" connection on the card can be connected with a 2 pin cable to the Apple II motherboard. Disconnect the II's speaker and connect the 2 pin cable to the motherboard and Mockingboard. Turn on the Apple II and if you hear the system beep through your speakers then the cable is connected correctly. If no sound is heard then reverse one of the cable connections and reconnect. If still no sound is heard then there is an issue with the cable or Mockingboard.

Here are the assembly instructions for your reference. These are good to use if you want something local or to print out while soldering.

<div class="new_window">
<gallery class="center" widths=80px heights=80>
File:PDF_ICON.svg|Mockingboard Assembly Guide PDF 2019|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/2/24/Mockingboard_Assembly_Guide_2019.pdf
</gallery>
</div>

{{#ev:youtube|watch?v=rbI527j5LV4&feature=youtu.be&t=1m40s|600|center|Joe Strosnider Livestream Assembly Of The Mockingboard v2.1 And Review|frame}}
On February 8th, 2018 Joe Strosnider made an assembly and review of the Mockingboard v2.1 Kit. He gives some very good feedback and shows his own assembly of the project. The kit is so simple to assemble with some basic knowledge that as Joe states at 59:46 he just dives in without reading this wiki page or the assembly instructions and has little issue completing his work.

{{#ev:youtube|WgBCwFeyD7g|600|center|Chris Torrence's Assembly And Overview Of The Mockingboard v2.1|frame}}
On February 20th, 2018 Chris Torrence's Assembly Lines #62 video podcast did a review of the Mockingboard v2.1. He doesn't show full assembly like Joe Strosnider does, but it's still a good video to learn more in depth about the project and parts as well as mods, pics, and testing.

== Software Titles That Support Sound and Speech ==
We will likely add a table here to better outline all the known titles. However, for now it is best to reference this site:
http://www.applevault.com/hardware/sweet_micro_systems/mockingboard/

== History ==
The Mockingboard v1 was the first project ReActiveMicro started with in September 2005. After a bit of market research there seemed be enough demand to warrant this project. The board itself also seemed like a good candidate since it was a simple design, 2 layer PCB, and used standard parts which were still easily sourceable.

Henry disassembled the originally produced Mockingboard and noted what all the parts were. Bill was involved with starting the CAD layout, however he wasn't able to finish, so Henry took over and completed the project. Bill also helped with updating the design from an RCA Audio Cable to a 3.5mm Jack. He is also credited with the concept to add the 3.5mm Jack to the rear side of the IIe, which allows a more simple and shorter cable connection. Henry is credited with adding the II speaker input jack circuit to the board.

==Notable Mentions==
Henry's work on the Mockingboard project is mentioned in "Sophistication and Simplicity. The Life and Times of the Apple II Computer” by Steven Weyhrich. On page 171 Steven writes "In 2005, Henry Courbis of ReactiveMicro.com produced a fully functioning modern clone of the Mockingboard C, called the Mockingboard v1, selling it for $60. Since he was not equipped for large-scale production and had delays in meeting demand for it, another enterprising hacker, Tom Arnold, produced a clone of the clone in 2010, and sold it through the ReactiveMicro website as the Mockingboard v1a."

Steven however got most of this wrong. For starters there is no "large-scale" anything in the Apple II Community anymore, and this includes demand. Henry had 50 PCBs of the Mockingboard v1 produced, assembled most by hand, and sold the rest as kits. They took almost a year to complete selling. Selling 3-4 boards a month was about the average. Henry wanted to start the [[Phasor]] clone project after but was delayed due to other business opportunities. Demand started to grow again and in 2010 is when Tom Arnold said he would be making some more boards to help fill the need in the Community.

==Versions==
[[Image:MB v1 GSE.jpg|thumb|Mockingboard v1 from GSE-Reactive]]
In late 2005 ReActiveMicro (then called GSE-Reactive) produced a clone of the board called "Mockingboard v1". ReActiveMicro sold the Mockingboard v1 in fully assembled, or in user-assemblable "kit" form. There were about 50 units produced and sold. The silkscreen shows "GSE-Reactive.com" on the lower front.

<gallery class="center" widths=300px caption="More Pics Of The Mockingboard Project">
File:Mockingboard_v1_Proto.png|The First Mockingboard v1 Proto
File:Mockingboard_v1_Kit1.JPG|The Mockingboard v1 in Kit form. From about early 2006.
File:Mockingboard_v1_Kit2.JPG|The Mockingboard v1 in Kit form. From about early 2006.
</gallery>

[[Image:MBv1a-1.jpg|thumb|Mockingboard v1a from ReActiveMicro]]
In late 2010 Tom Arnold of philosophyofsound.com approached Henry about making a new run of boards. Tom used the ReActiveMicro design but relabeled it as "Mockingboard v1a". About 40 units were produced. The silkscreen shows "ReactiveMicro.com" on the lower front. Ulitmate-Micro helped distribute these boards via the UltimateApple2.com Store. Tom also sold some units himself.

[[Image:IMG_20160108_124830_1-Fixed.jpg|thumb|Mockingboard v1a from Ultimate-Micro]]
Although still called "Mockingboard v1", in 2015 Tom had another batch of boards made, but this later run has the "UM" logo on it and shows "UltimateApple2.com" and "ReActiveMicro.com" on the lower front. About 30 units were produced.

On October 9th, 2017 Henry relayedout the Mockingboard and incremented the version to v2.1. He also made some mods which is a jumper to allow stereo speech output from a single speech chip. No programs ever used the second speech chip option, so the mod allows better speech output sound. Henry also fixed the reversed channel issue on all previous Mockingboard clones. This version of the board was released for sale as assembled units and kits on January 31st, 2018. v2.0 was released as GERBER files to several people in the Community, however no one ever used the files to make more boards, which prompted the v2.1 "official" ReActiveMicro release.
<gallery class="center" widths=300px>
File:2018-03-10-ReActiveMicro-Slider-Mockingboard1.jpg|The Mockingboard v2.1 in Assembled form.|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/c/cc/2018-03-10-ReActiveMicro-Slider-Mockingboard1.jpg
File:2018-01-31-ReActiveMicro-Mockingboard-v2.1-Kit-Wiki.jpg|The Mockingboard v2.1 in Kit form.
</gallery>

On February 28th, 2018 Henry relayedout the Mockingboard and incoremented the version to v2.2. The only change was removal of the stereo speech output jumper. The connection is now defaulted on and made using a trace which can be cut by the user and the header pins and jumper can be added if they wish to reconnect the circuit.
<gallery class="center" widths=300px>
File:2018-03-28-ReActiveMicro-Mockingboard-v2.2-Assembled-Wiki.png|The Mockingboard v2.2 in Assembled form.
</gallery>

== Known Design Issues ==
A few design issues have been discovered over the years in the ReActiveMicro Mockingboards.

On [https://www.facebook.com/groups/5251478676/permalink/10157620999923677/ June 15th, 2018 a user reported] they receive no sound output from their II motherboard. It seems II, II ''plus'' and the Europlus systems are affected. When the sound circuit was being designed no one from the Community was willing to help advise or assist with testing. So there does seem to be an issue affecting some early II systems as noted. This will be addressed in future versions of the design.

In 2016 Chris Torrence discovered that the 3.5mm Audio Jack was wired backwards. This is evident all the way back to the GarberStreet schematic (upper right schematic area, linked below) of the Mockingboard from 2004. v2.1 fixed this issue. Tom Arnold has since devised a work-around mod that Chris demonstrates in a video. In all the years of the Mockingboard being sold no one noticed this issue until Chris did.

All ReActiveMicro Mockingboards up to v2.1 have a cross-channel audio issue as part of the Apple II speaker input circuit Henry designed in 2005. The issue is left and right Mockingboard audio channels get mixed together and can not be distinguished very clearly. Chris also demonstrates this fix in a video. Again, in all the years of the Mockingboard being sold no one noticed this issue until Chris did. v2.2 has this fix standard.

Chris Torrence has a few Assembly Lines videos that can be found on YouTube addressing the different issues listed above. He has been a big help in improving the Mockingboard design and helping the Community, and ReActiveMicro for one thanks him for his time and efforts.

<center>
{{#ev:youtube|ZJcy34_rT70|400|inline|Assembly Lines #22: Mockingboard v1a from Ultimate-Micro|frame}}{{#ev:youtube|Ermg5BLPfj8|400|inline|Assembly Lines #23: Mockingboard v1a Mods #1|frame}}{{#ev:youtube|HnG0ovQa-nk|400|inline|Assembly Lines #24: Mockingboard v1a Mods #2|frame}}
</center>

Also noteworthy, but which does not affect ReActiveMicro designs, is a known "Reset Bug" with some early slot-based Mockingboard designs as originally documented by Michael J. Mahon in CALL-A.P.P.L.E. (12/1983). There is a chance the AY Sound Generators will be "stuck" on and producing sound when a program crashes or the Apple II is reset. This is due to no Apple II system /RESET signal being sent to the AY Sound Generators. To resolve this issue two diodes need to be installed, one on each of the AY Sound Generator's Pin 21, to the Apple II's /RESET line. The diodes will allow reset of the AY Sound Generators without running a special program to do so. The Diodes are of course necessary to prevent a system reset from occurring when software wants to reset just the AY Sound Generators through the VIA's PB2 line. All ReActiveMicro Mockingboards have this fix standard, as does the original Mockingboard C from which the clone design and schematic originates.

== Downloadable Files ==

<center>[[Image:SubTitle_Mockingboard.svg|340px|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/0/08/SubTitle_Mockingboard.svg ]]</center>

<gallery class="center" widths=150px heights=80>
File:PDF_ICON.svg|Manual|link=http://www.downloads.reactivemicro.com/Apple%20II%20Items/Hardware/Mockingboard_v1/Mockingboard-v1a-Docs.pdf
File:Floppy_Icon_514bare.svg|v1 Test Disk 1/2|link=http://www.downloads.reactivemicro.com/Apple%20II%20Items/Hardware/Mockingboard_A/Software/mockingboard1.dsk
File:Floppy_Icon_514bare.svg|v1 Test Disk 2/2|link=http://www.downloads.reactivemicro.com/Apple%20II%20Items/Hardware/Mockingboard_A/Software/mockingboard2.dsk
File:Mockingboard_Schematic-Garber.gif|Schematic by Bill Garber
File:Mockingboard_Schematic_Arnold.pdf|Schematic by Tom Arnold

File:PNG_ICON.svg|Desktop Wallpaper 4096*2304|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/d/d5/Mockingboard_4096x2304K.png

<gallery class="center" widths=150px heights=80 caption="More Pics, Docs, Software, and Info>
File:RM_Icon_File_Server.svg|A Folder|link=http://www.downloads.reactivemicro.com/Apple%20II%20Items/Hardware/Mockingboard_A/
File:RM_Icon_File_Server.svg|D Folder|link=http://www.downloads.reactivemicro.com/Apple%20II%20Items/Hardware/Mockingboard_D/
File:RM_Icon_File_Server.svg|M Folder|link=http://www.downloads.reactivemicro.com/Apple%20II%20Items/Hardware/Mockingboard_M/
File:RM_Icon_File_Server.svg|Sound & Speech I Folder|link=http://www.downloads.reactivemicro.com/Apple%20II%20Items/Hardware/Mockingboard_Sound-Speech_I/
File:RM_Icon_File_Server.svg|v1 Folder|link=http://www.downloads.reactivemicro.com/Apple%20II%20Items/Hardware/Mockingboard_v1/
</gallery>
</div>

[[Category:Hardware]]
[[Category:Apple]]
[[Category:ReActiveMicro Projects]]

Tom Charlesworth's MB-Audit project: https://github.com/tomcw/mb-audit

This project (released as an Apple II disk image) includes a suit of diagnostic tests that exercise real Mockingboard (and Phasor) hardware to identify any faults in all components on the card: 6522s, AY-3-8913s, SC-01 & SSI263s.

It is regularly updated, and the AppleWin emulator is kept in lock-step with these tests too.

Phasor

2024-05-12T18:30:55Z

Tomcharlesworth: Add info about mb-audit

[[Image:Title_Phasor_Sound_Card.svg|440px|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/9/9c/Title_Phasor_Sound_Card.svg]]

[[Image:IMG_20190713_161320401_HDR-Wiki-tiny.png|thumb|ReActiveMicro Phasor v1.0|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/f/f3/IMG_20190713_161320401_HDR-Wiki-tiny.png ]]

The Phasor is a 12 voice sound card for the Apple II, II ''plus'', IIe and IIGS. Originally designed by Applied Engineering (aka - AE).

The Phasor is usually seen as one [[Mockingboard_v1|Mockingboard]] by programs which support the Mockingboard. Some programs can even see the Phasor as two Mockingboards, which allow for all 12 voices to be used. Other programs will directly support the Phasor, however the list is much smaller than those that support the Mockingboard.

In 2016 Tom Arnold worked with [[ReActiveMicro]] to reproduce a clone of the board called "FAZOR" v1.0beta. On June 6th, 2019 ReActiveMicro released their own v1.0 Phasor expansion card. This is what is currently offered for sale.

WIKI Info: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phasor_%28sound_synthesizer%29 Phasor]

Product Status: Actively sold by ReActiveMicro.

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

Sales: Visit the [https://store.reactivemicro.com/shop/ ReActiveMicro Store].

'''Future Developments:''' RM is ''actively'' working on v2 which will use custom logic to emulate the ICs.

==Kit Assembly==
The Phasor Sound Card Kit is a total of 465 pads or "solder joints". It takes about 1 hour or less to fully assemble a kit if you have a decent iron, flux, and solder. The parts included with your kit and the PCB have basic labels. Those with even basic knowledge should have little trouble assembling the kit from the labels on the parts, the bags, and the PCB. The images here of the assembled card can also be used for reference or to determine orientation, such as the diodes.

To assemble your kit we recommend adding parts in groups and then soldering them. This will be the fastest way to assemble the kit rather than adding one part at a time then soldering it.
* Start with the small passive parts like caps and resistors. Some of the location labels will be hard to see if you start with the sockets or other parts. Each time a part is added you can simply bend over a leg on each side to help hold the part to the PCB which allows the board to be turned over and prevents parts from falling out. It is most simple to load all the parts in groups and then solder and clip the legs as needed.
* Once the passive parts are installed next should be the IC sockets. When a socket is loaded on the board bending the corner pins of the sockets helps hole it to the PCB which allows group loading and soldering. The sockets are all the same thickness. So if you solder on a flat surface then this will also help hold all the sockets flat to the PCB and give a more uniform appearance when completed. '''Be sure ALL pin 1 'notches' '''are facing the correct way! See the silk screen markings on the PCB to ensure the correct orientation.
* End with the larger parts, like jacks, the large cap, and the header pins. Don't bend over the jack legs or pin legs as they will be too stiff. The jack's legs are prebent also which should help hold it to the PCB. The rest you may need to hold the parts in place as you solder a few pins before you can group solder.

{{#ev:youtube|rKruhFEpX6E|400|center|Alexander Jacocks: Phasor Build - Part 1|frame}} {{#ev:youtube|hS_skJ8cjaU|400|center|Alexander Jacocks: Phasor Build - Part 2|frame}}
On April 10th, 2021 Alexander Jacocks posted a build video of the Phasor v1.0 Apple II Sound Card Kit. He goes in to some detail about the card, and reviews the PCB and shows the full assembly. About an hour later he has an assembled and working board.

{{#ev:youtube|ICPE9AL-OcM|400|center|Old Computer Fun!: Assembling the ReactiveMicro Phasor clone for the Apple II|frame}}
On August 16th, 2020 Old Computer Fun! posted a build video of the Phasor v1.0 Apple II Sound Card Kit. At 10:26 he points out a potential pitfall with cap. Well worth noting.

{{#ev:youtube|QrVqP6GTYQs|400|center|Chris Torrence: Assembly Lines #112: Apple II Phasor (Mockingboard) Sound Card Kit|frame}}

On April 24th, 2020 Chris Torrence posted a build video of the Phasor v1.0 Apple II Sound Card Kit. He even shows one of the possible mistakes (LS245 backwards). A good vid to review before building your kit! We highly recommend watching it before starting your kit as well as fully reviewing this Wiki page.

'''Note: ''' A good loupe (magnifying glass) is recommended for helping identify and confirm parts, like the markings on some small caps. It also helps with solder joint inspection. An illuminated 40 x 25mm and a 35 x 50mm loupe are well worth the investment and can be had for about $10 each on eBay.

'''Some care needs to be taken when installing capacitors and diodes.'''

If your kit includes Aluminum or Tantalum capacitors, or "caps" for short, then be sure to install them in the correct orientation. The PCB will be clearly marked with "+" signs for all cap locations when the orientation of the part matters, or a polarized part is normally used. Sometimes a non-polarized part is used in place of a polarized one and then its orientation does not matter. However install a polarized cap backwards and you will damage it. An Aluminum Electrolytic will have a strip pointing to the NEGATIVE end lead. A Tantalum Electrolytic will generally have a marking or stripe to denote (not always pointing to) the POSITIVE lead.
* Install the 10uF Aluminum caps at locations C17 and C27. Be sure to install correctly as they are polarized.

All caps will have value markings on them. "106" is 10uF, and "104" is .1uF. 10uF is also typically physically larger than .1uF. This should help identify the ceramic caps in the kit. They along with the Electrolytic caps can also clearly be seen in the assembled pic above.
* Install a 47pF cap at location "C3 (COLOR TRIM)". This can be from any of the two pads on the right to the one pad on the left.

A diode also has a marking on it, and needs to be installed correctly as it only allows current to flow in one direction. Install it backwards and you won't usually damage it, however the circuit will no longer operate as intended. They can also clearly be seen in the assembled pic above.
* Install the diode at location CR1. Be sure to install with the line side down (towards the "A" row).

'''Show below are example illustrations of different caps, a diode, and their related markings.'''

<gallery class="center" widths=400px heights=250px>
File:Caps_Chart.svg|Caps Markings|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/d/d1/Caps_Chart.svg
File:Diode_Anatomy.svg|Diode Markings|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/e/e9/Diode_Anatomy.svg
</gallery>

Your kit also includes resistors. They should be the less precise "4 band" style which are typically 5% tolerance. You can also use the more precise "5 band" style which are typically 1% tolerance. Here are some charts on how to read them to help make matching locations on your PCB more easy.

<gallery class="center" widths=400px heights=400px>
File:4_Band_Resistor_Chart.svg|4-band Resistor Markings
File:5_Band_Resistor_Chart.svg|5-band Resistor Markings
</gallery>

== Software Titles That Support Sound and Speech ==
We will likely add a table here to better outline all the known titles. However, for now it is best to reference this site:
http://www.applevault.com/hardware/sweet_micro_systems/mockingboard/

== History ==
The Phasor was the second project collaboration between Tom Arnold of philosophyofsound.com and Henry from ReActiveMicro. After a bit of market research there seemed be enough demand to warrant this project. Previously Tom had worked on and released a clone of the [[Mockingboard_v1|Mockingboard]]. This project however would be more difficult since the Phasor uses two PAL devices.

About mid-February 2013 Henry sent Tom a Phasor to depopulate and start the cloning process as Henry was planning to be busy with other non-Apple II related business till about 2014. Tom produced a schematic and then relaid out a new PCB for alpha testing. This would allow testing of the schematic and new components.

Tom worked with the project in his spare time during 2013 and 2014. There was no major rush in the project since Ultimate-Micro still had stock of the Mockingboard v1a they were selling. Not much was done with the project till about mid-2015, after the Mockingboard v1a stock was liquidated.

During the whole process Tom had been trying to copy the protected PAL devices. After several weeks Tom managed to produce a good copy of "PH1". "PH2" however proved to be a lot harder to copy. Henry sent the PH2 device to JammArcade.net who specializes in duplicating older PAL devices. After several weeks they managed to produce a working copy about the very end of 2015.

From 2016 till 2019 Tom Arnold didn't produce any more Phasors. Henry decided to have more units produced with the main goal of also supplying kits. On April 4th 2019 Henry started working on the Phasor v1.0 project. He scanned the PCB, produced new CAD files, and revised the component layout and BOM. The main changes to the project compared to AE was to remove the old RCA audio jacks and use a more common 3.5mm jack, and to remove the thumbwheel potentiometers which set the output volume. The output volume is now hardset at a suitable level for use with amplified speakers most commonly found with desktop PCs.

== Phasor Versions ==
Applied Engineering released the original Phasor in 1984, and it's believed all these early boards are marked "Rev. E" and are missing the 74LS245 near the card's edge connector. This "Rev. F" is from about 1986 and has the 74LS245. It's believed the change was due to a possible issue with the newer IIGS. From a design standpoint it should have been on the card to begin with to comply with Apple's specs as it drives the data bus.

<gallery class="center" widths=300px>
File:P_20180916_112027_vHDR_Auto-Wiki.png|Applied Engineering Phasor.
</gallery>

At the very end of June 2016 Tom sent ReActiveMicro a working Fazor v1.0 Beta clone for testing and to include in their raffle at [[KFEST 2016]].

<gallery class="center" widths=300px>
File:Fazor_v1.0beta_Face.png|Fazor v1.0 Beta from ReActiveMicro.
</gallery>

<gallery class=center" widths=300px>
File:Fazor_v1.0beta_Face_Marking.jpg|The front "beta" marking on the Fazor.
File:Fazor_v1.0beta_Face_RM_Marking.jpg|The "ReActiveMicro" marking on the Fazor.
File:Fazor_v1.0beta_Rear_Beta_Markings.jpg|The rear "beta" and "Tom" markings on the Fazor.
</gallery>

The Phasor v1.0 is the current release of the project. Three exact 1-to-1 sample boards were produced to prove the CAD files and Bill of Materials was correct and factory assembly wasn't an issue. After that the pots were removed and resistors added to set the output volume level. Also removed were the RCA connectors and a more common 3.5mm audio jack was installed. This allows standard desktop speakers to be used.

<gallery class="center" widths=300px caption="Phasor v1.0.x From ReActiveMicro">
File:IMG_20190606_092101451-Wiki-tiny.png|The Phasor v1.0.0. Only three with audio pots were produced.
File:IMG_20190713_161320401_HDR-Wiki-tiny.png|The Phasor v1.0.1. The audio pots were replaced with resistors.
</gallery>

This is the proto project for v2 of the project. It will be based on an FPGA and allow the board to be produced more cheaply when the 6522 and AY-3-8913 ICs become more scarce. However it probably won't be able to be offered in kit form.

<gallery class="center" widths=300px caption="The Phasor v2 Alpha PCB">
File:Phasor_v2_Alpha1.jpg|First Alpha Design
File:Phasor_v2.A.1.jpg|Second Alpha Design
</gallery>

== Reviews & Examples ==
{{#ev:youtube|Bs9G21110B8|400|right|Nox Archaist Music Files|frame}}
Here is a good example of the Phasor in use playing the music for the game Nox Archaist.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

{{#ev:youtube|QrVqP6GTYQs|400|right|Chris Torrence: Assembly Lines #112: Apple II Phasor (Mockingboard) Sound Card Kit|frame}}
On April 24th, 2020 Chris Torrence posted a build video of the Phasor v1.0 Apple II Sound Card Kit. He shows how simple and fun this kit can be, as well as a finished product. He even shows one of the possible mistakes (LS245 backwards). A good vid to review before building your kit!

{{#ev:youtube|dlV_-0jvLFE|400|right|Chris Torrence: Assembly Lines #97: Phasor Apple II Sound Card|frame}}
On June 6th, 2019 Chris Torrence posted a review about the Phasor v1.0 Apple II Sound Card. He shows it working with several different programs, and discusses the features and benefit verses the Mockingboard.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

==ICs Of The Phasor==
The main control of the [http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Datasheet_AY-8913 AY-3-8913 Sound Generator ICs] is controlled by the 6522 Versatile Interface Adapter (VIA). The Apple II sends commands to the VIAs and the VIAs are connected in a way to send packages of instructions to the Programmable Sound Generators (PSG), and the PSGs produce audio.

The Apple II clock is phase shifted by 180 degrees on the Phasor using an RC Network and a 74HCT02. Part of the Apple II Audio Input circuit is also routed through the 74HCT02.

The SSI-263AP Speech Synthesis IC is not controlled by the VIAs, but is controlled by the onboard GALs. The GALs also produce clock for the PSGs and help control the VIAs.

==FPGA Emulation Of Analog ICs==
At the heart of the Phasor v2 sound card project is the emulation of the 6522 VIA's and AY-3-8913 Sound Generator ICs.

The FPGA reproduces audio using the same techniques as the Sound Generators. The Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) takes the commands from the 6522 part of the code and modulates the output accordingly. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is responsible for mixing and levels. The audio produced is very close to analog. The only real difference is the analog parts of the AY-3-8913 Sound Generator are never the same from IC to IC whereas they are always the same from FPGA to FPGA. The analog audio from the Sound Generators tends to be more "warm" however the audio from the FPGA tends to be more clear. Some high tones tend to be lower or washed out in analog when compared to digital samples. This could also be related to poor design of the filter circuits on the original AE Phasor.

==OpAmp And Audio Mixer Circuit==
The mixer circuits on the original AE Phasor were not of the best design. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and other related noise, channel bleed, and voltage level issues can all be heard on the original card. The Analog and Digital ground separation is also not of the best design. All of these issues were addressed on the ReActiveMicro project.

RFI tends to be heard with CPU, bus, and drive operation and can sound like clicks or slight beeps of varying tones. It's mostly heard when there is no or low audio and the volume is turned up or headphones are used. Channel bleed can be hard when audio is being played in one channel and silence in the other, and can make audio sound more mono or distorted in some cases. Voltage level issues tend to lead to some things sounding louder or softer than others. For example the speech IC tends to sound louder than sound effects or music.

In the Phasor v2 project the second speech IC option was removed since it was unused by all programs and even the test program. There was no known way to test it, although now mb-audit exists (see below) which includes tests for both SSI263 chips. In the current Phasor project the right and left channels for speech are combined for mono output which sounds a lot better than the original signal channel, and the voltage level was normalized to better match the audio output.

== Downloadable Files ==
This is the original AE Phasor test software. It is very limited in what it tests, and due to these limits development of the Phasor v2 project has been delayed. It has been very difficult to find and fix issues as a result. Most of the test software project is actually very simple as the code exists in all the original test programs. Now mb-audit exists (see below) which contains many Phasor-specific tests.

<div class="new_window">
<gallery class="center" widths=150px heights=80 caption="SERVER FILES">

File:RM_Icon_File_Server.svg|Software|link=http://www.downloads.reactivemicro.com/Apple%20II%20Items/Hardware/Phasor/Software/
File:RM_Icon_File_Server.svg|Assorted Files|link=http://www.downloads.reactivemicro.com/Apple%20II%20Items/Hardware/Phasor/
File:RM_Icon_File_Server.svg|Test files - Tom Porter|link=https://www.dropbox.com/s/jz6emstwvouan2z/MIDI%20To%20PHASOR.zip?dl=0
</gallery>
</div>

<div class="new_window">
<gallery class="center" widths=150px heights=80 caption="PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS">

File:PDF_ICON.svg|File:2018-06-09_-_Eric_Rangell_-_ProgrammingThePhasor_-_v1.5.pdf|Programming The Phasor: Part 1|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/4/4b/2018-06-09_-_Eric_Rangell_-_ProgrammingThePhasor_-_v1.5.pdf
File:PDF_ICON.svg|File:Phasor_Programming_Supplement.pdf|Programming The Phasor: Part 2|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/2/21/Phasor_Programming_Supplement.pdf
File:PDF_ICON.svg|Manual 2019|link=https://wiki.reactivemicro.com/images/d/d3/Phasor_Manual_2019.pdf
</gallery>
</div>

[[Category:Hardware]]
[[Category:Apple]]
[[Category:ReActiveMicro Projects]]

Tom Charlesworth's MB-Audit project: https://github.com/tomcw/mb-audit

This project (released as an Apple II disk image) includes a suit of diagnostic tests that exercise real Mockingboard (and Phasor) hardware to identify any faults in all components on the card: 6522s, AY-3-8913s, SC-01 & SSI263s.

It is regularly updated, and the AppleWin emulator is kept in lock-step with these tests too.