Phonetically speaking . . . module can support cartridges of up to 128K bytes. The Promqueen/64 is inserted into the expansion slot.
SAY WHAT?
its predecessor's features (except
all operations. (Corsage is extra.)
the MIMIC code), and has a 28-pin Textool ZIF socket, 24K RAM workspace, a matrix-switch
The unit is available directly from
a speech synthesizer that enables
Gloucester Company, Inc., 1 Blackburn Center, Gloucester,
VIC-20 and 64 users to incor
EPROM selector that accom modates all 5-volt JEDEC pinout devices, a process-burn erase
MA 01930 (Telephone:
grams. The Voicebox, retailing for $95.00, features built-in volume and pitch controls and an
617-283-7719).
Available from the Alien Group is
porate speech into their own pro
check, and provisions for use of faulty EPROMS and recharging
SPEAK UP!
of previously programmed
keynote claim Commodore
and plugs directly into the user's
devices. No personality modules are re quired for the unit, which reads,
Business Machines makes for its
port.
built-in vocabulary of 235 words
available for 64) includes a
runs, and programs EPROMs
2716,2516, 27C16, 1732, 1732A, 27C32, 2532, 2764,
spoken in a female voice. Music, graphics, and speech can be pro grammed simultaneously, directly
program that merges with the
2564, and 27128, plus future
from Basic and/or assembler. A
spelled in English to be spoken
devices such as the 17256. The
separate audio out connects the
(occupying 2033 bytes); a text-to-
"True to life speech" is the
new speech module, containing a
unlimited vocabulary potential. The model has its own speaker
Cassette-based software (disk machine-language text-to-speech BASIC program to allow words
system also programs and erases
speech into the 64's user port, and
speech program incorporating a
such EPROMs as the Hitachi 4016. Autohex/64 software, which comes with each plug-in car tridge, provides block transfer, remapping, transfer of bytes from and to marked locations, instant jumps to addresses specified in
other talking or non-talking car
face whose mouth moves in synch
tridges can be inserted into a se
with its words (2514 bytes); in
cond port.
structions for using the Voicebox
the commands, and global sear ches for opcodes requiring remap ping during block transfer. The Promqueen/64's $299 price includes a 60-page instruction
manual and EPROM firmware for
10 AHOY!
The educational applications of the module, as Commodore sees them, include alphabet learning, counting, and spelling, and on a higher level mathematics, science, and interactive foreign language programs.
Games that will work with the module include Wizard of Wor and Gorf, with more planned for release in the near future. The
in BASIC programs with only a few dozen bytes of memory (special ASCI 1 code required); a BASIC program showcasing the Voicebox's ability to sing in tune; and a spelling quiz with a talking face, a 75-word vocabulary, and the capability of expanding that vocabulary with phonetic spelling. (13K required.)
A comprehensive music and