SD Music (Plus) Firmware V1.0F
SD Music (Plus) Firmware V1.0F
Firmware V1.0F builds upon the Mockingboard emulation introduced in V1.0E and improves Envelope and Noise playback stability, as well as high-speed Direct Mode command processing.
When Noise and Envelope effects were used simultaneously on the two AY sound chips, the resulting sounds could become mixed together or muddy. V1.0F improves the separation and clarity of these sounds.
It also fixes a Direct Mode issue in which some OPLL commands could be missed when IMS Player or VGM Player transmitted commands in rapid succession.
Users who use Mockingboard-compatible software, IMS Player, or VGM Player are advised to update to V1.0F.
The SD Music Plus card is an enhanced version of the SD Music card that adds mixing of the Apple II internal speaker output. Apart from several minor improvements, the two cards are fundamentally similar.
Main Improvements
Mockingboard Emulation Improvements
- Improved Envelope ending timing and volume handling
- Improved Mockingboard data input timing
- Maintained the volume balance and playback characteristics adjusted through comparison with an actual Mockingboard
Direct Mode Stability Improvements
- Eliminated the possibility of missing commands when OPLL registers and data are transmitted in rapid succession
- Improved timing for continuous sound-data input
Other Improvements
- Optimized internal sound processing
- Improved playback stability with Mockingboard-compatible software
Operating Mode Selection
The operating mode is selected using the SWITCH BLOCK located at the upper-right corner of the board.
Right Position: Default Mode
- Supports VGM Player and IMS Player
- This is the normal operating position.
- When certain Mockingboard programs produce no sound, move the switch to the left position.
Left Position: Mockingboard ONLY Mode
- Dedicated mode for Mockingboard-compatible software
- Disables the SD Music Command Mode
- Use this mode for Mockingboard programs that produce no sound in Default Mode.
Some older Mockingboard programs do not initialize the 6522 according to the standard procedure, causing a conflict with the SD Music Command Mode.
Mockingboard ONLY Mode is provided so that these programs can still be used. However, the underlying problem is in the software, and its initialization code should ultimately be corrected by the software developer.
With the SWITCH BLOCK Removed
When the computer is powered on with the SWITCH BLOCK removed, the card enters Firmware Update Mode.
When the SWITCH BLOCK is removed after the card has started normally and the Apple II is then RESET, the card enters the hidden Envelope OFF Mode. In this mode, Envelope effects are disabled and sounds are played at a constant volume.
Firmware Update Procedure
- Prepare the attached firmware image as a bootable disk image.
- Turn off the computer with the SWITCH BLOCK removed from the SD Music Plus board.
- Install the SD Music Plus card in Apple II slot 4.
- Turn on the computer.
- If a “ding-dong” startup sound is heard, the card supports self-firmware updating.
If no “ding-dong” startup sound is heard, the card has an early firmware version without the self-update function. These early firmware versions also do not support IMS Player or VGM Player.
In this case, send the board to us and we will update it to the latest firmware free of charge. The user is responsible for shipping costs.
6.Follow the on-screen instructions and press Enter to begin the update.
When the update is completed successfully, a repeating “ding-dong, ding-dong” sound will be heard.
If an error occurs, a repeating “ding, ding” sound will be heard. Turn the computer off and on again, then retry the update from Step 4.
7.After the update has completed successfully, turn off the computer, reinstall the SWITCH BLOCK in its original position, and use the card normally.
V1.0F is the recommended update because it fixes the Noise and Envelope interference issue found in V1.0E, as well as the high-speed Direct Mode command-loss issue.
Additional firmware updates may be provided if further problems are discovered or additional improvements are required.