Atari/Atari Games Memos and Status Reports 1984 Jed Margolin ___________________________________________________________________________ Regulator/Audio III-01 Testing Jed Margolin 2/22/84 1. Test at high line (132 Vac) fully loaded. Measure temperature rise for heatsink, 2N6576, and Regulators. (The Regulator/Audio Board should be able to operate in an ambient temperature of 55 degrees C.) a. Will the 2N6576 need an additional heat sink? b. Will the 7815 and 7915 need their own heat sink? 2. What happens if there is +10.6 Vdc but no +15 Vdc? What happens if there is +15 Vdc but no +10.6 Vdc? (Do it with the +5 Vdc output both loaded and unloaded. Does the 723 get fried by these conditions?) 3. Measure the current limit at TA= 25 degrees C. and at 55 degrees C. _____________________________________________________________________________ To: Dan Van Elderen Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Mathbox Patent Application Dt: 2/24/84 1. The only new project that uses the Star Wars mathbox is TOMCAT but I am designing new, faster hardware which will replace the Star Wars mathbox. The LAST STARFIGHTER had considered using the Star Wars mathbox but they are now planning on using the Digital Signal Processor (the TMS320) that I will be using in TOMCAT. 2. There are no new products out in the market using the Star Wars mathbox. 3. As far as I know, none of our competitors uses anything similar to the Star Wars mathbox. 4. There are no new projects using the original mathbox. 5. If we can get anything from it, a continuation would be worthwhile. cc: Rick Moncrief _____________________________________________________________________________ To: Rick Moncrief Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Compensatory Time Off Dt: 3/1/84 This is to confirm that I am taking compensatory time off, covering the Star Wars and FireFox projects. I will be gone from Monday, March 5 through Friday, March 30. I will return on Monday, April 2. Jed _____________________________________________________________________________ To: Robb Kundtz Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Conflict of Interest Statement Dt: 4/3/84 Your definition of Family Group is too broad and the involvement of my Family Group in these questions is an unwarranted invasion of my privacy. Although, to my knowledge, I have never had any outside interests which constitute a conflict of interest with the business and affairs of Atari, I doubt if I am aware of all of Atari's Affiliates, Suppliers, Competitors, and Customers as defined under "Definitions". Therefore, please supply me with a list of Atari's Affiliates, Suppliers, Competitors, and Customers as defined under "Definitions". Also, since your document is written in legalese I will need an attorney to explain it to me. When I receive her bill who do I send it to for reimbursement? _____________________________________________________________________________ To: Mike Hally Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Star Wars Retrofit Dt: 4/6/84 This is to address your concern that that if the retrofit kits consist mostly of ROMs, then operators will be able to copy them themselves instead of buying them from Atari. You also want to be able to retrofit the games in the field without having the boards returned for rework. One option, that Greg expressed an interest in, was to do a new Sound Board with the Yamaha Sound IC, a 6502, and more ROM. Now that Manufacturing has been shut down, this will not be possible. Besides, I don't think it could be done in three months. As far as creating a small piggyback board to plug into something, the physical arrangement of the boards precludes plugging a piggyback board into anything interesting. Besides, we have no one to build the boards anymore. My only idea so far is the following: There are lots of EPROM programmers out there to enable operators to copy our EPROMs. But how available are the programmers to copy the bipolar PROMs used for the Matrix Processor microcode? (These are 82S137 PROMs). If these PROM programmers are not widely available we can change (or move around) the microcode so the operators will have to get the new PROMs from us. By the way, I had these PROMs socketed. Jed _____________________________________________________________________________ To: John Ray Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Electronic Speech Systems Dt: 4/11/84 I called Joe Costello from Electronic Speech Systems (415-490-8642) and found out the following: Dr. Mozer of the University of California (who developed the algorithms used in Digitalker) is a partner in Electronic Speech Systems which claims to have developed new algorithms to make it possible for an 8 bit processor with a DAC to perform as well or better than Digitalker. They have a program that uses about 50% of a 1 MHz 6502 (estimate provided by Joe Costello). They are interested in having us use their algorithms in return for a royalty estimated at: $5.00 in quanities of 1K $2.50 in quanities of 10K $1.50 in quantities of 100K Currently, they do all the speech analysis. Next year they expect to come out with a speech analysis that runs on an IBM PC. Possibly, they will do Beta site testing this summer. If anyone is interested they should pursue it. cc: Rick Moncrief Earl Vickers _____________________________________________________________________________ Controller for a DC Motor ------------------------- Jed Margolin 5/1/84 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOTES: A). There is no target date for project completion; most of the people on this project have been layed off. B). Various implementations of the Powered Moving Seat have been shown to outsiders as early as (probably) October 1983. However, although the Powered Moving Seat was controlled by the DC Motor Controller under discussion, the DC Motor Controller itself has not to my knowledge been disclosed to anyone outside the company. C. What is Atari's policy on the publication of this kind of information? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTROLLER FOR DC MOTOR. ABSTRACT: A Triac is connected in series between an AC current source and a DC motor. A microcomputer program is synchronized to each AC half-cycle and by triggering the Triac during a selected time during a selected half-cycle, the speed and direction of the motor are thereby controlled. In its implementation on a Powered Moving Seat, the microcomputer also receives inputs from a chair position sensor and from a control element (either an analog joystick or a communications link to a game). The computer program calculates the difference between where the seat is and where it should be, and controls the motors accordingly. The following features are implemented in software and can therefore be easily adjusted: Control of Chair Position Limits Control of Chair Acceleration Deadzone (to prevent chatter) Mediation of Control Inputs (Scaling, Offset, and Rate of Change) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Detailed Description of Invention: 1. The invention provides a simple method of controlling a reversible DC motor. 2. The standard method of controlling a DC motor requires some type of bridge configuration (consisting of thyristors or transistors) requiring a complicated trigger or drive circuit. 3. Schematics and a program listing are attached. 4. The motor drive electronics is greatly simplified over what has been done before, while the software permits easy adjustment of the motor control parameters. _____________________________________________________________________________ To: Rick Moncrief Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Peter Schmelcher Dt: 7 May 1984 Peter Schmelcher's "Eye Catcher" sounds very interesting. There are some basic questions concerning this type of device: 1. Existing devices of this type use a low power Laser. Assuming that this one does, too, there could be liability problems. People would tend to sue us just knowing that there was a Laser in the game, pointing at them. 2. An eye tracker is probably not even the fastest control. Missile Command would probably be too slow with it. And if you've ever played Whack-A-Mole, you know that if you take the time to look at the Mole, it's too late. 3. An alternative to the Eye Catcher might be something with Doug's position sensors. Something like a helmut-type arrangement with earphones. 4. If we were to use it, it would require a "champion"; otherwise it would turn out just like the "Face" camera. 5. I wonder how much it costs. I think a demo would be very interesting. Jed _____________________________________________________________________________ My DB16000 Development Board is connected to an ERNIE terminal line because apparently there are no more KIM lines available. My problem is that most of the time I end up getting kicked off of the DECNET link and can't get back on. I would like either: 1) a KIM line or 2) an ERNIE account If you give me an ERNIE account please also create the user [NSC16K], complete with files. Jed _____________________________________________________________________________ To: Skip Paul Fr: Jed Margolin Re: The "New and Improved" Atari Health Care Program Dt: 6/22/84 I just got the booklet describing the Highlights of the new Atari Health Care Program. It starts off by saying that "no services have been taken away" and then goes on to explain: 1. There is to be a $150 deductible for each separate hospital admission. 2. There is to be a YEARLY $150 deductible before Major Medical benefits are paid (for an individual). 3. These new medical "services" will only cost us $10 a month. 4. The new Plan for Basic and Major Dental requires a separate $50 yearly individual deductible. 5. These new Basic and Major Dental "services" will cost us $2/month. 6. It is not clear whether Preventive Dental Services is exempt from the $50 deductible. Also, if an individual has routine preventive dental treatments and requires, say, a filling, does that come under Preventive Dental Services at 100% or under Basic and Major Dental Services at $50 deductible and 80% ? Perhaps R.B.Zufall and I mean different things by the word "service". The only "service" that a health plan provides is to pay money. (Actual medical service is provided by people like Doctors, Nurses, and Dentists.) This plan is obviously going to pay LESS (plus COST individuals $10/month for Medical and $2/month for Dental). It's bad enough that the Medical and Dental Insurance programs are being cut, but I think that R.B.Zufall has a lot of damn gall trying to make it sound like we're getting MORE when we are actually getting LESS. Who does this clown think he is? George Orwell? Warmest personal regards, Jed _____________________________________________________________________________ The Questions: 0. Do you feel strongly either way about keeping the Mentor system? Which way and why? 1. Do you know how to use the Mentor simulator (SIM) ? 2. " " " timing verifier (TVER)? 3. " " " schematic capture package (NETED)? 4. Do you want to learn how to use those tools? 5. Do you currently, personally, perform drafting functions on the Mentor System? 6. Do you currently use the Mentor system for engineering functions? 7. Do you plan to use the Mentor System for engineering functions? If no, why not? If yes, when to you anticipate using it and on what project? If yes, what benefit do you expect from it? The Answers: 0. Either the Mentor system should have its more egregious defects fixed or we should get rid of it. The plots it makes of the schematics are too small to be usable. Thus it fails to fulfill what I consider one of its primary functions. 1. No. I just want something that I can do schematics on which will plot them out in a usable form. 2. No. 3. Yes. It is a lot like doing it by hand, only slower. 4. I just want something that I can do schematics on which will plot them out in a usable form. 5. No. The plots it makes of the schematics are too small to be usable. 6. No. 7. No, it's too much work to figure out how to use it. Jed _____________________________________________________________________________ During the last two weeks The VAX response time has been ok, but then I haven't used it very much during the last two weeks. Several times when I have been running EDT it bogged down just like always. Previous to the last two weeks, it was maddening, trying to run 16032 programs, or even to just Edit. It was even impossible in the evenings when the VAX time was normally more available. The 68000 programs (and their development systems) seem to require an inordinate amount of VAX time. It also doesn't help when a programmer runs four RT11 jobs in batch at the same time. It doesn't leave very much for the rest of use who need an interactive computer system. Selling off the VAXes because "we don't need them" is a self- fulfilling prophecy. _____________________________________________________________________________ Janet G. Benton Executive Editor, CACM Association for Computing Machinery 11 West 42nd Street New York, New York 10036 Dear Ms. Benton, I am submitting the enclosed article A NEW GEOMETRIC MODEL FOR 3-D COMPUTER GRAPHICS for publication in the Communications of the ACM in the Research Contributions section. These algorithms were used in Atari's Star Wars arcade game, using integer arithmetic. (Star Wars is a trademark of Lucasfilm, Ltd. used by Atari, Inc. under license.) Hoping to hear from you soon, Sincerely yours, Jed Margolin Atari, Inc. 1501 McCarthy Blvd. Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 942-7107 _____________________________________________________________________________ Parts for EMPIRE Jed Margolin 9/13/84 Information is from AMPS. PART Atari PN SPEED # Inventory STD COST LATEST PO ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 82S137 37-82S137 60 nS 32,268 $1.95 None 2732 137205-001 450 nS 12,575 $3.40 None 137212-001 250 nS 6,686 $3.80 None 2764 137276-200 200 nS 3,861 $5.00 None 137276-250 250 nS 9,433 $5.50 None 137276-300 300 nS 56,157 $4.50 None 137276-450 450 nS 5 $4.50 None 27128 137328-001 200 nS 805 $16.50 $16.50 4/30/84 137328-002 300 nS 93,418 $12.50 $ 9.75 12/14/84 137328-003 450 nS 5,972 $18.54 None 137328-004 250 nS 4,645 $10.95 None 82S137: 37-82S137 Karen has about 150 82S137s for the Empire Prototypes. 2732: 137212-001 250 nS I am not absolutely certain if 450 nS memory will work reliably in the Vector Generator, so how about using 250 nS like we did in Star Wars? 2764: 137276-300 300 nS Lowest cost and largest inventory. 27128: 137328-002 300 nS Lowest cost and largest inventory. _____________________________________________________________________________ To: Users of TI TMS-5220 Speech Synthesizer Fr: Jed Margolin Dt: 10/2/84 The TMS-5220 Speech Synthesizer (Atari p/n 137308-001) has a new and improved version that we should use after we have used up the 11,000 in inventory. The new version TMS-5220C (Atari p/n 137308-002) is fully compatible with circuits and data developed for the old version but the reverse is NOT true. A circuit design that takes advantage of the TMS-5220C's new features will NOT work with the old TMS-5220. Therefore, until someone decides otherwise, design for the TMS-5220. (Purchasing should buy the TMS-5220C from now on.) TMS-5220C - New Features 1. D7 is now the MSB. This is a name change in TI documentation only. 2. There is a new command to change the frame rate. It comes up from Reset in a mode that is compatible with PASS data. 3. There is a real hardware reset, accomplished by bringing WS and RS low together for 1 ms and following it with a Reset command. For actual timing consult the Data Sheet. This means that the external circuit to remove power from the IC is not needed. 4. WS timing is better but for most applications the data input will still have to be latched. 5. The oscillator input can be configured to accept a 0-5 V, 320 KHz clock. Therefore, the level shifting circuit will not be needed. 6. The Data and Control Lines have built-in pull-up resistors. _____________________________________________________________________________ To: Rick Moncrief Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Power Supply Alternatives Dt: 9/26/84 Here are some possibilities for the Budget System Power Supply: 1. The Switcher. 2. The Sam Deus Power Supply. 3A. A Standard Linear Power Supply (5V @ 6A) + and additional 5V @ 3A power supply for the memory board (for games that need the additional current). Extended -------- (1) Transformer 10VAC @ 5A $8.00 (est) 8.00 (4) 1N5401 .10 .40 (1) LM323 .50 (est) .50 (2) 4700 uF, 25V .20 (est) .40 (1) 10 uF, 25V .14 (est) .14 (1) PC Board 4.00 (est) 4.00 (2) Connectors .30 .60 ------- 14.04 Labor (est) 1.50 ------- Estimate = $15.54 3B. Modified Linear (5V @ 7.5A) + additional 5V @ 3A supply ($15.54est) for the memory board for those games that need it. 3C. Modified Linear (5V @ 8.0A) + Fan + additional 5V @ 3A supply ($15.54est) for the memory board for those games that need it. 4A. New Switcher #1: (1) 120 VAC Isolation Transformer for the monitor $8.00 (1) Isolated Switcher 5V @ 10A = 50 W +15V @ 2A = 30 W -15V @ 1A = 15 W ----- 95 Watts I have seen ads for switchers at $ .50/Watt. 95 x .50 = $47.50 (1) Line Filter $ 3.10 (1) Audio Amplifier Board (See Table 1 for Breakdown) $13.80 ------- $72.40 4B. New Switcher #2: (1) 120 VAC Isolation Transformer for the monitor and for Switcher $14.00 (1) Non-Isolated Switcher 5V @ 10A +15V @ 2A -15V @ 1A $30.00 (1) Line Filter $ 3.10 (1) Audio Amplifier Board (See Table 1 for Breakdown) $13.80 ------- $60.90 5. Bizzare - Standard Transformer Base Standard Base with a Switching Down Converter and over-voltage protection crowbar Table 1 Audio Board (only) QTY Description P/N #In Inventory Cost Extended (1) PC Board 6.00 6.00 (2) 470 uF 25 V, Aluminum Electolytic Axial Capacitor 24-250477 71,350 .11 .22 (2) 0.001 uF, 35 V, Ceramic Disc Axial Lead Capacitor 122002-102 97,870 .03 .06 (4) 0.1 uF, 25 V, Ceramic Disc Axial Lead Capacitor 29-088 or 122002-104 1.5 Million .036 .144 (2) 0.01 uF, 25 V, Ceramic Disc Axial Lead Capacitor 100015-103 or 122005-103 362,610 .03 .06 (4) 0.22 uF, 25 V, Ceramic Disc Axial Lead Capacitor 122004-224 122004-224 .087 .348 (2) 3300 uF, 35 V, Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor 24-350338 34,971 .44 .88 (1) 1000 uF, 25 V, Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor 24-250108 8,787 .22 .22 -------------------------------- (2) 1 ohm, 5%, 1/4 Watt 110000-010 33,286 .0044 11 * 0.0044= .05 (3) 10 ohm, 5%, 1/4 Watt 110000-100 77,872 .0044 (2) 100 ohm, 5%, 1/4 Watt 110000-101 118,761 .0044 (2) 10K ohm, 5%, 1/4 Watt 110000-103 303,323 .0044 (2) 220 ohm, 5%, 1/2 Watt 110001-221 154,358 .0044 ------- (2) 6-position connector 79-58306 56,069 .28 .56 (1) 9-position connector 79-58308 3,655 .37 .37 (1) 4-position connector 79-58354 16,203 .29 .29 (2) TDA-2002 amplifier 137151-002 46,931 .52 1.04 (1) Heat Sink 034531-01 14,417 2.07 2.07 -------------------- $12.30 Labor (5 minutes at $20/hour) $ 1.50 -------- Total $13.80 _____________________________________________________________________________ ****************************** PRELIMINARY ************************************ SYSTEM I Switcher Requirements Jed Margolin 9/84 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LINE ISOLATION: The unit shall be quoted two ways: 1. The unit shall contain full line isolation so it may be operated directly from the mains. The permissible line leakage shall be less than 0.1 milliamperes. 2. The unit shall be connected to a source that is isolated from the mains. INPUT: 90 - 140 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz. OUTPUTS: 5 Volts DC @ 10 Amps +15 Volts DC @ 2 Amps -15 Volts DC @ 1 Amp REGULATION: The 5 Volt output shall be regulated to between 4.90 Volts and 5.1 Volts at all Line input voltages and installation temperatures. The +15 VDC and -15 VDC outputs may be regulated by the control element that regulates the +5 Volt output. The tolerance on the +15 VDC and -15 VDC outputs is plus or minus 0.1 Volt under the condition that there is no voltage drop in the +5 VDC load harness. REMOTE VOLTAGE SENSING: Remote Voltage sensing shall be provided for the +5 VDC output for both the positive line and the return line. The supply shall be able to tolerate a 0.2 Volt drop in each of these lines going to a load. The +15 VDC and -15 VDC outputs are allowed to proportionately track the +5 VDC output. For example, with a 0.4 Volt total harness drop in the +5 VDC circuit, the +15VDC output is allowed to rise to no more than 16.5 VDC. Provision shall be made that an unconnected sense line shall not result in an output greater than +5.1 Volts. OPERATING TEMPERATURE: The unit shall operate at full ratings at an installation temperature between 0 and 55 degrees Celsius. UL: The unit shall meet the applicable UL and CSA safety standards. FCC: The unit shall meet the applicable FCC standards with an appropriate line filter to be supplied by ATARI GAMES, INC. _____________________________________________________________________________ Dan, On Wednesday, September 26, I sent a memo to various people requesting that they complete and return to me by Friday afternoon a survey of their power supply requirements. (It is reprinted here as [MEMO77.DOC] ). Pat McCarthy (Road Runner) was the only one to do so. I received some information from Chris Downend on Monday, but most of it was bogus. In the meantime, on Friday, September 28, at about 7:00 pm, Rick wanted a spec for you to take to Japan. I stayed until 8:30 pm, the result being [MEMO79.DOC]. Remember, the Budget System people had ignored my request for information (and when I did get it, it was wrong). Therefore, when Rick wanted a spec I took my best shot, and was actually not too far off. The major 'discrepancy' is that the switcher I was asked to specify did not include the audio amplifiers and would therefore have to power them in addition to the game boards. I guessed +15 volts @ 1.5 Amp for the audio, allowing +15 VDC @ 0.5 A and -15 VDC @ 1.0 Amp for the game board. Later, when I examined the possibilities more rigorously, [SPKR.DOC], I calculated that +15 VDC @ 1.23 Amps would be sufficient for the audio. The actual totals would be: +15 VDC (Amps) -15 VDC (Amps) --------------- -------------- Not-Budget Only: 1.33 0.1 Not-Budget + Road Runner: 1.63 0.4 Switcher Spec: 2.00 1.0 Therefore, I was off by 23% on +15 VDC and 150% on -15 VDC. Or, if you like (if it is to be for the Not-Budget System only) I was off by 50% on +15 VDC and 1000% on -15 VDC. I really hate having been dragged into this power supply crap. Warmest personal regards, Jed cc; Rick Moncrief GAME: BUDGET/MARBLE MADNESS To: Morgan Hoff Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Power Supplies Dt: 9/26/84 In order to figure out what to do with power supplies please tell me what the voltage and current requirements of your game are. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Voltage Used? Current Regulated? (VDC) (A) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +5 ____ ______ ______ +12 ____ ______ ______ +15 ____ ______ ______ -5 ____ ______ ______ -12 ____ ______ ______ -15 ____ ______ ______ other? ____ ____ ______ ______ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Monitor: 120VAC or 145 VDC [It is standard, so don't worry about it] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Audio: [Indicate which] 1 Channel ____ 2 Channel ____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Anything Else? _______________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please get this back to me by Friday Afternoon. Thanks, Jed GAME: BUDGET/TEMPLE OF DOOM To: Morgan Hoff Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Power Supplies Dt: 9/26/84 In order to figure out what to do with power supplies please tell me what the voltage and current requirements of your game are. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Voltage Used? Current Regulated? (VDC) (A) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +5 ____ ______ ______ +12 ____ ______ ______ +15 ____ ______ ______ -5 ____ ______ ______ -12 ____ ______ ______ -15 ____ ______ ______ other? ____ ____ ______ ______ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Monitor: 120VAC or 145 VDC [It is standard, so don't worry about it] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Audio: [Indicate which] 1 Channel ____ 2 Channel ____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Anything Else? _______________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please get this back to me by Friday Afternoon. Thanks, Jed GAME: BUDGET/PACKRAT To: Morgan Hoff Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Power Supplies Dt: 9/26/84 In order to figure out what to do with power supplies please tell me what the voltage and current requirements of your game are. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Voltage Used? Current Regulated? (VDC) (A) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +5 ____ ______ ______ +12 ____ ______ ______ +15 ____ ______ ______ -5 ____ ______ ______ -12 ____ ______ ______ -15 ____ ______ ______ other? ____ ____ ______ ______ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Monitor: 120VAC or 145 VDC [It is standard, so don't worry about it] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Audio: [Indicate which] 1 Channel ____ 2 Channel ____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Anything Else? _______________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please get this back to me by Friday Afternoon. Thanks, Jed GAME: ROAD RUNNER To: Pat McCarthy Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Power Supplies Dt: 9/26/84 In order to figure out what to do with power supplies please tell me what the voltage and current requirements of your game are. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Voltage Used? Current Regulated? (VDC) (A) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +5 ____ ______ ______ +12 ____ ______ ______ +15 ____ ______ ______ -5 ____ ______ ______ -12 ____ ______ ______ -15 ____ ______ ______ other? ____ ____ ______ ______ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Monitor: 120VAC or 145 VDC [It is standard, so don't worry about it] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Audio: [Indicate which] 1 Channel ____ 2 Channel ____ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anything Else? _______________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please get this back to me by Friday Afternoon. Thanks, Jed GAME: MEDIUM RES/PAPER BOY To: Project Engineer Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Power Supplies Dt: 9/26/84 In order to figure out what to do with power supplies please tell me what the voltage and current requirements of your game are. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Voltage Used? Current Regulated? (VDC) (A) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +5 ____ ______ ______ +12 ____ ______ ______ +15 ____ ______ ______ -5 ____ ______ ______ -12 ____ ______ ______ -15 ____ ______ ______ other? ____ ____ ______ ______ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Monitor: 120VAC or 145 VDC [It is standard, so don't worry about it] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Audio: [Indicate which] 1 Channel ____ 2 Channel ____ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anything Else? _______________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please get this back to me by Friday Afternoon. Thanks, Jed GAME: BUDGET:MARBLE MADNESS; TEMPLE OF DOOM; PACKRAT ROAD RUNNER MEDIUM RES/PAPER BOY To: Project Engineer Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Power Supplies Dt: 9/26/84 In order to figure out what to do with power supplies please tell me what the voltage and current requirements of your game are. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Voltage Used? Current Regulated? (VDC) (A) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +5 ____ ______ ______ +12 ____ ______ ______ +15 ____ ______ ______ -5 ____ ______ ______ -12 ____ ______ ______ -15 ____ ______ ______ other? ____ ____ ______ ______ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Monitor: 120VAC or 145 VDC [It is standard, so don't worry about it] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Audio: [Indicate which] 1 Channel ____ 2 Channel ____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Anything Else? _______________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please get this back to me by Friday Afternoon. Thanks, Jed ****************************** PRELIMINARY ************************************ SYSTEM I Switcher Requirements Jed Margolin 9/84 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LINE ISOLATION: The unit shall be quoted two ways: 1. The unit shall contain full line isolation so it may be operated directly from the mains. The permissible line leakage shall be less than 0.1 milliamperes. 2. The unit shall be connected to a source that is isolated from the mains. INPUT: 90 - 140 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz. OUTPUTS: 5 Volts DC @ 10 Amps +15 Volts DC @ 2 Amps -15 Volts DC @ 1 Amp REGULATION: The 5 Volt output shall be regulated to between 4.90 Volts and 5.1 Volts at all Line input voltages and installation temperatures. The +15 VDC and -15 VDC outputs may be regulated by the control element that regulates the +5 Volt output. The tolerance on the +15 VDC and -15 VDC outputs is plus or minus 0.1 Volt under the condition that there is no voltage drop in the +5 VDC load harness. REMOTE VOLTAGE SENSING: Remote Voltage sensing shall be provided for the +5 VDC output for both the positive line and the return line. The supply shall be able to tolerate a 0.2 Volt drop in each of these lines going to a load. The +15 VDC and -15 VDC outputs are allowed to proportionately track the +5 VDC output. For example, with a 0.4 Volt total harness drop in the +5 VDC circuit, the +15VDC output is allowed to rise to no more than 16.5 VDC. Provision shall be made that an unconnected sense line shall not result in an output greater than +5.1 Volts. OPERATING TEMPERATURE: The unit shall operate at full ratings at an installation temperature between 0 and 55 degrees Celsius. UL: The unit shall meet the applicable UL and CSA safety standards. FCC: The unit shall meet the applicable FCC standards with an appropriate line filter to be supplied by ATARI GAMES, INC. The Proposed Regulator/Audio III Jed Margolin 10/3/84 The least expensive Audio/Regulator board for the Not-Budget Systemi (only) would be: +5 VDC @ 10 A +12 VDC @ 0.1 A -12 VDC @ 0.1 A Two audio channels, nominally 3.7 Watts each, into 4 Ohms, using TDA 2002's connected to the +12 VDC output. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ An Audio/Regulator board that could be used with either the Not-Budget Systemi or the Road Runner game system would be capable of: +5 VDC @ 10 A +15 VDC @ 0.4 A -15 VDC @ 0.4 A It would have two audio channels, nominally 10 Watts each, into 4 Ohms, using TDA 2030's connected to the +22 VDC output. It would cost about $2.00 more than one for the Not-Budget Systemi only. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- This same Audio/Regulator board might be used for the Paper Boy project (apparently as part of some kind of backup scheme). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please send your comments to [Margolin]. Amplifier and Speaker Calculations: For a single ended supply of voltage VS, the peak to peak voltage will be VS minus some slop in the amplifier. Use 1 volt. Vp-p = VS - 1 Therefore: Vp = (VS-1)/2 For Sine Wave Vrms = (VS-1)/2*0.7071 Power = Vrms*Vrms/R = ((VS-1)/2*0.7071)**2/R Since POWER = I*I*R, I = SQRT(P/R) Because it is single ended the effective current is half, so for each channel I = SQRT(P/R)/2 VS R(Speaker) Power Current Amplifier Type (V) (Ohms) (/Channel) 1 CH / 2 CH --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. 10.3 (unreg) 4 2.7 W 0.41 A / 0.82 A TDA 2002 2. 12 (reg) 4 3.7 W 0.48 A / 0.96 A TDA 2002 3. 15 (reg) 4 6.1 W 0.62 A / 1.23 A TDA 2002 4. 15 (reg) 8 3.06 0.30 A / 0.62 A TDA 2002 5. 18 (unreg, low line) 4 9.2 W 0.75 A / 1.52 A TDA 2030 22 (unreg, nominal) 4 13.7 W* 0.92 A / 1.85 A TDA 2030 26 (unreg, high line) 4 19.5 W* 1.10 A / 2.20 A TDA 2030 6. 18 (unreg, low line) 8 4.5 W 0.37 A / 0.75 A TDA 2030 22 (unreg, nominal) 8 6.9 W 0.46 A / 0.92 A TDA 2030 26 (unreg, high line) 8 9.7 W 0.55 A / 1.10 A TDA 2030 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Not-Budget Systemi claims to require +12 VD@ 400 ma + Audio and -12 VDC @ 400 ma + Audio. This is bogus. The 400 ma was made up. For a TI TMS-5220 + a bunch of LM324 a more realistic figure is +12 VDC @ 60 ma and -12 VDC @ 95 ma. [The TMS-5220 requires 35 ma from -5 VDC. The +5 VDC comes from the +5 VDC logic, not the +12 VDC. Allowing 10 ma per LM 324 package * 6 packages = 60 ma. That is 24 op-amps which should be sufficient.] The Audio they are referring to is the Audio Output Amplifiers that this is to help select. The game board requirements should be satisfied by +12 VDC @ 100 ma and -12 VDC @ 100 ma. (They could probably use +12 VDC and -5 VDC or +15 VDC and -15 VDC instead). (If they are really using LM324's, they shouldn't. They should use TL084's.) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Road Runner game requires +5 VDC @ 7.5 A, +15 VDC @ 0.4 A, and -15 VDC @ 0.4 A. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The audio output amplifiers cannot be powered from the +10.3 VDC because it is already overloaded by the +5 VDC Regulator. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 7812 is good for about 1.5 Amps. The 7815 is also good for about 1.5 Amps. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The +22 VDC output is rated at 1.5 A and the -22 VDC output is rated at 1 A. Since they come from the same transformer winding, the current available from +22 is increased as the current drawn from -22 is decreased. +22 VDC actually ranges from +18 at low line to +26 VDC at high line. -22 VDC actually ranges from -18 at low line to -26 VDC at high line. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * The maximumn undistorted output level for the TDA 2030 is 10 Watts for 4 Ohm loads and about 9 Watts for 8 Ohm loads. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Possibilities for the Not-Budget Systemi: VS R(Speaker) Power Current Amplifier Type (V) (Ohms) (/Channel) 1 CH / 2 CH ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. 12 (reg) 4 3.7 W 0.48 A / 0.96 A TDA 2002 3. 15 (reg) 4 6.1 W 0.62 A / 1.23 A TDA 2002 4. 15 (reg) 8 3.06 0.30 A / 0.62 A TDA 2002 5. 18 (unreg, low line) 4 9.2 W 0.75 A / 1.52 A TDA 2030 22 (unreg, nominal) 4 13.7 W 0.92 A / 1.85 A TDA 2030 26 (unreg, high line) 4 19.5 W 1.10 A / 2.20 A TDA 2030 6. 18 (unreg, low line) 8 4.5 W 0.37 A / 0.75 A TDA 2030 22 (unreg, nominal) 8 6.9 W 0.46 A / 0.92 A TDA 2030 26 (unreg, high line) 8 9.7 W 0.55 A / 1.10 A TDA 2030 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Possibilities for Road Runner: 4. 15 (reg) 8 3.06 0.30 A / 0.62 A TDA 2002 5. 18 (unreg, low line) 4 9.2 W 0.75 A / 1.52 A TDA 2030 22 (unreg, nominal) 4 13.7 W 0.92 A / 1.85 A TDA 2030 26 (unreg, high line) 4 19.5 W 1.10 A / 2.20 A TDA 2030 6. 18 (unreg, low line) 8 4.5 W 0.37 A / 0.75 A TDA 2030 22 (unreg, nominal) 8 6.9 W 0.46 A / 0.92 A TDA 2030 26 (unreg, high line) 8 9.7 W 0.55 A / 1.10 A TDA 2030 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ An Audio/Regulator board that could be used with either game system would produce: +5 VDC @ 10 A +15 VDC @ 0.4 A -15 VDC @ 0.4 A Two audio channels, nominally 10 Watts each, into 4 Ohms, using TDA 2030's connected to the +22 VDC output. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The least expensive configuration for the Not-Budget Systemi (only) would be: +5 VDC @ 10 A +12 VDC @ 0.1 A -12 VDC @ 0.1 A Two audio channels, nominally 3.7 Watts each, into 4 Ohms, using TDA 2002's connected to the +12 VDC output. _____________________________________________________________________________ From: MARGOLIN 15-NOV-1984 15:42 To: HOFF Subj: System I Audio Level The audio output level should be increased to 5 Vp-p during normal game play, and should have a reasonable amount of headroom for peaks. Background: 1. If you leave the output purposefully low so that the audio does not clip under any conditions, then most of the time it will not be as loud as it could otherwise be. 2. By having the output high enough to clip with the volume control all the way up you assure that it can be adjusted for maximum loudness. Presumably the operators will adjust it short of clipping. 3. In the old days, the volume was controlled via a rheostat at the amplifier output, so that if the amplifier was clipping it could not be fixed by turning the volume down. The volume control pots on Regulator/Audio III are at the amplifier input. 4. The amount of dynamic range available for arcade games is fairly narrow. Arcades tend to be noisy, which sets the low end. The high end is set by the amount of audio power reaching the player's ears and is limited by the threshhold of pain. Also, if too many sounds are turned on at the same time, they will simply become an indistinguishable jumble. 5. Generally, sounds with very high ratios of peak to average levels (like explosions) have been allowed to clip. Otherwise, if the system is adjusted to handle the peaks, the average volume level is too low. _____________________________________________________________________________ To: Rick Moncrief Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Capital Equipment Dt: 11/26/84 For the coming year I need the following capital equipment: A. A working Digital VOM: 1. 3 1/2 Digits, minimum. 2. Capable of reading AC RMS, minimum; AC + DC preferred. 3. One set of probes with probe tip ends. 4. One set of probes with alligator tip ends. 5. Portable, capable of operating from internal rechargeable batteries or off the AC power line. B. A working 4-channel oscilloscope: 1. Must have 5 working 'scope probes complete with both long and short ground leads with clips, and 'rocket ships' for the probe. C. A working soldering iron with clean sponge. D. Clip Leads: 1. One dozen working 3 foot long Red clip leads. 2. One dozen working 3 foot long Black clip leads. 3. One dozen working 1 foot long Red clip leads. 4. One dozen working 1 foot long Black clip leads. E. Two small working screwdrivers. _____________________________________________________________________________ Carol, Please give this to Rick. Jed To: Rick Moncrief Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Status Report Dt: 12/12/84 1. I have given Art Jackson and Joe Dieu the inputs for Regulator/Audio III Rev B and asked them to schedule it for January. I showed the changes to Tim Hale; he did not have anything else to add. The following are the changes: Jed Margolin 12/12/84 For Regulator/Audio III Rev B: 1. Move the +SENSE test point away from the -SENSE test point. Reason: Eliminate the possibility of inserting the test points incorrectly. 2. Move the +10.3V test point farther away from the heat sink. Reason: Reduce possibility of a short when the test point is being used. 3. Add alternate stuffing for R2, R6. (See schematic). Reason: Allow for future use of the Regulator/Audio III without an on-board volume control. 4. Fill in more ground near the heat sink. Reason: more ground. 5. Add pads to allow the use of the Centralab potentiometer (P/N 119012-103). Reason: This will give us an alternate source for pots. The parts list should indicate that either one is acceptable. 6. Remove Solder Mask around 2N3055 mounting holes. (As per note on FAB drawing.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. I have gotten the run-around on the Marble Madness audio levels. Morgan says it's Brad's fault because he is not using all the loudness range. Brad says that's not true. Morgan wants to fix it by increasing the output to 15 vp-p. I say that's bullshit. The following is the memo I sent to Brad and to Morgan: From: MARGOLIN 15-NOV-1984 15:42 To: HOFF Subj: System I Audio Level The audio output level should be increased to 5 Vp-p during normal game play, and should have a reasonable amount of headroom for peaks. Background: 1. If you leave the output purposefully low so that the audio does not clip under any conditions, then most of the time it will not be as loud as it could otherwise be. 2. By having the output high enough to clip with the volume control all the way up you assure that it can be adjusted for maximum loudness. Presumably the operators will adjust it short of clipping. 3. In the old days, the volume was controlled via a rheostat at the amplifier output, so that if the amplifier was clipping it could not be fixed by turning the volume down. The volume control pots on Regulator/Audio III are at the amplifier input. 4. The amount of dynamic range available for arcade games is fairly narrow. Arcades tend to be noisy, which sets the low end. The high end is set by the amount of audio power reaching the player's ears and is limited by the threshhold of pain. Also, if too many sounds are turned on at the same time, they will simply become an indistinguishable jumble. 5. Generally, sounds with very high ratios of peak to average levels (like explosions) have been allowed to clip. Otherwise, if the system is adjusted to handle the peaks, the average volume level is too low. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. TomCat: A. The lab has not been set up, yet. B. I am considering doing some custom ICs for the vector generator. C. It would be really helpful if there were documentation on the software tools for the 68010. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4. Altronics-Howard on Union is selling brand-new power supply bases with Korean transformers for $10. All they would need is to mount the fuse holder on standoffs and replace the 20 Amp fuse (and label) and they could be used in System I or System II. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5. The vegetation around the parking lot is very thick and overgrown and makes exiting said parking lot hazardous. -30- _____________________________________________________________________________ To: Rick Moncrief Fr: Jed Margolin Re: Regulator/Audio III Costs Dt: 12/20/84 I just received a copy of Rod Peterson's cost information on the Regulator/Audio III. I used the best information I could get, and it was wrong. I used as many parts from inventory as I could and then it turned out these parts had been scrapped. It makes me look bad and I am mad as hell about it. Regulator/Audio III Rod Peterson's cost = $31.95 My estimate in September = - $23.64 ------- $8.31 Total Increase: --------------- 1. Inventory Parts $1.91 2. CTS Pot 1.01 3. PC Board 3.75 4. TDA 2030 1.20 5. Heat Sink .49 ------ $8.36 Item 1 ------- When I did my cost estimate I used the best information I could get, which was the AMPS system before it was turned off. This was in September. As an example take 24-250477 (470 uF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor). According to AMPS we had 71,350 in inventory and paid $0.11 a piece. How could they now cost $0.477? And why do they cost almost twice as much as a 1000 uF 25V part? Was the original AMPS entry incorrect? Did the capacitors somehow increase in cost while they were sitting in inventory? Did our inventory go through some kind of time warp? Did we store them in a 747 that was kept in the air (with in-flight refueling) so as to be immediately available once it was determined where the factory was going to be? Did we sell them off and buy them back? There are 9 items that fall into this category, accounting for an increase of $1.91 . Item 2 ------ The CTS volume control pot (119011-103) is listed as $2.028 . According to the quote I got from CTS, this would correspond to a quantity of 300 pieces. Are we buying our parts in quantities of 300? This accounts for an increase of $1.01 . Item 3 ------ The PC Board used in the Regulator/Audio II is 91 square inches (6.5" x 14") and costs $8.08 . (0.0888/sq in) The PC Board for Regulator/Audio III is 119 square inches (8.5" x 14") and costs $12.25. (0.103/sq in). Why is that? Item 4 ------ The TDA-2030 used in the switcher was listed as $1.50 each. Why are they now $2.10 ? Item 5 ------ The cost of the Heat Sink increased by $.49, presumably by having three more holes drilled in it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ It is impossible to get reliable cost information ahead of time. However, critical Engineering decisions are often based on price differences of $1.00 or less. It is no longer possible to base a design on the cost effective use of parts in inventory, because these parts could be scrapped at any time without notice. Atari's system makes parts cost too much because: Atari sells parts from inventory and then buys them back (at an inflated price). Parts that require some amount of lead time are purchased at a premium because parts are not bought until the game is released and games are manufactured as soon as they are released. There does not seem to be any way of buying parts in quantities beyond what is necessary for the next release of 300 games. If you want to avoid a price increase on the Transformer Power Base, Alltronics-Howard is selling them for $10. Ginsu knives are not included. Jed _____________________________________________________________________________