Software

Source Code on Github

View or download the source code on Github

Warning!

The development is still in progress and might contains some bugs. Use at your own risk! I am not reliable for anything. Do not use the software to run a nuclear power plant and we are all safe.

Configuration

Some settings can be changed inside the define.h unit. Disable serial debug information or the internal LED if not required.

Define the “counter” switch if you want to use the digital counter. All options are set to ON by default.

Upload

The easiest way to upload the source code is by using the Arduino IDE. Connect a FT232 to the hardware.

The AT1284P must be addressed with the “maniacbug” Mighty 1284P platform (link)

 

Differences to the original software

First and the most important: it contains error handling and a non working tape mechanism does not lead to a dead Sound Machine!

What is different to the orignal – because I liked to improve the handling

 

Changed behaviour:

  • Music search supports up to 9 tracks when pressing next/Previous Original behaviour: only next or previous track
  • Programming works differently. The tape rewinds when you start the program, not before. Also side B is supported! Therefore, up to 40 tracks can be programmed. Original behaviour: 20 tracks only one side
  • The button “record” can be used to enable or disable record mode. In addition, the Stop key always disables the record mode. Original behaviour: Record button only activates record mode
 

 

New features:

  • When pressing record and the tape reader recognises the tape is at the very beginning it moves forward until the tape really starts.
  • Avoids to record music on the non magnetic part of the tape. During this procedure record is blinking
  • In Record-Mode the reverse key only allows A->B and does not show other reverse modes
  • In case of rewind, when the tape moves to the very end it moves back forward a little bit to avoid being on a splice and the tape reader does not recognise the transparent tape
  • Auto-Record mode shows the number of recorded tracks. Always wondered why Philips was not using the two digits and always displays 00?
 

 

Using the digital counter adds the following features:

  • OLED Display with minutes and seconds
  • Automatic reset to 0:00 when rewind to the beginning of the tape
  • Select the tape length C30, C60 or C90
  • Jump to position 0
  • Store up to three positions
  • Select with previous key to select the position to jump to and click (a) the program key to go to the position and stop or (b) the play key to go to the position and play
  • Save the selected repeat mode
  • Save the last position
  • Display side A or B
  • Philips logo from the eighties on startup
  • Screensaver, swith off the display after 5 minutes of no action
  • Set the screen coordinates with help of the demo mode 02
  • Optional clock (not implemented yet)

 

Demo Modes

  1. 01 – Check buttons, same as original firmware
  2. 02 – Set screen position of digital counter
  3. 03 – Reserved

Leave the demo mode by pressing the STOP key

 

Known limitations:

  • Demo mode only supports to check the keys (eq. demo mode 0)