Speech Systems CoCo Cartridge

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A cartridge from the CoCo specialists

Speech Systems developed hardware and software for the Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer. The label on this cream-colored cartridge identifies the company as Color Computer Specialists and gives its Batavia, Illinois address. The case includes the CoCo expansion connector and a side audio jack.

The model of this specimen is not yet established. Its exterior carries no readable model designation, and the available photographs do not show the circuit board. Super Voice and Stereo Pak are possible identities, but neither is confirmed. The two products performed different jobs, so the synthesizer chip and software requirements of this particular cartridge remain unspecified.

Super Voice: speech, singing, and programmable sound

Super Voice was Speech Systems’ speech-synthesizer cartridge. Its user manual identifies the SSI-263 as the voice chip and places its five control registers at hexadecimal addresses $FF80–$FF84. Rather than limiting the computer to recorded words, the system combined phoneme synthesis with software that converted text into speech.

The supplied software included SPEAK for keyboard-entered text, MANAGER for correcting difficult pronunciations, and an ECHO mode that spoke screen output. BASIC programs could use a SAY command after initializing the speech software. SUPERTOK provided fuller parameter control, while TRNSLATE offered compatibility with earlier VOICE software. Pitch, timing, loudness, and articulation could be changed to shape the result.

Speech Systems’ May 1985 advertising priced Super Voice at $79.95. A singing demonstration performed the Star-Spangled Banner, and optional software turned the keyboard into a musical controller or displayed animated talking heads. These were advertised Super Voice capabilities, not verified features of the cartridge pictured here.

Stereo Pak: a different kind of voice for the computer

Stereo Pak belonged to the company’s music range. The May 1985 advertisement offered it for $39.95 and promoted stereo music playback through a home stereo, using MUSICA 2 and MUSIC LIBRARY software. It was distinct from the Super Voice speech synthesizer.

Both products occupied the CoCo expansion connection. Speech Systems advertised a Y cable or Multi-Pak Interface for configurations that also needed the disk interface. A case and audio connector alone cannot distinguish the speech hardware from the music hardware.

Why the computer revision matters

Speech Systems’ CoCo 3 compatibility notice states that Super Voice units supplied before February 1987 were for the CoCo 1 and CoCo 2. Using them with the CoCo 3 required both hardware and software changes. The company identified its revised CoCo 3 version with red labels on the disk and cartridge box.

That revision history makes identification important before connecting a surviving unit. CoCo 3 compatibility has not been established for this specimen. A circuit-board photograph, readable component markings, or a model-specific label would help determine its identity and the documentation that applies to it.

Specifications

Manufacturer

Speech Systems, Batavia, Illinois

Computer family

TRS-80 Color Computer (CoCo)

Connection

Cartridge / expansion port

Model and internal chip

Not established for this specimen

CoCo 3 compatibility

Unconfirmed

Documentation and downloads

• Super Voice user manual

  Manufacturer instructions for the Super Voice model; identification of this cartridge remains unconfirmed. Speech Systems.

• Speech Systems CoCo 3 compatibility notice

  Manufacturer bulletin explaining the hardware and software revisions needed for Super Voice on the CoCo 3. Speech Systems.