Tom Harte, the brains behind the Clock Signal multi-platform emulator for MacOS, has released an update that brings a number of enhancements and improvements to his versatile emulation software platform. The latest release, dated October 29, 2023, delivers a more refined experience, fixing issues and optimizing performance.
What’s New in This Release
The 10-29-2023 release of Clock Signal includes several notable updates and fixes. These enhancements are thanks to the contributions of @ryandesign and the dedicated developer community behind Clock Signal:
- Video Address Sequence Fixes: @ryandesign has worked on correcting the sequence of addresses accessed by the Apple II for video generation. This fix resolves issues related to vapour lock, ensuring a smoother experience for Apple II enthusiasts.
- Build-System Improvements for macOS: @ryandesign’s efforts have also reintroduced support for macOS 10.13, enhancing the compatibility of Clock Signal on different Apple platforms.
- 6502 Instruction Logic Correction: Address generation logic for the undocumented 6502 instructions SHS, SHX, SHY, and SHA has been corrected, ensuring the accuracy of emulation.
About Clock Signal
Clock Signal, often abbreviated as ‘CLK,’ is an emulator designed with the idea that it should be invisible to users. The aim is to offer an experience where users can directly launch classic software, bypassing the complexities typically associated with emulators and classic hardware.
You can find the macOS and source releases of Clock Signal on GitHub. For desktop Linux users, it is available as a Snap.
Clock Signal focuses on offering:
- Single-click loading of source media for various supported platforms.
- Signal processing for accurate reproduction of original outputs.
- Minimal latency for an authentic experience.
The emulator currently supports a wide range of systems, including:
- Acorn Electron
- Amstrad CPC
- Apple II/II+ and IIe
- Atari 2600
- Atari ST
- ColecoVision
- Commodore Vic-20
- Enterprise 64/128
- Macintosh 512ke and Plus
- MSX 1 and 2
- Oric 1/Atmos
- Sega Master System
- Sinclair ZX80/81
- Sinclair ZX Spectrum
The emulator also includes Commodore Amiga emulation, albeit with a focus on speed rather than complete accuracy.
Single-Step Loading
One standout feature of Clock Signal is the automatic selection and configuration of the appropriate machine to run any provided disk, tape, or ROM. The emulator issues any necessary commands to run the software contained in these media and provides accelerated loading when feasible. This approach streamlines the process of loading software, making it incredibly user-friendly.
With Clock Signal installed, you can load a piece of software in a single step:
- Locate it in your operating system.
- Double-click it.
This seamless process eliminates the need for configuring a new machine, inserting media, or figuring out loading commands, making Clock Signal incredibly accessible.
Signal Processing and Low Latency
Clock Signal goes above and beyond to ensure authenticity. The emulator’s video output and audio generation are processed accurately. For instance, if the real machine generates audio at 192Khz, the emulator mirrors this by producing a 192Khz source signal and filtering it down to the host machine’s capabilities.
The display replicates an emulated CRT with phosphor decay, offering low latency and a high-quality experience. The frame rate and audio latency are dictated by the host hardware, ensuring a smooth experience even on modern systems.
Clock Accurate Emulation
One of the key strengths of Clock Signal is its commitment to accuracy, which directly impacts usability. The more accurate an emulator, the more likely users can run every piece of software without further intervention.
Clock Signal strives to provide cycle-accurate emulation for all supported machines, ensuring that your favorite classic titles run as close to the real thing as possible.
Clock Signal is available as a free download from its GitHub repository. Source code and further information is also available on that page.
