Note Due to supply chain issues, we are out of stock of the V9958 and DRAM ICs for the foreseeable future, and are thus unable to offer full kits of this product. The board is still available, as are the passive components and glue logic, but you will need to source the V9958 and DM41464 ICs separately. We apologise for any inconvenience.

What is it?

True retro video output comes to your rosco_m68k with this Video Display Board, based on the revolutionary (for its time) Yamaha V9958 Video Display Processor!

Featuring high-resolution 512x212 modes and with high-colour bit-mapped 256x212 modes with 256 colours together with hardware-accelerated drawing, 32 hardware sprites and linear RGB output this is the next-generation of Really Old-School graphics hardware.

Features

• Yamaha V9958 Video Display Processor
• Up to 192KiB Video RAM supported (64KB supplied)
• SCART-compatible output via common Retro Video Lead (see below)
• Connect directly to rosco_m68k expansion connector or bus board

Can I use this?

The VDP is designed for connection via SCART using a commonly-available 6-pin DIN connector (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/250877464070). If you live in a non-SCART part of the world, the board also provides RGB and CSYNC signals on a pin header for connection to RGB to TV converters (e.g. http://www.jrok.com/hardware/RGB.html).

(Please note that we cannot not supply, endorse or provide support for these third-party products).

The board does not support VGA connection as standard - the 15KHz signal is not compatible with the VGA standard. If you want to connect to VGA you will require a scan doubler or similar device.

Please also be aware that it's early days in terms of software support - aside from text console support and some simple demos, software for this will be up to you! Right now, you'll have the most fun with this if you're happy to get your hands dirty and code up some retro video awesomeness.

Who can build this?

Due to finer 1.77mm pin-pitch than some of our other products, this is suitable for those with a bit more experience with a soldering iron. If you've already built your rosco_m68k you probably already have the skills you need, but you might need a little more patience and a finer touch to solder up some the finer details on this board.

For soldering the V9958 and output driver transistors we recommend a finer-pitch solder, something like 0.5mm, lead-free.

What else do I need?

You will need a rosco_m68k - if you don't yet have one, you can get one right here from our Tindie store!